READY TO RUMBLE

Creek Valley's Storm football team and Potter-Dix's Coyote football team have struggled in recent years, with wins hard to come by for both programs. But Creek Valley turned the corner last year, going undefeated in the regular season before falling in the championship game to Harvard.

This year, it has been Potter-Dix's turn to reverse its fortunes, with a big roster filled with talent that has run the table so far in the regular season with a 7-0 record, and looks to finish its drive for an unbeaten regular season against the Storm in Chappell on Friday night.

Last year, Creek Valley was powered by All-State standout quarterback Patrick Hansen. This year, the Storm's Eli Schmid has taken over at quarterback and played very well, but the Storm rely heavily on their talented backfield of Justin Ningen and Lucas Trujillo to provide the offensive firepower. Although the Storm miss the athleticism of Hansen, Schmid and his backfield mates provide a more balanced offensive attack that has powered the Storm to a 6-1 record, with their only blemish being an early season misfire against Paxton.

Potter-Dix has always struggled with depth on their roster, but this year they have plenty of players and sophomore quarterback Luke Kasten has broken out to be a weapon throwing and running the ball, while playing outstanding ball-hawk defense. With talented offensive weapons in seniors Donnie Moench and Javon Coyle, and with juniors Jared Anton and Niko Koon, Friday's game is set to be a high-scoring battle for the D6-6 Title.

Potter-Dix comes into the game after blowing out the Banner County Wildcats 73-0, running the ball for 318 yards with seven rushing touchdowns. Creek Valley had a more difficult contest, facing off against a solid South Platte Blue Knights squad that took an early lead before the Storm could fight back and take over in the second quarter to build a halftime lead, then outscore the Blue Knights 26-22 in the second half to take a 42-30 victory.

Look for the defenses of both teams to be the difference in this contest, as both teams have high-powered, score-at-any-time capabilities. But as both teams showed in their victories against rival Arthur County, the team that can put together defensive stops and pull away will be the victor.

Both teams have solid, experienced and hard-hitting defenders, so also expect turnovers to play a major part in this game. The Storm, however, will be challenged to contain the big arm and quick feet of Luke Kasten. Potter-Dix will have to focus on the breakaway speed of Trujillo and the receiving threat Oakley Hodges to keep the Storm from pulling away.

Game time is 7 p.m. Friday in Chappell.