Back in 1987, Bill Browning took over a beleaguered Springstead football program and turned it into a winner. Eventually, he made his way to Sunlake High School when that program started back in 2007, and he’s built it into a winner as well.
When those two teams met Oct. 2, the one Browning is currently leading came out on top.
The Seahawks defeated the Eagles, 38-20, to run their record to 6-0 on the season. And being a Class 6A-6 game, the win made Sunlake a perfect 2-0 in district play. It was also Sunlake’s first win against Springstead since 2011.
Browning was happy to get the win, and also to see some old friends on the road.
“Going back to Springstead (Oct. 2) I saw some people I haven’t seen in a long time, so it was really nice to talk to them,” he said. “It’s always good to see some of the people I worked with and coached.”
One of the people he coached is Springstead’s current head coach, Mike Garofano. And Browning also recognized some players’ names on the field. But, the Springstead athletes didn’t play for him. They weren’t even around when he was there.
“I coached their fathers,” Browning admitted. “Time marches on.”
Following their bye week, undefeated Sunlake will continue their schedule Oct. 16 with a home game against Pasco High School.
