(Neola, IA) — There is another rivalry going on tonight as two next door neighbors Underwood and Tri Center tangle in their district opener.
The Trojans have three tough losses to St. Albert, OABCIG and last week to Hinton as new Head Coach Jake Gentille is still looking for his first win. Last week they almost did it against the Blackhawks but fumbled in the red zone with a chance to take a two score lead
The pressure is on Tri Center QB AJ Harder who has thrown for 474 yards, 5 TD, 3 INT plus is leading the team in rushing with 229 yards and 2 scores. Gentille says he is still getting his timing down with some of his guys which are new
Gentille says it will not be easy with Underwood this week because the Eagles have talent across the board
Gentille knows it will be a messy game and his boys will be ready
Five and half miles south is a different story as Underwood has big wins over Harlan, Interstate 35 and last week over Clarinda. The Cardinals led 21-14 at the half and the Eagles scored two TDs in the 3rd quarter to take command and shutout Clarinda the entire 2nd half. Head Coach Nate Mechaelsen says all of the Cardinals points came on big plays
Sophomore Kaleb Nelson and Junior Jerry Brunow each had 5.5 TFLs and were making plays all over the field
Charlie Myers had 139 yards rushing and 2 TD; Nash Mitchell threw for 190 2 TD and 1 pick and has thrown for 620 yards, 9 TD and 2 INT for the season.
Underwood will playing a Tri Center team that will be hungry for a win and Mechaelsen says they might be the best winless team in the state
Mechaelsen says they will have to identify Harder quickly on each and every play because he is as tough as it gets
Its a battle in Class 1A, District 8 as #5 Underwood at 3-0 visits 0-3 Tri Center.
Tri Center Head Coach Jake Gentille
Underwood Head Coach Nate Mechaelsen
