BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
BUHLER — The Buhler Crusaders are familiar with Great Bend's Ohnmacht/Premer offensive/defensive connection.
Kansas State commit Cooper Ohnmacht delivered two momentum-swinging touchdowns. Alec Premer caught a 68-yard touchdown pass and sealed a 33-22 non-league victory over the Crusaders with a late-game interception.
Panther quarterback Maxson Smiley completed a clutch 11-yard scoring strike to Ohnmacht on 4th down in a driving rain shower for a 27-14 lead. Buhler's Landon Martinez's cut the Panther lead to 21-14 on a 3-yard score.
"You try and get your hands around the ball and secure the catch," Ohnmacht said. "You've got to concentrate on the ball and use your eye-to-hand coordination and haul it in. It really helps if you keep your gloves as dry as you can."
Great Bend's defense yielded 382 yards, but gained four takeaways, including fumble recoveries by Jaxon Wondra and Kale Kern.
Ohnmacht caught nine passes for 96 yards, kicked a trio of extra points and sprinted 53 yards with a dazzling interception return for a 33-14 lead.
"With one receiver out there, I knew I had to go to him," Ohnmacht said. "I'm playing off their quarterback. I'm watching where his eyes are pointing."
Smiley was brilliant with 21 of 30 passes for 255 yards, especially during a second-half when light rain turned into heavy showers.
"Mentally you're not concerned about the weather at all because it's something you can't really control," Smiley said. "You just play through it, and Buhler's playing in the same weather."
Smiley was proud of his offensive protection and the way his receivers caught the football.
"Our receivers are 'dogs' for sure," he said. "I know they'll do something with the football in their hands. My goal was to get it to my guys and allow them to do what they do best. It was a good night."
Receiver Jaxon Wondra was a 2-way standout with an early fumble recovery forced by his brother Gavin Wondra on Martinez. Jaxon Wondra capped the 65-yard opening drive with a 3-yard touchdown reception. His 1-handed 20-yard reception was legendary.
"Jaxon (Wondra) stepped up in a big way," Ohnmacht said. "He made huge blocks and great runs after his catches."
Great Bend football coach Erin Beck was pleased to start 4-0. A few penalties was Beck's lone concern.
"I'm proud of our guys to get that win," Beck said. "Our players handled the conditions really well. That shows a lot of maturity. Our quarterback Maxson (Smiley) is a calm, cool player. He loves the limelight and wants to make the plays. He played extremely well. So did all our receivers and our back-ups."
The elusive Martinez rushed for 204 yards on 22 carries. Quarterback Asher Zachary threw for 164 yards. Receiver Garrett Gleason torched the Panthers on 20- and 72-yard touchdown receptions.
Great Bend (4-0) 7 7 7 12 — 33
Buhler (2-2) 7 0 7 8 — 22
GB—Jaxon Wondra 3 pass from Smiley (Ohnmacht kick)
B—Gleason 20 pass from Asher Zachary (Wells kick)
GB—Premer 68 pass from Smiley (Ohnmacht kick)
GB—Alcala 9 run (kick blocked)
B—Martinez 3 run (Wells kick)
GB—Ohnmacht 11 pass from Smiley (Ohnmacht kick)
GB—Ohnmacht 53 interception return (pass fails)
B—Gleason 72 pass from A. Zachary (McConnaughy pass from A. Zachary)
RUSHING—GB 31-71; Alcala 18-51; Smiley 8-14; Ohnmacht 2-13; Suppes 1-2; team 2-(-9); B—33-218; Martinez 22-204; McConnaughy 1-10; Rumbaugh 3-8; Gleason 1-1; A. Zachary 5-(-3); team 1-(-2)
PASSING—GB—Smiley 21-30-0, 255; B—A. Zachary 11-28-2, 164
RECEIVING—GB—Ohnmacht 9-96; Premer 4-78; J. Wondra 6-68; Prilling 1-8; Brown 1-5; B—Gleason 3-122; Hays 2-16; McConnaughy 1-13; Brinar 1-10; Martinez 4-3
