8-MAN: CAM can’t hang with superior Spartans’ squad

No. 1 ranked Exira-EHK throttles CAM 65-0, will face Coon Rapids-Bayard Monday

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 30, 2013

EXIRA – This year’s Exira-EHK team has made a habit of rising to the occasion in big games. So, why would anyone expect Wednesday night’s playoff opener be any different?

The No. 1-ranked Spartans put on a clinic against Cumberland-Anita-Massena, needing just seven offensive plays to jump out to a three-touchdown lead, then keeping the collective foot on the accelerator en route to a 65-0 victory over the Cougars.

As a steady mist fell continuously on the field at The Top of the Hill, there was never any doubt about who the better team was Wednesday.

“This is the best team I’ve seen since I’ve been in the 8-Man game,” CAM head coach Joe Wollum said afterwards of Exira-EHK. “They are a lot better than any other team we’ve seen this year. We’ve seen some good teams, and this is the best I’ve seen.”

Spartans’ junior quarterback Drew Peppers accounted for six touchdowns (five on the ground and one through the air) to help lead Exira-EHK onward through the lopsided victory.

The running clock kicked in less than two minutes into the second quarter, but the Spartans still put up 65 points, the third highest total they’ve scored this season and three points shy of their most productive output of 2013.

At the line of scrimmage, Exira-EHK’s offensive line bullied CAM, and opened running lanes wide enough to drive a truck through.

Afterwards, Exira-EHK head coach Tom Petersen heaped praise on the O-line’s performance.

“The offensive line rose to the occasion once again,” he said. “They continue to get better week-to-week. The communication was good, and this is the best we’ve played all year. It all starts with the guys up front.”

In the first half, when all the starters were still in the game on both sides, the Spartans out-produced CAM 411 yards of total offense to the Cougars’ 83. Drew Peppers had five carries for 169 yards and four rushing TDs in the opening half, and Trey Sander touched the ball half a dozen times for 113 yards and one touchdown.

Peppers was able to make the most of open gaps to spring it up field, while Sander again seemed more content knocking down would-be tacklers as he carried the ball for large gains.

On this night, Exira-EHK was clearly the more physical team, and nobody played more physical than Sander.

“Trey, I don’t know how he does it,” coach Petersen says. “He’s got four or five (tacklers) on him, and he just keeps going. But I don’t have to tackle him, so I’m OK with that.”

Exira-EHK led 27-0 after one quarter and 51-0 at the half. For good measure, the Spartans needed just two plays in the second half to score again, this time on a 30-yard run from Drew Peppers, and the rout was long since on.

“That’s a very good team, there is a reason they are ranked No. 1 in the state,” coach Wollum says. “Give them all the credit in the world, they did a great job.”

Exira-EHK took the first step towards returning to the UNI-Dome after reaching the state semifinals a year ago. Up next for the Spartans is a rematch with Coon Rapids-Bayard, whom fell hard to Exira-EHK 49-12 during their district meeting in Week 6.

The Crusaders got past Fremont-Mills in overtime Wednesday night in Tabor 32-24.

Coach Petersen says the team will celebrate this one for a night, then it’s back to work.

“All the way through, I was very pleased with the way the kids played,” coach Petersen says. “The kids are jelling, and this is what I expect from our guys…it’s time to move forward. Tomorrow, it’s time to get ready for (CRB).”

#iahsfb   #exira-ehk

Backs against the wall, Griswold rallies to eliminate Essex in five

Tigers fight out of 0-2 hole to knock off Essex, will face No. 6 ranked Stanton next

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 30, 2013

GRISWOLD – There is no clock in volleyball, and every point needs to be earned.

Griswold proved that Tuesday night with a wild five-set victory over visiting Essex in which the Tigers fought back from an 0-2 deficit and forced the match into going the distance.

Once things were leveled and the pivotal fifth game arrived, the momentum rest clearly on the Tigers’ side, and they seized upon it. Griswold raced onward to 15 points ahead of floundering Essex, taking the match and moving into the third round of the playoffs.

Griswold took the match 24-26, 18-25, 25-14, 25-16 and 15-12.

“We started out just a little out of sync,” Griswold coach Jody Rossell says. “But volleyball is such a game of momentum, and once we got it there in the third set, we kept it rolling.”

A seesaw opening set went long, and in the second set, Griswold fell behind further with hitting errors and a floor demeanor that was not up to par.

But in the third set with their backs against the wall, the Tigers began chopping wood. Griswold raced out to a 9-2 lead and comfortably won the set 25-17.

Set four went much the same way, with Griswold leading 9-1, then 14-2 before finishing off the Trojanettes 25-17 again. 

“I felt like we started attacking better, especially attacking their weaknesses,” coach Rossell says. “It’s amazing how getting two or three or four points in a row can really turn the momentum in a game, and that really worked in our favor late in this match.”

From the service line, Candace Howell led the team with six aces, and Marlia Rossell added five. Sophomore Reagan Whitehill added four serving aces, and three of them came in a row at a crucial time in the fifth set to give the Tigers the advantage for good.

At the net, Howell finished with a season-high 18 kills. Defensively, Morgan Godwin finished with 13 digs and Rossell chipped in 11. Rossell also led the tam with 16 assists, and Kayla Kirchhoff added 14 for the Tigers.

With the victory, Griswold improves its record to 11-14 on the season, and the Tigers advance along the tournament trail towards Friday’s Region 3 semifinal at Stanton. The No. 6-ranked Viqueens swept Bedford rather convincingly Tuesday night, and the Tigers know they will have their hands full in the next round.

“We’ve been trying not to look too far ahead to Stanton, but all the time knowing that that is who we hope to get to,” coach Rossell says. “We know that Stanton is a great team that has had a great season, and we need to play our best ball. But, if we do, then I think they are completely beatable…if we play our best game. We are looking forward to it.”

#iahsvb    #griswoldtigers

No. 1-ranked Spartans eager to take first step, sights set on CAM

No. 1-ranked Spartans ready to make another run at the UNI-Dome

By Drew Herron- NT Sports Editor / Oct. 30, 2013

EXIRA – Last week’s bye allowed most of the Spartans and the coaching staff an opportunity to scout first-hand the opposition for Wednesday night’s playoff opener.

What they saw from the CAM Cougars last Friday night in Anita was a team equally capable of running the ball and throwing it. And in 8-Man Football, that’s a rare amenity that can cause opposing defenses fits.

That balance is cause for concern, says Exira-EHK head coach Tom Petersen. 

“The one thing that stands out about CAM is they are not one-dimensional,” he says. “They’re able to pass the ball and run it very efficiently. And they give you a ton of different looks with multiple formations, so our kids have to be well prepared and ready to go.”

Exira-EHK rolls into the postseason riding a wave of confidence. The top-ranked team in the state, the Spartans have yet to be truly tested for four quarters, and EEHK has impressive wins over Glidden-Ralston, Coon Rapids-Bayard and Southwest Valley on its resume.

Averaging close to 52 points per week while allowing 12, the Spartans have played almost flawlessly en amassing their 8-0 record.

The Spartans now are healthy with everyone back, and that has allowed the team to get everything rolling once again in terms of its offense and defensive schematics. 

Junior quarterback Drew Peppers enters Wednesday with 1,360 yards rushing and 27 TDs on the ground, with another 508 yards passing and nine TDs with his arm.

Moreover, senior Trey Sander has been a force on all sides of the ball, averaging 10.1 yards-per-carry on offense and 51 tackles on defense. On special teams, he’s returned four punts for touchdowns.

Wednesday’s weather forecast is predicting wet conditions, and which team that affects more remains to be seen. Coach Petersen says limiting turnovers is a point of emphasis every week, so this is no different.

“It’s going to be the same for both sides, and that’s something you can’t control,” coach Petersen says. “At this time of the year, perhaps the main focus is that you make sure you take care of the football…and so, you just have to focus a little harder when it’s wet.”

CAM comes into Wednesday’s game with a 4-5 record and the No. 4 seed in District 8 after losing last week’s season finale to Sidney.

One thing the Cougars haven’t lacked this season is offensive production, having averaged 45 points per week. It’s going to take more than just showing up, says coach Petersen, to contain what CAM brings.

“Against an offense that is averaging that many points, we need to rely on assignment football, and our kids need to make sure they communicate extremely well.”

Exira-EHK reached the state semifinals last season, and has grand ambitions of returning to the UNI-Dome to see if they can’t push things a step farther. The goals for this team are great, but coach Petersen says this Spartans group is focused on taking one assignment at a time.

“This is the beginning, this is the second season,” he says. “It doesn’t matter any more what your record was. If you have a four seed or a one seed, it doesn’t matter, because if you don’t come ready to play, and you turn the football over, it can come back to haunt you. The kids understand that, we’ve been here before. It’s the playoffs, you come ready to go, or you go home.”

#iahsfb   #exira-ehk

CAM working to find a way to slow down potent Spartan offense

No. 4-seed Cougars face uphill battle against unbeaten Exira-EHK

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 30, 2013

ANITA – The Cougars have heard all season long what Exira-EHK is all about.

The No. 1-ranked team in 8-Man Football casts a giant shadow over most of southwest Iowa, as well as on every school residing in the Rolling Valley Conference.

Now, as Cumberland-Anita-Massena opens up its playoff run for 2013, they will do so against Exira-EHK in all its glory.

Separated by perhaps 15 miles around the meeting points of Cass, Audubon and Shelby Counties, there is a familiarity between the two teams in this matchup unique to any other pairing across the state Wednesday night.

It’s that kind of acquaintanceship that CAM is counting on as it attempts to slay the giant.

“This is kind of a special situation with us being as close as we are, and being conference rivals,” CAM head coach Joe Wollum said this week.

“It’s a little different than most other matchups, and our kids are very excited for this challenge. They hear it all the time, how good Exira-EHK is, they read the papers, and this is a huge task for our guys. I feel like we are focused and dialed in.”

To say Exira-EHK is the favorite would be an understatement. The Spartans have been truly dominant in all eight of their victories this season, getting it done with offense, defense, and special teams.

Only once have the Spartans scored less than 40 points this season, and four of their eight opponents completely failed to score on Exira-EHK’s first team defense.

Facing three quality backs in Drew Peppers, Trey Sander and Nick Peppers, CAM’s defense is going to have its hands full.

“They certainly have an explosive offense,” coach Wollum says of Exira-EHK. “If they have a weakness, it’s the offensive line, but they more than make up for it with the way those three guys run the ball. You can put a good lick on them, and they don’t go down.”

CAM, of course, is not without its offensive means.

The defense at times has been a sore spot for the Cougars, but rarely has the offense let them down. CAM is averaging 45 points per game, and sports a balanced offensive attack the likes of which could be totally new to the Spartans.

CAM junior quarterback Trace Ticknor has thrown for 1,682 yards this season by completing 46 percent of his attempts (91-of-197), and he’s ran for another 674 yards and 17 TDs on the ground.

Moreover, the Cougars have senior tailback Dylan Amdor to throw to and hand the ball off to, and Brady Runyan and Michael Holste have also emerged as viable options to move the ball.

CAM is hoping to keep it balanced just enough to slow down the high-flying Spartans. After all, the Cougars’ playoff lives might be dependent upon it.

“If they have a fault on defense, it’s how aggressive they are,” coach Wollum says of Exira-EHK. “They really jump up and help on the run. And if we can establish the run, then we can work the play action (pass), and hit them over the top for some big plays. That (balance) is very important for us.”

The weather is also expected to play a role in Wednesday’s game. Turnovers have hit CAM harder this season than Exira-EHK, but coach Wollum says if the Cougars find themselves on the right side of that ratio, then it opens things up quite a bit.

“If it’s raining, that might hurt us a little more because we do like to throw the ball more than they do,” he says. “But a sloppy game might benefit us in the long run, especially if we can take advantage of some turnovers. (Exira-EHK) hasn’t really made many turnovers this year, but hopefully that’s something we can create.”

The margin for error is slim, but CAM will be ready for the challenge. It’s all laid out for them.

“We need to play perfect,” coach Wollum says. “We can’t turn the ball over. We need to sustain long drives and finish them. And we need to find a way to keep them out of the end zone, whether that is through punts or turnovers, of if we just get lucky. Whatever it takes.”

#iahsfb    #camcougars

Griswold’s golden girls headed back to Fort Dodge to defend their crown

Rebekah Topham wins individually, Tigers win as a team to qualify again for State Meet in Fort Dodge

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 29, 2013

TREYNOR – This time of year, the Griswold girls’ cross-country team just makes it look easy.

The Tigers finished first collectively at last Thursday’s Class 1A State Qualifying Meet in Treynor, tallying 81 points to finish well ahead of second place St. Albert (121) and third place Exira-EHK (143).

A total of 134 runners and 17 full squads schools competed at Treynor, one of five different Class 1A State Qualifying Meets last week that whittled down next Saturday’s field for the State Meet in Fort Dodge.

Griswold is the defending Class 1A Champion, and appears to be on the short list again this year of who is who.

Rebekah Topham easily finished first individually Thursday as the junior from Griswold clocked in at 14:56.3, well over a minute faster than the rest of next pack.

Fellow junior Alyx Flippin finished No. 13 overall with a time of 17:11.1 and Leah Lappe finished No. 15 at 17:16.4 as three Tigers finished in the top 15 in the large field.

Topham was held out of the Western Iowa Conference Meet one week previously (Oct. 17), and the Missouri Valley Invite two days later. Coach Griswold XC coach Jane Chaillie says keeping Topham fresh is more important than another WIC title for her at this point as the two-time state 1A champ works her way past a nagging foot injury.

On Thursday, she was back in top form, gliding along the course at Treynor to rack up another individual victory.

“She makes running look so easy,” coach Chaillie says. “No matter how she feels physically, it’s just phenomenal how she runs, and today was another one of those days.”

Aside from Flippin and Lappe, the entire roster of Tiger runners finished strong and inside the top third of the field.

Alyssa Wyman finished No. 30 overall (17:53.2), followed by Bridget Maurer (No. 34 – 18:18), Joanna Topham (No. 38 – 18:26.8), Kayla Kirchhoff (No. 45 – 18:37.6).

“We felt coming in that we would have to position our top seven ahead of everyone else’s top five (runners),” coach Chaillie says. “That continued to happen.”

The depth the squad has no doubt drives it forward as internal competition remains an important component for the Griswold. Apparently, so does the legacy the Tigers have built as they’ve established themselves as a running dynasty that rules Southwest Iowa.

More than a couple of runners from year’s past were on hand Thursday, cheering on the blue.

“One of the best things about today was all the messages the girls were getting from runners who have graduated and been through this program before,” coach Chaillie says. “Having many (alumni) our here lining the course, I think that really motivates them. That tradition that has started, they don’t want that to end with them.”

No. 3-ranked Carroll Kuemper overwhelms Atlantic in straight sets

Kuemper advances to face Greene County in second round

By Drew Herron- NT Sports Editor / Oct. 29, 2013

CARROLL – It took a little bit more than a set, but once Carroll Kuemper’s offense started to warm up, it proved awfully tough to stop.

The Knights knocked off Atlantic Monday night in opening-round playoff action, sweeping the Trojans in straight sets.

Kuemper took the match 25-14, 25-15 and 25-2.

Afterwards, Atlantic coach Bonnie Clinch couldn’t do much but tip her hat to the Knights, who improve to 24-4 on the season, and advance into a second round meeting Thursday night against Greene County.

“Kuemper is a very good team, I have to hand it to them, they played well,” coach Clinch says. “But in seeing where our girls started the season to where they are now, I couldn’t ask for more, they did great.”

Atlantic played scrappy out of the gates, matching Kuemper’s intensity early on before the momentum began to swell away from them.

A total of 42 of the 75 points Kuemper scored were off kills and the Knights were led individually by senior Claire Ludwig, who converted 17-of-28 attempts on the night. Three other hitters finished with six or more kills as Kuemper came at the Trojans from all across the front line.

You know it’s coming, but stopping it is a horse of another color.

“There is not much you can do, there were a couple of times that they hit right over the top of our blocks,” coach Clinch says. “I just told the girls, ‘well, that was a great hit, move on and get the next one.’ Our middle hitters got a lot of hands up on their hits, and it helped slow it down. Our front row did everything they could, but sometimes, you just can’t stop a team like that.”

Aside from the blistering offensive at the net, Kuemper served effectively as well, hitting 72 of 74 attempts (a percentage of .973) with eight serving aces.

After taking a two sets to none lead, the Knights started Game 3 with a 6-0 start, then after the Trojans scored the next two points, Kuemper went on a 19-0 run to close out the set and match.

It proved a hard way to end the season, but the Trojans will move forward. Atlantic finishes 2013 with a 3-26 record in Clinch’s first season as coach. The Trojans went winless last year.

Atlantic bids farewell to a senior group of four players as Kristin Johnk, Bailey Walter, Hailey Waters and Breanna Kixmiller have all played their final match for the Trojans.

“I adore those girls,” coach Clinch says. “They worked hard all season, and they were great leaders for us.”

The focus now shifts to club volleyball in the offseason as a means to further the program’s development. Clinch has experience coaching at the club level in Omaha, and is encouraging her girls to make a commitment.

“I keep telling them…we’re not done, I’m not done with you and you’re not done improving,” she said. “There is no way that I am OK with where we are now. Yea, we have improved, but there is so much more work to do. And, I am excited to see where we are at, because we are a young team. We could be great, and I think we will be great, we just have a lot of work to do.”

#iahsvb   #atlantictrojans

Atlantic’s season ends with 48-20 loss at Glenwood

Glenwood’s Bertini scores five TDs, Trojans drop eighth straight to finish season 1-8

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 26, 2013

GLENWOOD – Atlantic’s season came to an end Friday night in Glenwood as the Trojans fell to the Rams 48-20 to put a cap on the 2013 campaign. 

Senior quarterback Corey Bertini finished with five touchdowns to help lead Glenwood as the Rams built an early lead, and kept it intact the rest of the way.

Showing a willingness to pass some, but mostly throwing an option running attack at their guests, Glenwood jumped out to a three-touchdown lead in the first half, then finished strong in the fourth quarter to secure a victory that settles their record at 5-4 and gives them a winning season.

The Trojans drop their record to 1-8, and lose their eighth straight after opening the season with a win at Clarinda on Aug. 30.

It was an emotional night for the Trojans as they’ve played their last game until next year.

“As these guys go through life, they probably won’t find a large group that is as tight-knit as a football team ever again,” Atlantic head coach Nick Ross said afterwards. 

“On one hand, it’s sad to see it end. On another, I am really glad that we were able to make for a memorable experience. Things didn’t go as well this season as we had hoped, as far as our wins and losses, but the bottom line is they made our program better. I believe they enjoyed this season, and they are better young men for being a part of it.”

Glenwood jumped out to a two-touchdown lead less than 10 minutes into the game when Bertini scored his second TD of the night from two yards out with 2:54 remaining in the opening quarter.

The Rams kept coming at the Atlantic defense on the ground, challenging the Trojans to stop them. Playing defense against the option calls for sound assignment football, and at times the Trojans were effective at it, at other times not so much. When things broke down, Glenwood exploited those weaknesses and made Atlantic pay with big gains and big plays.

“Defensively, we missed some tackles, and gave up some big plays that really hurt us,” coach Ross says. “They try to put you to sleep, and then hit you by finding the guy who isn’t doing his job. Obviously, a couple of times, they found a way to hurt us.”

Down 21-0 in the waning moments of the first half, Atlantic got a jolt of confidence late when junior quarterback Joe Walker connected with wide out Tristen Benn on a 20-yard touchdown pass, and the Trojans were on the board.

After Glenwood took the opening drive of the second half in for a score, the Trojans answered again, this time with a 48-yard touchdown run from Walker to keep within two scores.

However, Glenwood would score three unanswered touchdowns to pull away. Midway through the fourth quarter, senior tailback Jake Dvorak caught a short pass from Walker that he took 49 yards for a TD, but it was too little and too late to draw the Trojans back into the game.

The Trojans rolled up 390 yards of total offense, 245 of those yards on the ground.

“We did some good things and we moved the ball up and down the field,” coach Ross says. 

Walker completed 3-of-11 passes for 89 yards, but was more effective with his feet as the junior ran for 123 yards on the ground, including the 48-yard touchdown run. Walker also threw for a touchdown, giving him two scores for the night.

Atlantic will now bid farewell to a senior class of 11 players as the program turns the page towards 2014.

Coach Ross says the team will miss the leadership.

“This group of seniors has been an awesome group of kids,” he says. “We really appreciate everything they’ve done.”

For the rest of the team, the coaching staff is encouraging the underclassmen to get involved and become year-round Trojans, representing AHS in as many different sports as possible in every season.

“The best way to get better at sports is to compete,” coach Ross says. “We want out kids to be involved in as many sports as possible. You can lift weights or go to the YMCA, but that is not as beneficial as wrestling or playing basketball. That’s how you get better.”

#iahsfb    #atlantictrojans

No. 1-ranked Spartans will take advantage of bye week

Exira-EHK has run the gauntlet, will open playoffs next week at home with No. 1 seed

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 25, 2013

EXIRA – With the regular season already behind them, and it’s hard to find fault or weakness in anything Exira-EHK has done so far.

The Spartans, ranked No. 1 in the state by most media outlets including the Associated Press, closed out the schedule last week at Ar-We-Va with a tidy 56-6 victory over the Rockets. Exira-EHK now heads into a bye week with a jumpstart on the playoffs.

“I really like where we are at,” Exira-EHK head coach Tom Petersen said this week. “When I look at how we played last week at Ar-We-Va, and the week before that against Southwest Valley…I feel like our team is playing its best football of the year, on both sides of the ball.

“We are right where we want to be heading into the playoffs.”

Exira-EHK rolled up an 8-0 record and repeated as District 7 champions in compelling fashion. Residing in what might be the most competitive district in 8-Man Football, the Spartans dominated the field, dispatching ranked teams Glidden-Ralston (47-7) and Coon Rapids-Bayard (49-12) in what were supposed to be stiff challenges. Moreover, the Spartans stepped out of the district and hammered Southwest Valley (68-13), who appears to be on its way towards locking up District 8.

Practices have been short and intense for the Spartans, who will spend the time afforded them working on fundamentals and communication, not to mention adding new wrinkles to the playbook. 

Also, coach Petersen is looking to the practice sessions as an opportunity to polish up the passing attack as quarterback Drew Peppers works back to becoming completely healthy after being somewhat limited previously with a sore shoulder.

“We have not done a lot of pass routes in practice,” coach Petersen says. “But Drew is back to 100 percent, and we’ve spent the last five or six days giving him a lot of reps. And, you can tell it’s paying off, just in the little amount of time he’s been given.”

Furthermore, the Spartans will revisit their attempt earlier in the season of speeding things up offensively. In August, Exira-EHK had envisioned an offense that could run plays a mere four seconds after the ball was set. Injuries and other circumstances have forced the Spartans to table those plans, but now, Exira-EHK is back at full strength, and is ready to plug-in the hurry-up offense again.

“We’re going to utilize it a little more,” coach Petersen says of the no-huddle. 

“We haven’t been able to try it really since Week 1 because our personnel hasn’t allowed us to do it. It’s something different, and a change every once in a while is a good thing. It’s refreshing to do something different.”

Forced to do with what it had that was healthy, the Spartans certainly have found success so far.

Drew Peppers leads the team with 1,360 yards and 27 touchdowns on 154 carries, and the return of senior Trey Sander has been a big plus. Sander is averaging 10.2 yards-per-carry with 653 yards and 11 TDs while running the ball, not to mention his efforts through the air (seven catches for 72 yards and 2 TDs) and on special teams, where he’s returned four punts for scores.

Plug Nick Peppers and Tate Simpson into that offense, amongst others, and the Spartans have choices.

“We’ve got more than one weapon,” coach Petersen says. “We’ve got better receivers on the outside than we’ve had in year’s past, not to mention that we have three skill position players back there who can turn things in at any time. And that feeds into everything else.”

Coach Petersen says he will spend the rare Friday night off scouting the game in Anita between CAM and Sidney, who are battling for a third seed in District 8. The loser of that game will travel to Exira to face the Spartans in the playoff opener on Oct. 30 in a match-up of No. 1 and No. 4 seeds.

“It’s a good opportunity because you can only get so much off film, you don’t get a realistic feel for the speed of the game,” coach Petersen says. 

“And, I am not going to lie, it’s going to be nice to have a Friday night off to go watch somebody else rather than be so stressed out.”

CAM hosts Sidney in crucial Week 9 showdown

Cougars have won three in a row, will face Sidney with third and fourth seed in tow

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 25, 2013

ANITA – CAM is coming off a bye week, and that break has helped the Cougars in a number of ways.

It has allowed the blue-and-silver to heal up a bit physically, rework the schemes on both sides of the ball, and lastly, it’s given Cumberland-Anita-Massena two weeks to prepare for what is now the most important game of the season.

With a playoff spot already locked up, Week 9’s bout with Sidney brings with it a playoff-like atmosphere one week early, serving as a bit of a trial run before the high stakes of the postseason arrive.

“We’ve gone through all the scenarios,” CAM head coach Joe Wollum said this week. “Now it just comes down to us needing to win to get that (No.) 3 seed, instead of worrying about (points differential). We will approach this like a playoff game, a third seed or a fourth is what we are playing for.”

Sidney rolls in with a 7-1 record and 5-1 mark in District 8. The Cowboys currently sit in a three-way tie for first place, along with Fremont-Mills and Southwest Valley. Southwest Valley holds the top standing based on tiebreaker criteria, and should the Timberwolves get past 2-6 Stanton Friday night, will earn the top seed. Fremont-Mills travels to 4-4 Lenox, leaving CAM and Sidney to fight it out for the No. 3 seed or the No. 4 heading into the playoffs.

Sidney has been impressive most of the season, averaging 50 points per game while surrendering on average 25. The Cowboys are coming off a 63-34 win over Stanton last week, and have picked up a signature victory this season over Southwest Valley (30-26) in Week 3.

Sidney has played its last two games without the services of junior quarterback Mitchell Coates, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury he suffered early on during the Cowboys’ loss to Fremont-Mills on Oct. 4.

Whether Coates plays Friday against CAM remains to be seen, but the Cougars will be prepared either way.

The Cowboys are a run-first offense led by senior running back Chris Osborne, whose 1,382 yards and 24 touchdowns put him fifth on the state’s leaderboard.

With an average of 14.4 yards-per-carry, Osborne is going to be a handful for any defense he faces.

“When we talk about what we’ve seen before, like Clayton Plowman (from Adair-Casey). We all know how good of a running back he is, and he’s only at nine or 10 yards a carry. To see what Osborne is doing at 14 yards-per-carry, it’s pretty unbelievable,” coach Wollum said this week.

“We need to do a good job of bumping him at the line of scrimmage to slow him down, and everyone else needs to fly to the football. We need to stay in our lanes and try to bring him down, because he’s a good cutback runner.”

When Coates is in the game, he brings another element to the Sidney offense. Because opposing defenses have to pay so much attention to Osborne, Coates has been able to take the opportunities presented to him with his able passing ability and foot speed.

“They’re a run-first team, but when they do pass, they are effective with it,” coach Wollum says. “They do everything well.”

CAM has played a fast-paced offense all year, but in this game against this opponent, look for the Cougars to perhaps try to slow things down and be deliberate with their drives in an attempt to limit Sidney’s possessions and shorten the game.

On the home front, CAM (4-4) continues to grow with its offense and defense after a rocky start threatened to derail its playoff streak. Now, the Cougars have won three straight games, and are doing it with balance. 

Improvements and adjustments on the defensive side have translated into takeaways and forcing punts, and those things coach Wollum says have helped drive the team forward.

Earlier on, CAM was scrambling to plug players into the right spots. Now, those guys have settled into their roles, and everyone is now executing better and has a better understanding of what the opposing offenses are trying to accomplish.

The CAM offense is coming along as well. The growth can be partly attributed to the development of the reshuffled offensive line, and a big part has to do with the growth and maturation process of junior quarterback Trace Ticknor, who continues to learn under center.

“The first couple games, Trace probably threw the ball a little more than he wanted to,” coach Wollum says. “But he has matured, and now he knows better when to pull it down and run and try to make a play with his feet instead of trying to force passes.”

Ticknor has passed for 1,400 yards and has rushed for another 636 yards on the ground, giving him 2,036 combined yards for the season.

Friday night offers one final week for the Cougars to play at home and weather the turmoil and pressure certain to follow every team as the regular season fades into the playoffs.

“No matter where we go, whether it’s to face Exira-EHK or Glidden-Ralston (in the playoffs), that’s going to be quite an atmosphere considering how well those two teams are playing right now,” coach Wollum says.

Trojans hoping to slow down Glenwood’s option attack

Atlantic heads to Glenwood for final game of 2013 season

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 25, 2013

ATLANTIC – The Trojans hit the road this week for their final game of the 2013 season, hoping to secure a victory and perhaps play spoiler to Glenwood’s chances of breaking into the playoffs.

Atlantic (1-7/0-5) has lost seven straight, and a victory in Week 9 would do the program some good.

“We’re looking forward to another opportunity to send our seniors out with a win,” Atlantic head coach Nick Ross said this week. “They’ve been great leaders for our program, and they do everything the coaching staff asks of them. We really want to send them out on a positive note.

“At the same time, it’s always good to try to build something positive at the end of the year to increase the motivation and excitement for the offseason.”

Glenwood (4-4/2-3) has a shot at clinching a playoff spot, albeit through a complicated series of events. If the Rams do their part with a win over the Trojans (by at least 13 points), Glenwood could fortify the fourth spot with a Creston win over Lewis Central and an ADM victory over Harlan.

Glenwood brings to the table a physical and fast run-oriented team that insists on feeding opposing defenses a steady dose of its option attack.

“They’ll run the same plays over and over and over again and hope that you bust your assignment on the option so that they can hit a big play,” coach Ross says.

Senior running back Spencer Smith leads the Glenwood ground game with 987 yards and 10 touchdowns on 122 attempts, making for an average of 8.1 yards-per-carry.

Containing Smith will become a priority for the Trojans’ defense, a unit that has been good at stopping the run at times.

“You need to stop him before he gets started,” coach Ross says of Smith. “If he gets out in the open field, then he’s tough to catch him and get a hold of him. With him, we definitely need to be assignment sound, and get a good fit on him right from the start.”

Another target for the Trojans’ defense is senior quarterback Corey Bertini, an athletic back who is as much of a dual threat as can be expected from an offense that runs the option almost exclusively.

As a runner, Bertini has 553 yards and 12 TDs on 132 carries (4.2 YPC). As a passer, he is completing 51 percent of his attempts (62-of-121) for 808 yards.

Whether he runs or whether he throws, he’s another player the Trojans need to keep an eye on.

“If he was in a different style of offense, he’d be a heck of a passing quarterback, he’s a very good athlete,” coach Ross says of Bertini. “He’s tough to deal with.”

Glenwood snapped a three-game losing streak with a 28-17 victory last week over Lewis Central. The Rams are averaging 30 points-per-game, and is surrendering 28.5.

Atlantic is coming off a 42-7 loss at Harlan last week.

After breaking down film from that game, the Trojans will try to draw on the positives they saw, and try to carry them over into this week. Coach Ross says the Trojans were fairly sound assignment wise, and didn’t do much to hurt themselves through penalties and mistakes.

That’s something the team will look to continue against the option-orientated Glenwood offense.

“I think we are becoming more assignment sound, and that’s very important for us to have against an opponent like Glenwood,” coach Ross says. “To beat these guys, you need to play good, sound, option-defense, and hopefully that will lead us to some success this week.”

Atlantic is averaging just 8.6 points-per-game, while surrendering on average 33.6.

Offensively for the Trojans, senior running backs Logan Steffens and Jake Dvorak lead the ground game, combining for 675 yards on four touchdowns on 157 attempts. Quarterback Joe Walker has completed 47 percent of his pass attempts for 779 yards.

The Trojans talk about it every week, and this one is no different. Atlantic will look to run the ball and stop the run.

“More than any other week, we need to be able to stop the run,” coach Ross says. “And we need to be able to run the ball whenever our offense gets going. That will open up our play action pass, and a lot of other things.”

#iahsfb    #atlantictrojans

VB PLAYOFFS: Griswold sweeps away Exira-EHK

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 22, 2013

ELK HORN – Of all the sports throughout the school year, perhaps no other team game is as fickle to the changes of momentum than is volleyball.

That’s how it played out Tuesday night in Elk Horn.

Griswold fought back from down to game point in the opening set and rallied off a five-point run to take the first game 26-24. That spell proved to be a harbinger in the match, as Griswold seized an Class 1A opening-round playoff victory from Exira-EHK in straight sets 26-24, 25-16 and 25-16.

After failing to close out the Tigers in the opening game with a 24-21 lead, Exira-EHK unraveled slowly the rest of the way.

“That was the turning point,” Griswold coach Jody Rossell says of the late charge in Game 1.

“The girls were able to build some momentum, and volleyball is such a game of psychology and emotion…I think we were able to get inside the head of our opponents a little bit.”

Tigers’ junior Marlia Rossell closed out the first set, serving on a 5-0 run, and it kick started Griswold’s efficiency from the service line the following two sets.

Rossell finished the match with four serving aces, and junior Kayla Kirchhoff added three.

In Game 2, a 15-15 knot was broken with a 9-0 run from the Tigers, and Griswold would eventually take that set as well, via 25-16 final.

As things started clicking for Griswold, they became stronger in their attack up front, and with their defense.

At the net, Griswold’s Candice Howell finished with a match-high 11 kills, and teammate Kinzey Nicklaus added 10 as the Tigers had two players finish in double-digit figures. The duo accounted for 21 of the team’s 30 kills on the night.

Serving as been a strength for the Tigers this season, but the strong play at the net against a team with some height and blocking ability was an encouraging sign, says coach Rossell.

“They’ve got some big blockers, and we were prepared for that,” she says. “We worked on hitting around the block, and that worked out pretty well for us.”

As Griswold flared, the Spartans struggled. Tuesday night was clearly not Exira-EHK’s best effort.

“The girls have handled being down before, and they’ve been able to chip away,” Spartans coach Conni Wyatt says. “Tonight, the intensity just wasn’t there.

“It’s a very disappointing loss, especially for the seniors. They are a better team than they showed tonight, and they don’t deserve to have their final game go out this way.”

The Spartans finish the season with a 15-20 record.

With the first round victory, Griswold advances to the second round, which the team will host next Tuesday (Oct. 29) against the winner of Essex/South Page.

The Tigers improve 10-14 on the season with this most recent victory, and despite a sub-.500 record, Griswold is playing with a lot of confidence as it rolls into the second round of the tournament.

“We’ve been talking about this point in the season for months,” coach Rossell says. “We know we’ve got a very difficult schedule with our conference, but the positive side of that is it really prepares us for now, when it counts.”

#iahsvb    #griswoldtigers  #exira-ehkspartans

Harlan too much for Trojans

No. 5-ranked Harlan defeats Atlantic 42-7

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 19, 2013

HARLAN – No. 5-ranked Harlan scored on its first three possessions and found the end zone five times in the first half to carve out a business-like victory over Atlantic Friday night at Merrill Field.

HCHS topped the Trojans 42-7 to move its record to 5-0 (7-1 overall) and maintain its grip atop District 1.

“Harlan is a very good team, and they are well coached,” Atlantic head coach Nick Ross said afterwards. “I would have liked to see us play a little better, I think we are capable of that. But they are good at exploiting your weaknesses, and they did a good job of that tonight.”

The loss is the seventh in a row for the Trojans, who drop to 1-7 and 0-5 in District 1.

Harlan led from the onset, taking the opening drive 73 yards on 10 plays to strike first when Cyclones’ QB Adam Juhl hit senior Allan Hopp on a nine-yard touchdown reception just a little less than four minutes in.

Juhl completed two more touchdown passes and Harlan scored two more on the ground in the opening half to build a 35-point lead before the halftime break. Juhl finished the first half 16-of-23 for 215 yards, and HCHS added another 75 yards on the ground through the first two quarters.

With Atlantic geared up to shut down the middle of the field, Harlan moved the ball effectively along the sidelines and the flats, and took what the Trojans’ defense gave them.

“Their quarterback did a good job of hurting us on the edges,” coach Ross says. 

“That’s something we need to improve, it’s definitely something we will work on.”

Late in the third quarter, Juhl hit sophomore wide out Sam McLaughlin on a 17-yard strike that drove Harlan ahead 42-0 and capped off the Cyclones’ scoring for the night.

With 7:53 remaining, Atlantic broke the shutout when senior tailback Jake Dvorak scored a touchdown from one yard out for the Trojans.

Trojans’ junior quarterback Joe Walker competed 7-of-15 pass attempts for 146 yards, and threw no interceptions. On the ground, Dvorak carried the ball 13 times for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Walker’s seven completions went to four different receivers. 

Dvorak caught three passes for 31 yards, and Tristen Benn hauled in two for 44 yards. Matthew Mills and Zen Gross each also caught a pass each.

Atlantic will close out the season next week at Glenwood. The Rams are coming off a 28-17 victory over Lewis Central Friday.

#iahsfb    #atlantictrojans

8-MAN: Top-ranked Exira-EHK uses one blistering quarter to bury Ar-We-Va

Spartans put up 41 points in first quarter, cruise to 56-6 win

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 19, 2013

WESTSIDE – Top-ranked Exira-EHK didn’t need a whole lot of time to put struggling Ar-We-Va in its place Friday night.

The Spartans raced out to a 41-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, then let its junior varsity coast the rest of the way for a 56-6 victory that wraps up a perfect regular season for Exira-EHK.

E-EHK will have a bye during Week 9, and having clinched back-to-back district championships, will shift its focus now to the playoffs.

Against overmatched Ar-We-Va Friday, the Spartans threw everything at the Rockets for one quarter.

“Our varsity came out and played exceptionally well again, in all facets of the game,” Exira-EHK head coach Tom Petersen says. “Everything was clicking on all cylinders. The first group came in focused and ready to play, and that’s something we are going to need headed into the playoffs.”

Spartans senior Trey Sander returned another punt for a score after taking two to the house last week in Corning, and senior Nick Peppers got back into the mix offensively, though he saw just a splash of action, taking his one handoff in for a touchdown.

Exira-EHK scored with its run, through the air, on special teams and with its defense as the Spartans overwhelmed the struggling Rockets, who fall to 1-7.

The victory finishes the Spartans season with a perfect 8-0 record, and the team will spend the next two weeks prepping for its playoff run.

“We’re going to use this time to prepare,” coach Petersen says. “We still have a lot to clean up on the offensive side, especially with our line and our passing game.”

The Spartans will likely spend next Friday night in Anita, watching CAM and Sidney fight for playoff position. The loser of that game will likely face Exira-EHK in the opening round of the playoffs.

“It gives us an opportunity to get completely healthy, and we should be, going into the playoffs,” coach Petersen says. “The bye comes at a good time in that regard, but at the same time, it’s kind of unfortunate because I feel like our kids are playing their best football right now…it’s kind of a double-edged sword.”

#iahsfb   #exira-ehk

Spartans head into final regular season test with sense of focus

Top-ranked Exira-EHK travels to Ar-We-Va

By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 18, 2013

EXIRA – In most every way, the Spartans took a step forward in last week’s 68-13 thrashing of a talented and deep Southwest Valley team.

The top-ranked Spartans ran at will, needing just 31 attempts to roll up 317 yards with its rush.

On defense, Exira-EHK completely shut down a Timberwolves team that was averaging 51 points per-game through its 6-1 start. The Spartans returned an interception for a touchdown, won the turnover battle again (2-0), and kept Southwest Valley out of the end zone until long after the running clock kicked in and the E-EHK starters dropped out.

On special teams, the Spartans scored twice on punt returns from Trey Sander, and nearly found the end zone again on a kick return.

Sitting atop the district, as well as the 8-Man state rankings according to the Associated Press, Radio Iowa, The Des Moines Register and the Omaha World-Herald, the Spartans look to be in as good a shape as anyone in late October.

Based on the body of work, it’s hard to poke holes in much of anything the Spartans have shown this far.

“I do like the way the kids are playing,” Exira-EHK coach Tom Petersen concedes. “But obviously we want to be playing our best football towards the end of the season, and it seems like a lot of the puzzle pieces are coming together in regards to us being almost healthy.”

Senior Nick Peppers appears to be back at full strength after missing some injury time, and the Spartans also had to do without Sander for the first two weeks.  Having them both back and operating effectively has made the Exira-EHK offense hard to stop.

Now coach Petersen gets full use of his offense in one final test before a bye and two weeks to prepare for the playoffs. There is no better practice than what comes on Friday nights, and the Spartans might want to break out a new wrinkle or two.

“We’re going to spread it out and get Nick more involved in the offense,” coach Petersen says. “That takes more pressure off Drew (Peppers), and it takes more pressure off Trey. We want to give him his carries, so he can get a feel for it again. He’s only got 16 carries on the year.”

Having won a string of highly competitive games against top 10 teams, the Spartans now face an opponent struggling with its 1-6 record. Ar-We-Va is out of the playoff race and is clearly in rebuilding mode. Still, Ar-We-Va is not without its means to move the ball.

For the Rockets, that means the pass, and constructing a defense conducive to stopping that has the Spartans’ coaches excited.

“It’s a different challenge for us because it’s something we haven’t seen,” coach Petersen says. “Last week, (Ar-We-Va) threw the ball 58 times. In practice, we’re working on things we’re not normally geared for. At the same time, that’s a good change, and something we need to work on.”

Ar-We-Va relies heavily on its underclassmen with only one senior starter. Freshman Jake Danner has taken over at quarterback, and will start his third game Friday against the top-ranked Spartans. Danner is completing 48 percent of his pass attempts (61-of-126) for 756 yards and six touchdowns to nine picks.

“He’s a freshman, and we want to pressure him as much as possible,” coach Petersen says. “We can’t allow him to be comfortable back there.”

The defensive preparation ought to do the Spartans some good, as somewhere along the playoff path, a team that favors a passing attack over its rush will present itself. Working on that now will hopefully make the E-EHK defense a bit more complete in November.

Also, getting the team motivated to execute at its own level and not play down to its competition after a 50-minute bus ride could be a concern for most teams. Petersen dismisses any notion his team won’t be prepped for Ar-We-Va despite its 1-6 record.

He says the team sets specific goals from week to week, and for Friday, the emphasis is heavy on the Spartans’ defense.

“This is the last regular season these seniors get to play, and that should be enough said,” coach Petersen says. “I expect us to play our best game this Friday night.” 

The Spartans have won the District for a second straight time, with a perfect regular season on the line Friday. Exira-EHK has a bye week during Week 9 because Heartland Christian Academy disbanded its team mid-district-cycle. The playoffs begin on Wednesday, October 30, and Exira-EHK is expecting to host.

#iahsfb    #exira-ehk