Breaking down the D-2 state final
Here's the keys to the D-2 state football final.
No. 1: Quarterbacks Brett Kaczor of Ewing and Derek Classen of Humphrey St. Francis will need to be particularly wary when they drop back to pass. The Ewing defense has intercepted 23 passes this season, led by Austin Kaczor’s eight picks and seven by Josiah Switzer. The Humphrey St. Francis defense has 24 interceptions. Classen, obviously well-versed in how quarterbacks think, has six and Jameson Werner has six. “We’ve played some teams that have spread it out, but Ewing’s talent level is better than we’ve seen in the spread,” said St. Francis coach Eric Kessler. “We’ve had quite a few interceptions that we took back for points right away.”
No. 2: Ewing goes for offensive balance, with Brett Kaczor and Beau Fry each rushing for more than 1,000 yards and with Kaczor throwing for more than 1,500, more than 1,000 of them to his brother, Austin. “It’s tough to defend us because we have so many weapons and Brett does a good job distributing the football,” said Ewing coach Brock Eichelberger. Although the Flyers have been stingy, allowing just 142.2 yards a game, Kessler said Ewing causes problems. “They run some stuff similar to others, but much of what they do is different. It’s something to prepare for in a short week,” said Kessler.
No. 3: For Humphrey St. Francis, the offensive story has mostly been Matt Korus, who has rushed for 1,536 yards, although Derek Classen has spread the ball around through the air for more than 900 yards. “Matt is our bread and butter. Our line has done a great job opening holes, which allows Matt to run hard and Derek to pick and choose play action.” Brett Kaczor and Logan Schrunk each have 10 quarterback sacks, so time will be of the essence for Classen. “We spend more time throughout the week preparing our defense,” said Eichelberger. “If the defense plays well, we have an opportunity to win.”
— Ryly Jane Hambleton
No. 1: Quarterbacks Brett Kaczor of Ewing and Derek Classen of Humphrey St. Francis will need to be particularly wary when they drop back to pass. The Ewing defense has intercepted 23 passes this season, led by Austin Kaczor’s eight picks and seven by Josiah Switzer. The Humphrey St. Francis defense has 24 interceptions. Classen, obviously well-versed in how quarterbacks think, has six and Jameson Werner has six. “We’ve played some teams that have spread it out, but Ewing’s talent level is better than we’ve seen in the spread,” said St. Francis coach Eric Kessler. “We’ve had quite a few interceptions that we took back for points right away.”
No. 2: Ewing goes for offensive balance, with Brett Kaczor and Beau Fry each rushing for more than 1,000 yards and with Kaczor throwing for more than 1,500, more than 1,000 of them to his brother, Austin. “It’s tough to defend us because we have so many weapons and Brett does a good job distributing the football,” said Ewing coach Brock Eichelberger. Although the Flyers have been stingy, allowing just 142.2 yards a game, Kessler said Ewing causes problems. “They run some stuff similar to others, but much of what they do is different. It’s something to prepare for in a short week,” said Kessler.
No. 3: For Humphrey St. Francis, the offensive story has mostly been Matt Korus, who has rushed for 1,536 yards, although Derek Classen has spread the ball around through the air for more than 900 yards. “Matt is our bread and butter. Our line has done a great job opening holes, which allows Matt to run hard and Derek to pick and choose play action.” Brett Kaczor and Logan Schrunk each have 10 quarterback sacks, so time will be of the essence for Classen. “We spend more time throughout the week preparing our defense,” said Eichelberger. “If the defense plays well, we have an opportunity to win.”
— Ryly Jane Hambleton
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