DeSoto High football coach George Radell picked a fine time to post his first victory at his new school.
Following losses to still unbeaten Santa Fe Trail and Kansas City Piper to open the season, DeSoto dumped Lansing, 35-13, last Friday.
"It was homecoming and we had a big crowd," said first-year Wildcat coach George Radell, who inherited a 1-8 team. "It was nice for the kids to win their homecoming game. I heard someone say they couldn't remember the last time they won on homecoming."
The Wildcats (1-2) look for their second victory tonight, when they play host to Perry-Lecompton (2-1) in the Journal-World's area game of the week. Kickoff for the Kaw Valley League contest is 7 p.m.
Radell employs a wing-T offense and his Wildcats are starting to adjust.
"We've gotten better with it each week," Radell said. "We're executing a whole lot better than a month ago."
Josh Goodin, a 6-foot, 225-pound fullback/linebacker, has been a big-play performer for DeSoto. The all-KVL pick a year ago had two interceptions, including one at the goal line, against SFT. Against Lansing, he returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown and blocked a kick.
"He had a reputation of being a good football player," Radell said. "We had no indication what he was going to do. He's been so good defensively."
Radell credited an improving offensive line for keying the Wildcats' attack. Sophomore left tackle David Davis, sophomore left guard Bart McGivern, senior center Willy Crafton, junior right guard Reece Wheat and junior right tackle Zack Solon start on DeSoto's line.
"Our line has gotten better every game," he said. "One's converted a back. None had any experience at the varsity level. They've really come along."
While DeSoto is coming off its first victory, Perry-Lecompton is coming off its first loss -- a 34-23 setback to Kansas City Piper.
"I think we bounced back pretty well," P-L coach Charlie Golder said. "We were disappointed of course. When we put things in perspective, you have to go on. It was a good hard-hitting game. there were some pads popping. We're healed up and ready to go."
The Kaws average 30 points a game and surrender 13.3 a game.
"I think we're doing a good job offensively and we're still get after people off the line of scrimmage," Golder said. "The line is doing their job. It's a great group of kids."
As for DeSoto, Golder has been impressed.
"They're big," Golder said of the Wildcats. "We're going to have to stop Goodin. He runs the ball hard. I expect them to throw the ball. I expect our kids to be ready."
-- Steve Rottinghaus' phone message number is 832-7152. His e-mail address is srottinghaus@ljworld.com
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