The North Butler football team will fight to stay in playoff contention as they visit North Tama in Class A District 3 play on Friday. The Bearcats currently are fifth in the district standings and need to finish in the top four to qualify for playoffs with three games remaining.
North Butler (3-2, 1-2 A-3) won its first district game in shutout fashion 22-0 over BCLUW last week. The Bearcats win over the Comets was their most points scored and least point allowed through three district games. Three different Bearcat running backs have helped get the offense started with over 200 yards rushing. Brody Wangsness has helped the Bearcats downfield attack with 631 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.
North Butler Head Coach Jordan Vanderloop on limiting the Redhawks air raid offense and keys for own offense.
“They like to throw the ball, and they have got some talented receivers and athletes,” says Vanderloop. “Their quarterback’s got a good arm, is able to scramble and create plays and extend them. We need to make sure defensively we come sound, we have everybody accounted for, can keep the quarterback in the pocket, and try to get him uncomfortable. Offensively, we just have to play our game, make sure we build on our strengths, do what we need to do to move the ball and make sure that everyone’s accounted for.”
The Bearcats defense has been able to get downhill and contain opponents with the second most tackles for loss in the district with 19.5.
North Tama (3-2, 3-1 A-3) surprised defending district champion Wapsie Valley with a 22-13 win last week. Dual-threat quarterback Kolt Knaack has helped the Redhawks take flight with 942 passing yards (most in district), 200 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns.
North Butler won last year’s meeting 14-6 in Greene.
Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. in Traer.
