In class 2A, Emmetsburg visits number four Central Lyon/George-Little Rock but just a few weeks ago a 24th straight trip to the playoffs was a longshot for the E-Hawks and coach Mike Dunlap. At one point they
Dunlap says his team never gave up even when they stood 2-4 with just three weeks to go. He says they knew they had to win out to get into the playoffs and they worked hard and continued to get better.
Dunlap says it would have been easy to quit as they’ve essentially played three playoff games already just to stay in the hunt. He says they’ll approach this game the same way.
North Fayette is top ranked in 2A and opens at home against Dyersville Beckman. North Fayette coach Ron Wymer says the Dyersville team is extremely big and he says they also have some good speed. Wymer says they’ll create problems for his team on defense. Wymer says both teams are playing well right now.
Wymer says being the top ranked team is no advantage in the playoffs, as he says there are a lot of good football teams out there. He says you have to bring your “A” game each time as it’s a one-game season if you lose.
In class 3A seventh ranked Waukon is on the road to take on number-five and unbeaten Marion. Waukon is coming off a 7-6 loss at Clear Lake to close the season and coach Tom Oppelt says despite the loss his team gained confidence. Oppelt says they looked at it as Clear Lake is a top contender and he says the game showed them they could compete and maybe go deep into the playoffs.
Oppelt says the Marion offense will be tough to stop He says Marion has good speed and a fantastic quarterback with two sure handed receivers.
In class A it is a battle of rated teams as fifth rated Postville visits number seven North Tama. Postville coach Ray Rankin says his team needs to play better than it did in the regular season finale. Rankin says they struggled against Kee High as he says they brought everything against them and sacked their quarterback five times.
Rankin says North Tama will provide a challenge as he says they’re small and quick with a good quarterback and good running back. Rankin says they do a lot of zone blocking and let the back pick his holes.