Coach says Lancers ‘aren’t done yet’; team heads into playoffs without starting QB

Coach Sherman walking onto the field after the clock expired in the fourth quarter.

It’s safe to say that SM East head football coach Chip Sherman isn’t satisfied.

Pleased, maybe. A little bit proud, probably. But satisfied? No way. Not yet.

As the students made their way onto the field and joined the football team in a melee of a celebration after Friday’s 28-12 win over SM South, Sherman had officially become coach of the winningest team in school history. How did that feel?

“Good,” Sherman said simply. “These kids worked hard. They deserve this.”

But with a workmanlike austerity, he quickly added, “We aren’t done yet. We’ve still got work to do.”

Sherman’s ability to get his squad to buy into the “more work to do” mentality is likely the driving force behind the Lancers’ success thus far. But if the team is going to parlay that success into a deep playoff run, they’ll have to do it without their most potent offensive weapon: quarterback John Schrock, the Sunflower League’s dominating leader in passing yards. Schrock suffered an injury to his throwing arm in the second half of the Lancers’ win over SM West last week. Though there was some speculation that he may be able to return after a few weeks out, Sherman confirmed last night that Schrock won’t be able to play again this year.

John Schrock, in black jacket, watched the win from the sidelines.

But senior Robby Moriarty, who split time with Schrock at the position last season, seemed to slip right into the offensive rhythm last night as he took over at QB. The passing game was supported by solid running by juniors Jeff Cole and Adam Lowe.

Adam Lowe, popping up after a long run against SM South Friday.

The district will determine playoff seedings this week, but it looks likely that the Lancers will face either Lawrence Free State (5-4) or Olathe South (6-3) in the first round.

More photos of the celebration after the jump.