Tigers Welcome Pittsburg for a Rivalry Showdown at Frary Field

Fort Scott carries a 1–0 SEK League record into a matchup with the Dragons—and a chance to end a streak that dates back to 2012.

The Fort Scott Tigers have opened SEK League play with a win, and now they return to Frary Field for one of the biggest games on this year’s schedule: a rivalry matchup with the Pittsburg Dragons.

Pittsburg has won every meeting since Jonathan Stark was the Tigers’ quarterback in the 2012 season. The streak has lasted through years of close games and tough battles, including last season’s 22–15 Pittsburg win.

Fort Scott held a 15–9 halftime lead in that game, but the Dragons found their footing after the break and scored twice in the third quarter. Pittsburg held on at home, leaving the Tigers with another hard-fought loss in the series.

This year’s Fort Scott team arrives with confidence after starting 1–0 in SEK League play. The Tigers have scored at least 21 points in each of their first three games, showing the ability to put points on the board in bunches.

Dredyn Marlow, Creed Clayton, Rush Newton and Kyler Keating have all given Fort Scott a strong running attack to start the season. Their early production gives the Tigers reason for optimism as they look to keep the offense moving against a familiar opponent.

The passing game will be another storyline to watch. Fort Scott has playmakers who can stretch the field, and Tiger fans will be eager to see if Jax Armstrong and Colt Lipe can find the end zone. Kegler and Allen could also make their presence felt as the Tigers look to keep Pittsburg’s defense guessing.

For many fans, this matchup carries extra weight. Coach Stark, though, has emphasized keeping the team focused on the task at hand: Pittsburg is the next football game. That steady approach will matter against a Dragons team he knows well after coaching there before coming to Fort Scott.

The game will also bring a familiar face back to Frary Field. Josh Latimer, a Tiger great, now leads the Pittsburg Dragons. His return adds another connection between these programs and another layer to an already meaningful rivalry.

Fort Scott will also honor the 1996 Class 4A State Champion Tiger football team. Coached by Bob Campbell, that squad finished a perfect 13–0 season and brought Fort Scott its first state football championship.

There is a fitting piece of history, too: 1996 was the first time Coach Campbell defeated Pittsburg. As the Tigers recognize that championship team, Fort Scott will have a chance to create a new memory in the same rivalry.

Expect a fun, exciting and hard-fought game, with both teams trading momentum. The Tigers have shown the scoring ability to stay in it, and this could be the year they finally break through and add a win to the series.

Dillon’s Prediction

Fort Scott 28, Pittsburg 23                   

History, home-field energy and the honor of the 1996 champions make for a special night at Frary Field. I’m picking the Tigers to rise to the occasion, ring the bell and give Coach Stark his first win over Pittsburg as Fort Scott’s Head Coach

Go Tigers!