Who Imagined . . .
Football Success . . . 2012 Meridian Football History
0-18 is something that is now the past. 6-3, and second round of state playoffs is something that shows hard work and determination. Coming into the season, Meridian was picked dead last in their district. The Mustangs against all odds finished second in district play. Meridian opened its season with wins against Nebraska Lutheran and McCool Junction. The following week they headed to Johnson-Brock and suffered their first loss of the season. The next week Exeter-Milligan came to Meridian and the Mustangs suffered another loss, bringing them to 2-2.
After two straight losses, Meridian was hungry for another win, and it was homecoming. Dorchester was the victim of Meridian's third victory. The next two games were on the road at Pawnee City and Deshler. Both games were a success while Meridian added two more W's to the win column. Now at 5-2, Meridian was guaranteed a birth into the State Football Playoffs. The final game of the season was a home game against state rated Freeman. Freeman left the field with a victory and the regular season was over for the Mustangs at 5-3.
Usually the Mustangs would be handing in their pads the following week, but the season wasn't over just yet. Meridian earned an 8 seed, and would travel to Mead for their first playoff game in 4 years. The catch was, that Meridian had never won a playoff game in school history. After a shootout, the Mustangs came away with their first playoff victory, and history was made. The second round wasn't quite as successful for the Mustangs as undefeated Howells came to Meridian, for the first ever home playoff game at Meridian. Howells moved on, but the season was one for the memory books. From the first win in 18 games to second-round of playoffs was nothing to be ashamed of. Meridian finished the 2012 season at 6-4, and couldn't be happier.
Written by Kyle Rohr, Class of 2011
