Opposites attract: 6-0 Bison won't look past 0-6 Alliance

McCook junior Layton Carpenter (60, left) and the Bison are aiming to rule trenches Friday night just like their most recent victory over Ogallala (right) last weekend.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

ALLIANCE, Neb. — It’s like a ZZ Top band member looking into the mirror and seeing Charles Barkley.

Every McCook-Alliance number literally reads in reverse.

The Bulldogs score just less than 10 points per game during a hairy 0-6 season; McCook’s razor-sharp defense allows just 10.6.

McCook senior Weston Walgren (84, above) separates an Ogallala Indian from the football following a booming punt from teammate Canyon Hosick Friday night. Walgren (below) looks through the carnage to get a clear view of a potential fumble recovery. Though Ogallala regained possession, the Bison rumbled on to a 37-6 victory and 6-0 this season.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

McCook’s 6-0 offense has buzzed like a barber to 34 points in ever game; Alliance has seen points pop up like unwanted nose hair at a rate of 35 or more through all six contests.

The Bison continue shaving off shaky questions and build for a big state playoff run...

Alliance’s playoff hopes can only start to grow Friday night.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

No wonder McCook won’t be looking past this next district showdown at Bulldog Stadium.

Opening kick is set for 8 p.m. CST, or 7 p.m. in Alliance.

“The old Alliance road trip, we’ve done this a few times before,” Bison coach Joe Vetrovsky said. “Our guys are excited about the chance to play another game. They (Alliance) haven’t had the season they want, but they’re headed in the right direction.”

“If there’s one thing we know,” Vetro added. “Alliance will play extremely hard.”

The Bulldogs will face a McCook attack that’s only fumbled once all season. McCook owns a huge 13-5 edge in turnover ratio through six contests.

Alliance has only rushed for 298 yards all season — less than 50 per game.

However, 6’2” junior quarterback Landon Crowe has completed 51 percent of his passes. He connected on 20 throws during the 35-20 loss to Gothenburg on Sept. 16 — easily a season best.

Juniors Tristen Timbers, Jonah Amill and senior Tyzen Brown ahve combined for nearly 60 pass receptions including three touchdowns.

“They definitely like to throw the ball around with their quick passing game,” Vetrovsky confirmed. “Our best plan is to mix up the looks and try to keep him (Crowe) off-balance.”

The Bulldogs might even test senior cornerback Hayden Norgaard, who hasn’t been tested a lot in recent contests.

“Hayden’s a two-year starter who plays with really good technique,” defensive coach Vetrovsky explained. “But the best thing about Hayden is his tackling. He rarely ever misses a tackle in the open field.”

All the passing might also lead to some quarterback sacks for Bison D-linemen Eli Kehler, Mitchel Cole, Layten Carpenter and Quentin Terry.

“All four of those guys have great motors,” Vetrovsky said. “They play on both sides (of the line) and rarely want out of the game.”

Alliance’s leading tackles are linebackers Aiden Hancock (junior) and A.J. Stanec (senior) as they both average eight stops a game.

Brown has delivered another 7.2 tackles from his strong safety spot.

“The strength of their defense is those box players,” J.V. said.

That strength could be negated with senior Jacob Gomez-Wilson using his speed to average almost 13 yards a carry this season.

J.G-W delivered his best game yet against Alliance last week: nine yards, 169 yards and two TDs.

Junior Brett Fraker’s also healthy along with always-dangerous quarterback Adam Dugger.

“A lot of our runs have been off tackle with great blocking from (tight ends) Garett Kaps and Adyn Meyer,” the coach concluded.

The Bison will focus on Alliance before starting their big stretch run starting at undefeated Hastings Adams Central on Oct. 14.

This week’s Class C-1 power points have Adams Central No. 3 and McCook No. 4.

McCook’s expected starting lineup:

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Holder 4 Canyon Hosick 5-8 165 Jr.

The seasons so far:

McCOOK (6-0)

ALLIANCE (0-6)