CLINTON —
Friday boasts a handful of games across the state of Iowa that match ranked teams, but the best matchup might be in eight-player football in Preston.
The Trojans, No. 7, host GIlbertville Don Bosco, No. 5, in a game between undefeated teams. This is the first venture out of district play for both teams, and both are 4-0 against district competition — Preston in District 4, Don Bosco in 3.
“It’s nice to play a non-district game because that brings a different aspect to it,” Preston coach Kevin Behr said. “It’s two 4-0 teams, so there is some significance to it. Neither Don Bosco nor us is looking to lose this game. We’re looking to stay on a roll. We’d really like to be 5-0. A good thing is it doesn’t affect our district record or standing. But every Friday night we go out there, the kids know it’s an important game.”
Most of Don Bosco’s offense comes from junior quarterback Jake Hogan. He has completed 79.2 percent of his passes for 545 yards and 10 touchdowns, and is the team’s leading rusher with 557 yards and eight touchdowns.
“He’s a really nice athlete,” Behr said. “He’s able to produce a lot on his feet, and he throws the ball really well. He has some nice receivers. He’s been a focus for us all week. We have to try to contain him.”
Behr said the Trojans had been stressing team defense this week.
“We need to swarm to the ball and gang tackle,” he said. “We need to play good assignment football, stay home and have everyone do their job. If all eight guys do their job, we’ll have a good chance.”
The Trojans aren’t lacking for offensive weapons of their own. Andrew Driscoll is averaging 9.7 yards a carry and almost 200 yards a game. He has 797 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Chase Zaruba, Colin Larson and Dalton Milder have each rushed for more than 200 yards, each average more than 6 yards a carry and they have combined for 17 more rushing touchdowns. Larson has passed for 402 yards and five touchdowns.
“We knew we’d have depth at the skill positions,” Behr said. “We try to use it to our best advantage. Andrew has the most yards and the most carries, but we’re able to spread the wealth. Hopefully, that makes us harder to stop.”
Through four games Preston and its opponents have combined to average almost 114 points a game, Don Bosco and its opponents almost 61. Behr said that didn’t necessarily mean Friday’s showdown would be a clash of styles.
“It’s kind of hard to compare scores because we haven’t had any common opponents,” he said. “I can tell they’re a good, quality team, and I like to think we are, too.”
He said the team went through some growing pains early in the season, but the Trojans are coming around.
“They’re really starting to believe in themselves and each other,” Behr said. “That’s something we stress, and it’s especially important on defense.”
After allowing 68 and 78 points in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively, Preston’s defense held Central Elkader to eight points last week.
As far as keys for the game though, Behr said they’re the same as every week.
“We want to outwork our opponent,” he said. “We need to play the full four quarters and finish as well as we start. That’s something we stress to the kids. Of course, we need to limit our turnovers and mental mistakes. I know the kids will go hard. Hopefully, we’ll continue our success.”
High School Sports
September 20, 2012
Preston to host 8-man showdown
Seventh-ranked Trojans play host to No. 5 Dons
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High hopes as season starts
