SSI Football: Gameday Preview! Class 3A State Semifinal! #4 Bishop Heelan (9-2) vs Wahlert Catholic (9-2) KICKOFF TODAY 4:00 PM!

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GAME SET UP: A great state semifinal game will take place today between the Crusaders of head coach Jon LaFleur and the Golden Eagles of head coach Jamie Marshall who enter today's contest on a seven game win streak.

The Golden Eagles feature a heavy run game and can beat you with an efficient passing game led by junior QB JP Elbert who has passed for (1,440) yards and (12) touchdowns. Elbert is also the team leader in carries with (99) on the season good for (604) yards and (12) scores. The Golden Eagle running game spreads the rushing yards between three other consistent RB's. Senior Anderson Herbst has (51) carries for (509) yards and (5) touchdowns. Herbst is also the team leading receiver with (41) receptions for (574) yards and (5) scores. Other offensive receiving targets include senior Brody Schumacher with (21) catches for (256) yards and (2) scores. Senior Ben Francis has (11) receptions on the season.

The Golden Eagle defense features senior LB Noah Krapfl with (100.0) tackles and (13.0) TFL. Senior Josh Oelke has (57.0) stops on the year with (7.0) TFL. Schumacher has added (60.0) tackles and (5.0) TFL. Herbest has also has (60.0) tackles on the year. The defense has forced (15) interceptions on the year.

The Crusaders feature a nice mix of juniors and special seniors that have made this season a memorable one. The Crusaders feature Iowa Hawkeye commit and first team All-Stater senior RB/LB Kasen Thomas who has rushed for (1,379) yards and (23) touchdowns. Senior QB Noah Conley has had a very good senior season throwing for (1,291) yards and (10) scores. Senior RB/Slot Avery Favors has tacked on (315) yards on the ground and (2) touchdowns. The key players involved in the passing game are senior WR Caden Lester with a team leading (31) catches for (419) yards and (4) scores. Junior Grant Whitcomb is the second leading receiver with (17) receptions for (468) yards and (3) touchdowns. Junior Prince Weagbah also has (17) catches for (246) yards and (1) score.

The defense is led by Thomas with (39.5) tackles and (12.0) TFL. Senior MLB Zack Harpenau has had a huge season with (62.0) tackles and (4.0) TFL. Senior Matt Meyer has had a breakout season with (66.5) tackles and (11.5) TFL. Junior Max Aesoph has been dependable with (34.5) tackles and (7.0) TFL. The Crusaders have forced (14.0) interceptions and Whitcomb has (6) on the year at corner.

SSI HEADLINES TODAY FOR TOMORROW: The SSI staff has been impressed with the Crusaders this whole season. We feel good about the Crusaders advancing to next week's title game. Today's game appears to favor the team that can show some balance on offense and force a couple turnovers on the defensive side of the football. We like the Crusaders to be (+2) in turnover margin today and feel like Thomas can rush for (120) yards plus to open up the passing game for Conley.

MILLARD PREDICTION:

Crusaders 27 Golden Eagles 14

MCCUMBER PREDICTION: Two point conversion will win/lose the game

Crusaders 21 Golden Eagles 17

LEBOWICH PREDICTION:

Crusaders 31 Golden Eagles 28