Tonight, Sigourney-Keota (9-0) hosts Columbus Catholic, Waterloo (7-2) in the second round of the Iowa Class 1A playoffs.
These two are no strangers when it come to post season play.
A year ago, they met with a spot at the Dome on the line in the Iowa Class 1A Quarterfinals.
The 2020 meeting was an absolute thriller.
A back-and-forth contest that saw Sigourney-Keota emerge victorious, 35-32.
It was one of those games where it came down to a final onside kick attempt, one recovered by the Cobras to secure the victory.
Sigourney-Keota celebrating with their fans after last seasons 35-32 Quarterfinal victory over Columbus Catholic.
Now both teams are ready to do it again at the Snake Pit.
Both teams took care of business in the opening round of the playoffs.
Columbus Catholic defeated Aplington-Parkersburg 27-13. It was their third victory in a row after falling to Beckman Catholic 35-34 in week six.
Sigourney-Ketoa handled their business in a rematch with Durant, a team that took them to their limit in week one of the regular season.
This time, the Cobras controlled most of the contest, winning 34-8.
Offensive Explosion
Tonight’s contest pits two offenses led by dynamic playmakers.
While that is a commonality between the two, the way these dynamic playmakers are utilized, couldn’t be more different.
For Columbus Catholic its all about the air attack.
Leading the assault from above is quarterback Carter Gallagher. As a senior Gallagher has thrown for 1,573 yards and 21 touchdowns to only five interceptions.
Don’t think the strong-arm is his only weapon, his feet can be just as dangerous, as he’s ran for 628 yards and nine touchdowns.
On the receiving end of most Gallagher’s passes are the dynamic duo of receivers Caleb Holthaus and Caden Hartz.
Holthaus, a junior, leads the team in receiving yards with 730 and touchdowns with nine. Hartz has 629 receiving yards and seven touchdowns of his own.
The Sailors offense is averaging 25 points per game and this trio is a big reason why.
Columbus Catholic's Caleb Holthaus is a dangerous threat in the Sailors passing attack. Photo by Chris Zoeller @czoeller | Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier
On the flip side of this competitive coin is the Sigourney-Keota ground and pound assault.
Led by senior Cade Molyneux, the Cobra offense wears you down with a rushing attack that over time, imposes their will on defenses.
Molyneux has 1,751 rushing yards and has scored 24 touchdowns.
He isn’t alone in the Cobra backfield, senior quarterback Colten Clarahan has over 500 yards on the ground to go along with his 358 passing yards. He’s been responsible for seven touchdowns.
The second defenses take their eyes off Levi Crawford Is when the speedy senior burns them for a long run or reception.
Crawford has accounted for 555 yard of offense and has eight touchdowns. He’s also a threat in the return game for Sigourney-Keota.
Behind this potent running game, Sigourney-Keota is averaging 38 points per game.
Sigourney-Keota's unique offense makes it so you're never quite sure who is getting the ball out of the backfield.
Defensive Mentality
While both offenses have no problem putting points on the scoreboard, both defensive units have been just as formidable.
Sigourney-Keota enters tonight’s contest allowing just 11 points per game.
With six players having more than 20 tackles, the Cobras have been the definition of team defense.
Leading the team in tackles is Cade Molyneux with 30 while Colten Clarahan is right behind him with 29.
Junior linebacker Jack Clarahan, one of the emotional spark plugs of the Cobra defense, has 26.
Sophomore defensive end Evan Vittetoe has emerged as a play maker along the defensive line with five sacks.
Junior Cole Clarahan has three interceptions in the Cobra secondary.
In total Sigourney-Keota has caused 19 turnovers this season.
Spearheading a Sailor defense allowing just 13 points per game, is junior linebacker Carson Hartz with 78 tackles.
Up front on the defensive line, Columbus Catholic has a pair of bruisers in sophomore Mason Knipp who has 58 tackles and a sack along with junior Connor Knudtson who has 44 tackles and sack.
In the secondary are seniors Carter Gallagher and Ben Trost with a pair of interceptions each.
The Sailors defense has caused 15 turnovers this season.
Game Time
Kick-off is 7 p.m. and the forecast is calling for a crisp fall night as these two team face off in the Snake Pit once again to see who takes their next step towards the Dome.
Comments