Buffaloes defense too much for East–audio highlights

Audio Highlights: GCHS vs. East

Garden City, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-Don’t ever judge a book by it’s cover. After two games, the Buffalo defense was spotty at best in a loss against Bixby and a win over Woodward. The last ten quarters: A totally different story. 

The unit that was responsible for shutting down Hays quarterback Alex Delton and Liberal signal caller Britton Abbott in back-to-back weeks held Wichita East to just 159 total yards in a 35-7 win at Buffalo Stadium on Friday night. 

“These guys are flying to the football,” Head Coach Brian Hill said about his defense. “They’re fundamentally sound and that’s why they’re successful.”

Garden City jumped out to a 25-7 half time lead thanks to Greyson Tempel’s three, first-half touchdowns, one on the ground and two through the air. In fact, Tempel shook off an early interception to hit Caleb Tramp for an 8-yard score and a 58-yard missile to his twin brother Dusty. He also added a spectacular 33-yard run to pay dirt. 

“He’s getting plenty of help; that’s for sure,” Hill said referring to his senior quarterback. “Dusty is finally finding his groove.’

Just in time too. 

“It’s a good problem to have when we have this much talent at receiver,” Hill explained. “If they roll coverage one way, our quarterback is smart enough to recognize it and find another receiver.”

Tempel finished the night 7-of-15 for 149 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.  The senior added 168 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. 

But the most amazing play of the season might have come when this game was well in hand. 

Nursing an 18-point lead with 5 minutes to play in the game, the Buffaloes had a 1st and 10 at their own 42-yard line. Tempel took the shotgun snap, rolled to his right, and off his back foot-fired a dart to his brother, who outraced Willie Edwards for a 58-yard touchdown. The score gave the Buffaloes a 32-7 lead.

When it was all said and done, the brother-to-brother connection was responsible for two touchdowns and 123 yards receiving. 

“He”s been throwing to him (Dusty) for a long time,” Hill said. “Nobody knows where Dusty’s going better than Greyson.”

Ismael Hernandez would cap the scoring-drilling a 30-yard field following a George Bousfield fumble. 

East’s lone score came early in the second quarter when Willie Edwards returned a kickoff 92-yards for a touchdown.

Notes: Brian Hill is starting to get some of his key pieces back. After missing the first five games because of a kidney issue, Jacob Norquest made his much anticipated debut-two carries, -2 yards. 

Final Stats: GCHS vs. East  

Next up: Garden City (4-2, 0-0) at Maize (5-1, 0-0)-KWKR 99.9 or 98.1 FM Friday, October 18-pregame at 6:30 p.m.; kickoff 7 p.m.