Montezuma’s football team heads east to Baxter on Friday night for a non-district game, and the Braves would do well to keep their heads up and their eyes ahead.
Why?
They need to work on things and be all they can be before it’s time for post-season play.
Did I hear myself say “post-season play?” I did. The state will include three teams from each Class 8 district.
Right now, Montezuma is sitting in the third spot in its district. The Braves aren’t the only team with two losses, but their point spread average in district games also figures into this. It’s up there where it would be hard for one of the lower-ranking teams to edge ahead of the Braves. . . .if, they can close out strong against one-win Twin Cedars next week.
Friday’s game at Seales Sports Complex in Baxter starts at 7 p.m.
Non-district games don’t toward the playoffs and this season, Montezuma and Baxter are in different districts.
So, this game is just for fun, right? Well, aren’t they all, really? But no, both teams have tuneup work to do.
Baxter is 4-2 to Montezuma’s 4-3.
A real factor on Friday could be the weather. Normally, this time of year, you expect it to be at least brisk on football Fridays.
It hasn’t been . . but now it is. The forecast high is 52 degrees, with northwest winds at 25, gusting to 35 to 45 miles an hour.
Those winds will decrease after the sun sets, but they won’t subside. The temperature is forecast to plunge to 37.
And yes, bundle up! It will be brutal.
On the football field, one theory is that wind bothers passing attacks more. Another theory is that at least the offense knows where the ball is SUPPOSED to go. . .
The Braves are very balanced between passing and rushing, with 1,401 rushing yards and 1,215 passing yards in 7 games.
The Bolts rely more on the pass, with 1,716 yards through the air and 751 on the ground in 6 games.
Braves Coach John Beck said the Baxter quarterback and receivers are “well-connected.”
But then there is this: Each team averages 17.4 yards per completed pass.
Baxter quarterback Perrin Sulzle has thrown 23 touchdown passes.
Braves signal-caller Brady Boulton has passed for 23, and rushed for 12 more.
Montezuma is coming off perhaps its best game of the season, after controlling Belle Plaine start to finish last week.
Dress warm! Have fun!