Football semifinals begin today

The semifinal round of the state high school football playoffs begins today in the UNI-Dome with a class 1A doubleheader. The opener is at 10-30 and matches second-rated Eldora-New Providence against number-eight West Branch. For Eldora-New Providence it is a first-ever trip to the semifinals and coach Randy Tjaden says it has become a war of attrition. He says they’re tired and exhausted in playing three games in two weeks with 12 guys. He says the kids have as much guts and heart as anyone he’s coached, and says they hope to pull it off.Tjaden say West Branch has the advantage when it comes to size and strength. He says he hopes their quickness and ability to mix it up prevails over the strength.West Branch coach Butch Pederson says the Bears will need a good effort out of their defense. He says you can’t shut Eldora down, you just have to control them to the best of your ability.Pederson says at this point every team needs a great effort to advance, as every game you play is a challenge. He says both teams respect each other and he hopes it’s a great game.