By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
This fall marks the 14th year of the consolidation that formed the Central Plains school district. With a win last Friday night, this year marked the fourth time the Oilers’ football team has won 10 or more games.
This Saturday will be school’s third state championship game appearance, as Central Plains and head coach J.D. Johnson will face Hoxie in the 8-Man, Division I championship.
"I'm so proud of the kids," said Johnson. "They have battled all year long. They deserve every bit of it. We've been trying to stress on them to enjoy this, treasure this. This is something that doesn't happen very often, making it this far. We also want them to stay hungry, keep battling, don't be satisfied."
The playoff success for Central Plains (10-2) has been a rollercoaster of emotion, with all four of their postseason wins coming by six points or less. The Oilers beat Sylvan-Lucas by two, Chase County by six, Little River by six and most recently Clifton-Clyde by three.
Claflin and the surrounding area has been buzzing with Oiler pride during the playoff run.
"The community support has been amazing," said Johnson. "The football moms are getting meals, snacks and breakfast every day. It's been great around the school and community. The kids are excited. Their attitudes are awesome."
Central Plains is 2-0 in state championship games. The Oilers went undefeated in championship years of 2014 and 2018.
Central Plains will take on an undefeated Hoxie team (12-0) at 7 p.m. on Saturday in Greensburg.