(Underwood) Underwood is competing in its fifth consecutive quarterfinal tonight against Hinton. This season has presented one of the most challenging paths to reach this stage. The Eagles hold a record of 6-4, while Hinton comes into the matchup with an impressive 9-1 record. Underwood advanced to this round after a narrow 21-20 victory over Treynor in the second round, which also avenged a regular-season loss to the Cardinals.
Underwood Head Coach Nate Mechaelsen says the team moved the ball well early in the first half against Treynor last week but came away empty on several occasions, including three turnovers. Michaelsen says they regrouped at halftime, knowing what they were doing was working and that they needed to capitalize on them.
The Eagles are preparing for a Hinton team with 2,339 yards on the ground, led by quarterback Gabe Anderson’s 1010 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Anderson has thrown for 820 yards at a 51-percent completion rate. Coach Mechaelsen says overcoming the Blackhawks’ physical play, slowing down the run game, and getting the defense off the field will be the primary keys to success.
Defensively, Mechaelsen says the Blackhawks have good players all over the field and successfully stopped the opposition’s running game, forcing them to pass the football. Regarding the matchup, Mechaelsen says that when you look at height and weight, you try to gauge those things. “We will get a feel for that once the game begins.”
The Eagles bring an impressive aerial attack to the contest with 1,975 yards passing and another 1,303 yards rushing. Underwood is undoubtedly in familiar territory with five straight quarterfinal appearances, including two consecutive appearances in the semi-finals.
One thing of note: These two teams have one common opponent, Ridge View. Hinton lost the game 15-0. Underwood downed Ridge View in the first round 21-10.
The kick-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Hinton.
