A football team that runs the football well usually defends well against the run.
HLV, Montezuma’s second non-district opponent of the season, is such a program.
The Warriors rushed for 214 yards last week in a 50-0 win over Calamus-Wheatland. And, the Warriors allowed Calamus-Wheatland just 56 yards on 23 rushes.
For those and other reasons, the Braves have been working extra hard on their passing game this week.
Montezuma travels to Victor to play the Warriors on Friday evening, Aug. 27.
“We expect HLV to run the football with occasional play action passes,” said Braves Coach John Beck.
“Our keys will be stop their run, connect on our pass routes, and establish the run on offense.”
Last week, the Braves rushed for 347 yards and a 9.6 per carry average. Quarterback Eddie Burgess threw for 95 yards on seven completions, air numbers low enough to prompt some extra focus this week in practice.
“We need to work on catching the ball in traffic, as well as some timing issues,” Beck said. “We need to improve at picking up blitzes,” said the coach. “But, I’m pleased with our effort.”
The Braves were lights out in other areas.
“Our corners forced them to throw the ball,” said Beck, noting that Iowa Valley, too, likes to pound the ball with its ground game.
The Braves had five tackles for loss, including two by Marty Knox. Zach Bennettt, Burgess and Tod Geiger had one tackle for loss each.
“Marty (Knox) does a great job reading plays and making tackles,” Beck said. “Connor Van Zee broke up a number of passes.”
Beau York, a 6-1, 180-pound senior, rushed seven times for 89 yards and five touchdowns against Calamus-Wheatland. He also was in on five tackles, “and looked good on defense,” Beck said.
Quarterback Jack Cheney, a 6-1, 165-pound junior, threw just three times, completing one for 16 yards, to 6-1, 150-pound Ben Thys, a senior.
The Warriors employ a physical style up front, although they’ll be butting heads against a bunch of rams in the Braves.
The teams will meet over the ball at 7 p.m. in Victor.