(Harlan) 8-1 Lewis Central travels to undefeated Harlan in a matchup of ranked Class 3A teams. Harlan secured home field advantage in this one with their 28-10 Week 7 win over the Titans.
Harlan coach Todd Bladt says ball security will be a big factor with turnover margin always being so critical in the playoffs. On defense coach Todd Bladt says it’ll take a lot of guys flying to the football and executing their assignment. Lewis Central has a lot of playmakers. Among the main concerns is Nebraska commit Thomas Fidone. The highly recruited tight end has caught 42 passes for 843 yards and ten touchdowns. “He’s the real deal. He’s a big target out there, he runs very well, he is very physical and he’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Logan Katzer is another big offensive weapon. The senior running back had 219 yards and three scores on the ground last week. “That Logan Katzer is a real thunder thumper in there.”
Harlan’s backs were against the wall last week. They trailed Carlisle 22-14 at half and trailed by 14 at one time, but a couple of takeaways sparked a comeback. “Things changed for the better. We recovered a fumble. Jacob Schechinger made an incredible effort to get the ball and we went down and scored on that possession. Right away on the ensuing drive on the very first play they fumbled and our defensive end Jameson Bieker was able to get it and then we threw a jump ball to Connor Frame in the end zone and he went up and got it so we tied it up at 28 and had some fortuitous thing happen for us down the stretch.”
Harlan has a 94-26 all-time playoff record. Their most recent semifinal appearance came in 2017. These two teams met in the quarterfinals two years ago with Lewis Central winning 35-14. In fact, LC is seeking their third straight trip to the dome.
