The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys football team will hit the road on Friday night in Class 2A, District 2 action as they take on the defending Class 2A State Champions in the Southeast Valley Jaguars. CGD enters Friday night with a 4-1 record and 1-1 in district play, while Southeast Valley enters at 2-3 and 0-2 in the district.
The Jaguars saw a ton of roster turnover following their run to a state championship in 2021. Stars Kolton Kruse and Aaron Graves have moved on to the college ranks, as well as running back Lathe Meunch and receivers Tre Fisher and Colton Brant. This season, the Jaguars offense has been directed by junior Dalton Crouse, who’s thrown for 435 yards, 1 touchdown and 5 interceptions, while the rushing attack is spearheaded by Crouse and backs Carl Berglund and Brady Hanson. Eli Johnson and Justin Loseke have been the top receivers for Southeast Valley, each with over 200 yards on the season, and Johnson with 3 receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, the Jaguars have not seen as sharp a dropoff as they saw on the offensive side of the ball from 2021. The Jaguars defense is allowing just under 14 points per contest through the first 5 weeks, with the highest total being 28 points from an explosive OABCIG offense. Junior linebacker Tyler Moreland has been the big play defender for Southeast Valley, with 12 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss on the season. Justin Loseke has been far and away the most consistent defender, amassing a staggering 59 tackles thus far, with 2 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.
The big question for the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows offense is whether or not they can get their prolific rushing attack going against the stout Jaguars defense, as they only allow 133.6 yards per game on the ground and have yet to allow more than 200 yards rushing in a game this season. It will also be a test for quarterback Preston Gardner and the passing game and whether or not they can be productive enough to pick up the offense when the rushing attack is not available.
Defensively, the Cowboys will rely on their playmakers in the secondary to force turnovers and create a short field for their offense. Their 9 interceptions is tied for 5th in Class 2A with fellow district foe Estherville-Lincoln Central and Central Lyon/George-Little Rock. CGD’s pass rush will also play a role as they are also 5th in 2A in sacks with 12 on the season.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM from the Southeast Valley Football Field in Gowrie on Friday.