Interview with Wellington head football coach Jeremiah Meeks
Sumner Newscow report — Our weekly post-game interview after Wellington’s 41-34 victory over Circle last week. The Crusaders host Coffeyville this Friday at 7 p.m. in the second round of the playoffs.
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Sumner Newscow — Wow. Another cardiac-stopping win. Is this getting routine?
Jeremiah Meeks
Meeks — No it’s definitely not getting routine, but they are fun to win. It is still very stressful. At this time of year, winning is what matters.
SN — This was a much tougher out than a couple of weeks ago. What did Circle do this time around it didn’t do the first time around?
Meeks — They had their running back back from injury, which made a big difference. It’s hard to beat a team twice, especially within a couple of weeks. They are really athletic and very well-coached.
SN — Your defense had a little trouble stopping Circle in the second half. However, the defense held tough in the end. Your reaction?
Meeks — I’m incredibly proud of them, they made the stop of the year, and did a great job.
SN — Circle was first-and-10 at the 4, and the defense had not stopped them up to that point on that drive. You got two great tackles by your defenders on passing plays and then on a run. Was this the defensive stand of the year?
Meeks — Most definitely. The kids did a great job and made the plays they needed to make to win the game.
SN — During the timeout with 32 seconds left, what did you tell the defense and were you surprised with the play Circle called?
Meeks — Yes, I was surprised. We figured it was going to be a QB run with a read attached and were very surprised when they threw the ball.
SN — Offensively, you got on a roll and took a 26-7 lead. Then things slowed down. Did the Thunderbirds make an adjustment defensively that made you less successful?
Meeks — They brought some more pressure and we got a little complacent. We need to finish people when we get the chance.
SN — Who specifically had an outstanding game for Wellington Friday night?
Meeks — Too many to count. We could go through the whole list of kids who made plays and did a great job. It was a great team win.
SN — What do you know about Coffeyville, and what kind of game do you expect?
Meeks — They want to line up and pound the rock, slow the game down, they are big and athletic and very fast.
SN — You are 7-2 and in the final 16. What are your thoughts about where you are right now?
Meeks — This is where we want to be, and need to keep taking it one game at a time.
SN — Any injuries? Will we be getting Grady Norris back?
Meeks — Not sure on that yet.
