A pair of rated teams in class 2A district one collide as third ranked Western Christian of Hull plays host to fourth ranked Sioux Center. Western Christian has only give up an average of seven points per game and coach Travis Kooima says the Sioux Center offense will be tough to stop. He says they are consistent and run the ball very well, and when they need to, they can pass the ball.
Kooima says the Wolfpack offense will need to contend with an aggressive Sioux Center defense. He says they have 11 guys that fly around to the ball and that allows them to make plays. Kooima says they both run the 3-5 scheme and that could help his defense play against it.
It may only be the second week of district play but Sioux Center coach Tim Van Regenmorter says it is a big game for both teams. He says Western is everything that they’re advertised to be, and will be very good.
In class 4A, ninth rated Fort Dodge is on the road to battle second ranked second rated Dowling Catholic. The Dodgers have rolled to a 3-0 start and coach Matt Miller feels it is the perfect time for a game like this. Miller says they’ve won without looking particularly sharp and he says they now will see one of the best teams in the state and they will show them where they are at, and what they need to improve down the stretch.
An experienced defense that has given up only 23 points all season leads the way. He says they have 9 returning starters on defense and that has been a plus for them, but he says they will be tested. The run defense has been strong and Miller says it will need to be really good against Dowling. He says Dowling has a lot of weapons, but he likes their defense and they will do the best they can against an explosive football team.
In 4A, top ranked Iowa City High is at home against third ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier. Both teams come in at 3-0 and City High coach Dan Sabers says the outcome will be decided by which team executes the best. Sabers says it will be a clash of wills and who can impose their will on the other.
As the defending champions the Little Hawks are used to being a team with a target on its back. He says that’s where they are at and they’ve come to accept that and they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Xavier coach Duane Schulte is surprised the Saints are ranked as high as they are. Schulte says they don’t have a bunch of division one recruits, but they do work hard. Schulte says the concern about City High begins up front with a good offensive line that blocks well.
Doug Broek KSOU Sioux Center contributed to this story.