Shawnee Mission West is one of several tradition-laden programs in the Sunflower League. From 2004-12, SM West lost just 21 contests, including a 12-1 season capped with a state title in 2012. The Vikings have stepped back to records of 4-5 and 6-5 the past two seasons , and the program suffered tragedy in the death of standout Andre Maloney in 2013. That 2013 season marked the program's worst years since 2-7 records in '02 and '03.
Last season, West opened 1-4 with 20-14 and 22-0 losses to Lawrence Free State and Olathe Northwest, respectively, in the first two weeks. Last Friday, the Vikings turned a corner with a strong 34-26 road victory at Free State. On Thursday, West plays host to the Olathe Northwest Ravens (1-0).
The win moved Coach Tim Callaghan to 91-38 in his 13th season with the Vikings, tying him with Dick Purdy for the most wins in school history, according to the Sunflower League Blog.
“We are just trying to get back on track,” Callaghan said. “We have a rough couple of years, had some bad breaks. I think these kids are ready to kind of set the sails and go where we can.”
Before 2013, the Vikings were 5-0 versus Olathe Northwest with all games decided by at least 16 points. The Vikings lost 18-10 and 22-0 the past two years to the Ravens, led by Hall of Fame coach Chip Sherman.
Olathe Northwest, 5-4 in 2014, won 23-9 at Hays High on Friday. Northwest held Hays without a touchdown until the game’s final minutes. Prior to last season, the Ravens had never finished above .500 in school annals, previously topping out with a 5-5 mark in 2011.
The Ravens return three offensive and two defensive starters from 2014’s team.
“Always coached well, and their linebackers are active,” Callighan said of Northwest. “They always put together a pretty solid offense. It’s just another step. Our guys got to grow and get better each week, and that’s kind of what we are looking for.”
SM West overcame some early adversity last week when starting junior tailback Jason Meeker rushed for 55 yards on his first carry and then broke his ankle. Senior backup Rahjee Byers stepped in and delivered 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.
The game was virtually identical in yardage (Free State had 360 yards, two more than West) and the Vikings were able to contain Firebird standout quarterback Bryce Torneden.
Torneden rushed 23 times for 133 yards and completed 11 of 19 passes for 164 yards with three total scores and two interceptions.
“Kids just kind of played together and counted on each other, and we kept answering the scores and defense picked up with some big plays and got a couple big picks,” Callighan said. “It was a good outing. I was just really proud of the kids.”
Defensively, West changed from a 3-5 to a 4-4 set. Callaghan was especially happy with his linebackers, including senior Jose Montoya. Senior lineman Jared Green played well on both sides of the ball.
“It was a good game,” Callaghan said. “I was happy with how our kids played. Obviously you like to come away with the win, but we needed a game. It seemed like summers have gotten to the point where they get so long and kids just want to play somebody else. You always know that Free State is going to be well-coached, too. They have their great athletes. I thought our defense played well.”
Senior quarterback Adam Rellihan had a solid game with reads and playmaking in the veer offense. Callaghan said Rellihan “has grown up a lot” from 2014 and is one of many players to mature. West carries seven returning offensive starters, eight on defense.
On one play, Rellihan was going to pass, but pulled the ball down and rushed in for a score. He collected two rushing touchdowns and completed 6 of 8 passes for 133 yards. Callaghan was pleased with his offensive line, especially seniors Connor Riley, Tyler Brewer and Green.
“That’s a big step in the right direction for him,” Callaghan said. “He used to be able to make everything happen with his arm, and now he realizes that he can make it with his legs, too.”
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