The West Fork football will be on the hunt for its first win over Newman Catholic since 2020 when the programs meet to begin Class A district play on Friday.
West Fork at 1-0 won 32-6 over Clayton Ridge at Wartburg College last week. The Warhawks offense rushed for 420 yards including three touchdowns by junior Dax Suntken and a touchdown apiece by junior Tyler Fessler and sophomore Blaine Schulz in win over the Eagles.
Warhawk Head Coach Dan Westhoff on the series with Newman.
“They have really dominated us the last two years. Hopefully we can certainly close that gap and then go up there and get in a dog fight and have a chance to win,” says Westhoff. “A lot of it’s mental and starting the season off the way we did is a good step. It’s a district game and it’s going to be really important for us to go up there and compete.”
Newman at 0-1 lost in a shootout 50-34 to Central Spring last week. The Knights presented an air raid style of offense behind sophomore quarterback Thomas McGuire who threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns but was also held down by two interceptions.
Westhoff on the importance of matching physicality when facing the Knights.
“They have tough, gritty kids, they’re well coached. I think, just matching that toughness and physicality is the number one most important thing. Whatever you are running, you need to be physical. We’re gonna hammer that home all week. The trenches at the line of scrimmage is gonna tell the tale 100% for that game.”
The Knights won last year’s meeting 47-7 in Sheffield.
Coverage on 104.9 KLMJ will begin with the Roling Ford Road to the Dome Warm-Up Show at 6:15 p.m. followed by the kickoff at 7:00 p.m. in Mason City on Friday.
