The Class 1A State Championship game is locked and ready to go in Hutchinson on Friday afternoon beginning at 1 PM.

It’ll be the (12-0) Sterling Black Bears and the (11-1) Rossville Bulldogs.

Sterling is making their first appearance in the championship game since 1982. They won the 2A title that season, which is their lone title in school history.

Rossville has been a powerhouse under head coach Derrick Hammes who’s in his 13^th season at the helm. The Dawgs have won five state titles since 2014. They won three straight 3A titles from 2014-2016, and then they won back-to-back 2A titles in 2020 & 2021.

Hammes has compiled a 125-29 career record in his 13 seasons leading Rossville.

The Black Bears are coached by Brent Schneider who’s in his seventh season. He’s put together an impressive turnaround as they won just 11 games in his first four seasons. They put together back-to-back 6-4 seasons in 2023 & 2024 making the regional round, and now they’re undefeated this season and on the verge of a championship.

Rossville’s only loss this season was against Nemaha Central in week three which gives them nine straight wins heading into the title game. Sterling is looking for the perfect season as they’ve outscored their opponents 553-219. Rossville has outscored their opponents this season 526-221.

Sterling is averaging 355 rushing yards and 46 points per game led by senior running back Zane Farney. Farney has rushed for over 2,000 yards this season with 39 touchdowns. He’s over 6,400 rushing yards with 87 touchdowns for his career. Senior running back Wyatt Newberry has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season averaging 14 yards per carry with 14 touchdowns.

Rossville is averaging over 380 total yards and 44 points per game this season with the bulk of the yardage on the ground. Senior quarterback Canann Mitchell has led the way for the Dawgs offense with over 1,500 passing and 1,000 rushing yards with 36 total touchdowns. Conner Bush has over 600 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while Cameron Miller has over 520 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Sterling’s defense is giving up 18 points per game and is led by sophomore linebacker Jacob Lewis who leads Class 1A in tackles with over 150 while also adding 15 tackles for loss, five fumble recoveries, and three sacks.

Rossville has given up 18 points per game but just 13 points per game since week four. Linebacker Andre Johnson leads the team with 119 tackles, cornerback Cameron Miller leads the team with four interceptions, and Charlie Chance leads the team with 14.5 tackles for loss.

Catch the Class 1A State Championship game between Rossville and Sterling live on 96.9 The Pulse with pregame beginning at 12:15 PM and the kickoff at 1:00 PM.