(Harlan) Last week’s playoff victory for Harlan was their 101st in program history. The defending champs knocked off MOC-Floyd Valley 42-7 to set up a playoff rematch with #3 Nevada.
The Cyclones beat the Cubs on their route to a state title last year. Head coach Todd Bladt admits his team will be giving up some size. “They have some big, big people over there. They have a 300 pounder in there, they have a couple 250 pounders. When we start looking at our kids we are about 210 pounds. They have us outweighed in the trenches and have a pretty effective running game.” Bladt says, “They are a formidable team and really fit the bill.”
All 3A teams have struggled to keep pace with Harlan this season and that was evident again last week against MOC-Floyd Valley. “I think last week the intensity that the guys played with during playoff football was a big part of last week and why we were able to get out hot. We forced 3 and outs on ‘D’. I thought the defense played fantastic. Their scheme they had in from the coaches was really thought out and the kids executed at a high level. Offensively we came out and we knew we could take advantage of a few things and we were able to get them.”
Coach Bladt indicates several players have stepped up this year. He gives a lot of credit to their lineman for allowing players in the skill positions to excel. The group includes Jace Gubbels, Hayden Soma, Austin Schumacher, Steven Fah, and Gunner Schmitz. “Those guys battle every week. They are kind of the unsung heroes with no stats online or anything like that.” Bladt also credits fullback William Kenkel “He rushes the ball efficiently, but he’s from the fullback spot and sometimes they don’t get a lot of love. He’s a hard nosed football player who really helps with our protections.”
KSOM will have the coverage Friday night from Harlan. The game kicks off at 7:00.
Harlan coach Todd Bladt:
