The 6-man state championship game will be broadcast on News Channel Nebraska TV. Kickoff is at 7:00 CT on Friday.

SUMNER, Neb. — The Sumner-Eddyville-Miller football team sets the tone early in practice.

The first drills include popping pads and getting smacked by blocking dummies. It’s helped the Mustangs become one of the most physical teams in six-man football.

“That’s something we started last year right away," Coach Shane Hrasky said. "If we’re going to play this way, we gotta practice this way. Right away, we start hitting right away, because that’s how we want to play on Fridays.”

“Our practice is probably one of the most physical practices, I’d say," running back Maddox Jones said. "We’re always hitting. We do full pads two times a week and we’re tackling on both days. I think it helps us a lot.”

The team’s identity fits with its style change. In last year’s run to the state semis, SEM was a spread passing team. This season, coach Shane Hrasky opted for the I-formation and it’s brought the Mustangs to the state title game.

“You can tell that everyone is bought into it now," Hrasky said. "It takes all six guys to run the ball, even the quarterback’s gotta throw blocks.”

SEM is averaging more than 230 rushing yards per game and running back Maddox Jones has compiled over 1,500 yards. He’s quick to pass the credit on to his offensive line.

“They just want it more than the other teams, I guess is what I’d say," Jones said. "They’re always putting in 110% effort and they just work their tails off to beat the guy across from them.”

The Mustangs boast a couple of 220-pound linemen. Senior Jace Rosentreader doesn’t have the same size but brings the same intensity.

“On the line, I’m the small guy, I guess," Rosentreader said. "I only weigh 140, 150. I block as hard as I can. Those guys can push, but I don’t let them get by me.”

It’s no surprise to hear the Mustangs’ answer when asked for the key to beating Hay Springs and claiming the program’s first state championship.

“Physicality. It’s whoever’s going to be the toughest team. Strongest, basically, the one that wants to win the most,” Rosentreader said.