Chiefs capture third-consecutive victory over Copperheads

Ronan High School Coach Matt Detwiler admits homecoming week is a challenge for his team to stay focused on football.

“Oh my goodness, homecoming is the hardest game to win,” Detwiler said. “It’s a long week and the kids are mentally drained with all the extra stuff (during homecoming week) such as the parade right before the game.”

Detwiler’s team overcame the distractions to take care of business in the 42-6 victory Friday night at Ronan High School’s Stadium.

“I like homecoming and I liked it as a player,” Detwiler said. “It’s hard because there are a lot of moving pieces during any week but especially during homecoming week. There is just a bunch of little stuff like that.”

The Chiefs outgained the Copperheads 373 to 269 en route to their third straight consecutive victory. Kasey Mock was 21 of 32 for 226 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception in the victory. Mock also had 104 yards on 20 attempts and four rushing touchdowns in the victory.

The Chiefs took a 21-6 lead at the conclusion of the first quarter. QB Kasey Mock ran for a 4-yard touchdown and a successful Jesper Elger PAT made the score 7-6. Then Mock completed a 6-yard touchdown pass to RB Ezekiel Misa and another successful Elger kick made the score 14-6. Mock then ran for a 2-yard touchdown with 2:32 left to go in the first quarter to conclude the scoring in the first quarter.

“Everyone on the team is just finding their spot and getting comfortable,” Detwiler said. “We’ve been able to balance (our offense) and with our QB Kasey having 100 yards of rushing, making good decisions when he throws the ball and he can also be a good running back when he needs to be.”

Mock then proceeded to score another touchdown run with a 7-yard scamper touchdown to make the score 28-6 with 11:37 left in the second quarter. With 7:13 left in the second, Mock connected again with Misa to make the score 35-6. Ronan scored one more touchdown when Mock ran for a 1-yard touchdown to conclude the scoring for both teams.

Mock, who was a running back in middle school, has successfully made the transition to the quarterback position, according to Detwiler.

“He played all through middle school and that is his true calling position,” Detwiler said. “He was more of a running back than a quarterback but he stepped up and has played the quarterback position well. He’s really settled in and fallen into the position as a true QB but you see the flashes of his ability at running back every once in a while. He’s just a great athlete all-around.”

Headed into the game with Anaconda, Detwiler admits he thought there would be more of an even match.

“This is the result you hope for obviously but I thought I would have seen a little more from Anaconda and expected a little more out of them,” Detwiler said. “Our guys are just getting better each week.”

Even though his Chiefs turned in a dominant performance Detwiler isn’t big on celebrating for long.

“We always tell the players they have 24 hours to feel bad about themselves or good about themselves, and then we are 0-0 at the start of the week,” Detwiler said. “Hopefully, we will be 1-0 at the end of the week.”

Detwiler has credited the play of the Chiefs’ offensive and defensive lines as the major reason for his team’s success.

“Everyone is finding their spot and getting comfortable, and when Mock has five or six seconds to throw the ball, it’s hard for big plays to not happen,” Detwiler said.

The Chiefs will prepare to play Florence in a critical conference showdown.

“If we win this week, it would be huge and if Loyola defeats Anaconda, we have to play them in two weeks that could potentially be a conference championship game,” Detwiler said. “If things play out the right way, this win could be huge for us going forward, and the same for them going up against Anaconda.”

Detwiler said he felt his team has “found its identity” during its three-game win streak.

“I think our team is playing and having fun, and if you aren’t having fun, then you probably shouldn’t be playing,” Detwiler said. “I think we are all having fun playing football and the kids are just enjoying being around each other.”