The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys football team returns to action on Friday night, as they make the trip north into Winnebago County to take on the Forest City Indians in Class 2A, District 2 action at Forest City High School. CGD enters at 1-4, while Forest City enters at 2-3. Forest City won last season’s matchup in Clarion by a score of 22-16, but CGD holds the all-time series lead at 14-6, dating back to 1946.
Forest City enters with wins over Eagle Grove and rival Garner-Hayfield-Ventura in Week 5, as well as losses to Clear Lake, Algona and Spirit Lake. The Indians offense has been a throw-heavy offense in 2024, as senior quarterback Ty Dillavou has thrown for 943 yards and 9 touchdowns, with just 2 interceptions. Dillavou’s top receiver has been junior Ty Sopko, who’s caught 17 passes for 188 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Corey Thoreson has been a big-play receiver, catching 11 passes for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior Ryan Bailey has also caught 9 passes for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns, as Carsen Hall has also caught 8 passes for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns. Forest City’s top rusher has been sophomore Peter Wilson, whose rushed for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns, while senior James Hagen has rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Indians front seven has played well throughout the season. Triston Brandsoy leads the defensive line with 19 tackles on the season, with 7 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Brock Good has also added 13 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, while Nick Dontje has 11 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and a sack. The linebacking core has seen steady production, as junior Lucas Kearney is the Indians leading tackler at 21.5 tackles and 4 tackles for loss. Fellow linebackers Peter Wilson and James Hagen have combined for 30 tackles and 3 tackles for loss as well. The defensive backfield has been opportunistic as well, as Ty Sopko leads the unit with 2 interceptions, along with 9 tackles. Deegan Moore leads the unit with 14.5 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, while Carsen Hall also has double-digit tackles with 10.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows will be looking to end a 4-game skid after winning their season-opener over Eagle Grove. The Cowboys will need to find ways to move the football efficiently and avoid costly penalties. CGD’s defense is uniquely equipped to slow down Forest City’s passing attack with their 3-3 stack defense.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM at Forest City High School on Friday Night.