The Eagle Grove Eagles football team returns to action on Friday night, as they host the Emmetsburg E-Hawks at Gene Hinrichsen Field in Class 1A, District 2 action at Eagle Grove Elementary School. Eagle Grove enters at 0-6 and 0-3 in the district, while Emmetsburg enters at 4-2 and 3-0 in district play.
Emmetsburg comes into Friday showcasing a prolific rushing attack, continuing to operate out of the fast-paced Wing T made famous by Hall of Fame coach Duane Twait. The E-Hawks rushing attack is led by senior running back Jace Nelson-Brown, who’s rushed for a team-high 705 yards and 11 touchdowns off 138 carries. Fellow running back Carson Baak has amassed 493 yards and 4 touchdowns off 82 carries, while quarterback Gavin Swanson has 329 yards and 5 touchdowns off 28 carries. Swanson has been efficient throwing the football as well, throwing for 217 yards and a touchdown on the season, with his favorite target in Jacob Fiene, who’s caught 5 passes for 86 yards and the lone passing touchdown on the season for the E-Hawks.
Defensively, sophomore linebacker Bradyen Yates has emerged as key contributor, leading the E-Hawks in tackles with 32 and 2 tackles for loss on the season. Defensive end Ryan Wirtz leads the E-Hawks defensive line with 16.5 tackles, 6 TFL and 2.5 sacks on the season, while Tyler Albrant, Levi Wita, Keegan Hamerlinck and Carter Hudson have all recorded TFL and sacks for the E-Hawks. Carson Baak has had a solid season at linebacker with 28.5 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 2 pick sixes, while Justin Wirtz has 19.5 tackles with 1.5 TFL and 2 picks of his own. Junior Cameron Madden leads the defensive backs with 2 interceptions, as Byron Maina and Jace Nelson-Brown each have 1 INT. Nelson-Brown leads the secondary with 15 tackles.
Eagle Grove will try to limit turnovers and penalties, two areas that have wound up biting the Eagles in a number of there games in 2023. Drake Canavan continues to lead the Eagles in rushing with 600 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Leelan Spencer has 205 yards on the season. Canavan has also been a stalwart on defense, with 8 TFL and 5 sacks on the season.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM from Gene Hinrichsen Field in Eagle Grove on Friday night.