Girard ? The Eudora High football team is 11-0, and one of eight teams left in the Class 4A state playoff hunt. Yet coach Gregg Webb still said the Cardinals hadn’t played their best offense this season.

“We still haven’t got that attitude of beating people up on the line of scrimmage like I thought we would,” Webb said. “Our offensive line has to be way more physical.”

Eudora will travel to Girard to take on the Trojans tonight at 7 p.m.

Webb said he would like to see increased physicality from his star running back, Travis Clarke, as well. If he can muster even more production, it might be scary to think how effective Eudora’s running game could be. Clarke rushed for 215 yards and accounted for three touchdowns against Atchison last week. But Webb’s not focused on numbers with Clarke.

“I didn’t think he accelerated through the hole like he’s capable,” Webb said. “He’s not afraid of contact, but he has to run as hard as he can.”

Eudora players heard Webb’s playoff mindset in practice all week.

“When you get to games like this, if you’re going to get three yards, you need to make that four,” Webb said. “Field position and first downs are a crucial priority. If you’re not running as hard as you can, you’re giving up yards.”

Girard (9-2) will have the luxury of playing on its home field.

Eudora will want to keep an eye on Girard running back Darian Kelly, who has rushed for 1,085 yards this season. Quarterback Tyler Bennett operates out of the triple-option attack. Running the football is commonplace in this style of offense, as Bennett has neared 1,000 rushing on the season as well.

To say that Girard is playing inspired football this season would be an understatement.

The team suffered a tragic loss before the season when its coach, Craig Crespino, passed away. Blaise Bauer, formerly the school’s principal, stepped in as the coach.

“Wins and losses weren’t even important at the beginning of the season,” Bauer said. “This is a nice reward for these kids.”

Bauer said he simply wanted to get the players through practices after the tragedy. Now, the Trojans are playing for a united purpose.

“They’re going out and playing for themselves, the school and the community,” Bauer said. “That’s their biggest motivation.”

Webb said he knew Crespino from coaching in the Shrine Bowl.

“It’s a real loss to the coaching fraternity,” Webb said. “Tragedies happen, and how you bounce back from those is a good indication of who you are. They’ve done a great job of that.”