(Audubon, IA) — The regular season comes to close today in 8 man football and in the battle of Audubon County, Exira EHK visits Audubon, coverage on KSOM.
The Wheelers have already clinched the District 9 title and will be hosting a first round playoff game next Friday. Audubon has won the last 6 meetings between the two schools and there is pride in the county but Head Coach Sean Birks is not worried about that — he says there is plenty of other things to play for
Audubon has not been touched this year and the offense has put up incredible numbers — the Wheelers lead the state in touchdowns (68); offensive TDs (61); rushing TDs (50); two point conversions (45); they rank 4th in the state in all purpose yards; rushing yards. Birks says even when something goes wrong, the players have the intelligence to make it right
The defense has been equally dominant — Audubon has 5 defensive TDs which is tied for 4th in the state. They have 6 fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown and 10 interceptions, 4 have been returned for scores. Birks says the turnover margin was not in his team’s favor in 2022 when they had zero INTs and its been an emphasis ever since
Birks says that Exira EHK is a dangerous team after they have won 3 in a row
Exira EHK has a problem coming into this game — RB Allen Olson and TE Preston White are both hurt and will not be able to play. That means that Head Coach Drew Buckholdt has shuffled the deck — Josten Kilworth goes from QB to RB and Sophomore Blake Nelson will get the start at QB. Bryce Brabham stays at a wing slash wide receiver with Jack Hansen and Austin Rasmussen also at wideout. Head Coach Drew Buckholdt says that Nelson is not unfamiliar with playing at quarterback
Audubon’s strength is up front on both lines — they have speed, they have power, they are physical. Buckholdt will need the same kind of intensity from his kids up front
The playoff possibilities exist for Exira EHK even if they lose to Audubon — if the season ended right now, the Spartans are the two seed out of the district. They are tied with CAM, Ar-We-Va and Coon Rapids Bayard with a 3-2 district record. Buckholdt, however, does not want to think about that. He says this week is just like other weeks — go all out for the win
4-3 Exira EHK visits 7-0 Audubon, coverage on KSOM, Scouting Report at 5; In the Huddle at 5:15; Pre Game 6:30; Kickoff 7 pm on KSOM.
Complete Interview with Audubon Head Coach Sean Birks
Complete Interview with Exira EHK Head Coach Drew Buckholdt
