(Harlan) Harlan, representing Class 3A District #6, and Algona, representing Class 3A District #2, square off in a first-round playoff matchup tonight. The Cyclones enter post-season play with a 6-3 record, and Algona is 8-1. The Bulldog’s only loss came to district champion Humboldt, 21-20.
The Cyclones started the season 2-3 but rebounded with four straight wins, including a signature victory over Nevada.
Harlan Head Coach Todd Bladt says Algona has good concepts, has some big boys up front, and can run and pass. The passing game has yielded 1,868 yards, and the run game, 1,316 yards.
Algona is without senior quarterback Alex Manske, who is out with an injury. His younger brother Nathan stepped in a couple of weeks ago and is 29/43 passing for 412 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Coach Bladt says the key for the Cyclones is to get out of the blocks quickly.
Harlan’s offensive attack is balanced between the run and the pass. Gabe Arkfeld is 93/159 for 1,606 yards. The Cyclones have rushed for another 1,651 yards, led by Lukas Francis’s 88 carries for 808 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The kick-off is at 7:00 at Algona.
