Up a class, Solon keeps churning out wins

The philosophy never wavered when Solon's move to Class 3A was announced.Do what we do, Kevin Miller said. But do it better.The result was simply more of the same. Solon wrapped up the Class 3A District 6 championship Friday, defeating Grinnell, 17-10.“We weren't going to change our expectations when we moved up,” Miller said. “But we knew we had to tweak some things. To compete with teams that have more depth than us, we had to develop more depth. We don't have the luxury of two-platooning.“Physically, 3A football has been much more demanding. I mean this with no disrespect to the 2A teams we used to play, but now we're being forced to play a complete game.”

Solon (8-1 overall, 7-0 district) has been up to the challenge. Ironically, the Spartans' lone loss came in its only game against a non-3A foe. Iowa City Regina, top-rated in 2A, ended the Spartans' 42-game win streak, 21-15, in Week 2.“I believe that was a blessing in disguise,” Miller said. “We used it as a teaching tool. The kids took that loss personally, and they've come out with a different attitude since.”Winners of the last three 2A state championships, the Spartans open the 3A playoffs Wednesday at home against DeWitt Central. The Spartans beat the Sabers, 35-13, in Week 1.