Iowa Conference co-champions Coe and Central open the division-three football playoffs on the road this weekend. Coe visits 11th ranked Concordia of Minnesota and something has to give in this game.
The Kohawk defense is yielding less than 100 yards of rushing per game but will matchup against a Concordia option attack that has already piled up more than three thousand yards on the ground this season. Coach Eric Raeburn says that makes them unique as they usually face teams that run out of the I. He says against the option a defense must be assignment sound and very disciplined.
Concordia also has been tough against the run and Coe’s offense will need to be balanced. He says he’s hoping that their run-pass balance will make them harder to defend.
Central makes its first appearance in the playoffs since 2001 when the Dutch visit second rated Wisconsin-Whitewater. Their numbers mays not be impressive but coach Jeff McMartin’s team scratched and clawed its way to a 9-1 record. He says they probably have some of the worst stats in America, but he says that’s okay because you don’t win by your stats.
The bottom line is scoring points and the Dutch have found a number of different ways to do that. He says they scored on kickoff returns, block punts and had great punt returns that have given them excellent field position.
Playing on the road is tough in the playoffs but the Dutch have played well away from home. He says they’ve played some good teams on the road and focused on what they do best and were successful.