The North Butler football team will look to track down their first playoff win since 2021, as they visit Madrid for a Class A first round matchup on Friday. The game will air on 99 The Wave.
North Butler (4-4) concluded the regular season with a 50-0 loss at home to #2 (A) Saint Ansgar last week. Running the ball has been foundational to the Bearcats offense with 1,442 yards. Tucker Pecha leads the backfield with 652 yards and eight touchdowns. Wade Wangsness filling in for the injured Brody Wangsness at quarterback has grown in confidence weekly. The Bearcats defense has been able to bring effective pressure with 19 sacks (fourth most in Class A). Head Coach Jordan Vanderloop says execution and trust will be paramount.
“We need to establish our run game first. Up front on the line, we got to make sure that we have everyone accounted for that we need to block. Then open the holes up, so our running backs have lanes to go through. Executing our plays, doing what we need to do and not trying to do too much. Trust our teammates to do it, then just playing sound football,” says Vanderloop. “Making sure, option-wise, we have everyone accounted for. We need to try to keep their quarterback in the pocket, not give him time to set up and go through his progressions. Try our best to lock down. They have got some tall receivers, they’re very talented and they’re very fast. We just need to make sure that we have a bend, don’t break attitude.”
Madrid (5-3) concluded the regular season with a 59-0 win at home over Colfax-Mingo last week. The Tigers also feature a run-heavy offense with 2,248 yards. Loken Velky with 710 yards and 10 touchdowns leads the way. The duo has combined for 15 touchdowns. The Tigers defense is always on the hunt for turnovers with 14 forced this season (seven interceptions and seven fumble recoveries).
This will be the first ever meeting between the teams.
Pregame coverage will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by the kickoff at 7:00 p.m. in Madrid.
Head Coach Jordan Vanderloop Interview:
