(Oakland, IA) — St. Albert will visit Riverside tonight in the 2nd round of the Class A football playoffs, coverage on KSOM.
The Falcons beat the Bulldogs 31-21 four weeks ago behind two pick sixes by Brek Gentille and Ben Krohn. Mason Houser did run for 261 yards but Riverside could not overcome the turnovers. St. Albert Head Coach Donnie Woods says it is not easy to beat a team twice in a season
One difference for St. Albert is that Senior Avery Beck has recovered from his injury and is back on the football field — last year as a Junior, Beck led the Falcons in tackles with 67.5 and was a contributor on offense. He had 5.5 tackles in last week’s 35-9 win over Gehlen Catholic and Woods says he is a difference maker
Both teams feature young exciting running backs — Wade Beck for St. Albert is a freshman who ran for 192 last week against the Jays and has 906 for the season while Mason Houser for Riverside is a sophomore who has 1,651 yards. Woods says they are two different players
Woods will need his team to win the battle on the line of scrimmage and he has guys on the defensive line that is ready to try and bring down Houser and contain the running game of the Bulldogs
Riverside is coming off a 48-14 win over Earlham — the Bulldogs used a lot of no huddle and just banged Houser against the Cardinals all game long. Head Coach Tyler Johannsen says the kids are used to playing no huddle and it keeps the defense on their heels
Riverside’s defense had another goal line stand against Earlham — make it two in two weeks.
Besides Beck, St. Albert has other weapons on offense — Sophomore Bryce Nelson has thrown for 1,775 yards, 21 TD and 8 INT. Krohn has 36 catches for 500 yards and 5 TD and Adrian Jessen has 32 receptions for 464 yards and 6 scores. Johannsen says they can make plays
Johannsen says there are a couple of keys to get a little revenge and go to the quarterfinals
#9 St. Albert is 8-1; #8 Riverside is 7-2 — the winner will play the winner of West Monona at #2 Hawarden West Sioux. Scouting Report at 5, In the Huddle 5:15, Pre Game 6:30, Kickoff 7 pm on 96.5 FM KSOM.
Riverside Head Coach Tyler Johannsen
St. Albert Head Coach Donnie Woods
