The Eagle Grove Eagles football team returns to action on Friday night, as they host the West Fork Warhawks in non-district action on homecoming night at Gene Hinrichsen Field. Friday’s meeting is the 5th all-time meeting between the two programs, as West Fork holds a 4-0 all-time series lead, winning the most recent meeting in 2015 by a score of 21-8.
West Fork enters Friday night with a 2-0 record, boasting a 21-6 opening week victory over North Butler, followed by a 56-20 thrashing of BCLUW on the road in Week 2. The Warhawks operate a Wing T scheme offensively, led by junior quarterback Zander Hansen, who’s thrown for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns, while rushing for another 48 yards and 2 scores. Hansen has 3 solid backs behind him, led by senior fullback Dax Suntken, who’s rushed for 243 yards and 3 touchdowns, as running backs Tyler Fessler and Blaine Schulz have each passed 100 yards total on the season. Hansen’s favorite target in the passing game this year has been senior Rylan Dorenkamp, who’s caught 2 passes for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns so far this season. The Warhawks do posses a big and athletic offensive line, as their line averages 220 pounds across the board.
On the defensive side, West Fork opts more for speed on its defensive line, as senior Owen Schmidt has 8.5 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 TFL, as Braylon Shreckengost has 9 tackles, 1.5 TFL and a sack. Parker Sheriff also provides as a space eater at defensive tackle. Senior Jack Watters leads the linebacking core with 9 tackles and 2.5 TFL, as the rest of the linebacking core is made up of senior Tyler Fessler and freshman Cale Fredin. The defensive backfield has been productive early this year, as sophomore Connor Swenson has 2 picks and junior Keston Lambertsen has a pick as well.
Eagle Grove will try and bounce back following a tough 1-point loss at the hands of Ogden. The Eagles will try and continue to progress its rushing attack, as the offensive line continues to improve. It will be a physical test for the Eagle Grove defense, going up against big and sizable front from West Fork.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at Gene Hinrichsen Field, the game can be heard on 95.7 KQWC or streaming online at kqradio.com.