(Harlan) Two powerhouses, Harlan and Sergeant Bluff-Luton, square off in a non-district football game at Sergeant Bluff on Friday. The Warriors are off to a 3-0 start with wins over LeMars, Sioux City, East, and Sioux City, West. After falling to Lewis Central in week one, Harlan got back on track with wins over Denison-Schleswig and Glenwood.
Harlan Head Coach Todd Bladt says Sergeant Bluff-Luton does many things correctly. Bladt is particularly impressed with the Warriors’ defense, which has held the opposition to an average of 12 points through the first three outings.
Sergeant Bluff-Luton is run-heavy with 939 rushing compared to 204 passing yards. The Warriors have a trio of ball carries Ryan Husen with 221 rushing yards, Isaiah Jervik (255), and Zayvion Ellington (274).
The Warriors will have their work cut out for them, running against a solid Cyclones defense led by Bryce Van Baale, the team’s leader, with 33.5 tackles, 24 solos, and three tackles for loss.
Offensively, the Cyclones pose a two-pronged attack. The run game averages 5.6 yards per carry, and Quarterback Gabe Arkfeld is 25-44 passing for 461 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. Josef Reisz is the primary target, with 14 catches for 280 yards.
Lukis Francis is the leading rusher for Harlan with 47 carries for 313 yards. The senior is averaging an impressive 6.7 yards per carry. Ayden Redmon has 27 carries for 157 yards.
Harlan and Sergeant Bluff-Luton each have five takeaways. At first glance, it appears that Harlan has the edge in the kicking game. Nolan Schwery is 13-for-13 kicking PATs and one-for-one kicking field goals with a 27-yarder under his belt. Necci Rojas is 9-10 kicking PATs for the Warriors.
The kick-off is at 7:00 p.m.
