Cyclone gridders host 2-0 Rams in District 9 opener

 HARLAN (Sept. 11) -- Another week, another tough test for the 2-0 Harlan Community football team.
 The Cyclones have more than answered the bell thus far, opening the 2020 season with non-district wins over highly-regarded Class 3A opponents Grinnell (40-28) and Pella (21-18).
 Sophomore quarterback Teagon Kasperbauer ranks second in 3A with 616 yards passing and six touchdown throws while sophomore receiver Aidan Hall leads the class with 328 receiving yards (254 at Pella) and is tied for first with four TD catches.
 Now it’s time for district play, and the Cyclones will face another ranked team Friday night when they host the 2-0 Glenwood Rams at Merrill Field.
 HCHS moved up a spot to third in this week’s Associated Press Class 3A poll while Glenwood entered the rankings at No. 10 after outscoring its first two foes (Thomas Jefferson and Treynor) 94-7.
 “There’s no rest for the wicked here. Week to week is just going to be the gauntlet,” said HCHS head coach Todd Bladt, who has been quick to point out that this year’s two non-district games will not be considered when the playoff pairings are seeded just five weeks from tonight.
 “We’re going to stress we’re starting 0-0 and try to improve from there,” he said. “It’s all about focus this week. Focusing on what we have to do and getting those things done at a little bit better percentage rate.”
 Harlan leads the all-time series vs. Glenwood 47-3, but they have split the last four meetings. The Rams won last year’s matchup 28-21.
 Bladt stated that the two schools have developed a pretty competitive rivalry in multiple sports. Memorable postseason games have been played in basketball and baseball during the last decade and the nature of the football series has changed.
 Bladt expects another good battle.