The Roland-Story Norsemen football team returns to action on Friday Night, as they host cross-class top-10 matchup with the (2A) #8 Norsemen hosting (3A) #8 Nevada at Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City. The Cubs defeated Roland-Story 42-7 in last year’s meeting in Nevada, and hold the all-time series lead 47-20-4, dating back to the days of Story City High School.
Nevada comes in off a 33-7 win over 2A-foe West Marshall in their season-opener, but not without concern for the 8th-rated team in 3A. Quarterback Connor King is a returning starter, but threw 4 interceptions, including a pick six, in the Cubs win over the Trojans. Fortunately, the Cubs possess a physical rushing attack yet again, as senior Anthony Eaton ran for 206 yards and 5 touchdowns in the Cubs win. Gavin Egeland was King’s favorite target in Week 1, catching 8 balls for 77 yards against the Trojans, while receiver Lucas Brown averaged 27.5 yards per reception on his 2 completions. Tight end Cedar Smith provides a security blanket for King, and also helps anchor a big and experienced offensive line, led by 6-4, 255 lbs senior Nate Maier.
Defensively, the linebacking core is the heartbeat of the team once again, led by senior all-state linebacker Jackson Burlage. Burlage recorded nearly 100 tackles as a junior, and collected 10 tackles and 1.5 TFL against West Marshall. Austin Waldera is a returner and added 8.5 tackles, while Anthony Easton collected 6.5 tackles. The defensive backfield brings a nice mix of veterans and talented youth, with Jaden Grimm leading the group with 7.5 tackles and an interception, and others such as Isaac Williams and Lucas Brown making immediate impacts. The defensive line is also a mixed bag, bringing back experience from defensive end John Nelson and defensive tackle Nate Maier, who recorded a sack in the win against West Marshall.
Roland-Story will look to build on their 47-0 win over South Tama, and try for their first win over Nevada since 2018. Sam Knoll’s throwing could be an X-factor for the Norsemen, as well as Fiston Carlson facing this Nevada front for the first time. The Norsemen defense will need to slow down a physical Nevada rushing attack and force them into passing situations.
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM from Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City on Friday Night.