The 9-0 football Braves have some recent history against 4-3 New London, their first round opponent in the Class 8 playoffs on Friday, Oct. 22, at Badger-Gabirel Field.
The Tigers had been in the same district with the Braves for a while until this season.
You’ll recall that New London was the Class 8 state champion in 2018. In district play, a 2-7 Braves team fell 69-20 to quarterback Isaac McSorley and the Tigers.
The 2019 Braves (6-3) fell 94-68 to New London, as running back Shae Summerfield rushed 32 times for 448 yards and eight touchdowns.
But the tide turned in 2020. Despite 210 yards on 19 carries, three for touchdowns, from New London running back Blaise Porter, The Braves rolled to a 56-20 victory.
This year, New London was a third-place finisher in its district.
Mark McSorley is still the New London coach, so you can expect a well-drilled team.
But what once was an all-run offensive attack has opened up to the pass a bit.
New London is scoring 39 points a game, and has given up 22. For Montezuma, those numbrs are 53 on offense – sixth in the class – and 17 on defense (seventh).
New London averages 238 yards a game on the ground, and 68 through the air. Their seven yards per rushing attempt remains rock-solid.
Porter returns, but he’s one of six New London backs who alternate, depending on the situation the Tigers find themselves. All six have between 150 and 321 rushing yards in the team’s seven games.
Boden Pickle (5-11, 175) leads at 53 carries for 421 yards and eight touchdowns. Joel Lacy (6-0, 200), has 392 yards on 52 rushes, also with eight scores.
Two players share quarterback duties. Dom Lopez (6-0, 165), has completed 18 of 34 throws for 396 yards and six scores. Ethan Streeter (5-10, 140), has connected on eight of 16 passes, for 154 yards and four scores.
Top receiver has been Bowen Glaha (6-4, 180), with 12 grabs for 378 yards and seven touchdowns.
The teams have two common opponents – and this could be revealing:
HLV – New London won 32-6. Montezuma won 56-20.
Iowa Valley – New London lost, 68-33, while Montezuma won, 57-24.
Montezuma’s offensive attack has become more balanced. The Braves have rushed the ball on more plays than they’ve passed it.
While New London is averaging 298 yards a game of total offense, the Braves are at 455.
The Braves have 1,521 rushing yards and match New London’s 7.0 per carry average.
Quarterback Eddie Burgess has passed for 1,778 yards and 25 touchdowns, on 93 completions in 151 throws, a .616 average.
Burgess has rushed for 1,017 yards, 23 touchdowns, and an 8.7 yard average.
Burgess also has caught five passes, four for touchdowns. He leads the state with nine interceptions, one of which he returned for a score. That’s the only statistical category Burgess leads the state in this year – although he’s among the leaders in several offensive categories.
Burgess also has returned one punt for 36 yards.
ONLINE TICKETS NEEDED
Meanwhile, Montezuma officials report football tickets will need to be purchased online, similar to volleyball tickets. Here’s a statement released by Activities Director Tim Burgess:
“Playoff football as well as playoff volleyball will now require online ticketing. We will share the information for each event on twitter, school website, JMC and our school Facebook. Please monitor those locations for ticket information. Thank you for your patience.”
