Cardinal preparing for largest opponent yet

A large task awaits the Comets ? literally ? when seventh-ranked (1A) North Cedar visits Eldon Friday.

?They?re huge up front,? said Cardinal head coach Adam Hadenfelt. ?They?re a big team, they?re a physical team. They?re going to come right out and try to run the ball.?

Among the huge linemen who will attempt to open holes for a deep backfield include 320-pound Josh Sander and 250-pound Brody Proesch.

Tailbacks Scout Kasik and Derrick Gray will share the bulk of carries for a Knights team that has had no trouble running over opponents all season. Kasik has tallied 10.3 yards per carry on the ground this year, while Gray has averaged 6.3 yards per carry on just 14 attempts.

Shutting down the run will be priority No. 1 for Hadenfelt and the Comets? defense. Cardinal struggled with the task last year, allowing 331 rushing yards and six touchdowns vs. the Knights. However, the line is much improved this season and seniors Andrew Hemm and Tonch Craver will be up to the task.

?If we do manage to stop the run, they?re going to be ready to throw the football because they?ve got a good quarterback,? Hadenfelt said.

The Knights leader is Jordan Hay, a dual-threat quarterback who completed 4-of-7 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns vs. Van Buren one week ago in limited play.

Last week in a 35-0 loss to Highland, the Cardinals? offensive line wasn?t crisp up front, and the running game failed to get anything going against the Huskies? stout front four. More of the same can be expected from North Cedar this week, as they have allowed fewer than 100 yards rushing twice this season.

?We?re going back to basics this week,? said Hadenfelt. ?We want to run the ball.?

In the mix for carries on the Comets will be tailbacks Tanner Chance and Drew Ostrander, who look to bounce back after combining for 45 yards last week.

?It?s going to be tough, but they?re ready for the challenge.?

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. in Eldon.