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The Golden Plains Bulldogs, led by head coach Travis Smith, are on a magical run through the six-man high school football playoffs, with their latest test being a state semifinal matchup against Weskan this Friday. Coach Smith joined The Morning Blitz to share his thoughts on the team’s remarkable season, their preparation, and the players who’ve made it all possible.
Excitement in Rexford
“It’s playoff football in November, and there’s nothing better than that,” Coach Smith said. “Our boys are so excited to be playing, and our community is right there with them. One more day of prep, and we’re ready to go tomorrow.”
The Bulldogs’ journey hasn’t been without challenges. Early in the season, Smith wasn’t entirely sure how far the team could go. But by Week 2, after a strong showing against a tough Ingalls team, Smith sent a telling text to a couple of friends: “We are pretty good.” That confidence has only grown as the Bulldogs have stormed through their schedule.
The Dynamic Duo: Wark and Rath
One of the driving forces behind Golden Plains’ success has been the incredible performances of quarterback Dylan Wark and multi-talented Josh Rath. Wark has been sensational with 37 touchdowns and six interceptions, while Rath has added 14 touchdown passes and excelled in other roles.
“Josh Rath is the most improved player I’ve ever coached in my 25 years here,” said Smith. “If you told me during his freshman year he’d be the player he is today, I’d have called you a liar. He’s matured so much and become a leader on both sides of the ball.”
Wark, a two-time state placer in track, has brought his athleticism to the gridiron. “He’s fast, athletic, shifty—and the difference-maker in our game Friday night with three interceptions,” Smith noted.
Contributions Across the Board
While Wark and Rath have grabbed headlines, Smith emphasized the importance of his senior class and supporting cast.
“I’ve got five seniors who’ve been instrumental,” Smith shared. “Miguel Garcia, Wyatt Amlong, Owen Patman, and Abe Taylor, along with Diego Perez, who’s been a starter since his freshman year. Perez is our old-school fullback—strong, physical, and tough to stop.”
Another unsung hero has been kicker Jose Mendoza. “In six-man football, kickoffs can be a nightmare to cover. But Jose puts it in the end zone almost every time. That’s a huge advantage.”
A Team Built on Defense
Defense has been a revelation for the Bulldogs this year, an aspect of their game that Coach Smith takes particular pride in.
“Our kids have bought into defense in a way I never would’ve expected,” he said. “They’ve become hard-nosed, physical, and they just love to hit. That Pawnee Heights game in regionals, in the rain and cold, was our first shutout of the season. Watching them pin their ears back and get after it was awesome.”
In six-man football, keeping teams under double digits is rare, but the Bulldogs have done it multiple times this year.
Friday’s Test Against Weskan
The semifinal matchup against Weskan is no ordinary game. Weskan, coached by six-man football legend Brett Clow, will present a dynamic offense that Golden Plains must handle.
“Brett is the best coach in six-man football, hands down,” Smith admitted. “Each week, it feels like we’re preparing for a completely different offense. It’s going to be about staying patient, not getting caught up in all the window dressing, and playing our game.”
Golden Plains has the additional challenge of playing their first road game of the playoffs in Weskan, a notoriously tough atmosphere.
“Our boys love playing at home, but they’ve mentioned how much they enjoy the camaraderie of road trips,” Smith said. “We didn’t start well the last time we played Weskan, but we’ve worked on being focused from the first whistle this time.”
Northwest Kansas Represented
With two of the state’s smallest schools battling it out for a chance to represent the western side in the six-man state championship, this game is special for northwest Kansas football.
“It’s pretty awesome,” Smith said. “Whoever wins this game is going to have their hands full with Cunningham, but I’m proud of our boys for making it this far. We’re going to pin our ears back tomorrow and get after it.”
Win or lose, the Golden Plains Bulldogs have already had a season to remember. Their success has united their community, and their determination promises an exciting semifinal game this Friday night.
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