by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Wichita Collegiate, which is hosting Wellington this Friday in high school football, is a hard team to figure out. Two weeks ago the Spartans looked like world beaters against Buhler. But last week the Spartans basically laid an egg against Mulvane in a 35-7 loss.

Here’s the problem. Collegiate is 2-2 and has won every other week. Unfortunately, this is the week Collegiate is supposed to win.

Wellington has had little luck with Collegiate since the private school was allowed into the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League six years ago in either football or boys basketball. The Crusaders currently have a cumulative 0-6 record. It may be a safe bet that it could be 0-7 after Friday.

But there are two things going for Wellington. Those who watched the Crusaders last week saw a much improved performance. Also, the last time Wellington was in Collegiate, it nearly pulled off a win in 2015, 38-34.

Granted these are small hopes, but the difference between this week and last week is the Crusaders had no hope against Andale. This week they do.

But in order for Wellington to win, the Crusaders can’t give up the big play especially with the pass. The Spartans have the league’s top passing offense. In four games, the Spartans have accumulated 888 yards in the air for a 222 average. Subsequently, Collegiate is last in rushing at 465 yards.

As always, the Spartans will change things up with multiple sets. Cody McNerney is their starting quarterback and has thrown for 861 yards going 67 of 112 for a 59.82 percent success rate.

He has five targets to choose from including Jad Hourani who has caught 291 yards and five touchdowns. This isn’t good news for the Crusader defense. He is averaging 19.4 yards per catch.

Cooper Root is currently fifth in the league with 161 yards. Overall, Collegiate has three receivers in the AV-CTL DIV’s top seven and four in the top 11.

For Wellington, this year will continue to be a work in progress. The Crusaders are currently sixth of seven in total team offense with 1,036 yards for a 147.8 average, and dead last in team defense, allowing 1,439 yards for a 359.8 yard average.

If there is a sliver of hope, Wellington is currently second in total team passing defense. But, unfortunately, that has been negated by the team rushing defense with has been giving up 1,126 yards this season. For the Crusaders to rise, stopping the run is essential. But tomorrow night it is more about stopping the pass.

Wellington-Collegiate game at a glance:

Wellington (0-4) at Collegiate (2-2) Friday at 7 p.m.

Game note: Friday night when traveling to Wichita Collegiate, the best place for fans to park is in the Collegiate High School parking lot off of Webb Rd. If Crusader fans park on the 13th street side of campus it is a long walk for them to their side.  When they park in the High School lot there is a ticket booth on that side and a straight shot to the visitor side bleacher.

Follow the game: Internet: Live twitter blogs on this site, Sumner Newscow. Twitter: Follow us at Cueballnewscow. Radio: Adrian Young and Jamie Cornejo, play-by-play, KLEY, 1130-AM and 100.3-FM. Television: Sumner Cable TV, Channel 5 (audio). Photos and recaps: wellington.cc and Sumner Newscow.

Game night weather: Should be a gorgeous night to watch a football game.

Series history: Wellington has never beaten Wichita Collegiate on the gridiron.

Collegiate (0-6)

2010 – Wellington 32 Collegiate 54

2011 – Wellington 7 Collegiate 35

2012 – Wellington 6 Collegiate 41

2013 – Wellington 21 Collegiate 49.

2014- Wellington 34 Wichita Collegiate 38.

2015- Wellington 7 Collegiate 35

Game’s significance: The Crusaders continue to look for that elusive first win.

Injury situation: Connor Burnett should be back in the lineup after suffering a concussion last week. Coach Zane Aguilar said Austin Schoemann has yet to be cleared.

•••••

Competing schedules:

Wichita Collegiate:

Collegiate 41 Rose Hill 6

Hoisington 31 Collegiate 22

Collegiate 45 Buhler 21

Mulvane 35 Collegiate 7.

Roster:

Follow us on Facebook.

Follow us on Twitter.