Broncbusters Football Closes Home Stand Against Conference Foe, Highland
Garden City's Sam Ofurie (#44) is looking to lead Garden City to a 2-1 finish on their longest home stand of the regular season. Photo Credits: Adam Shrimplin, Garden City Community College
GARDEN CITY, KS. – So many extra thoughts can cross a team’s mind after a couple of early losses. The race for the NJCAA Playoff Positions is a tight one, and every week matters for teams contending for the top.
Fifth-year head coach Tom Minnick’s message to his team after Saturday’s win was simple; that’s a team that loves football.
Garden City restarts Kansas Jayhawk Conference play after three straight non-conference games, with the Broncbusters hosting the Highland Scotties this weekend at Broncbuster Stadium.
The Broncbusters are coming off a great confidence-building win, taking down Gordon’s Fine Arts & Sports Academy, 47-0. GCCC struck on their opening two drives of the game, led by 28 at half, and never looked back in the win.
“They handled it really well,” Minnick said. “It’s something that shows a lot of maturity… I was proud of them for that.”
Conference play is where Garden City found their groove last season. The Broncbusters finished 4-3 Jayhawk Conference games, including a 14-6 win over these same Scotties last season.
Garden City (2-2, 1-0 KJCCC) has dominated the all-time series, 31-6, and has won the last nine. This Highland team, however, is one that Coach Minnick doesn’t want to take lightly.
“When you watch the film, they kind of destroyed Iowa Western,” Minnick said. “You have to show up ready to play… [head coach D.J. Mayo] has done a great job out there.”
The Scotties (1-3, 0-2 KJCCC) boast one of the top passers in JUCO this season. Sophomore Tysan Robbins has thrown for over 800 passing yards and six touchdowns so far.
He poses a great threat for a strong Garden City defense, but his lead wide receivers – Benson Prosper and Dariyonne Bryant – are also near the top of JUCO in receiving yards. It’s something that despite their current three game losing streak, Garden City has plenty of respect for.
“They’re connected, they’re running a lot of good schematics,” Broncbusters’ defensive coordinator Chenelle Jones said. “[Highland] have figured out ways to get the ball to these playmakers.”
Garden City have a couple of key playmakers to watch out for as well. Running back James Jones led JUCO in rushing yards before last week, and is still at the top of the division with five rushing touchdowns.
Wide receiver Demond Demas leads Garden City in receiving yards, and was tracked as the fastest player in JUCO with his 92-yard touchdown against Iowa Western. The Texas A&M transfer clocked as fast as a breathtaking 21.8 miles per hour.
“We have as much talent as anybody,” Minnick said. “It’s about having them play together. If they play together, I don’t think anybody can beat us.”
Coverage between the Scotties and Broncbusters starts at 10:30 A.M. with the American Implement Pregame Show. Kickoff between Highland and Garden City is set for 11:00 from Broncbuster Stadium.
