Clarion-Goldfield-Dows comes into Week 4 off a hard-fought loss to (2A) #8 Southeast Valley in their non-district finale. The Cowboys were locked neck-and-neck with Jaguars throughout the first 3 quarters, but 2 4th quarter touchdowns by Southeast Valley was enough for them to hold on for the one-score victory. Garner-Hayfield-Ventura comes in off their first win of the season in a 34-30 win over 1A foe Central Springs.
The Garner-Hayfield-Ventura offense has been predicated on being balanced, but against Central Springs, the ground attack was working at a very high clip. Junior running back Lucas Kral would rack up 31 carries for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Panthers, turning out to be one of the best rushing performances in the state in Week 3. The Cowboys will provide a sizeable step up in competition in the trenches, which could mean more of senior Aiden Hawe throwing the football. Hawe has completed 14-of-38 passes for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns, but has thrown 2 interceptions as well. His top receiver has been junior Gage Konz, whose caught 4 passes for 62 yards and both of Hawe’s touchdown passes. Fellow receiver Nicholas Zrostlik has also caught 3 passes for 46 yards as well.
Defensively, the Cardinals have been led by junior linebacker Parker Moritz. Moritz leads the team with 21 tackles, 16 solo tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Moritz, fellow junior Gage Konz and senior Andrew Hook make up a promising core for the Cardinals defense. Up front, the Cardinals have not gotten as much production as they may like, with freshman Kaden Kral leading the group with 4.5 tackles, and it’s group that will need to try and pressure CGD quarterback Carson Nesheim. The defensive backfield has been led by juniors Karter Datema and Lucas Kral in tackles, but have yet to record an interception.
The district opener for Clarion presents a great opportunity for the Cowboys to get back on track, and give quarterback Carson Nesheim a chance to get into an early rhythm to showcase a talented receiving core. The one-two punch of Diego Gonzales and Selvin Gonzales could also see opportunity to run to daylight against a struggling front for the Cardinals.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday from the Clarion Football Field and can be heard on 95.7 KQWC or online at kqradio.com.