It will be a playoff type football game on Friday night in Exira as the Exira-EHK Spartans (4-2, 3-1) play host to the Fremont-Mills Knights (4-2, 3-1). Both teams come in with one loss in 8-man District 7 play, and that loss was to the Sidney Cowboys for both teams. With the squads tied for the second spot in the district, the winner has a strong chance to take that second playoff spot.

Fremont-Mills Head Coach Jeremy Christiansen said he feels like the playoffs start the instant you get that first loss in district play with just two teams making the postseason.

The Knights have dealt with some injuries and suspensions early in the season but Coach Christensen said this week they should be back to pretty much a full squad. The Knights have been led by Junior quarterback Mason Vanatta who has thrown for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also leading the team with 684 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Coach Christensen said Vanatta just finds a way to get things done.

Coach Christensen said the defensive side of the ball is where his team has shown the most improvement throughout the season and this week they will face a balanced Spartan attack. Exira-EHK quarterback Josh Pettepier has thrown for 867 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Spartans have run the ball by committee with Cole Burmeister, Cole Madsen, and Jayden Goodwin all over 45 carries on the year.

Cole Madsen and Ian Leader have forged the way for the Spartan defense. Madsen leads the team in tackles and has two fumble recoveries on the year. Leader is the second leading tackler and has one interception to his name.

We’ll have the Spartans and the Knights on KJAN Friday night. Chris Parks and Mike Smith will have the call from the top of the hill in Exira with pregame at 5:30pm and kickoff at 5:45pm. Catch the action on AM1220, FM101.1, online at kjan.com, on the KJAN mobile app, and on KJANTV.  Tune in for our pick ’em show Who’s Gonna Win? to start the night at 5:00pm.