Braves earn playoff berth in homecoming win over Sioux
Braves earn playoff berth in homecoming win over Sioux
By MARVIN BAKER
EDITOR
Parshall’s football program took a giant leap forward following Friday night’s homecoming win over the Westhope-Newburg-Glenburn Sioux when it was catapulted into the playoffs for the first time in seven years.
With the hard-fought 26-12 win over the Sioux, the Braves moved to 4-1 on the 2009 season, their only loss coming in Mohall just a week prior. The Braves are scheduled to play in Surrey tonight. Parshall has already beaten the Mustangs this season but head coach Mark Grueneich isn’t taking Surrey for granted.
“We know that having beaten Surrey once will not mean anything for the game today,” Grueneich said. “Surrey will be motivated by needing to win to have a chance to be in the playoffs. We need to understand that it will take a very good game to beat Surrey on their home field. We have a lot at stake in this game.”
Wins over Surrey, Kenmare, Trenton and Westhope have brought a renewed optimism to a program that two years ago struggled to get a win during the entire season. It wasn’t just the adrenaline of homecoming, according to Grueneich, it’s a pride in the team that has always been there, it’s just been more subtle in years past.
“The players have a lot of pride and believe in each other and what they can accomplish,” Grueneich said. “The can see that we are getting closer to the goals set at the start of the season.”
