The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys football team returns to action on Friday Night, as they make the trek up US Highway 69 to take on the Cardinals of Garner-Hayfield-Ventura in the Cowboys Class 2A, District 2 opener at GHV High School. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows dominated in last year’s matchup, with the Cowboys winning 41-6 in Clarion, as GHV holds the all-time series lead at 17-10.
After a tough season in 2023, the Cardinals bad luck has extended into 2023, opening with a double overtime loss to county rival and defending Class A State Champion West Hancock by a 22-20 final, before losing 7-0 to Osage and 20-14 to Central Springs. Lane Gayken is the new signal caller of the Cardinals, throwing for just 112 yards, a touchdown and 2 picks in the first 3 games. The remainder of the backfield is back from 2023, but Lucas Kral has managed just 206 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, while Parker Moritz and Parker Stearns are each under 100 yards and have 1 touchdown each in 2024. Nicholas Zrostlik has been the top target of Gayken’s this season, with 3 receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown, while Gage Konz has 2 receptions for 32 yards. The offensive line does have returning experience in seniors Logan Kudej, Ben Fox and Dominic Holder.
Defensively, the back seven has made many a plays so far in 2023, as defensive back Gage Konz leads the Cardinals in total tackles (34.5), solo tackles (25) and has accrued 3 interceptions on the young season. Karter Datema, Nicholas Zrostlik and Lucas Kral have helped form a tough secondary. The linebacking core is a productive one as well, with Parker Stearns, Parker Mortiz, Zan Black and Zane Hawe have all tallied double-digit tackles through the first 3 games, as Stearns leads the unit in total tackles (17.5), while Moritz leads the unit and team in tackles for loss (4). The defensive line has seen good production from Ben Lox, Logan Kudej and Dominic Holder through the first 3 games.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows will need to find a way to establish offensive consistency on Friday night, as the Cowboys struggled to produce long drives against Hampton-Dumont-CAL and Southeast Valley. The CGD defense will need to be aggressive on Friday, and players such as Caleb Seaba and Huxley Lingenfelter could have big games for the Cowboys.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School.