The Olpe Eagles will make a return trip to Hays next weekend after a 28-6 sub-state victory over Centralia Friday night.
The Eagles would shut out the Panthers in the first half and scored twice with an 80-yard opening drive and a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Damon Redeker to Blake Skalsky with 32 seconds to go in the first half to take a 14-0 lead into the locker room. Olpe would add to their lead early in the third quarter thanks to a 39-yard touchdown run by Redeker.
The Panthers would answer with a 31-yard touchdown pass to snap Olpe’s seven-game shutout streak. The Eagles would answer by finding the endzone once more and would go on to hold Centralia scoreless in the fourth to secure their second straight sub-state championship.
Redeker ended the night with two touchdowns and 216 total offensive yards. Derek Hoelting added two rushing touchdowns on the night.
Hoelting says they came in ready for a physical game.
Head Coach Chris Schmidt says he is grateful for one more game with this team.
The Eagles will look to repeat as state champions when they travel to Hays to face Inman next Saturday.
