Scott City hosts Wellingoton in final tune up for district play

Scott City, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–Two schools that are rooted in Class 4A playoff history meet up tonight at Darner Field, as the Wellington Crusaders come to Scott City to face the Beavers in one final tuneup for both teams before they enter district play next Friday.

Wellington comes to Scott City with a two-game losing streak, after a 28-13 setback to Wichita Collegiate last Friday night at Sellers Park. The Crusaders are 3-2 on the season after going winless in 2016. This years Wellington team is much improved, averaging 19 points a game and 255 yards of offense, while allowing 17 points a game and 229 yards of offense. They are led by a trio of juniors in running back Joe Ybarra, quarterback Cade Phelps and wide receiver De’Andre Washington. Ybarra has seven rushing touchdowns, while Phelps has passed for 520 yards and rushed for another touchdown, and Washington has five receiving touchdowns and 351 receiving yards.

Scott City wrapped their 31st consecutive non-losing season last Friday night in a 42-11 win over the Ulysses Tigers on the road. The Beavers trailed 3-0 early on, but scored on six consecutive possessions en route to their fourth straight win over Ulysses. So far through five games, Scott City has averaged 348 yards of offense and 33 points a game, while surrendering only 138 yards and nine points a contest. The Beaver defense has allowed fewer than 200 yards in four of five games this year. Wyatt Hayes leads the ground attack with 484 yards and eight touchdowns, while Marshal Faurot has 230 receiving yards and five touchdowns and quarterback Parker Gooden has passed for 419 yards and six touchdowns.

Tonight’s game will be the seventh meeting all-time in the series. The series is tied at three games each. Last year, Scott City shut out Wellington 41-0. This is the first time that Wellington has played in Scott City since 2001, when they knocked off the Beavers 32-14 on their way to the Class 4A State Championship. Four of the first six games in the series have been played in Scott City.

Kickoff at Darner Field is scheduled for 7 pm. Pregame coverage on Mix 94.5 begins at 6:30. You can also listen online at westernkansasnews.com/mix94, and on the Mix 94.5 app that is free to download.