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Hugoton duo shares weekly honor
Published 9/29/2009 in Sports
By BRETT MARSHALL
bmarshall@gctelegram.com
A year ago, after four weeks into the football season, the Hugoton Eagles were a perfect 4-0.
This year the Eagles find themselves in the same position. But aside from that spotless record, things are different for the Eagles.
Last year, Hugoton finished 6-3 after the Eagles posted just three wins in coach Clin Merritt's first two years combined. Having to use freshmen and sophomores in building the ground floor took time. And now, the senior class is spearheading this resurgency in Hugoton.
"I think we've played well thus far and our experience is the big key," Merritt said as his team prepares for the Cimarron on Friday. "We had seven starters back from last year and they were just learning how to win then. I think now we're going out with the mindset that we know we can win."
The option offense that Hugoton utilizes has been sparked by a trio of running backs who have compiled eye-popping statistics.
Caleb Gifford has paced the offensive attack with 522 rushing yards while averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. Keithen Martin and Bubba Beltz have gained 357 yards and 354 yards, respecitvely, while averaging 9.4 and 11.1 yards per carry. Gifford has tallied seven touchdowns while Martin and Beltz have six each.
Two of the three, Gifford and Beltz, share Area Players of the Week honors by the Telegram. The Eagles also move up one spot to No. 2 in the Telegram football poll.
In last week's 66-14 thumping of Southwestern Heights, Gifford had 137 yards on just nine carries and Beltz had 141 yards on five attempts.
"We're controlling the clock and we've enjoyed good field position and we're limiting the other teams to a lot of three-and-outs," Merritt said.
The Eagles could head into Week 6 against Holcomb at home with an unblemished record, exactly where they were last season. Holcomb survived a slugfest then, 13-6.
Notable performances: Rushing stars included Garrison Hendricks of South Gray (21-127), Jonathan Miller of Greeley County (19-135), Ivan Robles of Deerfield (20-150), Alex Swan of Scott City (9-103), Austin Nairn of Stanton County (13-106), Erick Flores of Cimarron (22-116) and Braeden Simon of Syracuse (15-188). Passing standouts were Chris Martinez of Deerfield (11-19-222), Tate Housholder of Syracuse (4-5-104) and Dakota Benear of Meade (9-11-126).
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Telegram area Top 5
1. Scott City (4-0), defeated Holcomb, 43-14. The Beavers continued to roll through their schedule by building a 36-8 halftime lead. Scott City has utilized a stifling defense and a balanced offense, led by quarterback Ron Baker and running back/receiver Alex Swan, to capture its first four games. This week...the Beavers host Larned in a Mid-State Activities Association contest.
2. Hugoton (4-0), defeated Southwestern Heights, 66-14. The Eagles continued to use their ground attack. Hugoton rushed for more than 400 yards against the Mustangs. Caleb Gifford and Bubba Beltz each ran for more than 100 yards in the Eagles victory. This week...will host Cimarron in a Hi-Plains League Division II contest.
3. Garden City (3-1), lost to Hays High, 17-16. The Buffaloes fell short in their road test at Hays in the Western Athletic Conference. This week...the Buffs are on the road again in the WAC to face Liberal.
4. Ness/Dighton (4-0), defeated Kinsley, 58-6. The Titans remained unbeaten with a road victory against the Coyotes. Through their first four games, the Titans are averaging 50.5 points and giving up just 6.5 points. This week...on the road to Leoti for a non-league game against Wichita County.
5. Greeley County (3-1), defeated Cheylin 30-8. After dropping their season opener to powerhouse Sharon Springs, the Jackrabbits have reeled off three consecutive victories. This week...the Jackrabbits travel to Rolla.
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