CLARION, Ia. — The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys football team returns to the field on Friday Night, as they host the Central Springs Panthers for homecoming and their Class 1A, District 3 opener at the Clarion Football Field. CGD enters with a record of 2-1, while Central Springs enters at 1-2, as CGD leads the all-time series 3-0 dating back to 2010, as the Cowboys won the 2025 meeting by a score of 33-0.
Central Springs enters district play at 1-2 with a season-opening loss to Newman Catholic, before routing Lake Mills in week 2, followed by a tough 7-6 loss to Nashua-Plainfield. The Panthers are led by senior quarterback Eddie Pruin, who’s thrown for 245 yards and 2 interceptions, but has rushed for 2 scores so far. Pruin’s favorite targets have been tailback Lincoln Levan and senior Cohen Meyer, as Meyer has 8 receptions. Levan leads the team in receiving with 134 yards, as well as in rushing with 324 yards and 2 touchdowns. Truman Hogan and Lane Knudson have added a combined 3 touchdowns. The Panthers do have an offensive that’s gotten lots of work with seniors Wilton Hogen and Jacob Roegner, as well as junior Zachary Ward.
Defensively, the Panthers linebacking core has put up big numbers through the first 3 weeks, as senior Wilton Hogen has 29 tackles, 7.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks, with Lincoln Levan adding 23.5 tackles, 3 TFL and a sack, while Colton Levan has added 8.5 tackles. The defensive line has seen a lot of work as well, with junior Zachary Ward leading the unit with 11.5 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks, while Jakob Roegner has 13 tackles, a TFL and a fumble return for a touchdown. The defensive backfield has not done much, as the Panthers have not recorded a pick, but Truman Hogan has been a workhorse with 18.5 tackles.
The Cowboys look to start district play on a high note, following a 49-20 win over Estherville-Lincoln Central. CGD expects to have Charlie Campbell back in the lineup for the district opener, but have developed more options to carry the ball with youngsters such as Reed Campbell and Maxton Downing. Defensively, it could be a big night for the Cowboys linebackers, who excel in reading and reacting.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at the Clarion Football Field.