Published: September 05, 2008 12:24 am         

Old 8-man rivals face off in 11-man

Ron Sunderland has been part the Pioneer-Morrison rivalry as an assistant coach. Tonight, he’ll lead the Mustangs for the first time into a new era.

Sunderland begins his first game as Pioneer head coach, leading the Mustangs into 11-man football for the first time since 1987. Sunderland will see a long-time 8-man foe in Morrison, which also is making the switch this season.

“It’s kind of ironic,” Sunderland said. “Over the last 20 years, Pioneer and Morrison have kind of dominated in 8-man. Now we’re both trying to build programs in 11-man.”

Morrison has the most Class B state titles with 13 in the last 24 years. Pioneer is second with five during a six-year span between 1996-2001.

The two teams squared off in two state title games. The Mustangs won 63-14 in 2000 while Morrison claimed the crown with a 20-0 victory in 2005.

“(The players) have grown up hearing about the Pioneer-Morrison rivalry,” Sunderland said. “They’re looking forward to them.”

Hesston Hedges is one of a few Pioneer seniors who faced Morrison in the ’05 state championship game.

“There’s something about it,” said the Mustangs receiver-safety. “You just want to play your best and win.”

Johnny Long, another Pioneer senior who saw action in the game, said hosting Morrison in the season opener has fueled the Mustangs during the off-season.

“It makes us want to work harder,” said Long, who ran for nearly 1,000 yards last season.

The Mustangs have been relatively healthy thus far. But Claye Hammock, a freshman linebacker, is expected to be cleared to play Monday after suffering a concussion two weeks ago.

Tonight is also the first game for Sunderland, who hopes to lead Pioneer back to its glory days in 8-man. The Mustangs had a 2-8 record last year, their worst since 1990.

Pioneer returns nine starters. Sunderland said one of the keys will be the level of progress made by a young offensive line.

“We’re undersized in spots,” Sunderland said. “We’re making sure we get our blocking schemes down and get our assignments.”