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4/ TheBucknerClarion.com November 20, 2014 Indian Pride Surges The Clarion Talks Football with Coach Schartz A:Passing yards totaled 2,004. One player has most of them, Skylar Thompson. He has 2000. Q: Who is the leading pass blocker and tackler, including their statistics? A: I'll tell you this, two of the best offensive players we have this year are Austin Clayborn and Steven Anderson, both linemen. Our leading tackler is Josh Tuimaseve, he's got 66 tackles. Q: Is there anything notable about special teams this year? A: I think we have to mention Kegan Lammering, our kicker. He's done a great job for us as far as kicking goes. He is five for five in field goals and we've only missed two extra points all year. Q: What is the difference this year compared to past seasons? A: I think balance. We are relatively balanced on offense, defense and special teams. I don't see one group being slower than the other so that's a little bit different than we've been in the past. Q: Describe the response from fans and the surrounding communities. A: It's been awesome; the fans have been great out here. We've Q: What is this season's record? (As of 11.13.14) A: Right now we're 11-0, 11 wins and no losses. So, we made it through the regular season with no losses and we're about to play our first district game this Friday. Q: When is the last time the Indians had a season like this and what was the outcome? A: Well, last year we were undefeated in the regular season also and we ended up losing in the quarterfinals to Kearney for an 11 – 1 record. The time before that was 2009 and we went to the State Championship game and we lost there. Q: How many rushing yards, including the names and yards per player? A: Rushing yards totals 1,785 yards in nine games. Our leading rusher is Jesse McBee and he has 921 yards. Q: How many interceptions, including the names and interceptions per player? A: We totaled six interceptions this year and all were made by different players, no one had more than one total. Q: How many passing yards, including the names and yards per player? Q: What is the biggest lesson learned from this season? A: Probably for me, kick a field goal when you're on the one yard line (referring to a specific game). Q: How do you keep your players motivated? A: We try to keep it competitive at practice all the time. We try to create situations where kids are trying to compete in a fun way. We create some kind of game out of each drill but more than anything I think our kids are motivated to continue our tradition here and take it one step further. Q: Do you have a philosophy you live by and share with your athletes? A: Yes, I do actually. Our mission is to aid our student athletes in achieving lifelong success through character development and that is something I believe in. Q: What are your hopes for next season? A: I don't know, I haven't thought that far ahead. I just want to make sure we continue to get kids out to our team and they are willing to pay the price like the people before them have and hopefully continue our tradition. had a packed house here for all of our home games and it's just been great. Every year here for us is great and we really appreciate the support from everyone in the Fort Osage District, Buckner, Sibley, Independence, everybody in our district. Q: In what area does the team need the most work? A: Well, I think kick-off is one area where we need to work a little more on, but it's basic fundamentals we need to sharpen up. I think we can probably take the ball away a little more, turnover wise. Overall, just basic fundamentals. Q: Who are some of your stand out players and what makes them unique? A: I think Willie Penamon is a stand out player because he constantly makes big plays for us. I think Jamison Raines is a good player and Jesse McBee is very important to us. Q: How would you describe this year's team efforts? A: Oh, I think our efforts have been great and it started all the way back in January when we started working our off season program. They haven't let up since. Coach Ryan Schartz talks to Jessica Mauzey about the varsity football team and recaps some of this season's highlights. (L) Running back Bailey Williamson of Fort Osage struggled for yardage as he was brought down by Trevon Warmack of Blue Springs. Keith Myers/The Kansas City Star. (R) Head Coach Ryan Schartz