Sigourney-Keota football is staking their claim as one of the best teams in southeast Iowa, and now they’ll get to prove it in the postseason, starting with the Cobras hosting West Central Valley tonight in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs. SK has not lost since August, running their record to 7-1 and raising their Iowa High School Athletics Association state ranking to number six in 1A.

Sigourney-Keota looks first and foremost to their defense, allowing only 13-and-a-half points per game. A dominant defensive trio of junior Ashton Schwab and seniors Evan Vittetoe and Aidan McGuire has wrecked opposing backfields, combining for 27 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Senior Cole Kindred’s four interceptions also lead a unit that loves to take the ball away from the opponent, piling up 17 turnovers forced.

On offense, the Cobras lean on a strong run game, averaging over 300 rush yards per contest. Senior Kale Clarahan is having a breakout season with almost 860 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground, while junior Isaac Bruns is a big-play threat with an average of seven yards per carry and three kick returns for TDs. Kindred also is averaging over 102 all-purpose yards a game and has scored nine times.

SK will face a West Central Valley team that is 3-5. Senior Landon Osberg has been the top target with 28 receptions for 524 yards and five touchdowns for the Wildcats. The Cobras are trying to win a first-round playoff game for a fourth straight season. Sigourney-Keota hosts West Central Valley this evening with kickoff set for 7 o’clock.