Area gridiron preview: Week 3

The threat of inclement weather on Friday night won?t dampen the excitement in store for Week 3 of the high school football season.

For each of the area schools, Week 3 can mark a clean slate, as nondistrict contests are completed, and the focus turns to their district foes the rest of the season.

This week?s slate is highlighted by a clash of two of the area?s best teams in a district clash, when Sigourney-Keota travels to take on Highland on Friday night.

With the weather looking questionable throughout the area, the words ?weather permitting? should just be assumed after each listed contest.

Sigourney-Keota (2-0) at Highland (2-0)

In an important clash to open up district play, the Cobras and Huskies will each look to gain the upperhand toward a playoff spot to open the year.

Both teams have looked strong throughout the first two games of the season, each posting at least a 20-point win this year.

Looking at the personnel, the Cobras will utilize their running game in their single-wing offense, which has generated nine touchdowns and more than 550 yards of rushing in the first two games, led by sophomore running back Carson Crawford, who is coming off a 143-yard performance against Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont.

Avery Moore is a name that fans should expect hear quite often on Friday night, as he?s accounted for five rushing touchdowns, a receiving touchdown, a defensive touchdown and a special teams touchdown so far this season.

This season, when the Cobras have attempted to pass the ball (only three pass completions on the season), all looks have gone to Moore, who has 107 receiving yards.

Highland, on the other hand, will use a strong balanced attack to put points on the board Friday night.

Senior quarterback Jake Wood has started off the season strong, with a 61.5 completion percentage and seven touchdowns through the air, with top target Chase Rath accounting for two of those scores.

On the ground, sophomore Trey Lasek has been effective for the Huskies, rushing for 257 yards at 12.9 yards per carry, notching three scores, while Bill Burton has 106 rushing yards at a clip of 15.1 yards per touch.

The Huskies strength comes from Rath and Burton, who lead the team with a pair of interceptions each this season, while Burton has accounted for 10.5 tackles to lead the team from his safety position.

With only two teams from each district making the playoffs, and Regina seemingly penciled in for another district championship, this game is crucial for the Cobras and Huskies, adding extra meaning to an early-season contest.

West Liberty (0-2) at Mid-Prairie (1-1)

The Golden Hawks will be happy to get back to normal after a tough week against Class 3A?s Washington last week, falling 49-14.

Mid-Prairie will look to get back on track against West Liberty, who has struggled so far this season, falling by 20 points to West Branch and by 36 points to Highland last week.

After getting banged up a bit as a team last week, the Golden Hawks will look to a strong running game to set the tone early and often against the Comets, led by Ricky Vargas, who is averaging 6.5 yards per carry and has scored three touchdowns this season.

Defensively, Jason Tew has been a strong force for the Golden Hawks, leading the squad with 13.5 tackles, while Levi Duwa has 12 tackles and a team-best three tackles for a loss.

Wilton (2-0) at Columbus (1-1)

Coming off their first win of the season, the Wildcats will host their district opener when they host Wilton on Friday night.

The Wildcats put forth a strong rushing attack in their 24-6 victory over Danville last week, with five Columbus rushers posting at least 45 yards on the ground, led by senior quarterback Carter Colby, who had 109 yards and a score. Colby also tossed a touchdown in the victory.

Wilton comes into the contest undefeated with a couple of blowout victories, defeating Tipton 32-8 and Durant 57-32. Durant defeated Columbus 22-7 in the season opener.

Wilton is led by a senior running back, Bryce Oveson, who has 275 rushing yards and four scores through two games, while their defense has only force one turnover on the season.

The Wildcats will look to keep the mistakes to a minimum against Wilton as they go for their second win of the year for homecoming.

WACO (1-2) at Midland (2-1)

The WACO football team blew open the doors on the scoreboard en route to their first win of the season, 74-12 over Tri-County last week.

They will try to keep that momentum going against Midland on the road Friday night.

The Warriors have a crew of athletes who have been contributing in big ways to the production this year, with sophomore Colton Horak leading the way, posting 328 rushing yards, 165 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns so far.

Midland has their own offensive prowess, posting 82 points in their season-opening victory at Easton Valley, led by senior quarterback Alex Martens, who has 815 passing yards and 11 touchdowns through the air through three games this season.

His favorite targets include a pair of seniors, Dawson Paulsen and Connor Harris, who have combined for nearly 600 receiving yards and nine scores.

The Warriors? will be looking to gain a second win, in time for homecoming next week.