In an exciting match-up for the Class A Iowa High School Football Playoffs, Saint Ansgar will clash with MMCRU. Both teams come into the championship game boasting perfect records of 12-0. Scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m., the game will be held at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with live streaming available through Iowa PBS.
Key Players from Saint Ansgar
Saint Ansgar’s offense has seen impressive performances, particularly from sophomore quarterback Porter Schwiesow. He has completed 71% of his passes this season, amassing 989 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only two interceptions while rushing for an additional 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Supporting Schwiesow is senior running back Korben Michels, who has had a standout season, averaging 14 yards per carry. He has rushed 114 times for a total of 1,628 yards and scored 31 touchdowns. In addition, Michels has demonstrated his versatility in the passing game with 19 receptions totaling 359 yards and seven touchdowns.
- Porter Schwiesow: 989 passing yards, 15 TDs
- Korben Michels: 1,628 rushing yards, 31 TDs
- Connor Mullenbach: 530 rushing yards, 7 TDs
- Joe Clevenger: 851 rushing yards, 11 TDs
Defensive Strengths of Saint Ansgar
The defensive squad is led by Chase Haugen, who has 17.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks this season. Joe Clevenger is notable for his 90 tackles, which include three sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Michels also makes an impact on defense with 12.5 tackles for loss and four sacks.
Overview of MMCRU
On the opposite side, MMCRU’s offense features junior quarterback Eli Harpenau. He has produced 1,814 passing yards and 403 rushing yards this season. Harpenau boasts a 63% completion rate, with 28 touchdowns through the air and an additional nine rushing touchdowns.
Running back Bryson Mulder has contributed significantly, carrying the ball for 683 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. His teammate, John Schmillen, adds depth with 450 rushing yards and seven scores. Harpenau’s throws have benefited various receivers, including Michael Schmillen, who leads the team with 24 receptions for 664 yards and 14 touchdowns.
- Eli Harpenau: 1,814 passing yards, 28 TDs
- Bryson Mulder: 683 rushing yards, 7 TDs
- John Schmillen: 450 rushing yards, 7 TDs
- Michael Schmillen: 664 receiving yards, 14 TDs
Defensive Highlights for MMCRU
Defensively, John Schmillen stands out with 18.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. MMCRU has achieved a total of 84 tackles for loss, complemented by 25.5 sacks this season. The team has also demonstrated a strong ability to create turnovers, registering 27 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries.
The showdown between Saint Ansgar and MMCRU promises to be a fierce competition, showcasing some of Iowa’s best young football talent in the playoffs.
