By Brad Hallier
WINFIELD, Kan. – While Buhler’s Friday night was drama-free, the drama is only starting in Class 4A West.
Buhler beat Winfield 41-7 on Friday in Winfield, which improved the Crusaders to 3-1. They are now one of six teams at 3-1 on the western side of 4A. The difference between the current top seed in 4A West, Coffeyville, and ninth-place Wellington – which would have to play on the road in the first round of the playoffs if the season ended today – is one game.
There is much to be sorted out still, but Buhler in winning its third straight game has established itself as one of the top teams in 4A West.
Buhler used a strong running attack in picking apart a Winfield team that has generally given Buhler a hard time. Buhler had 207 rushing yards, and 352 yards of offense. Ben Clouse led the way with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Clouse’s 9-yard touchdown run gave the Crusaders an early 7-0 lead, and Mitchel McDaniel’s 35-yard touchdown catch from Jeffrey Neill made it 13-0. Nick Gazaway and Clouse added touchdown runs from 16 and 7 yards in pushing the Buhler lead to 27-0.
Brayden Gentry and Cruz Hershberger added touchdowns for the Crusaders, who will take on fellow 3-1 Mulvane next week.
