(Neola, IA) — There is a lot on the line for Friday’s game between Tri Center and Shenandoah. Both teams are in the playoffs but neither team wants to go on the road and face a #1 seed from another district. The loser will have to do that next while the winner will be the #3 seed out of Class 1A, District 8. Tri Center Head Coach Steve Peterson is still not sure whether AJ Harder will return from a shoulder injury. The same is true with TE/LB Jayden Johnson who could not play last week as well
Tri Center beat Missouri Valley 36-7 last week while the Mustangs lost to Underwood 36-7. Shenandoah is led by Junior QB Joe O’Rourke who has thrown for only 578 yards, 5 TD and 7 INT but he and Sophomore Gabe Buttry and Senior Zane McManis have combined for over 800 rushing yards. Peterson says his team has to be ready for all those guys
If Harder cannot go, Cael Witt will be at QB — last week against the winless Big Reds he threw for 143 yards with 2 TD and 2 INT. Zach Nelson did have 8 catches for 99 yards and 2 TD. Peterson knows Nelson will draw attention if Witt is not at wideout
Peterson knew this would be a big game when he looked at the schedule
Tri Center visits Shenandoah, both teams 3-4.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Steve Peterson
