Harlan looked like a JV secondary trying to cover Slagle, & Limbaugh. And even worse trying to tackle Allie in the open field. The offense just couldn't move the ball at all against Algona's defense that at times lined up with the front 7 guys 4-5yds off the LOS. They finished with only 30 rushing yards. Algona is big up front with 3 solid weapons in the passing game. Algona might have the 2 fastest kids left in the playoffs in Weichert and Allie. They are definitely a different team without Alex Manske, but Nathan has done really well coming in as only a Sophomore at QB. They'll get a test this week with Mt Vernon's aggressive defense.
Mt Vernon absolutely dominated Carroll. They only had 20 rushing yards and 40 passing when Mt Vernon subbed in their JV defense with 2 min left to go in the game. That defense is unreal. They lead the state in TFLs and sacks and I'm really not sure which of their DL is the best. They also have an explosive offense with multiple weapons. It's too bad that Algona and MV have to match up before the Dome as I think these are 2 of the top 4 teams.
Solon took care of the rematch with Benton in large part to having Eddie Johnson back at RB as well as getting Maddox Kelley the ball in space. They also limited the passing game in key moments this time around much better than the previous matchup. They seem to be really banged up with multiple players injured, but they have definitely been battle tested over the last 2 years which will help them going forward.
Humboldt scratched out a win over Clear Lake for the 2nd time this year on a last second field goal after scoring all 13 points in the 4th quarter. They just find a way to win, which is an attribute that is hard to quantify, but needed as the number of teams still playing dwindles. Their defense is stout even though they don't necessarily intimidate you with size. They're just well coached and relentless. It'll be interesting to see how they try to contain Kelley and Johnson this week
Wahlert wiped the floor with Assumption this time around holding them to a measly 42 rushing yards and 36 passing, while having 11 different guys run the ball for 377 yards. They seem to be firing on all cylinders right now and will be a tough matchup for Indee.
Indee pulls off the come from behind victory scoring 21 points in the 4th quarter after being down 14-0 to Williamsburg. They were helped by 3 Hocker interceptions and 12 Williamsburg penalties in what seems to be the complete implosion of defending state champ Williamsburg over these last 2 weeks in back to back losses to Benton and now Indee.
SBL is a powerhouse run team, but there are so one dimensional, I fear that they will struggle against any team with a potent offense or a stout D Line. (Algona, Wahlert, & MV come to mind). They can't afford to get in a shootout. But seeing how they handled Harlan who beat Nevada a few weeks ago, it might not matter this week.
Nevada is the one school I haven't seen any film on yet, but seems to be riding the running strength of Eaton as far as he can carry them while splashing in just enough passes to keep the defense honest. When they do throw they're effective at it. It'll be interesting to see which of these two power run teams can impose their will and grind out a trip to Cedar Falls.
My picks for the Dome would be SBL, MV, Solon, & Wahlert to come out with victories this week.