The football team is taking the term away game to a whole new level this year. This is the first time in Patriot history that the football team is going out of state. The Patriots will travel to Chandler, Ariz., to kick off their season with a much-anticipated game against the Basha Bears.
“We’ve been training hard, and the team is ready to take care of business,” Coach Ty Wisdom said.
The team has been training rigorously since November, to ensure they are in top form. They’ve studied Basha’s defensive and offensive players to get to know their strengths and weaknesses.
The Arizona heat is a condition that the South Boys have taken into consideration and have been preparing for.
“We got used to the heat by practicing later in the day,” senior outside linebacker Dylan Kuhl said.
The journey marks a significant moment for the team, as they aim to make a strong start to their season. The team had multiple fundraisers and great sponsors, to ensure that no players would be left behind due to financial constraints.
“It will be the first time in public school history that a football team will travel out of state with no one having to pay out of pocket,” Wisdom said.
Over 60 players will be attending this game. Though 60 players are around the average number of players for a home or away game, cuts were still made. The Basha Bears are ranked top 50 in the country, and South is bringing the best of the best.
“It was a long process that all our staff got involved in, the guys who worked hard, and showed commitment to our program, and those with talent were chosen,” Wisdom said. “At the end of the day, it wasn’t that hard of a decision for most.”
This will be a great opportunity for the team and will help them in the 2024 season. Going to Arizona will give a chance for many of South’s players to be seen by more prospects and boost Millard South’s football program. Hopefully, it will bring more prospects to Nebraska High School football teams.
“It’s a very good opportunity for the team,” Kuhl said. “It will put us on the board and put Nebraska football on the board.”
For South it is not just about playing a game: it’s about facing different opponents and experiencing a new and different environment. This trip promises not only a challenging game but an opportunity for the team to strengthen their bonds and create long-lasting memories together.
“I want the kids to have a good experience too,” Wisdom said. “I think that’s a big part of high school sports,” he said.
The Millard South football program worked with Basha’s staff to ensure this game would happen. The state allowed for South’s first game to be open and it worked with Basha’s schedule too, since their first game was open as well. Basha will be coming to Omaha, Nebraska to play the Patriots on their turf during the 2025 football season.
“They are coming here,” Wisdom said. “It’s a home-and-home game. That’s where we can really justify the cost of the trip, a two-year deal.”
The journey to the opening game is more than just a bus ride or a flight. It’s a testament to the team’s dedication, the community’s support, and the shared goal of achieving success. As the team prepares to take the field in a new state, they carry with them determination and will be more than ready to face whatever challenges come their way. Regardless of the outcome, this game promises to be an exciting start to the season.
