(Harlan, IA) — Its a new season of Harlan football and the Cyclones will visit Class 1A powerhouse Underwood.
The Cyclones are coming off a 6-4 season which is un-Harlan like but they did squeak into the playoffs. Senior Gabe Arkfeld is back at quarterback — he threw for 1,787 yards with 17 TD and only 6 interceptions last season. He only ran for 217 yards so Head Coach Todd Bladt would like to see that improve and has been working to get him out of the pocket. At running back, Bladt says there are three guys that are battling for playing time
Harlan is deep at Tight End — Senior Dallas McDowell and Junior Colton Schneider will both see time there. Bladt says there are a lot of receivers who could get on the field and admits that Harlan is young at wideout. Senior Center Owen Neve will anchor the offensive line.
On defense, Bladt says two guys stand out for now
Harlan does not seem to have any star players coming into the season — there are no guys named Sears or Reisz but some say that is when Harlan is at their most dangerous.
Tonight, the Cyclones are playing an Underwood team led by Senior Quarterback Garrett Luett who threw for 2,184 yards with 22 TD. The two towns are only 31 miles apart but Bladt says they have never met on the football field
Harlan is ranked 6th in Class 3A; Underwood is ranked 8th in Class 1A; 7 pm kickoff tonight in Underwood.
