The #2 (1A) Dike-New Hartford and #1 (1A) Grundy Center football teams will clash in Thursday’s Class 1A Football Championship Game inside the UNI-Dome on 99 The Wave.
The Spartans (12-0) will look to win the program’s third consecutive championship and cap off a third straight undefeated season. Having dominated their competition throughout the season, Head Coach Travis Zajac says sticking to the offensive gameplan and limiting the DNH run game will go a long way.
“They’re a different, better football team than they were in Week 1,” Zajac says. “But I like to think that we’re kind of in the same boat. I feel like we’re a much better football team than we were in Week 1. They’re gonna do what they do. They’re gonna play very, very physical, especially on the line of scrimmage. Their offense flows through number 36. Arguably the best running back in the state in our class. Really talented player. We’re gonna have to get off blocks and tackle that kid, and not let him break the big one. And obviously when we possess the ball, we gotta be efficient, earn first downs and hopefully get some big plays mixed in there. I feel pretty good about our chances if we’re able to do those things. But it’s going to be an electric atmosphere in the dome, and we can’t wait to play those guys for a title.”
The Wolverines (11-1) will go for the program’s first championship, entering 0-5 in title games. They’ve grinded out wins in the last two rounds, and will look to put together their best game of the season. Head Coach Don Betts on playing Grundy Center for the second time.
“It makes your preparation a little bit easier because you’ve got a feel for the team that you’re playing,” Betts says. “But at the same time, there has been an entire season between the first time and the second time. And both teams have changed. Both teams have grown in what they do and how they approach things and whatnot. There’s not going to be huge changes on either side. I don’t anticipate them making a lot of changes to what they do. With the 38-game winning streak, why would you? But there will be wrinkles. And we will approach it the same way. We’re going to do what we do. There might be a wrinkle or two, but for the most part, it’s just going to be what we’ve done all year long to get us here. No sense in us making huge changes at this point.”
The Spartans won 21-7 in Week 1. It’ll be the second postseason meeting between the programs, with the last one happening in the 2023 quarterfinals.
Pregame coverage will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by the kickoff at 4:00.
Don Betts interview:
Travis Zajac interview:
