FRONTENAC — Falling in their second district game of the season, the Parsons Vikings fell to the Frontenac Raiders, 28-14, on Friday night in Week 5.
“I was really proud of our mindset going into the game,” Parsons head coach Jeff Schibi said, “their mindset throughout the game and their constant will to try and win that football game. We had an opportunity to get the ball back down seven points and Frontenac executed a fake punt. If we got the ball back, I was confident we could go score and we had two-point play ready to go. I was still pleased with the effort and attitudes from all of our kids. It was a tough, hardfought, physical game.”
Chandler Hentzen, who set the school record for rushing yards in a game last week, racked up 152 yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Raiders.
“Chandler was Chandler,” Schibi said. “He was breaking several tackles throughout the night. He’s why we were confident that we could’ve taken the lead if we got the ball back late. Chandler was smelling blood in the water. He wasn’t going to be denied. He had another phenomenal game.”
The Vikings also deployed two quarterbacks. Andrew Houk was 3-of-6 passing for 18 yards while sophomore Preston Heitman was 2-of-5 for 28 yards.
“We’re not afraid to put Preston in at any time,” Schibi said. “He’s a really good football player who will keep getting better. We like what Andrew can do, too. He does a great job of managing the game and getting the ball to our playmakers. We like both guys. I wouldn’t call it a quarterback battle because both guys get along. We’re not afraid to do a two-quarterback system if it’s what gives the team the best chance to win. I’d foresee Preston to continue to get some snaps on defense.”
Frontenac led 14-6 at halftime and 21-14 going into the fourth quarter.
Hentzen also led the Vikings with 21 tackles while Brelin Summers added 16. Da’Karyi Jones added three tackles for loss.
Coaching staff shakeups
After a dispute broke out at halftime of the Parsons-Baxter Springs game in Week 4, Raheeme Dumas and Ivory Kelley are no longer members of the Vikings’ coaching staff.
“We had a really good week of practice and one of the things I was most proud of was that we got compliments from the referees about the kids’ attitudes,” Schibi said. “There wasn’t any bad language. Our sideline was great. That made me feel better than the scoreboard. We’re developing young boys into men and I think we’re doing that very well, now.”
Kaito Barr-Miller was elevated to defensive coordinator, replacing the role Dumas filled.
Jaran Dixon, who previously served as the Parsons defensive coordinator, was rehired by Schibi and will join the coaching staff this week.
“We’re excited to get Jaran Dixon back on the staff on Monday,” Schibi said. “He brings so much positive energy. The kids were excited when I announced it to them. We’re thrilled to have a second stint with him.”
Up next
Parsons faces Neodesha at home in Week 6.
“I think Neodesha is a very good football team that’s got some athletes on both sides of the ball,” Schibi said. “It’s going to be a challenge. I certainly believe they’re a capable football team. We’ll have to come ready to play.”
