The #1(1A) Grundy Center football team will look defend its fortress as they host West Branch in a Class 1A Second Round matchup on Friday. This will be the first ever meeting between the programs.
Grundy Center (9-0) won handily 55-16 over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont in the first round last week. The Spartans defense has allowed seven points or less in seven of nine games. The offense has scored 35 points or more in eight of nine games this season.
Grundy Center Head Coach Travis Zajac on a redeeming quality and the value of multiple contributors on the Spartans offense.
“The level of unselfish attitudes and mindsets of our kids is really our most redeeming quality offensively,” says Zajac. “The kids knew that we weren’t going to be just a one-trick pony sort of team, we were going to have a lot of kids that could do different things when they had the ball in their hands. The more people that can help us, the better off we’re going to be in the long run. That has definitely carried over to this group.”
Judd Jirovsky has captained the offense with 1,569 passing yards, 259 rushing yards, and 30 total touchdowns (third most in 2A). A key downfield target for the Spartans offense has been Tiernan Vokes with 773 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns (both rank as the third most in 2A). Ryker Thoren leads the defense with 41 tackles.
West Branch (3-6) had a second half comeback upset of #7(1A)Sigourney Keota 41-33 in the first round last week.
Zajac’s scouting report on the Bears.
“Very physical and very dangerous football team. Their record is deceiving as I’ve watched every game that they played several times. It’s unfortunate for them, they’ve had some significant injury issues and they’ve had to really shuffle some things around. They play hard, they play clean, they’re disciplined, they finish. We will have our hands full. We’re really excited for the opportunity. They’re one of the premier small high school football teams in the state of Iowa. They do it the right way. It’s gonna be an exciting night at Spartan Stadium, when we play those guys.”
Connor Rios has 676 passing yards, 206 rushing yards and six total touchdowns and Brandon Pederson has helped the Bears offense go vertical with 330 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Meet the Spartans will begin at 5:00 p.m. on 99 The Wave. Pregame coverage begins with the Roling Ford Road to the Dome Warmup Show at 6:15 p.m. followed by the kickoff at 7:00 p.m. in Grundy Center. The winner will advance to next week’s quarterfinal against either Sumner-Fredericksburg or Manson NW Webster.
