Already off to a 4-1 start, the Wichita East football team has won twice as many games as last year.
Under the direction of Head Coach Brian Byers, the Aces have already worked their way through most of their City League with only two more games against GWAL opponents.
In a home opener against Wichita North, the Aces’ defense held solid giving up a total of only 127 yards. East won the game 39-12 led by Deonta Thomas who carried the ball 13 times for 123 total yards.
“The whole game we were able to keep them back,” said senior tackle Michael Flynn. “Our offense was able to put up big yards and we came away with a big win.”
In the next week the Aces faced Wichita West and were led by senior quarterback TJ Sparr. With just five completions for 87 yards, Sparr also ran the ball 16 times for a total of 140 yards to beat the Pioneers 27-22.
After jumping on Wichita Northwest early, the Blue Aces would suffer their first loss of the season in a 44-13 loss to the Grizzlies in week three. Despite only a two point margin at the half, Northwest would come out to score 28 third quarter points and leave the Aces’ sideline and fans stunned.
“When we went into the locker rooms at half, we thought we had it,” said Flynn. “When we came back out they were a whole different team and we looked different too.”
Following the loss the Aces came back to beat Wichita South 34-7 at Carpenter Stadium. Led by Calil Burnett’s 184 yards rushing on 11 carries, the East offense dominated the game.
Against Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Burnett would have another big game scoring the would be game winning touchdown with a huge 60+ yard run in the fourth quarter. The 14-7 win over the crusaders brought the Aces to their current 4-1 record with just four games remaining on the season.
“This win over Kapaun was huge,” said Flynn. “Hopefully it will help us drive through the rest of the season and finish with a berth in the playoffs.”
The Aces next game will be a homecoming feature event and be held at 7 pm, Oct. 5 at Carpenter Stadium against Garden City.
