The West Central Heat 8-man football team won the 2022 state championship, capping off a (13-0) run by beating the Amboy/LaMoille/Ohio co-op 44-36 on the April Zorn Memorial Stadium artificial turf. Amboy would bounce back to claim the 2023 state title on that same turf by duplicating what West Central had accomplished, an undefeated season. West Central, which had a plethora of talent graduate in the 2022 class, would slip to (3-6) and miss the postseason with a young ballclub in 2023. They’ve used that experience and are off to a (4-0) start this season, one win away from securing a playoff berth. Head coach Jason Kirby says he loves how this group has responded.
The Heat will play their final regular season road game on Friday night with a trip to the West Prairie/Southeastern co-op. A victory by West Central would give them the magic, 5th win and secure a playoff spot. The Heat, who have played all four of their games this season on the road, will finally celebrate their home opener in week 6 on October 4 as Bushnell-Prairie City comes to Biggsville.
For the full interview with Kirby, go to the SPORTS PODCAST section.