For football coaches, showing up for work is mandatory. Anyone involved in teaching the game at any level knows, a team can't get better if the person in charge is available to oversee meetings, practices or weight and speed training. Missing a game is a different story altogether.
For only the second time in his long-time career, East head coach Greg Smith was not at a game he was slated to coach. A death in the family was the reason, and one of the only obstacles that could keep Smith away from a stadium on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons.
Kansas City Central clawed the Bears 33-7 in Smith's absence. The loss was the fifth in five games for East. The Bears are 0-2 in Interscholastic League play heading into Friday's game against Northeast. The contest against the Vikings (1-5, 1-0) is the DiPasquale-Moore Law Metro Matchup of the Week.
Prior to the game against the Blue Eagles, East hadn't played a team with a losing record. Van Horn, Pembroke Hill, Lincoln College Prep and Sumner Academy were a combined 15-8 ahead of Week 7 action. KC Central is 1-4 overall and 1-2 in the IL.
"Our schedule has been this way for years but COVID and a death in my family last week has taken a toll," Smith said. "I missed my second game in 15-plus years due to a loss of a family member. We are going to continue to fight and try to get the win soon."
The Vikings have had their struggles this year, but they have a win over KC Central under their belts. Northeast is tied for first place in the IL with Lincoln Prep and Southeast, which has canceled its season due to COVID-19 concerns and injuries.
The undefeated Blue Tigers (6-0, 1-0) are on the road in Week 7, traveling to Maryville to take on the 3-3 Spoofhounds. The Blue Eagles will try to win its second in row Saturday at University Academy (3-3).
