Central Elkader?

[Class A Fan 06]

Obviously CE is an explosive offense with the points they score but what kind of offense are they? I know they pass efficiently and have a stud back. Is he a speedburner or powerback or a mix of both? Do they run one back sets or more power sets? Do they have a bunch of fast and athletic guys.

Defensively what do they run? Big guys or quick to the ball? Do they blitz? Also, do they have a good kicker?

 

[Kakiyosata]

I was able to watch them this past Wednesday when they played Meskwaki. I was curious to see how they played, especially hearing of their scores earlier in the season! Fitzgerald is a great athlete, and I thought he was a mixture of both a power back and speed burner. He can get the pile to go forward but also make something happen in space. From the one game I had seen, they ran more of one back sets. Sweeps, and dives. They like to use bubble screens to get the ball to their quicker guys.

On the defensive side, they're solid. Nothing too outstanding or one player making all the tackles. One thing I do know is they wrap up really well. Had a conversation with Terrell Grant and he had said if there's anything they're good at it was being able to wrap up. They like to run more of a man coverage, and like a four front defensively.

They can put points up quickly, but running against them with a good back and line would be an advantage. Meskwaki traded shots with CE for about two quarters until CE made stops and put points up. Definitely nice watching them play, would like to see what they can do against others teams!

Lastly, their kicker isn't anything spectacular. I'm sure he is able to kick it to the end zone every time, but they like to squib kick and kick onsides. Hope this helps or gives you a little insight on what to expect! Containing Fitzgerald is key.

 

[Class A Fan 06]

Thanks for the insight. Just wanted to see if N-K would be able to match up at all with them. I just don't know it N-K can hang with them. We do have a big strong line and 5 talented backs but staying healthy has been an issue. I don't know yet who they will have available to play. Hopefully it will be close.

 

[putt4dough]

o and don't forget the quarterback went 8 for 9 with 249 yards and 7 td's. And Kakiyosata you are one of the most respectful posters if seen on here, well done.

 

[Kakiyosata]

I'm anxious to see that match up as well. I know many people believe Exira is being saved by the state, but other than that I believe there are so many good match ups tonight's. Statement games for a lot of the teams. How do you feel about the match up? Seems to me that others are starting to question their competition, but that seems to be the case with many teams. Which then makes it all more exciting because there isn't a clear cut favourite. Best of luck to N-K and CE.. I'm planning on going to the HLV and Janesville game, slightly over an hour from where I attend college.

 

[high90school]

Its hard telling what the state is doing with Exira-EHK. I want to say they are protecting them but at the same time I think they state is trying to avoid any "what-if" scenerios where they pair them with someone like Fremont or Glidden and they lose but Peppers is right there ready to come back in the quarters. There will always be that what-if hanging over their heads as to what it would have been like if he was back healthy so thats why I think they sent them to Lamoni rather than to Glidden or Fremont like many thought and expected. Kakiyosata are you going to give any updates on that game tonight? I am really interested in how that game will go but unforunately I wont be able to make it up there to see it play out.

 

[Kakiyosata]

Thank you sir, I appreciate that gesture. It's unfortunate there are many posters that are disrespectful or very biased. I tend to give credit where credit is due, and bring good conversation/debate to the table. Forgot to mention Derek Erdhardts stats, he had himself one of his best games of the season. Meskwaki was able to contain Fitzgerald mildly, but the passing game opened up the run game which makes the CE squad versatile. Still waiting to see Terrell Grant's stats from that night as only three players were able to round up 100 yards on the CE defense all season, twice passing and once running. Pretty sure he had 100+ yards rushing and passing. Anyways, excited for the rest of the playoffs!

 

[Kakiyosata]

I completely agree with what you're saying about the Exira topic. You kind of have to see both sides of the fence, like I'd like to see him comeback and play, but then again it is unfortunate to see a good GTRA team lose in the first round to a good MMC squad. Almost like a give or take situation, but it'll come back to bite the state if Peppers isn't able to come back.

As for the game, if I make it up there, I'll definitely have updates! Wondering if Strudthofft will be playing?? Should be a good game!

 

[putt4dough]

I firmly believe we have no idea. 8 man is such an explosive game and there is such a difference in good team and average team to tell. We will find out more tonight that is for sure. Meskowkie had some really good players, and Grant sure was fun to watch. Hopefully keep getting more numbers out.

 

[high90school]

It wouldn't surprise me to see the state give Exira-EHK the hardest test available for them if they win tonight to try and avoid that possible situation where Peppers never comes back and they get handicapped all the way to Cedar Falls. If they want to win they will have to beat the best available next round with or without Peppers. As far as GTRA having to play MMC I am not sure that could have been avoided just based on the restrictions the state placed on itself for the first round. It is really unfortunate but I feel that may be the case each year in the first two rounds someone will walk the gauntlet and someone will slide on bye easier. It just so happens this year it has been MMC that has gotten the shaft and Exira who has gotten the easier path.

 

[Kakiyosata]

I really hope so as well! When we talk about 8 man teams, we mean it! Lol but by no means do we lay down to any opponent due to lack of numbers. I loved watching our boys play all season because they continued to fight win or lose, fresh or tired. we only lost two players to graduation last year, and we should have had at least twenty players out this season. Four players transferred, (1 senior, 2 juniors, and a sophomore) and the. There were two seniors that chose not to go out for football. Each player has something to bring to the table, and would have made impacts for the team. With those players, we would have definitely been a three seed, if not fighting for the second spot. But, the boys made due with what they had, and brought the 3rd state playoff banner to the school in it's short five years of having a team! Current head coach Mike Kauzlarich is looking to make a turn in the right direction for the program! Hopefully we can get over the hump next year and make a run into the playoffs!

 

[Kakiyosata]

I see where you're coming from and agree with your statement about the future. Personally, how do you feel about the system? From your posts, I can tell you have plenty of knowledge on how it works. Do you prefer this system or the sister districts?

 

[gonorse92]

Central has a good offensive line and ends, Erhardt does a good running the offense and minimizing mistakes. Fitzgerald is a fast and physical runner who hits the whole hard, runs with nice pad level and is fast. Once past the line of scrimmage he does well cutting back in the secondary and he is hard to catch then. They set him in the backfield by himself a lot. This is certainly not a one man team though. Defensively they get after it pretty well. Physical at the point of attack. They can get a little sloppy at time but overall a good defense to go with very good defense. Hard to read their kicker since the game I was at they on side kick most of the time (which I still don't understand). Punter doesn't punt much he is solid. Central has a great shot to get to the dome and I think to the finals. Not a lot of weaknesses.

 

[Class A Fan 06]

After tonight I can say Central's run defense is legit. N-K is not a passing team and it showed but receivers were open and a better passing team may be able to expose it. Offensively I didn't think the running back was as dominate as I was expecting. He is dangerous and get a few big ones but he probably had 20 carries where he got nothing. They can pass pretty well but its hard to say how that will translate from here on out because N-K is not that good in coverage and it cost them. Overall though they are a really good team and I think there defense will be what gets them to the finals. Great season N-K, can't wait for next year. And good luck to Central Elkader, I think you got a good shot.