The class 1A semifinals begin Saturday morning as Saint Ansgar takes on West Branch. The Saints survived their quarterfinal round battle with Aplington-Parkersburg winning 27-21. Coach Drew Clevenger’s squad has the third best rushing attack in Class 1A, led by quarterback Cael Halfman, running backs Tony Heimer and Dylan Johnson, as well as fullback John Sievert.
He says they feel like they can give it to any one of the backs and be confident as they all are three-year starters. Clevenger credits his team’s offensive line for helping them have success on the ground. He says they have done a nice job and often the fans get caught up in the backs scoring, but he says it’s the line that helps them do that.
St. Ansgar is 10-2 and makes their second appearance in the semifinal round in school history, while West Branch is also 10-2 and is making their ninth semifinal appearance.
You can hear the St. Ansgar-West Branch game on AM-1490 KRIB Saturday morning with the pre-game at about 9:10 and the kickoff at about 9:30. The other semifinal round game pits top-ranked Emmetsburg against second-ranked Council Bluffs St. Albert.
By Bob Fisher KRIB Mason City