The Audubon Wheelers (12-1) will face the Don Bosco Dons (12-0) for the 8-Player State Football Championship on Thursday morning at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. The Wheelers came out with a strong performance in their first trip to the Dome since 1977 last week with a Semifinal win over Remsen, St. Mary’s 39-28. Now the Wheelers get a shot at their first State Championship this week against another strong opponent. Don Bosco rolled to a 50-6 win over Turkey Valley in the Semifinals last week. Audubon Head Coach Sean Birks was really proud of the way his team played in the Semis.

The Dons have rolled through their schedule this season with the closest game of the year for them coming in a 39-point Quarterfinal round win over Easton Valley. The Dons have been on this stage many times before as well, notching State Championships in 2013, 2016, and 2017. Coach Birks said they have a lot of respect for the Don Bosco program.

Don Bosco is led on Offense by junior Quarterback Cael Frost and senior Running Back Thomas Even. Frost has thrown for 1,269 yards and 30 touchdowns with just 1 interception and has also run for 1,147 yards and 19 more scores. Even is pushing up on a 2,000 yard rushing season with 1,940 yards and 25 touchdowns so far this year. Coach Birks said the Wheelers will need to be tough up the middle to slow down the Dons attack.

Audubon counters with a number of offensive weapons. Senior Quarterback Skyler Schultes has rushed for 1,789 yards and 28 touchdowns, while also passing for 678 yards and 10 more scores. Gavin Smith has been strong in the passing game as well with 834 yards and 14 touchdowns through the air as the change of pace QB. Kaiden Smith has been a strong weapon out of the backfield with 637 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns to go along with 361 yards receiving and 7 more scores. Coach Birks said they will need to be ready to attack in multiple ways and take care of the ball to have success in this one.

The Wheelers and the Dons are set for a 10:00am kickoff at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Chris Parks and CAM Head Coach Joe Wollum will have the call on KJAN with pregame starting at 9:00am. Tune in on AM1220, FM101.1, and online at kjan.com.