Creston prepares for No. 1 Harlan

Creston (5-2) heads to Harlan (7-0) for the penultimate regular season game for both Hawkeye 10 Conference opponents.

The Cyclones have not scored fewer than 40 points since their season opener, a 36-29 win over Lewis Central.

“On film they’re as good as advertised, all-state quarterback, four or five really good receivers, an athletic, fast tailback,” Creston head coach Brian Morrison said. “Their defense is outstanding, they’re a complete football team, even on special teams they’re the real deal.”

Last week, Creston beat Saydel 51-12, and Harlan took down ADM 58-30.

Offensively, Creston has to play what coach Morrison calls Creston football which is having a strong ground game. The Panthers average almost 219 rushing yards per game.

“We have to run the football,” coach Morrison said. “If we can’t establish the run game it’s going to be a long night.”

In the last meeting between these teams, 2020, Harlan won 35-7.

The defensive philosophy is simple.

“Bend but don’t break,” coach Morrison said.

Harlan has four receivers with 300 yards as well as two running backs with at least 185 yards.

“They’re going to get their yards, they’ve been piling up points and yards all year, we’ve got to play with confidence especially in the secondary,” coach Morrison said about the defensive mindset.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Merrill Field.

Offensive Starters

QB- Kyle Strider Jr.

RB- Briley Hayes Sr.

H- Austin Seaton Jr.

T- Max Chapman So.

G. Chris Wilson Sr.

C- Jagger Luther So.

G. Owen Richards Sr.

T- Avery Fuller Sr.

TE- Derek Paup Sr.

WR- Brandon Briley So.

WR- Aiden Anderson Sr.

PK- Aiden Anderson Sr.

Defensive Starters

DL- Avery Fuller Sr.

DL- Andre Davis Sr.

DL- Derek Paup Sr.

LB- Gage Skarda Sr.

LB- Briley Hayes Sr.

LB- Ty Morrison Jr.

LB- Austin Evans So

DB- McCoy Haines So.

DB- Cael Turner So.

DB- Gannon Greenwalt Jr.

DB- Dylan Calvin So.

Punter Derek Paup Sr.