HIgh school football playoffs continue

The quarterfinal round of the high school football playoffs is highlighted by a Class 1A doubleheader in the UNI-Dome where second rated Eldora-New Providence plays St. Ansgar and Conrad BCLUW goes up against number-nine West Branch. Eldora-New Providence Coach Randy Tjaden saying he expects a challenge from St. Ansgar. St. Ansgar Coach Drew Clevenger says his biggest concern is stopping the quick and high-scoring Eldora-New Providence offense. West Branch hasn’t had a lot of playoff success in the years following its third state title in 1992. The Bears been in the post-season seven times since winning their last title, but lost in the quarterfinals three straight time between 1993 and 1995. Their victory over Goose Lake Northeast last Wednesday broke a four-game streak of losing first-round playoff games. BCLUW Coach Les Penick says the lack of recent playoff success puts more pressure on West Branch to win tonight’s game. He says the kids feel they’re expected to win a state championship. While BCLUW has thrived all season on playing solid defense, West Brach Coach Butch Pederson says the Comets offense may be what gives his team the most trouble. In class A, tenth-rated Northwood-Kensett is on the road to visit sixth-ranked Madrid. Northwood-Kensett finished as the runner-up to West Bend-Mallard in district three and opened the playoffs with a 27-6 win over second-ranked Hubbard-Radcliffe.Viking coach Dave Capitani says they feel fortunate to still be alive after a physical tough district. He says both teams run similar offenses in the wishbone.