(Harlan) It’s been a while since Harlan has been tested, but that could change this week. The top ranked and 6-0 Cyclones face 5-1 ADM in a matchup of teams at the top of the Class 3A, District 6 standings.
Harlan has outscored their first two district opponents 119-7, but ADM is also undefeated in the district and has put up some big numbers. Cyclone coach Todd Bladt points out the speed is one thing that catches the eye. “They are pretty speedy that’s for sure and they have a tenacity to them. Their concepts are really good offensively. Defensively they are lined up really well most of the time.” Coach Bladt says, “Their duo in the backfield with their quarterback and tailback they have more speed than we have.
The Tigers only loss is to Class 4A top ten rated Winterset. They average 38 points per game. Quarterback Matt Dufoe has rushed for 731 yards and passed for 810. Brevin Doll has rushed for 570 yards, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. “They have some mean linemen. Some guys that can open up some holes. Anytime you have that it’s a scary proposition. They like to throw the ball downfield too and are pretty efficient at it with some guys that can make plays.”
One of the keys to Harlan’s success has been how competitive their practices have been. “I’m pretty proud of our kids and how we do practice and how hard we practice at times. We have different sessions with high tempo stuff and then we’ll back it off. Those guys give us a good look. That always goes under appreciated throughout football is the guys running plays. Our guys do a fantastic job of getting ready for Friday night.”
Harlan has some guys putting up outstanding numbers this season. Teagon Kasperbauer has thrown for 1,309 yards with 19 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He’s completing 65% of his passes. Since taking over as the featured ball carrier Aiden Hall has averaged over 100 yards rushing per game and has 10 TD’s on the ground. He averages 14.1 yards per carry. Connor Frame leads the receiver group with 19 catches for 405 yards and 7 TD’s. Joey Moser has 14 grabs for 324 yards with six scores and Jacob Birch has 18 receptions for 243 yards and three TD’s. Harlan is #1 in passing yardage and 4th in total yards among Class 3A teams.
Harlan coach Todd Bladt:
