SSI Football: Game Preview! #5 Class 3A Bishop Heelan @ #2 Class 4A Sergeant Bluff-Luton

GAMEDAY: AUGUST 28TH

KICKOFF: 7:00 PM

GAME TIME TEMP: 80* WIND 14-MPH GUST 23-MPH

WHERE: SERGEANT BLUFF-LUTON FIELD

STREAMING: www.nfhsnetwork.com

The Crusaders of 5th year head coach Jon LaFleur are coming off a memorable season with a runner-up finish in the Class 3A title game and (10-3) finish in 2025. Senior QB Eli Mielke 6-4 (210) takes over in the offensive huddle. The offensive line will feature senior Max Tew 6-0 (255) who will anchor a running game that will include juniors Riley Lowery 5-10 (175); Dylan Knapp 5-10 (165) along with sophomore Jevon Burgin 5-10 (170).

The offensive targets at WR for Mielke feature senior Grant Whitcomb 6-0 (175) and classmate Prince Weagbah 6-0 (175). The key player to watch defensively for the Crusaders is senior DL Max Aesoph 6-2 (230) who really surfaced last season with (43.5) tackles and (8.5) TFL. The talented Whitcomb will once again be patrolling the secondary where he had a team high (6) interceptions.

The Warriors of 13th year head coach Justin Smith are looking to pave a path back to the U.N.I. Dome where they lost in the state semifinal to Pella last fall and finished (10-2). Leading the offensive huddle at QB this year is junior Justin Ehlers 6-0 (190) who brings great athleticism to the offense and is a true dual threat. Ehlers is a track competitor and has run a (10.9) 100M this past spring.

The strength of the Warriors is with a veteran offensive line led by senior Alex Brodersen 6-1 (230) a returning all-state selection and he will be joined up front by LT Andy Kolar 5-10 (260) and LG junior Joey Gonzales 6-1 (260) a pair of 2nd team all-district selections. The rushing game brings back senior Beckett Verros 5-10 (185) and senior Ryan Husen 5-10 (185). The Warrior defense returns an experienced secondary with CB Ehlers; senior CB Aden Konopasek 6-1 (190) and junior Dax Koedam 6-1 (175).

SSI GAME PLAN: With two quarterbacks making their first varsity starts in this opener there are some unpredictable variables leading up to kickoff. Not certain if the bright lights might have an effect or not right out the gate for either QB. SBL will be without senior MLB Xavier Jones 6-2 (215) who will serve an undisclosed suspension the first two games of the season.

The Warriors will be looking to avenge a 14-6 defeat in last year's season opener. The Crusaders held the Warrior rushing attack to (123) yards last year and was the difference in the contest. One would think there will be a few wrinkles in the Warrior offensive approach to disrupt the solid Crusader defensive scheme. Turnovers and field position will decide this slobber-knocker to open the season. Expect a four quarter battle. I know I do.