The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys are back at home on Friday night for a senior night matchup with the Spirit Lake Indians in Class 2A, District 2 action. The Cowboys enter Friday with a 5-1 record and 2-1 in district play, while the Indians hold a perfect 6-0 record, 3-0 in district play, and are ranked 4th in this week’s Radio Iowa poll.
The Cowboys are off to their best record through 6 games since 2005, where then Clarion-Goldfield ended the regular season 8-1. However, the task of claiming a district championship includes defeating a Spirit Lake team that has looked particularly dominant throughout much of this 2022 season. Offensively, the Indians posses an group that is much more run-oriented than last season’s squad, with sophomore running back Bode Higgins leading the way with 774 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Senior Jake Cornwall has added another 312 yards and 7 touchdowns as well. In the passing game, sophomore Caden Lundt has taken the reigns and ran with it, passing for 743 yards, 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His top target has been senior Tyler Voss, who’s caught 16 balls for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns, as fellow seniors Caden Hassel and Drew Alger also have over 100 yards receiving each and 2 touchdowns a piece.
Defensively, the Indians possess a dominating and opportunistic defense that’s among the best in Class 2A. The Indians are the top-ranked defense in sacks (26), 2nd in tackles for loss (65), solo tackles (281) and interceptions (11) and have a turnover margin of +10. The front 7 of the Indians sets the tone, with defensive end Tyler Voss and linebacker Jake Cornwall, who are teams two-leading tacklers, and have combined for 14 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. Defensive Lineman Owen Lalumendre and linebacker Gabe Poolman have also been a dynamic duo, combining for 58 tackles, 5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss as well. The back end of the Indians defense is equally as proficient, with Drew Alger leading the secondary with 3 interceptions. Will Graves and Justyn Hamm have 2 interceptions a piece for one of the top secondaries in Class 2A.
The challenge for coach Caleb Vogel and the Cowboys will be to keep ahead of the sticks and not getting into 3rd and long situations. CGD’s offensive line will have their toughest challenge to date with an elite front 7 from Spirit Lake.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Middle School on Friday night, you can hear play-by-play coverage on 92.9/1570 KZWC.