photo courtesy/statesmenathletics.com
William Penn’s offense is growing up and the Statesmen take a five game winning streak on the road to 22nd ranked Benedictine of Kansas this weekend in Heart of America Conference action. Coach Todd Hafner had to replace nearly every starter on his triple option offense from last season and that unit sputtered in an 0-3 start to the season.
“To turn this thing around and win five in a row just speaks volumes about their character and the pride they have in what they are trying to do”, said Hafner. “Who knows what the rest of the season holds but the things they have overcome shows who they are and how hard the rest of the coaches worked to make our kids better.”
An experienced defense carried the Statesmen early and an improving offense is now averaging more than 305 yards of rushing per game.
Not only have the Statesmen bounced back to save their season but a victory on Saturday would likely set up a winner take all game against Grand View on November 12th for the North Division crown and a trip to the NAIA Playoffs.
“After the first three games it was about giving ourselves a chance”, added Hafner. “The kids have worked hard and we are back in the hunt and that is all we can ask.”