In high school football action, Alta will be out to beat the second ranked team in class A for the second straight week with a visit to West Hancock. Ranked tenth in the Radio Iowa Poll the Cyclones opened the season with a dominant defensive effort in a 14-8 win over the second ranked Algona Garrigan.

Coach Kevin Hammer’s team yielded only 60-yards to Garrigan, including just eight on the ground, which he was was a little surprise as they’re starting some younger players on defense.

Hammer says the defense will be important as a young offensive line gains experience. He says they have the backfield back and a new quarterback and young lineman and as the year goes on he expects them to get stronger.

Hammer says West Hancock wants to run the ball but you can’t forget about the pass. He says they try to lull you to sleep and get the corners and safeties sucked up and then they’ll go over the top.

After beating defending class 1A state champion Iowa City Regina class 2A fourth rated Mid-Prairie wraps up non-district action with a visit to Washington. The Demons are ranked ninth in 3A.

Mid-Prairie coach Pete Cavanaugh says it’s a tough schedule, but it gets them ready to play in their district. Cavanaugh says the defense needs to lead the way as they have some experience coming back and the new guys did a good job on Friday. Cavanaugh says they’re breaking in a whole new offensive line and they should come along.

Cavanaugh says the defense will be tested by Washington quarterback Zach Davis. He says Davis can run and pass , so they’ll have to contain him. He says they’ll be ready as it’s a cross-county rivalry.