(Coon Rapids, IA) — The Coon Rapids-Bayard Crusaders are riding high after a first-round playoff blowout victory, and now they hit the road to take on the unbeaten Bedford Bulldogs with a spot in the 8-Player quarterfinals on the line.
The Crusaders were locked in a 24-24 tie with English Valleys after one quarter last Friday, but they exploded for 38 points in the second quarter on their way to a 74-32 win. Sophomore quarterback Tucker Lewis threw for 284 yards and five touchdowns in the win. He now has 1,350 yards and 26 touchdown passes on the season. Senior Caden Oswald has been a versatile weapon all season, with nearly 1,200 yards of total offense and 23 touchdowns. Sophomore Andrew McAlister also has 775 yards and 15 scores on the ground. Head Coach Nathan Lindsay says a few defensive tweaks in the second quarter changed the game:
Bedford is a perfect 9-0 after a 64-16 win over Fremont-Mills in the first round, and the Bulldogs also boast a 16-8 win over defending state champion Bishop-Garrigan earlier in the season. Bedford rarely throws the football. Senior running back Quentin Dalton leads the way with 1,771 yards and 24 touchdowns at nearly 12 yards a carry. Lindsay says Bedford may not be flashy, but they execute as well as anyone:
Kickoff is at 7:00 PM tonight in Bedford.
