Bridge Creek turnaround continues with win over powerhouse

By Jason Kersey
jkersey@opubco.com

Bridge Creek has had several firsts over the past few seasons.

First playoff berth in 2006, first playoff win in 2007 and now, the Bobcats could be on the road to their first district championship in 2008.

Bridge Creek won last week what coach Jerry Wallis and running back Shane Leiter called the biggest win in school history, 31-21 over Washington. That win makes a Bridge Creek district championship much more likely.

Quite a turnaround for a team that was winless not long ago.

“It’s not only been a turnaround for our players, but the community,” Wallis said. “Our school built a new field house and new lights. We have had commitment from our players and community. Turnout has been great for home games and we’re traveling well. People are tailgating before games. We’re trying to do what the good programs do in Oklahoma.”

Wallis won’t take all the credit, but Leiter is quick to give it to him.

“The first day he came our whole attitudes changed,” Leiter, who was in eighth grade when Wallis started, said. “It actually felt like someone cared about us.”

Give Wallis all the credit in the world. This is a group of kids that grew up seeing its high school team lose game after game, but now has a chance to have an undefeated regular season.