The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys football team returns to action on Friday night, as they make the drive into far northern Iowa to take on the Central Springs Panthers in their Class 1A, District 3 opener at Central Springs High School in Manly. Friday’s meeting is the 3rd all-time meeting between the 2 programs, as Clarion won both previous meetings in 2010 by a score of 28-6 and 2011 with a score of 44-8.
Central Springs enters Friday with a record of 2-1 with a 1-point win over Newman Catholic in Week 1, followed by a 36-15 win over Lake Mills and a 35-6 loss to Nashua-Plainfield. The Panthers offense is led by quarterback Eddie Pruin, who’s thrown for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns, but with 6 interceptions. Pruin’s favorite target has been senior Braydin Crum, who’s caught 7 passes for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Lincoln Blickenderfer has 5 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers backfield is led by junior Mannie Gregorie, who’s rushed for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns on 31 carries, while sophomore Jamison Rothmeyer has 146 yards and 3 touchdowns on 17 carries. The Panthers do have a veteran offensive line, led by seniors Ethan Qualey, Ryan Shimek and Evin Hagen.
On the defensive side, the Panthers front seven is the heartbeat of the unit. The linebacking core is led by senior Ethan Qualey, who has a team-high 20 tackles with 4.5 TFL and 2 sacks, as junior Wilton Hogen has 10.5 tackles, 3 TFL and 2 sacks, and senior Lincoln Blickenderfer has 14 tackles, 4 TFL and a sack. The defensive line is led by senior Ryan Shimek, who’s amassed 12.5 tackles with a sack and a TFL, while Lincoln Levan has added 14 tackles, 3 TFL and a sack. The secondary has been productive, as Braydin Crum leads the unit with 16 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups and an interception. Sophomore Jamison Rothmeyer and senior Jace Huebsch have also grabbed interceptions, as Rothmeyer has 15 tackles.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows will look to start district play on the right note with top-ranked Grundy Center on the horizon, following a 26-14 win over Estherville in Week 3. The Cowboys offense has found its rhythm with the top rushing attack in 1A featuring Joel Meier, Selvin Gonzalez and Colin Sesker, as the wait to get Charlie Campbell back from injury.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at Central Springs High School in Manly.