March 28, 2024

Mustangs facing tough district threat in Albia

CMB hoping to end skid in battle with Roadrunners

After fighting through injuries and close losses to this point, the Collins-Maxwell-Baxter football team finally could be getting a break this week.

Not only will the Raiders (1-5, 0-2 Class 2A District 7) have all of their injured starters back, they’ll also be playing an Interstate 35 team that still is winless and coming off a lopsided loss to PCM last week.

Although CMB’s record doesn’t necessarily reflect it, the Raiders have four one-possession losses already this season. Last week’s loss to Nevada wasn’t far off of that, either, as CMB ultimately fell 39-28 to the Cubs.

Junior quarterback Zach Samson enjoyed the return of junior wide receiver Austin Moorman last week, as the two connected six times for 119 yards and touchdown. Moorman’s presence in the passing game could help Samson regain his balance after the Cubs held him in check on the ground last week.

The Roadrunners appear to be able to move the ball, but get caught up when it actually comes to scoring. Due to having more turnovers than touchdowns, the Roadrunners’ season-high in points is 28.

Kickoff from Truro is slated for 7:30 p.m.

Tigerhawks face another tough test at Central Decatur

Things just aren’t getting easier for the Colfax-Mingo football team.

Stuck in the middle of a stretch against strong district competition, the Tigerhawks (2-4, 0-3 Class 1A District 7) will try to end a three-game slump when they travel to Leon for a 7 p.m. tussle with Central Decatur (3-2, 0-2).

Although the Cardinals are coming off a loss to Van Meter last week, they have been able to put up some big points in their three wins. Averaging about 55 points per those three wins, Central Decatur features an extremely potent ground attack led by senior Dalton Gilbert and his 895 yards (10.4 per carry) and 11 touchdowns. As a team, the Cardinals lead the district in rushing by about 290 yards and eight touchdowns.

As for the Tigerhawks, senior Jaden Van Dyke continues to be the offensive leader in one way or another. Van Dyke ran for 166 yards and a touchdown last week, but struggled with the passing game against Ogden’s defense. Senior Byron Johnson provided Van Dyke with a big target last week, however, as the two connected three times for 69 of Van Dyke’s 74 yards and one touchdown.