Trojans keep rolling

As thrilling and emotionally draining as Park Hill’s upset victory against Liberty two weeks ago was, it wouldn’t have been surprising if the Trojans weren’t able to match the same intensity against a struggling 1-3 Truman team. Not this time. In fact, Park Hill racked up 389 total yards…. in the first half. Yes, the Trojans started against the Truman Patriots in the same place they left the Liberty Blue Jays. Park Hill methodically gained a 35-0 lead going into halftime before going on to win 41-14.
Park Hill’s backfield depth was impressive early as starting running back Josh Eatman and starting fullback Sean Gorman were unavailable to play due to injuries. Taking their place were Alex Kennedy and Trace Norfleet. There was no letdown, as both contributed with touchdowns. Norfleet who has shared duties at running back since the beginning of the season had a breakout game gaining 144 yards on 18 carries.

“I knew I had to step up,” Norfleet said of his opportunity.
The Trojans focused on a steady dose of their basic offensive package. Quarterback Corey Sterling completed seven passes on eleven attempts for 158 yards including three touchdowns, one to WR De’Rion Rambo and two more to TE Daniel Jessen, who also caught a touchdown from backup QB Nathan Wilson later in the game. As the season has progressed, Sterling has become more comfortable moving outside the pocket and recognizes this strength.

“I’m a shorter guy, so sometimes it’s harder to see when I’m in the pocket,” Sterling said. “I feel more comfortable in space and being able to see everybody.”
Truman’s only offensive opportunities against Park Hill’s first team spurred from two long kickoff returns, but both drives ended with turnovers in what has been a frustrating theme recently for the Patriots, fumbling the football. The two touchdowns came in the fourth quarter against Park Hill’s second team.

The Trojans, now 4-1 with a 1-0 conference record, go into their next conference game against William Chrisman where they will once again travel to Independence and play on the same field Chrisman and Truman share together. Chrisman will be coming off a loss to Park Hill South last week by a score of 42-0, dropping their record to 2-3 on the season. First year coach Mark Simcox is a former defensive coordinator for Park Hill so look for them to try to counter Park Hill’s power by putting up to eight defensive players in the box. On offense, a run heavy team will rely heavily on running backs Caleb Sims and Scott Cates to return from ankle injuries to carry the load for the Bears.

“It’s going to be a short game with two teams running the football,” Park Hill coach Greg Reynolds said. “It’s going to be about who gets off the ball best and if we do what we’re supposed to we’ll be alright.”

Panthers Softball Team Looks to Pivotal Week

Park Hill South at 10-9 is in the middle of a tough stretch of games this week which include matchups against Truman, Park Hill, Kearney, and Oak Park. With the district tournament next week, these last games will determine a conference champion and help build momentum going into the postseason. After early conference losses to Truman and Oak Park, Coach Josh Walker didn’t think the conference title would be very attainable, but after a stretch of wins, they’ve made their way back into the conference race. Rematches with Truman, Park Hill, and Oak Park, all conference rivals, will go a long way in deciding this year’s champion.
To start off the season the Panthers’ strength was in their defense, but lately their bats have come alive in a string of games where they have double digit run totals. Pitcher Jessica McCoy has done her part by putting together solid performances all year and has an earned run average just below two.

On the defensive side, Val Pollan has been impressive in leftfield along with third baseman Alyssa Weatherly and Mallory Land who has stepped in as a freshman at catcher to replace Maci Fisher who went down with a PCL injury. Weatherly has also been tearing it up on offense behind outfielder Bailey Peterson, who leads off for the Panthers.

“I hate to use a clique, but it’s going to come down to pitching and defense,” Walker said.
The district tournament starts up next Wednesday, October 7th with the championship game being played on Saturday morning. Park Hill South will be looking to put together the strong defense from the beginning of the year with the solid hitting performances they’ve had of late to make a run at both the conference and district titles. As Coach Walker mentioned at the beginning of the year, and still holds true today with pivotal games fast approaching, “we’re looking to make some noise.”