(Harlan) The Class 3A defending state champion Harlan Cyclones take to the road Friday night for a Class 3A first-round playoff football game at Creston. The Cyclones, (6-3) overall and (3-2) in district play, drew an at-large bid. This is the second time around for Harlan and Creston. The Panthers won the first meeting 25-22 on September 22.
Harlan Head Coach Todd Bladt does not dwell on playing a team the second time in the same season. He says (with a grin) that the only difference between the first game and Friday night might be the temperature; otherwise, prepping and everything else will not be any different. He says the game will still come down to the following things.
Coach Bladt says the state had a couple of different options, and this game is between two teams nearby.
Coach Bladt recalls a matchup between the Cyclones and the Panthers in 2013.
The injury bug hit the Cyclone camp midway through the season, but Coach Bladt says the replacements are eager to play.
Harlan enters the contest with 3,195 yards of offense, 1300 rushing, and 1,895 passing. Creston has 4,190 yards of total offense, 2,328 passing, and 1,862 yards rushing. Harlan has forced ten turnovers, two fumble recoveries, and eight interceptions. Creston has 14 interceptions and has recovered six fumbles.
