In football, when a team demolishes an opponent, it either runs up the score enough to finish things early or decimates the other team leaving no doubts about the intentions.
On Friday, Oct. 20, however, the Bruins (9-1) found a sweet spot somewhere in the middle as they rolled to a 61-6 rout of the Francis Howell Central Spartans (3-7).
After going up 54-0 at halftime, the Bruins were able to play their second and third strings for the rest of the game giving playing time to underclassmen. For Head Coach Van Vanatta, the speed at which the massive lead was reached was rather surprising, but he immediately knew what he had to do to make the most of it.
“When we scored on our very first offensive play I knew that the game was kind of decided, but I also knew that we didn’t want to run up the score the whole game and be disrespectful,” Vanatta said. “So that’s why putting in our back-up players was the perfect option honestly. I know those guys were happy to play and I was happy to put them in during an important game.”
Much of the early success was thanks to plays on special teams as the Bruins returned two punts and blocked another for a touchdown. For senior wide-out Reece Jarvis, who scored on the second punt return, the success on special teams just goes to show how dominant the team can truly be.
“The special team’s work tonight was fantastic which is really important in a game like this,” Jarvis said. “It’s something we know we have worked on a ton and to see it pay off is really good moving forward.”
Much of the second half was a defensive slugfest as the Bruins milked as much time as possible with the running clock, but nonetheless the team rallied around their backups as they enjoyed the quick outing. Though the first round of playoffs was easily passed, Vanatta and company realize that this is just the first step towards the ultimate goal of a state championship.
The team will get back to  pushing toward Faurot Field Friday,  Oct.  27 when the Bruins take on Blue Springs South at home.
“During halftime I talked to the team and told them that when we play again it will be a completely new level,” Vanatta said. “We know that we have to play our very best for a full game here on out or our season  is done.”
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