The Roland-Story Norsemen football team returns to action on Friday night, as they make the drive down to the Des Moines metro to take on the Saydel Eagles in Class 2A, District 8 action at Saydel Stadium. Roland-Story enters at 5-2, 2-2 in district play and ranked #8 according to Radio Iowa, while Saydel enters at 1-6 and 0-4 in district play. Roland-Story won last season’s meeting in Story City 49-0 and leads the all-time series 3-0 dating back to 2016.
Saydel enters with a 1-6 record, with their lone win against 1A Colfax-Mingo, as the Eagles have been outscored 203-14 in district play. The offensive numbers for the Eagles are much improved from a year ago, as senior quarterback Adam Ollin has thrown for 1,224 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Ollin’s favorite target has been junior receiver Landen Soma, who’s caught for 582 yards and 5 touchdowns on 48 receptions. Senior Trevor Goode has 20 receptions for 360 yards and 4 touchdowns. while sophomore Shane Scott and senior Sadler Gruber each have over 100 yards receiving. Saydel’s rushing attack has been primarily dependent on quarterback Adam Ollin, who’s rushed for 376 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sophomore Gabe Hyde has seen a lions share of the running back carries, with 71 attempts for 248 yards.
Defensively, the linebacking core has been the biggest producers for Saydel. Grady Godwin has put together an all-district caliber season with 68 tackles, 5.5 TFL and a sack. Fellow linebacker Trenton Vessells has 24 tackles, while Ryan VanHouten has 20 tackles and 5 tackles for loss. Up front, sophomore Damion Nowman leads the defensive line with 21 tackles and 1.5 TFL, while Sadler Gruber has 11.5 tackles and 2 TFL. The defensive backfield has been led by senior Trevor Goode, who has 19 tackles and 3 interceptions, while junior Turner Bennett has 2 interceptions on the year.
Roland-Story will look to continue to roll their momentum into the postseason with a home playoff game looming in just over a week. Friday could be a game the Norsemen want to come in and throw, while also working Fiston Carlson back into a normal role after returning against Des Moines Christian.
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM from Saydel Stadium on Friday Night.