Friday Football: 3A Preview

RED OAK — The Red Oak Tigers football team take to the field for the first time this season Friday night, when they host the Clarinda Cardinals.

It will be Jeff Spotts' first game as head coach for Red Oak football. The Tigers lost last year's game, 22-12.

Neither side generated a lot of offense, as both had less than 200 yards of total offense and a combined 18 first downs.

The key difference in last year's game was an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Clarinda's Steven Ripley.

Since Clarinda plays in 2A, the game will start at 7 p.m. Partly cloudy skies are in the forecast for Friday night, with no rain expected, according to the National Weather Service.

A recap of the game will be in Tuesday's Red Oak Express.

Atlantic hosts Denison-Schleswig in other 3A action tonight. The Trojans lost last year's meeting, 33-20.

Carroll looks to avenge last year's 33-24 loss to Kuemper Catholic when the two play each other Friday. Michael Strautman ran over Carroll for 185 yards rushing and three touchdowns in Kuemper Catholic's win last season.

Glenwood will host Sergeant Bluff Luton on Friday night. The Rams picked up the 9-7 win over Sergeant Bluff Luton, last season. A Michael Lawler field goal proved to be the difference in the game.

Creston will be home for their game as they play Chariton. The Panthers defeated Chariton last season, 36-21. Creston ran over Chariton for 267 yards, with 195 coming from then-sophomore Luke Neitzel.

Finally, Winterset will host Norwalk. Winterset looks to avenge a 21-20 loss to Norwalk, from last season.