Back to their old tricks

Just like any other year, the Dickinson Trinity football team is relying on its running game to pave the way to wins.

The difference this season, however, is that the Titans are finally in the place they want to be. It couldn't have come at a better time either.

With injuries in the rear-view mirror, Trinity - the fourth seed out of the West Region - has all of its running backs in place heading into Saturday's Class AA quarterfinal playoff game at Fargo Oak Grove-Park Christian, the East Region's top seed.

"At the halfback position, we've been getting banged up, so it's nice to get those guys back to full health," said Trinity senior halfback Kyle Kudrna.

Both Kudrna and sophomore Robbie Morey endured stretches on the sideline this season with injuries.

Along with junior fullback Kaden Ficek, senior halfback Scott Poswilko and backups Tommy Peters, Ethan Krebs, Jade Krebs, Kohl Koppinger, Matt Klug and Klark Rummel, the Titans (5-4) have rolled up 1,731 rushing yards this season.

Trinity head coach Randy Gordon believes having a stable of capable - and healthy - running backs could equal postseason success.

"I think they complement each other so much," Gordon said. "There's certain plays or formations that each one of them will do better at."

While Ficek and Peters run up the gut, Kudrna, Morey and Poswilko are speedy backs who can go up the middle and cut to the outside. Jade Krebs and Koppinger have both shown good speed in backup action late this season.

"We've been doing a lot of rotations in practice," Ficek said. "We want to keep our legs fresh when it comes down to the fourth quarter so we have a fresh running game because that's what we've been kind of relying on all season."

Kudrna, who hurt his ankle in the season opener against Devils Lake, missed three games before returning against Beulah. Overall, he has since rushed for 125 yards and four touchdowns.

"It feels good to be back, it's hard missing some games your senior year," Kudrna said. "That's how things go and you've got to make the best of it."

Morey, meanwhile, has missed the past three games and has not played in October. He made the transition from receiver to running back when Kudrna was injured.

Even though he has missed some time, Morey still leads the Titans with 73 carries for 425 yards and five touchdowns.

"He definitely put a whole new light to our offense," Gordon said.

Ficek, who has rushed for 313 yards and three touchdowns, points to improvement up front as a catapult for the rushing game's success.

"Our linemen have been stepping up," Ficek said. "They've been making real good blocks lately. They've been getting rolling as a unit."