STORY CITY, Ia. — The Roland-Story Norsemen football team returns to the field on Friday Night, as they host the Grand View Christian Thunder in Class 2A First Round Playoff action at Kerry Van Winkle Field. Roland-Story enters at 6-2 and ranked #9, as Grand View Christian enters at 5-3, as Friday’s meeting is the first-ever matchup between the two programs.
Grand View Christian enters Friday with a record of 5-3, with wins over West Central Valley, Greene County, Clarke Community, Woodward-Granger and Chariton, with losses to Interstate 35, Clarinda and Van Meter. The Thunder offense is led by senior quarterback Jake Buell, who took over quarterbacking duties from Canaan John midseason, as Buell has thrown for 807 yards, 5 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, while rushing for 145 yards and 4 touchdowns. The favorite target of the GVC passing attack is senior Colton Hoben, who’s caught 41 passes for 551 yards and 3 touchdowns, as senior Jordyn Perry has 25 catches for 243 yards and a score, while Luke Jordan has 21 receptions for 261 yards and 2 scores. Senior Isaiah Miguez is a dual-threat out of the backfield, rushing for 300 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for 306 yards and 5 touchdowns, as the Thunder offensive line is a young unit, led by senior James Guzman and junior Brysen Bill.
Defensively, it’s a unit low on depth, but high on self-starters, especially in the 2nd and 3rd levels. Isaiah Miguez leads the linebackers with a team-high 49 tackles, 6.5 TFL, a sack and 2 forced fumbles, as Cooper Shanahan has 40 tackles, 7.5 TFL and 4 sacks, while Luke Jordan has 36 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 3 interceptions. The secondary is led by senior Colton Hoben, who has 28 tackles, 2.5 TFL and 2 interceptions, as fellow DB Isaiah Keasy has 3 interceptions to lead the defensive backfield. The defensive line is led by Jake Buell, who has 33.5 tackles, 7 TFL and 3.5 sacks, as Tristan Paulson has 18.5 tackles, 5 TFL and 4 sacks.
LISTEN: Grand View Christian coach Sean Eikenberry previews Roland-Story
Roland-Story football looks to continue their dominant ways, as they have outscored the opposition 93-8 since their loss at Dike-New Hartford. The Norse passing attack will face a good test in an experienced GVC secondary, while the Norse defense is uniquely equipped to slow down the Thunder’s passing attack.
LISTEN: Roland-Story coach Matt Finn previews Grand View Christian
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at Kerry Van Winkle Field, and can be heard on 95.7 KQWC, online at kqradio.com and on the KQWC App.