Panthers host Atlantic Friday

Class 3A District 6 seems to be a balanced race this year and week one presents some interesting matchups.

It’s homecoming week in Creston as the Panthers (0-4) host Atlantic (2-2), and they have two common opponents from the non-district portion of the season.

Last week the Panthers fell 44-31 at Class 3A third-ranked Des Moines Christian, one week after the Trojans fell short against the Lions, 17-9. Another state-ranked team from Class 4A, Glenwood, opened the season with a 32-7 win over Atlantic. Two weeks later the Rams sailed at home over the Panthers, 59-13.

The Trojans own victories over 0-4 Denison-Schleswig, 30-8, and 1-3 Storm Lake last week by a score of 47-22. Atlantic’s opponents have a combined 13-23 record and Creston is 0-4 against Clarinda, Winterset, Glenwood and Des Moines Christian with a combined opponents’ mark of 19-17.

Both Atlantic and Creston are averaging 23 points per game, but the Trojan defense has been stiffer to date in allowing 19.8 points, while Creston opponents are scoring at a 41.5 clip.

However, once the Panthers settled down after three early turnovers and a dropped punt for a Des Moines Christian touchdown, they outscored the Lions over three quarters and showed significant progress on both sides of the ball. Even in defeat, coach Brian Morrison said the team gained some confidence.

“Defensively we showed improvement against the run. We kept (running back Davis Tokheim) in front of us for the most part. The offense came out in the second half and did some good things. We are getting better up front and Tanner (Ray) is making good decisions.”

Atlantic has been more run-oriented than Creston. While Ray has completed 66 of 102 passes for 718 yards, Trojan quarterback Zayden Parker has passed just 36 times in four games, with 14 completions for 238 yards and two touchdowns,

Tailback Ethan McNeal (5-9, 170 pounds) has 437 yards rushing and four touchdowns, and fullback Gavin McLaren (6-2, 240) has picked up 235 yards on 40 carries with four TDs.

“Offensively they want to slow the tempo and win first down,” Morrison said. “Their fullback, McLaren, is really god. We will have our hands full with him. He’ll carry on quick dives, and is the lead blocker for McNeal on powers and sweeps. They also run some counters. We’ll have to play with great pad level up front. When they do pass it’s usually play action out of the power look.”

Defensively, Morrison said Atlantic has improved against the run this season with a strong front eight, which includes McLaren at defensive tackle.

Creston defensive lineman Ethan Holliday missed the Des Moines Christian game with a non-football related leg injury that required stitches, but is expected to be available this week. Junior Hayden Levine got the start last week and will continue to see varsity action, Morrison said.

In other District 6 openers, Harlan (1-3) visits Carroll (1-3) and Greene County (3-1) plays at Perry (0-4). Greene County is ranked 15th in Class 3A by IAfootball, a high scool and college media website.

“This will be a big week for us,” Morrison said. “We’ve had good practices. The kids understand what it’s about. Right out of the gates we have a tough one. We know this (Atlantic) team probably sees itself as playing for a playoff position.”

Creston (0-4, 0-0)

OFFENSE

T Garrick Clausen 5-10 225 Sr.

G Michael Wofford 6-0 200 Jr.

C Chasse Downing 6-4 270 Sr.

G Gunner Martwick 6-1 250 Sr.

T Layne Sand 6-5 235 Jr.

WR Jace Purdum 6-1 170 Jr.

WR Seth Gordon 5-8 160 Sr.

TE Jameson McDonald 6-1 185 Sr.

TE Rhett Driskell 6-3 190 Jr.

QB Tanner Ray 6-0 155 Jr.

RB Jackson Pettegrew 5-10 180 Sr.

K Joaquin Flores 6-0 160 Jr.

DEFENSE

DT Tom Mikkelsen 6-1 210 Jr.

DE Ethan Holliday 6-2 200 Sr.

or Hayden Levine 5-11 190 Jr.

DE Blake Hayes 6-2 205 Jr.

OLB Coltyr Frey 5-9 160 Jr.

ILB Colby Brammer 5-6 160 Jr.

ILB Kal Barber 5-8 160 Sr.

OLB Brodrick Phelps 5-11 160 Sr.

CB Davin Wallace 5-8 170 Jr.

CB Casen Scarberry 5-10 160 Jr.

S Lane Travis 5-8 160 Sr.

S David Sandoval 5-7 140 So.

P Joaquin Flores 6-0 160 Jr.