SIOUX CITY NORTH (1-0) @ SIOUX CITY EAST (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7:00 PM
WHERE: OLSEN STADIUM
RADIO: 1360 KSCJ (Justin Barker PxP)
METRO SPORTS TV: Rockfin App
STARS VISIT BLACK RAIDERS IN KEY EARLY SEASON TILT
Two teams that entered the win column last week will square off at Olsen Stadium. The Stars shook off early jitters and QB Strohbeen settled in to complete (8) of (15) attempts for (209) yards and (1) touchdown pass as they defeated the SSC Cardinals 25-7. The offensive line of the Stars blocked well as senior Dedric Sullivan racked up (123) yards on the ground to go with (2) touchdowns in what was his breakout night following off-season knee surgery and months of rehab to get back on the field. Athletic senior WR Desmond Grace collected (4) receptions for (71) yards while battling cramp issues and limited snaps throughout the night.
The Stars did a very good job defensively of bending but not breaking. The defensive effort was solid especially in the front seven. The defensive line was able to create pressure up inside and force the ball to be bounced to the outside by the Cardinal RB's. The Stars have a pair of senior DE's that are solid football players in Izaiah Truitt (5) tackles and (2.5) TFL. Jacob Hagan on the opposite side performed really well with (3.5) tackles and kept contain on the outside. The Stars secondary picked off (3) passes versus the Cardinals but will be challenged this week by Black Raider QB Longval and his arsenal of playmakers.
The Black Raiders are coming off an impressive win over rival Bishop Heelan 43-7. Senior QB Luke Longval showed pass and then pulled down the second snap of the season and raced 75-yards for a touchdown and momentum was on the Black Raider sideline right from the jump. The intensity in which the Black Raiders displayed on both sides of the line of scrimmage was the difference in the game.
The trio of RB's that were effective included senior Tyson Helseth Bryant (93) yards and (2) scores along with SC North transfer turned Black Raider junior Brady Wavrunek ran hard inside for (41) yards including a six-yard TD run. Senior Davante Simmons picked up (60) yards rushing in the 4th quarter as the Black Raiders used a ball control second half to get the victory with amazing balance rushing for (143) and passing for (143). The Black Raider defense allowed a total of (182) yards of total offense which included only (56) yards through the air.
SCOUTING REPORT: I was very impressed with the defensive front of the Stars. I thought they played good team defense last Thursday. RB Dedric Sullivan looked healthy and had a good night running the ball. Junior kicker Jack Lloyd is a weapon for the Stars. He rarely allows a return and is a master at kicking the ball to the end-zone for a touchback which sets his defense up nicely. The Black Raiders can strike quickly on offense, but I am impressed with their play at the line of scrimmage in the offensive and defensive line. The Black Raiders bring skill guys in waves off the sideline which causes matchup problems for defenses to adjust too. Senior QB Longval plays with a confidence and command in the huddle that makes this offense a well oiled machine.
COACH MOHR STARS GAME PLAN: “I was very happy with our win over SSC. Our performance needs to improve. Our line play needs to be more physical. I thought our defensive line played well. We need to continue to grow and stay aggressive. In order to have success against SC East we will have to play a physical clean football game. We need to be clean with our offensive mechanics and defensive alignment assignments,” said Head Coach Mohr
COACH WEBB BLACK RAIDERS GAME PLAN: “I thought our effort was really good against Heelan. I thought our kids executed the game plan well. I thought we had a good night on special teams and played hard. We kicked the ball to the end-zone and made them go 80-yards to start a drive. I thought the offensive line set the tone early. We need to continue to have good practices. We have to prepare the same way everyday and continue to play with intensity. Young players need to understand that preparation is a key to success,” Stated Head Coach Webb.
SSI PREDICTION: BLACK RAIDERS 34 STARS 13