The Eagle Grove Eagles football team returns to action on Friday Night, as they host the Southeast Valley Jaguars in non-district action at Gene Hinrichsen Field in Eagle Grove at 7 PM. Eagle Grove fell in last year’s meeting by a score of 59-6, while Southeast Valley leads the all-time series with a 5-1 record dating back to 2014.
Southeast Valley will have motivation on their side after losing on a touchdown pass as time expired in their 28-26 loss to Manson-Northwest Webster in Week 1. The Jaguars will still able to accumulate over 350 yards of total offense in the loss, led by the dynamic rushing attack of senior quarterback Cale Vansickle and senior running back Brady Hanson. Vansickle was 6-for-15 for 132 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown on Friday night. Hanson managed to rack up over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 carries on Friday night as well. Vansickle’s favorite target was sophomore receiver Logan Jaeschke, who caught 3 passes for 85 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown against the Cougars. Up front, the offensive line is a big one, anchored by the likes of Nathan Graves, Ryan Wicklein and Lenix Albee.
Defensively, the front four did a lot of damage against the Cougars. Nathan Graves, younger brother of Iowa defensive lineman and former Southeast Valley all-stater Aaron Graves, tallied a team-high 8.5 tackles, including a sack and 2 TFL against Manson-Northwest Webster. Ian Brunner also managed a sack against the Cougars as well. The linebacking core is an experienced one, as Drew Temple had 2 TFL, as well as Brady Hanson recording an interception. The defensive backfield is young, but talented with the services of Logan Jaeschke and Casey Hanson headlining the group.
Eagle Grove will need to do it’s best to limit turnovers and stay in front of the chains on Friday night. Penalties also hurt Eagle Grove early in their loss to Clarion-Goldfield-Dows. Controlling the football will give the Eagles a great shot to knock off a sleeper team in Class 2A, District 8.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at Gene Hinrichsen Field at Eagle Grove Elementary School.