Battle Of The Best: Coaches Wanted A Challenge

Stanton football coach Dave Stoddard embraces Chip Bartos, Central Valley coach, following Stanton’s 40-28 win over the Cougars on Friday night. Stanton is undefeated and No. 1 in Class D1 while Central Valley came into the game also perfect and ranked No. 2 in Class D2. (Photo by Carrie Pitzer)

---

​As Dave Stoddard and Chip Bartos stood on opposite sides of the field Friday night, they were opponents.

But as they hugged after Stanton won the 40-28 battle, their friendship was evident.

“I have a lot of respect for him,” Central Valley coach Chip Bartos said about Stoddard. “We talk a lot as eight-man coaches. That’s how this game came to be.”

It was Stoddard who first approached Bartos about a possible matchup. When Bartos received the email from Stanton’s head coach, he wasn’t immediately sold on playing the Class D1 defending state champion.

“What did we have to lose? What did Stanton have to lose?” Bartos asked. “Stanton was bringing everyone back, so this became a fun game against someone they wouldn’t see the rest of the year — but someone who would challenge them. I got peer pressure from a couple buddies, so here we are.”

Both coaches said the desire to play one another was mutual, especially after Stoddard discovered Class D2 teams didn’t want to play Central Valley. Central Valley actually put West Holt their top priority opponent and Stanton as No. 2. 

The Cougars ended up playing both teams this season and going 1-1 against them.

As the game became closer, all eyes seemed to be on the two teams. Stanton was ranked No. 1 in Class D1 and Central Valley was No. 1 or No. 2, depending on the poll. Stanton was trailing heading into the final quarter in Wolbach. But the Mustangs scored 16 unanswered points to secure the win and stay undefeated. 

“This is a team where you can see why they’re No. 1, No. 2 in D2,” Stoddard said. “This is why we put them on the schedule. We knew it would be a dogfight.”

The two coaches laughed as they embraced. While Stanton may have won the game, Bartos said Central Valley may have won more — points just for playing up and a chance to test his team without having the loss really affect them. After all, they didn’t slip in most polls and remain second behind Sandhills Thedford.

“That’s the best part of this. That’s what I wanted out of this game,” Bartos said. “I wanted to know where we were weak and how to improve.”
Stoddard admitted it was a dangerous game, but it was also a game he wanted for his players. As the Mustangs met in the middle of the Cougar field after the game, he told his players it would be a battle to defend their title. 

“This was a battle, and it’s going to be every game,” he said. “This was a great team, and we are going to see more great teams.”
Bartos previously coached at Wausa and has made a name for himself at Central Valley, which has a reputation for strong football from the days of Greeley and Greeley/Wolbach. 

“With what Chip is doing, they’re really well coached,” Stoddard said. “They are really physical team, and he’s doing some great things at Central Valley.”

Bartos was a bit taken back by Stoddard’s compliment. 

“I appreciate that he has respect for me because I haven’t done anything yet, and he’s a very successful coach. He deserves all the credit. He has a great team — him and his assistants,” Bartos said, giving compliments back to Stoddard. “I’ve taken a lot of things from him, like how he runs his program. The leadership stuff he does and giving ownership to the kids,” Bartos said. “What he’s done with the Stanton program to continue building the foundation is incredible. They are a powerhouse year after year, and it’s something special.”

​The teams won’t see each other again for an entire year. Since the NSAA released two-year schedules, the teams will meet again in 2025. Next time, they’ll play in Stanton.