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World renowned professional wrestler Ric Flair once famously said “To be the man, you have to beat the man.”
Last year around this time, the East Buchanan Bulldogs became THE MAN when it comes to Missouri Class 1 high school football after they won the school’s very first State Championship.
No longer the hunter, but instead the hunted, East Buchanan entered the 2022 season with a giant target on their backs. Every team was going to give the champs their best and outside a week two road loss to Class 3 Savannah, no one’s best has been good enough.
“There were a lot of good teams that we were going to play, so we tried to set the tone from the very first day,” said East Buchanan head coach Dan Ritter. “Coach Adam Lewis told our athletes, day one, that we are going to get everyone’s best shot. That their seasons are defined by their game against us.”
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This Saturday, one final team, Adrian (12-2), stands between East Buchanan and a second consecutive State Championship. Something that hasn’t been done in Class 1 since Valle Catholic’s three-peat from 2013-2015.
Entering the state title tilt, Adrian is in on a historic quest of their own. The Blackhawks first and only state championship came exactly 20 years ago. Their 2002 State Championship team is being honored in Columbia this weekend for their 20 year anniversary.
“It is a huge honor for us and a driving force for our players to play in the game that our 02 team is being honored at,” said Adrian head coach Matt Davis. “On the personal side, not many coaches get an opportunity to coach in a State Championship game. I am very proud of our kids and excited for the game.”
Photo @AdrianBlackhawksFootball
Both teams will take the field Saturday coming off impressive semi final victories on their home fields.
Adrian took care of business on their side of the bracket by defeating a Monroe City team that had been ranked at the top of Class 1 for most of the season, 32-16.
Meanwhile, East Buchanan had one of their finest performances of the season, dismantling a battle tested Duchesne, 41-14.
Now these two red hot teams face off for the very first time in the biggest game of the year and to the winner goes the spoils of being a state champion.
Defense Wins Championships
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While both offensive units have been impressive all season, it has been the defenses that have shined brightest in the playoffs.
East Buchanan has been on a dominant defensive run. So far in the playoffs, the Bulldogs have allowed a total of 20 points across five games. Their three shutouts on their way to a District Championship, highlighting their achievement.
Spearheading the East Buchanan defense are the senior quartet of Ethan Bailey (DL), Adam Stephen Engnes (DB), Rylee Parker and Jack Archdekin (LB) along with junior Nick Klein (LB).
With how good the Bulldog defense has been, Coach Davis knows his team will have to be at their best, playing their style of football to have a chance.
“You can't try and change who you are,” Davis said. “We have had success this year running the i formation and being very opportune when we throw the ball. Obviously East Buch is very good and will present new challenges but we have to stay true to our team's identity.”
On the other side of the defensive coin is an Adrian defense that’s allowing just ten points per game and much like East Buchanan brings a physically imposing approach to the game.
Photo @AdrianBlackhawksFootball
Holding a Monroe City team averaging 44 points per game to just two scores, was their best performance at the most crucial time.
Leading the Blackhawk defense are a pair of senior linebackers in Aaron Yoss and Jence Griffith along with junior William Brown and sophomore Hank Tenholder along the defensive line.
“We will need to execute and be physical,” Ritter said. “They control the line on defense so we have to be able to move some people up front and win some one on ones. It looks like they play a lot of man coverage, so we have to win that battle."
Offensive Firepower
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When looking at the East Buchanan and Adrian offenses there is no better place to start than at the running back position.
East Buchanan junior Trevor Klein and his junior counterpart Adrian’s Hunter Bailey, are the marquee players to watch when their teams have the ball.
Both have been two of the top players in Class 1 and you can expect big games from them on the biggest stage.
The two stand out junior running backs aren’t the only playmakers in this match-up.
Photo @AdrianFball
At quarterback are two strong foundations that steer the ships.
Leading East Buchanan’s offense that's averaging 42 points per game is junior Gage Busby. His big arm is reminiscent of several strong-armed East Buchanan quarterbacks before him.
Sophomore Colton Miller is a dual threat quarterback not afraid to use his legs when needed. His three touchdowns against Monroe CIty in the semifinals were a huge factor in the Blackhawks win.
Blackhawk senior Mason Talley and Bulldog junior Aidan Hensley are playmakers, that when given the chance, can make other teams pay.
With history on the line for both squads, Saturday’s Missouri Class 1 State Championship game has the makings for a bonafide slugfest. Something Coach Davis is more than excited for.
“Just like every playoff football game execution and physicality will be the determining factors,” Davis said. “Whichever team can be focused and execute the best will win this game.”
For Coach Ritter, East Buchanan’s chance at defending their title is something he passes the credit on to his assistant coaches for the work they’ve put in this season.
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