Fans heading to the season opener Friday night between Sigourney-Keota and BGM will see a couple of powerful running backs on the field. Both teams return their top rusher from last season.

Sigourney-Keota coach Jared Jensen says his defense will need to stop the Bears’ running attack. BGM returns all five of their top rushers from last season, including Colton Massengale who ran for over 1,700 yards last season, averaging 6.6 yards per carry and scored 18 touchdowns. Jensen says the Bears will be big on the line once again this season, BGM finished the season last year 8-3, qualifying for postseason play.

The Cobras return their top rusher as well, in Peyton Crawford. Crawford also ran for over 1,700 yards, averaging over nine yard per carry, while scoring 22 touchdowns. Sigourney-Keota finished with a 5-5 mark a year ago and look to improve this year.

Jensen says it’s important for his team’s confidence to start the season with a win. Last season the Cobras handled the Bears 28-14.