Following two impressive victories to open the season, the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk football team will open the 2015 district calendar tonight when they face undefeated Louisa-Muscatine on the road.
The Golden Hawks beat Clear Creek Amana last Friday 27-7 in Wellman. Mid-Prairie is making their first appearance in the Associated Press Iowa High School Football Poll since 2013, checking in at #13 this week, and the Hawks are looking to start 1-0 in the district for the first since that same year.
The Golden Hawks are led statistically by Ryan Cortum through the air, he is eight of 16 for 105 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Levi Duwa is Cortum’s favorite target, with six grabs for 87 yards and a touchdown. The Golden Hawks have worn opponents out on the ground led by Ricky Vargas with 208 yards through the season’s first two games, to go along with three touchdowns. Nolan Faselt is right behind him with 200 yards and three scores. The Mid-Prairie offense has been dominant on the early season, currently ranked in the top 10 in 2A in rushing yards per game, yards per carry and the Golden Hawks boast the #5 scoring team in the state, averaging 40 points per contest.
Across the field are the undefeated L-M Falcons. Louisa-Muscatine has won two close contests on the year. In week one they got by Northeast, Goose Lake 26-18 and followed that up with an escape at Wilton. The Falcons came back to beat the Beavers 23-20 after trailing Wilton 17-3 at the half. Louisa-Muscatine will present Mid-Prairie a different look tonight as Head Coach Andrew Genz has moved away from their traditional double wing offense and has implemented the Flexbone.
Statistically, the Falcons are led through the air by quarterback Jake Hillard who is seven of 17 for 122 yards. His favorite target is Ethan Canady who has four grabs for 80 yards. Louisa-Muscatine has a stable of athletic and quick running backs, led by senior Jake Bloomer who has 160 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown on the year.
Tonight’s game also includes special veterans recognition festivities. All veterans will be admitted to the game with free admission. The pregame celebration will feature honorary team captains, a National Guard cannon and special decals from the National Guard to be worn by each team. Kickoff between the Golden Hawks and the Falcons is set for 7:30PM. You can hear all of the action live from Letts right here on AM 1380, FM 102.5 and KCIIRadio.com beginning with the Washington HyVee pregame show at 7PM.