The Baileyville B&B Falcons have a great football history. Baileyville B&B is the defending state champion and has won three of the past five state titles.
But that great legacy ends today. Fittingly, Baileyville B&B’s final football game as a high school will be in the state championship.
The Falcons (11-1) face Sharon Springs-Wallace Co. (12-0) for the 8-Man Division II state championship at 3:30 p.m. today at Fischer Field in Newton. Baileyville B&B High School will consolidate with Nemaha Valley after the school year. The Falcons will try to close out the program with their fourth title in six years.
No doubt, it will be an emotional day for the community. But B&B coach Justin Coup maintains that there will be no rallying cries about it being the last game.
“It’s very important for our community, but not for our guys right now,” Coup said. “It’s not time to reflect. We’ve still got a game to play. If we start worrying about reflecting on how great it’s been, then we wouldn’t be focused on Wallace County. To be honest with you, all of our focus is on Wallace County. We’re not talking about the last game or anything like that. We’ll take time after the season to get together at a banquet to talk about all the great times, but right now isn’t a time for reflection.”
The Falcons have rolled to 11 straight victories since falling 29-28 to Madison in the season opener. Coup said part of the success has been because the team’s willingness to put individual goals aside. Derek Mueting began the season as fullback, but switched to center to solidify the Falcons’ offensive line.
B&B senior quarterback Dustin Rottinghaus leads the Falcons with 2,262 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. Rottinghaus also has rushed for 380 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“The first thing that jumps off the tape is his toughness and intelligence,” Wallace County coach Kevin Ayers said. “He has a super accurate arm. He’s making some throws that you don’t usually see at the high school level. He’s got so many weapons, he distributes the ball well. He’s a complete quarterback.”
Baileyville B&B’s senior signal caller has several reliable targets. Blake Deters has 54 catches for 1,033 yards and 20 touchdowns. Deters has posted 100 yards receiving in each of the past four games. Cameron Haug, a 6-foot-3 tight end, has 45 catches for 836 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Sophomore Neil Sudbeck is the Falcons’ leading rusher with 453 yards and seven touchdowns on 54 carries.
Defensively, Mueting leads the Falcons with 123 tackles and five sacks. Senior Cole Deters has 99 tackles and two sacks.
Wallace County is led by its defense, allowing only 52 points all season. The Wildcats have six shutouts on the season and allowed only six points in four games. The only game Wallace County allowed more than six points was a 36-28 win against Hoxie in the second week of the season.
“Our defense has played well up until this point,” Ayers said. “A lot of that goes to the intelligence of these kids. They’re very disciplined. They follow an aggressive style, and they get to the hole.”
Luke Schemm leads the Wildcat defense with 77 tackles. Clay Schemm and Tyrell Springsteel boast 10.5 and 9.5 quarterback sacks, respectively. Senior nose guard Dalton Walker has 45 tackles. Kyle Gfeller has seven interceptions.
“We have to find a way to score some points against their defense that everyone is raving about,” Coup said. “We’ve challenged our guys to see how great their defense is and to see what we can do offensively.”
Also a quarterback, Gfeller has passed for 641 yards and 11 touchdowns, while rushing 810 yards and 19 touchdowns.
“I think up front is going to be key on both sides of the ball,” Coup said. “We need to get some penetration on their quarterback and make him beat us with his arm and not his legs. He can do both, but he is quick.”
Junior Nate Klinge leads Wallace County with 826 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. Cayden Daily is the Wildcats’ top receiver with 21 catches for 329 yards and five touchdowns.
“If you’re describing our team, they’re a very consistent bunch,” Ayers said. “They are a focused team week in and week out. I’m pleased with the improvements they’ve made throughout the season.”
Wallace County is in a state title game for the first time since 2007 and is trying to win its first state title since 1991.
“There’s a lot of excitement,” Ayers said. “It’s a big deal around here. Everyone’s really talking about it. It makes for a fun atmosphere.”
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