(Coon Rapids) Coon Rapids-Bayard is one of four teams in 8-Player District 10 with a 2-0 record heading into Week 3. The Crusaders have posted a 36-8 win against Glidden-Ralston followed by a 51-6 decision over Woodward Academy.
Coach Chris Mohr says kids have come to practice every day and worked to get better. He admits there have been some kinks to work out with many of their linemen to replace from last season. “We are a little undersized on both sides of the ball, especially on defense so we are going to a two man line and really crowding the linebackers up. The kids do a great job of team defense and flowing to the ball and making plays.”
Offensively he says they have to spread the field and take advantage of their speed. Two of their best athletes are Gabe Obert who has rushed 18 times for 111 yards and five scores along with Easton Hays who has 86 yards and at TD on 11 attempts. “It starts with Gabe Obert and Easton Hays, both seniors. They are coming off great track seasons so they have great speed. We also used Lance Clayburg back there and he’s just a big kid with greats size. Unfortunately he broke his leg on Friday night and we won’t be having him the rest of the season so we’ll be looking for that next man up to fill the spot for us.”
Mohr says Boyer Valley is very big. The Bulldogs come in at 1-1 with a 53-14 loss to Audubon and 68-14 win against River Valley. “They like to line up in the I-formation and run the ball at you. They can throw the ball two. They’ll go two by two and throw it. They definitely have a size advantage up front so I’m sure they’ll look to exploit that. We’ll have to be really disciplined and bring up our physicality for this game for sure.”
This is the district opener for a CR-B team that’s joined by Audubon, CAM, and Exira-EHK as 2-0 squads. “Extremely tough. Just a great group of seniors. A lot of senior led teams. Gavin Smith at Audubon and Lane Spieker at CAM and a lot of these kids have played a lot since they were freshmen or sophomores. It’s a lot of fun to see everyone have success and makes for a fun Friday night.”
The defense has been a force for the Crusaders thus far. They’ve forced five turnovers and have allowed just seven points per game.
Coon Rapids-Bayard coach Chris Mohr:
