Fort Scott (KS) – Homecoming 2021 was a howling success. 

 

After a difficult but valiant start to the season, the 2021 Greyhounds and Coach Carson Hunter racked up their first win of the year in Fort Scott fashion - shutting out the Texas’ RPA College 43-0.

 

Despite staying focused on continued improvement, Coach Hunter had to flash his enthusiasm.  “God is Good. We were blessed with another opportunity to represent the college and community.  Today, we did a better job making the most of it.  Very proud of these young men.  This year’s team is a different kind of special.”

 

Early in the game, the Hounds got off to a fast start and never looked back.  From the first snap, the Hounds Defensive Line played with a new level of effort and strain that dictated much of the day.  Tallying a total of 17 tackles, a TFL, and five sacks, the Fort Scott defensive front appeared to finally compete at their hardest and highest level.  Homecoming King Caleb Franklin led the way with relentless penetration and pressure.  The Piere-Paul-esque Jayden Clarke complements Franklin's efforts with an early sack.

 

After a second quick three-and-out, the Fort Scott’s Offense got in rhythm and got on the board.  As the first quarter continued, the opportunistic Hounds played complimentary football to establish a three score lead.

 

With the extended drives and added pressure, other Fort Scott defenders showed up in a big way.  Desoto High’s Zach Switzer had a coming out party filling in for his hobbled fellow Wildcat Alumni Abiyas Wakes.  Switzer made the most of his opportunity - leading the team in tackles, adding a tackle for loss, and snagging his first interception of the year.  Meanwhile, Lansing LB Dylan Ward got off the bus which made for yet another dominant game garnering 5 tackles, a tackle for loss, and getting home with two sacks.  In addition, LB Larry Corbin added an interception only to be outdone by resurgent SAF Cam Arthur who dashed RPA’s day with a fourth-quarter interception returned 72-yards for a big Greyhound Touchdown.

 

The second half saw the Hounds come out with focus and resolve but struggle to match their first-half production.  While the Offense leaned more heavily on the ground game - extending time of possession - they sputtered two separate times inside the red zone and rendered otherwise unnecessary turnovers.

Coach Hunter made no excuses for the red-zone performance.  “We did a lot really well throughout the day.  Finishing drives and protecting the ball were not two of those things.  We executed at a high level all the way down the field.  But, then we seemed to get so excited we got away from being ourselves in the red-zone.  We got away from valuing the football. … We work even harder on protecting [the ball] and making the most of those opportunities.  We have to better protect it.  We have win those downs and situations.”

 

Nonetheless, as all of the Hounds young players continue to improve in their first year in the system, the Offense has continued to make its weekly strides.  Reagan Davenport continues to do an incredible job of spreading the ball around to his teammates. The wily Texan threw a touchdown to three new receivers this week - completing 25 passes to yet again eight different receivers. The Freshman QB continues to improve with each passing week. 

 

Among his weapons of choice, Split End Jay Taylor began coming into his own. Taylor took a screen 57 yards showcasing his burst only to score only the next play on a 25 yard Davenport pass.  Taylor would go on to finish the day with 4 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown.  Not to be outdone, Fort Scott’s Wes Welker - Reece Thomas - added three catches, a long of 40 yards, and a touchdown of his own.

 

With the lead and the opportunity to flex their muscle, the Hounds ground-&-pound attack finally got going.  RB MJ Fuller ended the day with a total of 106 yards rushing and a season-long 25 yards touchdown. ATH Jaidyn Wilson did more than his part adding several rushes, a catch, and a completed pass all in the same game. 

 

Amid the Offensive fireworks, the highlight of Homecoming week came when Game Captain and third-generation Greyhound TE Weston Ropp (son of Trent Ropp, ‘92; grandson of Doug Ropp. ‘73) lined up beside a fellow Game Captain and Fort Scott Legacy, Easton Dubbert (son of Mike Dubbert, ‘83).  Kodak-moment aside, the drive culminated with a key block from Dubbert and Ropp catching his first touchdown.

 

On Fourth Down, Fort Scott continued to define the program with their ST play.  Specialist-Extraordinaire Gage Theus again made his presence felt.  As he further set himself apart as one of the country's best, Theus led all three kicking units to success despite the 30-plus mph winds.  Theus connected on two field goals, had three touchbacks and totaled 11 points. Meanwhile, Erick Smith - cousin of conference leading receiver Mystikal McGhee - had the play of the day on special teams blocking a punt.

 

“Our family is growing toward as we are going forward.  Getting the first win is a big benchmark.  It is nothing for which we are apologizing.  We had kids playing their hardest and having fun.  Those are important things you have to do to win.  … There are a ton of other things we have to add to that to make sure we can win all the time. “

 

“We love these guys, and we love all of the Fort Scott family for their support.  The Admin, Faculty, Staff, Spirit Squad, and the Fans all came together to make this whole weekend a great experience.  We have to keep exhausting every opportunity to improve and give them the Fall Saturday’s they deserve week in and week out. … We will address some obvious areas of improvement to better represent Fort Scott with our level of execution.”

 

This Saturday, the Hounds will be back home for 2021’s final fight at Frary Field.  Fort Scott hosts conference rival, league leading, and nationally ranked Coffeyville Community College.  Despite the more veteran Red Raven’s experience, the record books can be thrown out for this game.  The neighboring rivals will be playing for the first ever awarding of the Dick Foster Trophy - honoring the late, great Greyhound Head coach.  Kickoff is set for 1:00PM CST.