 Crusaders nab All Nations Conference title, head to playoffsposted October 22, 2007 This year the football team has something to celebrate. With a season record so far of 7-1 and the All Nations Conference Title, they advance to the first round of the State 11B playoffs, which starts Tuesday, October 23 at 2:30 p.m. at Red Cloud. The Red Cloud Crusaders are led by Coach Keith Ferguson and Assistant Coaches Andy Gooder and Shawn Patton. Their roster consists of forty three very talented young men, which includes twelve Seniors, twelve Juniors, eleven Sophomores and eight freshmen. The team is also assisted by their team managers Kayla Red Bear, Audrey White, Rilda Means and Mike Zimiga. The season started out a little bumpy as the Crusaders took on Bennett Country for their season opener. The boys lost in a well fought battle. The ending score would be 19-6.
The third game of the season took place at St. Francis. The Crusaders’ scoring only took place in the first half of the game but it was enough for the Crusaders to bring home the win of 48 to 6. The Crusaders went on to their homecoming week as they prepared to take on the Eagle Butte Braves. Homecoming week consisted of various events to get the team pumped and ready for the Braves. A bonfire, pep-rally, parade and dance were held in honor of the football players. These events would prove to be very motivating as the homecoming game turned out to be a blow-out. Red Cloud beat Eagle Butte 52 to 6 putting a great ending to a very exciting week. Red Cloud would then travel to Hill City and later host Crow Creek for two consecutive wins with 58 to 8 against Hill City and 50 to 0 against Crow Creek. These games would then leave Red Cloud with their forth and fifth straight wins.
The last game of the season before play-offs took place last Thrusday as the Crusaders traveled to Todd County to bring home yet another win. Red Cloud score twelve points over the Falcons eight points thus earning them the title of All Nations Conference Champions. The Red Cloud Crusaders currently have a few great athletes with the promise of breaking records and setting standards. Billy Scott the teams’ Running Back was an Outstanding Rusher for the 2006 season with 1,206 yards. This year Billy has once again proved himself to his teammates as he leads the state 11B with 1,015 yards in 8 games for the 2007 football season. Andrew Twiss an Offensive Lineman/Line-Backer for the Crusaders is currently leading the state 11B with 83 tackles in 8 games for the 2007 football season. Art Vitalis, a Wide-Receiver and Safety, is the teams’ leader in interceptions as he leads his team with 5 interceptions. Art may also be looking at recognition state-wide as he continues to upset his opponents. Overall the season has been very successful thus far with seven straight wins and a record of 7-1. Coach Keith Ferguson says “It has been a great year. We’ve accomplished our goals by becoming the conference champions with 7 wins and 1 loss, and earning the right to host our first ever play-off game.” Special recognition has to go out to three outstanding parents who went above-and-beyond to keep the boys’ spirits alive through the good and bad times. For more headlines and the full Crusader Roster check out the football page here Join us in our mission of educating the mind and spirit of the Lakota people, now and for future generations. Please consider an online gift. |
 |
 |
|
|
||
|
|
||
The second game of the season was one that went down in history as the Crusaders ended a ten year losing streak against their age-old rivals the Pine Ridge Thorpes. The Crusaders beat Pine Ridge 46-0 due to the mercy rule in the forth quarter for the school’s first win over the Thorpes since 1997. It was a very exciting day for the players, parents and alumni alike.
The following game would turn out to also be another very exciting game for Red Cloud as it was their Senior/Parent Day. Before the game began, seniors were recognized by the announcer as they walked out onto the field and honored their parents with flowers. The parents were given hugs and handshakes for their participation in the teams’ winning season. After the ceremonies ended another celebration began as the Red Cloud Crusaders beat the Little Wound Mustangs 26-24. 
With their blue and white face paint, Red Cloud clothing, weird attachments, blow horns and loud cheers; Ken Franks (father of Senior, Ken Franks Jr. and Junior, Jacob Franks), Morgan Tibbitts (father of Junior, Cord Tibbitts) and Bob Pille ( an enthusiastic alum), show true Red Cloud pride. Ken, Morgan and Bob get the boys raring to go at every game with their “fire-it-up” and “GO Crusaders!” cheers. These parents not only recognized the team as they make points, they are sure to acknowledge the team for every first down that is made, every run that is accomplished and every tackle that is completed. Ken Franks when asked what he thought of the team and the season so far stated’ “I am very proud of the team. I enjoy watching them play. This is a good group of boys and a great team this year. I’m very glad to see all the fans that come and support the team.” Red Cloud is honored to have these three in their stands and for that we say “Thank You!” A big “Thank you” should go out to all the parents who cheer their students on, for Red Cloud appreciates having their support.