Ravens hope 2010 represents turning point to respectability

Tod Palmer
Olathe Daily News

Every new program has milestones it wants to check off. Finishing above .500, making the playoffs and notching a postseason victory are among the first goals for any squad.

Olathe Northwest has been competing in the varsity football ranks since 2004, but only has accomplished one of those markers.

The Ravens reached the Kansas 6A state playoffs for the second time in school history last season, but a winning record and a playoff win have remained elusive.

Heck, consecutive playoff berths haven’t happened yet, but that could be changing.

“I’m quietly optimistic and our kids certainly feel like this could be a turning point for the program,” ONW coach Todd Dain. “We’re finally starting to see some growth throughout the school and we’re filling out our sub-varsity teams, so we’re at the door and now we’ve just got to kick it open. The biggest thing for us is that last year was the first year since we opened that we did not have a sophomore play varsity.”

It’s an unmistakable sign of progress.

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