(Harlan, IA) — For a while, the theme for the Harlan football team was the walking wounded but after the last three weeks, the Cyclones can now be called back from the dead. Harlan is now in position to make the playoffs in Class 3A, District 6 as they host Knoxville tonight in a regular season match-up.
After a blow out loss to Sgt. Bluff Luton and a surprising 43-42 defeat to Creston, the Cyclones were thought to be out of it. But. There was a confidence boost with a 49-7 win over Perry, then the big upset 24-21 over Nevada and last week the Cyclones hurt Atlantic’s playoff hopes with a 41-16 win. After getting healthy, Head Coach Todd Bladt says it was simply back to basics
One of the guys who has gotten healthy is Jozef Reisz — at tight end, he’s Harlan’s leading receiver with 37 catches for 739 yards and 8 TD; on defense he is a ball hawker with his 28.5 tackles now showing the whole story of his abilities. Bladt says he’s a key guy on the field
The defensive leader in tackles is Senior Bryce Van Baale with 66 tackles and 6 TFL who Bladt says doesn’t really come off the field
Tonight Harlan will take on the Knoxville Panthers who like to sling it. QB Brenden Woolsey has thrown for 1,113 yards, 13 TD, and 4 INT. Senior Cael Irving has 25 catches for 361 yards and 5 TD and Sophomore TaShawn Connor has 24 catches for 243 yards and 2 scores. Bladt says they like to throw it all over the yard
In terms of the playoff hunt, District 6 has been a wide open race. The Cyclones have an outside shot at a district title, they would need Nevada and Creston to both lose, unlikely since the Panthers are facing last place Perry. Still a win over Knoxville and Harlan will be in the post season. Bladt says the district race has been a wild ride
4-4 Knoxville visits 5-3 Harlan
Complete Interview with Head Coach Todd Bladt
