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Greyhounds football not out of playoff hunt yet
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Published: October 20, 2009
Statesville got an up-close and personal look at one of the best teams in the state last week, and coach Randall Gusler hoped his players soaked in the view.
West Rowan, the defending state champions, looked the part in Friday's 55-12 win over the Hounds.
But all is not lost in Statesville, who started a bunch of impressionable youngsters.
"We talked about that after the game," Gusler said. "We talked about their program, how they got to that level. I think the kids really picked up on that. You know, we drove down the field at the end of the game against their second team, but they did put their first team in to try and stop us from scoring ... and we ran for a touchdown. I kind of like the idea of them putting that first team back in and scoring, and I thought that was good on our kids' behalf."
At 2-6 overall and 0-3 in NPC play, the Greyhounds are still alive for a playoff berth.
Statesville needs two wins to become playoff eligible. Sweeping their last three games would almost certainly put the Hounds in. If Statesville can split its next two games against North Iredell and South Rowan, it would set up an enormous finale against rival West Iredell.
"What I told the kids is that we're still in the hunt," Gusler said. "We can win the last three ballgames and be 100 percent guaranteed for the playoffs. If we win two of the last three, we still have an opportunity. I think the kids still realize we're in the thick of things.
"I know we have some good football teams left to play, but I think the kids are still fighting and trying."
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