By TODD FERTIG
TopSports.news
Topeka High football had ample opportunities to stretch its undefeated streak to three games Thursday night, but just couldn’t muster the offense needed to take advantage of an inspired defensive effort.
The Trojans fell to Wichita Southeast at Hummer Sports Park by a score of 6-0.
With their backs against the wall numerous times, the Trojan defense managed to shut out the visiting Golden Buffaloes. Twice Topeka High forced the visitors to fumble on the Trojans’ 3-yard line.
Topeka High's defense came up with several big plays, but it wasn't enough as the Trojans dropped a 6-0 decision to Wichita Southeast. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The Trojans’ failure to capitalize left Topeka High coach Jason Filbeck at a loss.
“No part of it was how I wanted it, other than our defense was really good all night,” Filbeck said. “They did a great job. Took the ball away multiple times, got stops, even in bad field position. Down to the wire, our defense kept giving us chances, and we just did not execute on offense.”
Topeka High's defense did not allow a point Thursday, with Wichita Southeast's lone TD coming on an interception return as the Trojans dropped a 6-0 decision. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Topeka High entered the Thursday night tilt averaging 34 points per game. But the Trojans amassed just 127 yards from scrimmage against the Golden Buffaloes. The Trojans turned the ball over just once, but it was a backbreaker.
Eager to continue a drive that started on the Topeka High 3-yard line early in the fourth period, the Trojans faced third and 10 from their own 33. Quarterback Zane Smith looked for a receiver over the middle, but his pass was intercepted by Wichita Southeast’s William O’Bar, who veered to the right sideline and picked his way through the Trojans for a 40-yard touchdown return.
It was the only scoring play of the night. The Trojan defense stuffed the Golden Buffaloes on the two-point conversion, keeping the hope of a victory alive. But Topeka High’s next two drive deep into the opponents’ territory came up empty.
“(Wichita Southeast) brought some pressure and we had trouble running it early, which makes it hard,” Filbeck said. “But then, you know, we’ve got to catch balls. We have open guys and we’re just not connecting either the throw or the catch. You get to where you’re just running out of ideas because nothing seems to click. Nothing’s connecting, and that wound up being the story of the night.”
The shine of Topeka High’s 2-0 start faded in the scoreless night. The Trojans have eight days to correct issues before they host Emporia on September 26.
“We’ve got to rally. Emporia’s not going to be a cupcake,” Filbeck said. “We’ve got to rally and play next week because this is not acceptable. To put zero points up on offense is not acceptable.”
WICHITA SOUTHEAST 6, TOPEKA HIGH 0
Wichita Southeast (2-1) 0 0 0 6 -- 6
Topeka High (2-1) 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Wichita Southeast – W. O’Bar 40 interception return (run failed)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing – Wichita Southeast: Harrison 24-165, M. O’Bar 13-24, Dailey 1-minus 1, Cooks 1-2. Topeka High: Dowd 8-13, Smith 15-54, Murph 1-minus 1.
Passing – Wichita Southeast: M.O’Bar 4-9-0 79 yards. Topeka High: Smith 8-26-1 61 yards.
Receiving – Wichita Southeast: Harrison 1-48, W. O’Bar 2-35, Mosley 1-minus 4. Topeka High: Aldridge 3-38, Murph 2-25, Dowd 3-minus 2.
Punting – Wichita Southeast: none. Topeka High: Smith 6-32.5.
