The Tri-Center Trojans Football Team will look to capture their first state championship on Thursday when they take on the West Hancock Eagles. Despite 12 previous playoff appearances, the Trojans had never made it to the UNI Dome and now have a chance to win it all. The Trojans might be one of the hottest teams in the state. They have not lost since dropping their opening game of the season to AHSTW. The offense has been firing on all cylinders, putting up 40 or more points each of the last five games, and the defense has not allowed more than 20 points since their week two win over Treynor. Playing in championship games is always a remarkable opportunity and Head Coach Ryan Schroder is excited for this moment.

To get to this point, the Trojans had to deal with noteworthy opponents, and last week was no different. Battling a Saint Ansgar team with tons of talent, the Trojans shined. Although their halftime lead was slim, AJ Harder shined in the opening two quarters, arguably playing his best game of the postseason. Then, in the second half, Cater Kunze joined the party to finish the game with 195 yards and four touchdowns in Tri-Center’s 42-14 win. Schroder admitted that his team was a little tight in the early going but was happy with how his team handled the pressure, saying their balance attack allows them to have multiple options.

Part of those multiple options are receivers Zach Nelson and Cael Witt. Both have over 60 receptions and over a thousand receiving yards. In their semi-final matchup, Nelson and Witt each had six receptions, while Witt had two touchdowns, including a 34-yard strike from Harder. You also can’t forget about Brant Freeberg, who has made himself a very reliable third option, leading the team in yards per reception. This allows Tri-Center’s playbook to be expansive and cover a variety of scenarios. Coach Schroder knows it’s a very useful advantage to have in his pocket.

Despite all the weapons at the skill positions, it might be the unsung heroes of the offensive and defensive line that play one of the biggest roles for the Trojans.  They arguably were the biggest difference against Saint Ansgar. Schroder knows that without them, the Trojans wouldn’t have come this far.

Tri-Center will have to get over a big hurdle if they are to take home the crown. The West Hancock Eagles are a perfect 12-0 and have looked sharp throughout the postseason. The Eagles also have an edge in experience as the UNI Dome has practically been a second home for West Hancock. The Eagles are making their fifth final appearance in the last seven seasons. However, beyond just making it to the big game, they know how to win it. Schroder understands that today will be a very tough challenge.

Regardless of the outcome of today’s game, it will be the last time either of these teams plays in their current forms. The message from Coach Schroder was simple.

You can catch all the action on KJAN with pregame coverage starting at noon.