State Champs!

Bison players are celebrating their 39-14 state championship win over the Ralston Rams

LINCOLN -- Judging by the crowd at Memorial Stadium, half of McCook turned out to see McCook roll over Ralston in the Class B football championship at Lincoln. The other half were likely watching the game on television as the Bison defeated the Ralston Rams 39-14 to claim the Class B championship.

The Bison had a perfect season -- beginning and ending the year with the No. 1 ranking, never letting an opponent score more than 14 points and providing the most lop-sided win in the Class B final in five years.

Despite cold temperatures, the crowd was estimated anywhere between 6,000 and 7,500 people with McCook fans making up an estimated 60 percent of the crowd. McCook vehicles, adorned with "We're No. 1" and "Bison rule," could be seen throughout Lincoln on Saturday.

Injured Spencer Walter takes his turn carrying the trophy

The final game of the season had all the aspects of a big-time football game: local media filling the press box, VIPs in the prestigious sky boxes, and fans huddled together watching their favorite team.

As the Bison ran on to the field before the start of the game, hundreds of McCook fans stretched the full length of Tom Osborne field to welcome the team.

The following by McCook fans was not limited to the game. A pregame tailgate party, sponsored by KICX and Sehnert's Bakery, drew hundreds of current McCook residents, McCook High alumni and McCook fans to the Nebraska Press Association parking lot. "We sold more than 600 sandwiches," said Shelly and Matt Sehnert following the festive party.

The event was arranged by University of Nebraska Regent Don Blank of McCook with the assistance of the McCook Daily Gazette.

Food prepared by Sehnert's Bakery helped raised funds for the Senior Parents, and a poster printed in the Gazette and signed by the entire Bison football team was sold during an auction for $200 to Linda Clark. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to a charity of the team's choice.

A few McCook fans proved to be true tailgaters, bringing their own grills, folding tables and lawn chairs.

There was also a gala atmosphere at a number of Lincoln hotels and motels, as red-clad Bison students and fans joined in pre-game and post-game celebration. They talked and high-fived well into the night and early-morning hours. Meanwhile, the players, parents and coaches were being treated to a pizza party in the spacious VIP section of the glass-fronted skybox and press box section of the stadium.

As the happy but sleep-short team returned to classes today, the community began plans for a community salute. Contacted this morning, Marie Owen of the McCook Chamber of Commerce said she would confer with Coach Jeff Gross and members of the Bison Boosters about a victory celebration.

Plans are expected to be finalized today and announced Tuesday.

Looking back, the super season seems so short.

Only 78 days from the first game Sept. 6, until the state championship contest on Nov. 23. Yet the 2002 team's accomplishments will live on with so many incredible memories, topped off by a thrilling night of football action and Bison celebrating at the "Big Show" show in Lincoln.