UNDER THE STADIUM LIGHTS: Border battle tonight at the Stars of head coach Mitch Mohr cross the bridge to take on the Cardinals of head coach Jackson Dickerson. Both teams come into the contest with high expectations in what should be a good football game that will be the first game played at the new football facility in South Sioux City.
GAMEDAY PRESENTED BY:
The Stars enter tonight's contest a little banged up with potentially three starters out of the lineup including injuries to starting LB's seniors Brayden McClain and Zach Hesse. This could be an issue if the Stars defensive line does not generate pressure up front versus the Cardinals running game. The Stars offensively will have sophomore Noah Conley making his first varsity start tonight. The Stars offense is built around two playmakers.
Stars senior RB Demarico Young returns after tearing off (192) yards in this matchup a season ago. Senior WR/CB Dayton Harrell will be a factor on offense and special teams tonight. Harrell is a ball hawk in the secondary along with Young and they are good defenders. Senior DE Ethan Dallen will have to have a good game and help contain the Cardinals potent running attack behind incredible junior RB Tony Palmer.
The Cardinals have set the trap for the Stars tonight as junior QB Darrius Helms and talented junior RB Tony Palmer look to pull the upset in front of what should be an impressive crowd. The Cardinals look to be improved and have practiced well throughout camp. Helms has good command of this offense being one year older and more experience from last season.
The defensive side of the ball appears to have improved also and the Cardinals will need a good game out of their defensive front which consists of senior Brodee Sims, Julian Perez and Adrian Curiel. Helms will play one of the DE spots and Palmer will be at linebacker.
ANALYSIS: This game will be intriguing. The one guy the Cardinals clearly has to slow down is Stars RB Young who had his pads off at halftime of this one last year where the Stars came out victorious 44-0. This game will be much more competitive and with the Stars missing a few key players on defense the better special teams unit will keep their team in this one. Palmer will have his moments because he is really good but the one two punch of Young and Harrell will get the Stars over the top here.
PREDICTION:
Stars 27
Cardinals13
MITCH MCCUMBER PREDICTION
Stars 35
Cardinals 21