Underwood Eagles ride rushing game to the Quarterfinals

November 1st, 2023 by admin

The Underwood Eagles lost their opening game of the season to Van Meter 21-14. That 21 points allowed has been the most this Eagles team has allowed all year long. The Eagles have allowed just 6 total points over the teams last six games. The Eagles have won 9 in a row after the opening night loss including a 42-0 win over AHSTW last week in the 2nd round of playoff football. The Eagles defense for the sixth time this season pitched a shutout in a dominating display but on this night the rushing attack of the Eagles stole the show. The Eagles rushed for 393 yards and six total touchdowns on 44 carries. The Eagles wasted no-time getting on the scoreboard as they scored on their first drive of the night and had 21 on the board going into the halftime break. Head Coach of Underwood Nate Mechaelsen says the team has finally gotten healthy in the later part of the season and credits that to the offensive success.

Now moving onto the quarterfinals the Eagles will have their hands full as they will take on the 8-2 OABCIG Falcons who have won 7 in a row following their 2d round win. The Falcons have shocked a lot of people with their impressive season and Eagles Coach Nate Mechaelsen said they are maybe the most improved team from the start of the season until now.

The Falcons have a pretty explosive offense but like the Eagles they rely heavily on their defense to make big crucial plays to set up their offense. The Falcons have forced 32 turnovers on the season with 16 fumble recoveries and 16 interceptions. Coach Mechaelsen knows to win this game and advance to the UNI dome to the semifinals that his offense will have to take care of the ball.

In what will most likely be a defensive battle down to the end whichever offense is able to make the big play will likely pull out with a victory and move on to the final 4. The Eagles and the Falcons will kickoff at 7pm at OABCIG High School.

You can listen to the full interview with Head Coach Nate Mechaelsen below.