by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Wellington’s trip to Goddard was cause for celebration. A win over Concordia at Sellers Park this Friday could make Crusader fans absolutely giddy.

Trouble is, Concordia comes into the game the big enigma. Last week, Concordia was crushed 48-0 against Beloit, a Class 3A powerhouse that Conway Springs is very familiar with.

But like Tyler Ryan, Wellington head football coach, said in Crusader Club Monday, “I’m glad I’m not playing Beloit. Because Concordia will be good.” 

Crusader fans let’s not forget that a year ago Concordia lost to Beloit 50-8. Then Wellington went up north and was bullied 51-19. Wellington fans, who made the trip, will remember how Concordia manhandled the Crusaders physically more so than any other team except Andale.

In the end, Concordia ran for 417 yards and had 25 first downs against the Dukes.

But one could argue this is a different year. Wellington was also just in week two of a new coach and a new offense in three years of transition. The Crusaders had not quite yet formed an identity.

“I expect (Concordia coach Tim) Lambert to make adjustments this week,” Ryan said. “They will be a tough, tough football team.”

CONCORDIA AT WELLINGTON: 

Wellington (1-0), Concordia (0-1). Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Youth football night.

Follow the game: Twitter: Cueballnewscow. Radio: Adrian Young, play-by-play, KLEY-AM 1130. Television: Sumner Cable TV, Channel 5 (audio). Photos and recaps: Wellington.cc and Sumner Newscow.

Game night weather: Should be a little cooler than last week, hovering in the 70s. Perfect football weather.

The Topeka Capital-Journal computerized picks: Concordia.

Series history:

Concordia leads the series 2-0. The first time was in the Class 4A semifinals in 1999 which almost saw the Crusaders upset the eventual state champion and get to the finals. Last year’s contest was something Wellington most certainly would like to forget, losing 51-19.

What to expect from the opponent: A running game that will beat you up through the middle. Last year Concordia sent eight backs through the Crusader defensive line. One rusher had 153 yards and four others had 50-plus yards.

2013 season thus far: 

Wellington: 

Concordia: 

Sept. 6 – Beloit 48 Concordia 0.

Game’s significance: Wellington has a chance to go on a two-game winning streak – something that hasn’t been done since 2009. Just a warning, Wellington hasn’t had a good week 2 since beating Andover Central since 2009, 18-7.

Injury situation: Wellington running back Jaden Hines suffered a concussion from a P.E. class accident a week ago. He’s considered doubtful for this game.

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Other Sumner County games:

CANEY VALLEY AT CONWAY SPRINGS (CJ COMPUTER pick: Caney Valley)

Not very often you see Conway Springs considered an underdog, especially after the 62-0 nailing of Bluestem in week 1.

Still this is one of the most formidable opponents Conway Springs will see all season. The southeast Kansas school is a perennial playoff participant in 3A. The young Cardinals have still not played a game that will test their strength in the fourth quarter. This could be the game.

BELLE PLAINE AT WICHITA TRINITY (CJ COMPUTER pick: Wichita Trinity)

Belle Plaine’s gruesome 43-0 loss to Cheney may be followed with yet another huge loss on the road. Trinity – a Collegiate wannabe – beat Chaparral 55-28 in week one and was the team most likely to topple Garden Plain and Conway Springs from their perches.

ARGONIA/ATTICA AT CEDAR VALE/DEXTER (CJ COMPUTER pick: CD-Dexter)

In a battle of the hyphens. Both teams come from two school districts.

Argonia had a rough game to Udall losing 30-12. But the Eagles may be your SCBL champ before they are done.

Cedar Vale/Dexter beat Flinthills 30-6.

CALDWELL AT UDALL (CJ COMPUTER pick: Caldwell)

Caldwell was sensational in its first game against Central-Burden, winning 59-14. But so was Udall. This game could very well go along ways to picking the ultimate winner of the league.

Udall won the contest between these two a year ago 40-14.

NORWICH AT OXFORD (CJ COMPUTER pick: Norwich) There were some picks in the SCBL that made you want to go hmmm. The Oxford loss to Sunrise Academy was one of them. Norwich matching South Haven point for point for 3.5 quarters is another.

This game has all kinds of question marks going in on how good or how bad either team might be. We’ll know a lot more after Friday night. Oxford beat Norwich 46-0 last year. Don’t expect the same score this week.

SOUTH BARBER AT SOUTH HAVEN (CJ COMPUTER pick: South Barber) 

These two teams have been going at it for quite awhile whether in district play or in a non-league contest such as this.

South Haven beat South Barber 48-8. But the Cardinals were loaded in 2012. It is too early to figure out what kind of team the Cardinals will be, but it is probably safe to say that things will not come as easily for South Haven after last May’s graduation. The Cardinals beat Norwich 54-38, opening up the game late.