After knocking off undefeated Washington last week, Tigers face 6-0 Wahawks for homecoming

After knocking off highly rated and undefeated Cedar Rapids Washington on the road last week, the football team now has another undefeated foe in its path, Waterloo West, and a homecoming victory is on the line.

But the team is digging in to add another notch on the win column. Head coach Brad Remmert said, “This group works very hard at practice. They do all of the little things asked of them each day.”

Remmert said the he and the coaching staff are just going through their normal routine, taking this week like any other game. They have been watching lots of film and have met to decipher a game plan.

“The players start each week with our scouting report meeting to learn about our opponent.  They will spend time outside of practice watching game film on our opponent and reviewing our practice video,” he said.

Remmert said that West is an excellent team. The winner of this game will take over the lead in District 5.

“Our players should be motivated to play a great team,” he said.

Former starting quarterback Luke Gillett said he is looking forward to playing the Wahawks as well.

“Yeah, it’ll be a fun game,” Gillett said. “It’s like playing your next door neighbor, especially because it’s our homecoming game. That’ll be great.”

Though Gillett is hurt due to a knee injury involving a patella tendon dislocation, he has never been more ready for a great game. When Gillett found out he wouldn’t be able to play any longer this season, he still thought about the team and cannot wait to lead, give spiritual support and help along the sidelines.

“I think if we get our pass game established that will really be a key in our win. We are young,” Gillett said. “That’s a big thing about our team, and over the summer, and throughout the season so far we’ve really bonded.”

Gillett agreed that they are treating it like other games with watching film, being prepared to attack their defense and being ready to stop West’s quarterback, Devon Moore.

Now starting quarterback, Sam Cirksena, said he feels good about the team and their chances.  After grabbing a win against Cedar Rapids Washington, the No. 3 team at their home field, Cirksena said the boys are moving in the right direction.

“I think we’re doing some good stuff and have a lot of stuff to build off of for this upcoming game on Friday,” he said.

Cirksena said Gillett was doing a great job, and, in his opinion, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the state.

“I feel like just coming to practice with a great attitude every day, trying to fill his shoes and he’s helped me out a lot along the way.”

Cirksena said he is confident with the team’s offensive line and in the backfield and defensively as whole, the boys will be able to shut their opponent down.

“We’ll be able to do some things that they won’t be able to handle,” Cirksena said.

All in all, the players and coaches will say a memorable moment this season so far, was beating Washington and becoming the underdogs of the district, hoping that this homecoming game will make a definite change.

Tonight, the Tigers will be playing under the bright lights against their rival team, the undefeated Waterloo West Wahawks at 7:30 p.m. in the UNI Dome. The theme is a spirit out, and the team encourages fans to come show their support in this year’s homecoming game.

The week leading up to the game was activity filled and tons of fun. Check out videos on HoCo dress up days and hallway decorating below.

Though Homecoming is known as a great American tradition that brings about a great deal of excitement, it also brings a certain amount of anxiety. Check out a story on HoCo dating dilemmas here.

 

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