S-C Beats Center in Great American Rivalry Series

The Oct. 13 football battle between Center High School of Kansas City and the Smith-Cotton Tigers was one of more than 100 games nationwide to be featured as part of the 2017 Great American Rivalry Series presented by the United States Marines. Smith-Cotton remained unbeaten (9-0) in posting a 43-32 win to claim the West Central Conference championship.

According to Brainbox Intelligent Marketing, “Game selection for this series is based on history, tradition, great football, and awesome fans.”

Before the game, Smith-Cotton senior running back and return specialist Zach Powell received the Student Athlete Award from Marine Sgt. Michael Robertson. Powell, a member of National Honor Society and Student Council, has returned four kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns this season and is averaging more than 50 yards per kickoff return and 20 yards per punt return.

Also, S-C Class of 2016 graduate Carlton Homan was named one of the Great American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame inductees. Homan played a key role in the Tigers’ 2015 WCC title run, which was capped with a 27-17 win at Center. He now attends Missouri State University where he is a pre-medical student.

After S-C’s victory, the Great American Rivalry Series Championship Trophy was presented to Tigers Head Coach Charlie McFail. S-C senior running back Gauge Young, who scored three touchdowns on the night, accepted the game’s Most Valuable Player award from Sgt. Robertson.

Smith-Cotton High School and Sedalia School District 200 are grateful to the United States Marines for sponsoring the Great American Rivalry Series to spotlight student athletes and their accomplishments nationwide.

"The atmosphere for the Rivalry Series Game with Center was one of the most electric I've been fortunate enough to be a part of," said Smith-Cotton Athletic Director Rob Davis.

"The Marines, who sponsored the event, and Center High School, especially their Athletic Director Brad Sweeten, did a tremendous job of promoting the event and making if feel like a playoff atmosphere. We've had many great games against Center over the years but this game was definitely special. I want to thank the U.S. Marines and Center High School for helping elevate this already great series," David concluded.

POWELL: Smith-Cotton senior Zach Powell receives the 2017 Great American Rivalry Series Student Athlete Award before Friday night’s game between the Tigers and the Center High School Yellowjackets in Kansas City. With Powell is his mother, Marie McFail, and Marine Sgt. Michael Robertson. S-C won the game, 43-32, to capture the West Central Conference title.

HOMAN:Carlton Homan, a 2016 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School, is honored as one of the Great American Rivalry Series Hall of Fame inductees for 2017 by Marine Sgt. Michael Robertson before Friday night’s game.

TEAM:Marine Sgt. Michael Robertson presents Smith-Cotton Football Head Coach Charlie McFail with the Great American Rivalry Series Championship Trophy after the Tigers defeated Center, 43-32, on Friday night in Kansas City. The victory also gave S-C (9-0) the West Central Conference title.

YOUNG:Marine Sgt. Michael Robertson presents the game Most Valuable Player trophy and medal to Smith-Cotton senior running back Gauge Young, who scored three touchdowns in the Tigers' 43-32 win at Center.