Veritas aiming for first state football championship ever

Veritas Christian football coach Doug Bennett knows his team is focused for today’s state championship game against St. Mary’s Academy.

But he also knows his players — facing an opportunity to win the first football state championship in the program’s history — could be nervous.

“We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t have some nerves,” Bennett said. “We’re just excited to take the field on a championship game, the first ever for our school. But we have higher goals than to just be in the game.”

The game kicks off at 2 p.m. at the Eagles Nest. Veritas (9-0) defeated St. Mary’s (7-2), 70-36, in a regular-season game on Oct. 22 behind Nate Scott’s 230 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Bennett said both teams will have studied that game film extensively and created solid game plans. He thinks that whichever team makes the better adjustments will end today with a state championship.

Another key in Bennett’s eyes is to control the line of scrimmage.

The Eagles certainly did that Tuesday in their semifinal game against Flint Hills Christian.

Senior running back Ethan Scott rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns, and junior quarterback Nick Bennett rushed for 61 and a touchdown in the Eagles’ 52-6 mercy-rule victory.

That’s all behind them now, however. All that stands in front of a perfect 10-0 season and a Kansas Christian Athletic Association state championship is today’s game.

“We’re very, very excited,” Bennett said. “But I also feel that we’re very focused.”