The Eagle Grove Eagles are back at Hinrichsen Field in Eagle Grove for a rare Thursday night, homecoming matchup with the Cougars of Manson-Northwest Webster in Class 1A, District 2 action. Eagle Grove enters with a 1-4 record and 0-2 record in the district, while Manson-Northwest Webster enters with a 1-4 record and a 1-1 record in the district.
Manson-Northwest Webster is coming off of their first win of the season this past Friday over the Belmond-Klemme Broncos, where the Cougars spread attack averaged over 7 yards per play in the 42-6 win. The Cougar offense is led by sophomore Logan Moline, who’s thrown for 378 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, while rushing for 79 yards and a touchdown. His favorite target has been sophomore Matt Condon, who’s caught 12 balls for 244 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kamden Birkley leads the Manson rushing attack with 186 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Cougars defense has allowed the big play more than not, with the Cougars allow 33.5 points per contest. What they allow in yards they have tried to makeup in turnovers, as Manson has forced 12 turnovers on the year (5 fumbles, 7 interception). Senior Jaydin Anderson has picked off 3 passes on the year, while sophomore Cooper Harman has recovered a pair of fumbles. Harman also leads the Manson defense in tackles with 32.5 on the season.
For Eagle Grove, taking care of the football will be of the utmost importance. Turnovers killed any chances the Eagles had of an upset over South Central Calhoun in Week 5, and taking care of the football will go a long way in keeping the Eagles in the game and in position for a playoff berth. Penalties also hurt the Eagles a week ago as well. With Orlando Hernandez back in the mix to give the Eagles another back in their attack, it’s possible that Eagle Grove could be due for a breakout game offensively. Defensively, the experienced defensive backfield of the Eagles will be key in forcing a young quarterback in Logan Moline into mistakes and turnovers.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM at Hinrichsen Field in Eagle Grove on Thursday night.