The Roland-Story Norsemen football team returns to action on Friday night, when they host the Indians of Clarke, Osceola in Class 2A 1st Round Playoff action at Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City. The Norsemen enter with a record of 6-2 and 4-1 in the district, while Clarke enters at 4-4 and 3-2 out of District 7. Friday marks the 3rd-ever meeting between the two, with Clarke holding a 2-0 series advantage.
The Clarke offense has gotten it done through the air in the 2023 season, led by a senior quarterback in Jack Cooley. Cooley has thrown for 1,806 yards and 17 touchdowns while completing nearly 62% of his passes, while rushing for another 220 yards and 4 touchdowns. His top target has been junior receiver Brock Watson, who’s caught 56 passes for 773 yards and 8 touchdowns. Senior receiver Jesus Vega Torres has caught 27 balls for 351 yards and 4 touchdowns, while fellow seniors Ashton Giza and Cole White have combined for 34 receptions for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns. The rushing attack has been a limited one, but has still gained nearly 1,000 yards on the ground as Drake Moore has rushed for 447 yards and 7 touchdowns to lead all backs. Shay Matthews has also rushed for 154 yards on the season as well for the Indians.
Defensively, The Indians have been led by their front four throughout the year, particularly the duo of seniors Cole Binning and Shawn McAfee. McAfee is the unit’s leading tackle with 43.5 tackles, as well as a team-high 10 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. Binning has added 41 tackles of his own with 1.5 tackles for loss. The defensive secondary has it’s share of playmakers, as Jesus Vega Torres leads the unit with 18.5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions. Fellow cornerback Oscar Castro has seen higher tackling numbers with a unit-high 33.5 tackles, while Ashton Giza has also played a big role with 22.5 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. The linebacking core has been a solid one for the Indians, led by junior Drake Moore, who’s accumulated 22 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a sack, while Lance O’Hair has added 21 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Roland-Story’s formula since the beginning of district play has been simple: ground and pound and pass when needed. More of the same can likely be expected, but with better weather forecasted this Friday night, it could be a big night for players such as Fiston Carlson and Jonovan Wilkinson on the ground and through the air.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM from Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City on Friday night and can be heard on 95.7 KQWC or online at kqradio.com.