The North Butler and AGWSR football teams will look to end the season on a high note as both programs meet in their regular season finale in A-3 action on Friday. It will also be the Bearcats senior night as they recognize 10 seniors.
North Butler (4-3, 2-3 A-3) enters off a 22-0 upset win at Nashua-Plainfield in district play last week. The Bearcats will look to replicate a standout defensive performance against the Huskies, where the defense allowed 170 total yards and forced three turnovers in the win. Brody Wangsness led the offense with 147 passing yards and three total touchdowns.
North Butler Head Coach Jordan Vanderloop’s message to the seniors ahead of kickoff and limiting the Cougars big play ability.
“We’ve been telling them, don’t hold anything back. This could be one of the last times you put pads on and be around this group, your teammates and your friends and everything and make it a memorable one. Go out and leave it out there, have fun, enjoy yourselves,” says Vanderloop. “We need to make sure our D-line is getting in there, causing some problems in the backfield, freeing up our linebackers so they’re able to scrape and fill the holes. Then make sure our defensive backs are in their coverages and everyone knows where they’re at. We have just got to clean some stuff up and make sure that everyone’s doing their job, not trying to do too much. Rotate people and keep them fresh so they can go as fast as they can.”
AGWSR (1-6, 1-4 A-3) lost at the wire 26-21 at home to Belmond-Klemme in a non-district matchup last week. The Cougars present a big play caliber offense after scoring three touchdowns of over 50 yards last week. Bo Starr has been a dynamic playmaker in motion for the Cougars with 375 receiving yards, 146 rushing yards and five total touchdowns.
AGWSR Head Coach James Koop on the importance of every role on the team and the matchup creates something to play for.
“You’re a valuable member of this team, whether you’re a starter, a sub, or just a special teams player, everybody’s role is important,” says Koop. “If we can put the offense together the way we did against Belmont-Klemme, we have a shot. Our defense has got to play a little bit better. They’re looking at 2-4 or 3-3. We of course want another one if we can get it. There’s a lot to play for even though we’re not going to be in the playoffs either team.”
Coverage on 99 The Wave 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 Greene.
