The march to the dome continues for the undefeated WACO Warrior football team tonight when second-ranked WACO hosts Central City in the second round of the 8-man playoffs on KCII. With a victory over Martensdale-St Marys last week, WACO continued what’s not only a perfect season, but a dominant one. The Warriors are averaging almost 49 points scored per game; allowing less than 14 points per contest; and have won all 10 of their games by at least 25 points.

WACO has developed a balanced attack on offense. Along with all-state senior running back Simeon Reichenbach rushing for over 1,000 yards and 23 touchdowns, senior quarterback Isaac Oswald has passed for over 1,200 yards and 20 TDs. Oswald flashed his own capabilities with two passing scores and another two on the ground in last week’s win. Senior wide receiver Oleh Shtefanchuk has been his big-play target, averaging 25 yards a catch and scoring eight times.

On defense, WACO is either bringing down ball carriers in the backfield or taking the football away. The Warriors have put up an astonishing 29 forced turnovers, including five interceptions last week. Senior Mason Miller patrols a no-fly zone in the secondary with eight picks, tied for the highest total in the state, while senior defensive linemen Colton Leichty and Ty Egil have combined for 27 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.

WACO will need to slow down an elite Central City ground game. The 8-1 Wildcats are averaging almost 270 yards per game running the football. Junior Aiden Klostermann has rushed for 1,170 yards and 20 touchdowns. Junior defensive end Mekhi Benton can wreck a game plan all on his own with 19.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. WACO looks to corral Central City starting this evening at 7. Coverage from Roth Field in Wayland begins with the Washington HyVee Pregame Show at 6:30 on FM 106.1 KCII.