There was a lot to enjoy and remember about covering the between Grain Valley and Raytown on Oct. 16, but there was one thing in particular that stuck with me.
A five-word quote from Raytown head coach summed it up perfectly.
“That was a playoff atmosphere,” he said.
Indeed it was. The Blue Jays pulled out a 21-14 last-second victory over the previously undefeated Eagles. This game had it all; it was physical, there were some big offensive plays, some defensive stands, a standout performance and a touchdown in the final seconds to break a tie.
It definitely felt like a playoff game. After everything that teams have gone through this season, all that has been done to make sure this season goes off without a hitch, there’s something exciting about knowing we’ve made it this far.
Playoff football is here
That brings me to another thing that Minnick reminded me about, specifically regarding the playoffs – rematches.
Grain Valley and Raytown are in the same district along with Belton. The Eagles earned the top seed with a 22-0 win over Belton Friday Night. Grain Valley will have to possibly face Raytown or Belton again. Raytown and Belton will possibly have to play each other and Grain Valley to win a district title
As Minnick pointed out, there’s a chance they could see one or even both teams again come playoff time. It’s always interesting to see how teams will game plan differently the second time against a team or how much better a team is in the second meeting after a lopsided loss in the first meeting.
My favorite example of this was back in 2008. Blue Springs South and Rockhurst opened the season against each other, on ESPN of all places, and the defending champion Hawklets rolled to a 42-14 victory. I remember covering that game. It was a beat down.
But almost three months later in the state quarterfinals, the Jaguars were like a brand-new team. They put together an impressive defensive performance and avenged that season-opening loss, 14-9.
While the Eagles weren’t blown out, is that same fate in the cards for them if they face the Bluejays again? What about for Raytown, if they get to face a Belton team that beat them 22-6?
Looking at other teams across the area, North Kansas City is another team that comes to mind that could be hoping to avenge some earlier defeats. The Hornets lost by three points to Staley and four points to Park Hill South, both teams in their district along with Platte County who North Kansas City defeated earlier in the season.
These types of teams, looking for payback in the playoffs, are in every district of every class. That’s what is great about the playoffs. A lot of them will get their chance. A chance to show that early-season loss was a fluke. They’re a new team now. A better one.
Not all of them will get that Blue Springs South moment – shoot, not many of them probably will – but that’s what is great about the playoffs. The slate is wiped clean. The records go back to 0-0. Everybody gets one last chance.
