Tigers Turn the Page to Defending SEK Champion Labette County

Fort Scott opens the second half of the regular season at home, with the conference race and playoff positioning coming into focus.

After a big win more than a decade in the making, the Fort Scott Tigers have another task in front of them: taking down the defending SEK League champions.

Fort Scott returns home Friday night to host Labette County in its Homecoming game. The Tigers are coming off a 32–21 win over Pittsburg, a victory that ended a long drought in the rivalry and gave them a 3–1 overall record and a 1–0 start in league play.

The time for celebrating is over. The Tigers now face a Grizzlies team that enters the matchup at 3–1, having won its past two games against 5A schools, and has a championship to defend.

Friday also marks the start of the second half of the regular season. With four games left, each result will carry added importance for Fort Scott’s hopes of competing for the SEK title and earning the chance to host playoff games.

Through four games, the Tigers have piled up 1,157 rushing yards on 182 carries, averaging 6.36 yards per carry and 289.25 rushing yards per game. At the center of that attack is Creed Clayton, the hard-running workhorse who has gained 516 yards on 92 carries and scored six touchdowns.

Dredyn Marlow has added 307 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 44 carries at the QB position, while Rush Newton has 163 yards on 17 carries. Kyler Keating has gained 63 yards, Paxton Allen 56 yards, and Jax Armstrong has 26 yards, most from a big reverse play to seal last week’s game against Pittsburg.

Fort Scott has leaned heavily on its running game to start the season, but don’t be surprised if Coach Stark chooses to air it out more as opponents begin stacking the box. If Labette County commits extra defenders to stopping Clayton and the Tigers’ ground attack, Fort Scott may have opportunities to open up the passing game and keep the Grizzlies’ defense guessing.

One of the biggest challenges for the Tigers will be slowing down Labette County’s Deontae Fields. Fields ran for 129 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against Fort Scott last season. Through four games this year, he has 474 rushing yards on 71 carries and four touchdowns, topping 100 yards in three of those contests. Coach Stark spoke highly of Fields during Tuesday night’s Coach’s Corner, presented by Sharky’s Pub & Grub.

Containing Fields will be a key assignment for the Fort Scott defense. The Tigers will need to tackle well, limit his room to break into the open field and make Labette County work for every yard.

The Tigers will look to create pressure up front with the Law Office of Bishop & Clark, while Brodie Stoughton can help disrupt the action from the interior of the defensive line. At linebacker, Paxton Allen, Creed Clayton and Rush Newton will work to contain Fields and come downhill to make plays.

In the secondary, Shai Kennedy could deliver a big tackle or create a turnover alongside fellow defensive backs Cole Doherty, Gavin Aikin, Jax Armstrong and last week’s Player of the Week, Kyler Keating. If the front can pressure Labette County and the secondary can capitalize on its opportunities, the Tigers will have a chance to swing momentum in their favor.

Coming off an emotional rivalry win, Fort Scott will also need to bring the same focus and effort into this week’s preparation. Coach Stark has emphasized treating each game as the next one on the schedule. That message matters now: the Pittsburg win is behind them, and the defending league champions are next.

Homecoming will bring extra energy to Frary Field, but the Tigers know the biggest reward comes from what they do between the lines. With the second half of the season underway and the conference race tightening, Friday night is an opportunity to take another important step.

Fort Scott is gaining momentum with each game. Labette County are the defending SEK champions, and wont give up that title lightly. The Tigers will look to turn both into a statement win at home.

Dillon’s Prediction

Fort Scott 35, Labette County 20

I believe Dredyn Marlow can find success through the air against a Labette County defense, if they focus on trying to stop Fort Scott’s powerful running game. That balance will help the Tigers earn a Homecoming win, move to 2–0 in SEK play and make a statement in the conference race.

The Tigers are HOT & working towards bringing the first of many SEK championships under Coach Stark in just his second year at the helm. Tiger Pride is back! Go Tigers!