To Whom It May Concern:

This North Platte High School football team is good.

Junior Braiden Ruffin’s four touchdown performances against Fremont and Omaha Central cemented his status as an elite, Class A, dual-threat quarterback. Senior Trevon Weaver racked up four sacks against Kearney, and ran wild against Fremont.

The problem this team has is a lack of confidence when going into tough games. North Platte High has won fewer games in the last five years than Millard West won last season, so there is something to be said for realism. However, no upset has ever happened where a team has gone in thinking they’ll get pummelled. If you are going to walk on the field believing that you are going to get your pants handed to you, then why are you walking on the field at all? Come on players, let’s have some fire.

There are very few Bulldogs who would say, “It will be a tough one, but we have a special team, and if we do what we know we can, we’ll make it interesting.” Shoutout to seniors Noah Broman, Weaver, and Jayden Songster for always having that attitude. They have heart — real, legitimate heart. Millard could put up 100 points tonight, but those gentlemen will still be hitting, hustling, and doing their best to score 101.

The lack of confidence our team has doesn’t just come from within. There’s a lack of support coming from the fans too. Home field is supposed to be an advantage. North Platte is a soft atmosphere.

I’m on the field most weeks taking pictures. I hear you; or should I say I don’t hear you. Sure, you guys cheer sometimes, but on the plays that really matter, when the Dawgs have fourth-and-inches with the game on the line, or when they’re trying to come up with a goal line stand, Bauer Field could be confused with the North Platte Public Library. Show some pride. The guys are out there busting their tails for you.

Show up. Show the team that the community wants this team to knock off Millard West just as bad as the guys themselves want to beat them. Six o’clock at 1220 West Second Street, you all better come. The Bulldogs have the talent. Show them the support that they deserve. Get loud. Let’s shock the state and take down the Wildcats.

Sincerely,
Will Stone