Gardner gets home field against talented Mill Valley

Gardner Edgerton coach Marvin Diener is looking forward to a little home cooking.

The Trailblazers, who are 9-1, will play host to the first playoff game of Diener’s three-year tenure on Friday when Gardner takes on Mill Valley in a Kansas 5A state quarterfinal game.

“We’ve been road warriors the entire time we’ve been here.” Diener said.

Last week, Gardner Edgerton traveled to Shawnee Heights and won 18-6, sending them to the quarterfinals.

And if the Trailblazers can beat 9-1 Mill Valley, they will get a chance to play host to the semifinal game.

But Diener isn’t getting ahead of himself. He knows the Trailblazers must first stop Mill Valley’s run-heavy offense, which is led by senior running back Nick Woods, who has rushed for 1,605 yards this season.

And although his team has given up only 42 points this season, Diener knows that can change if his defense isn’t disciplined against Mill Valley.

“They make you defend the entire field,” Diener said. “If you have one bad play, they can hold you accountable by putting points on the board.”

Mill Valley enters the game with plenty of momentum. Since a season-opening loss to BV West, the Jaguars have reeled off nine straight wins. Their convincing 33-7 win over Sumner last week was the first playoff victory for coach George Radell in his nine seasons.

GARDNER VS. MILL VALLEY •WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday

•WHERE: At Gardner Edgerton

submitted by TEREZ A. PAYLOR - 2008-11-11 13:39:02

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