The Audubon Wheelers (9-1) open up the 2019 High School Football Playoffs on Friday night by hosting the Harris-Lake Park Wolves (8-1). We’ll have coverage of the first round match-up for you on KJAN. The Wheelers have been well battle tested this year with a schedule that included 5 teams that are in the playoffs. Audubon Head Coach Sean Birks said his team has been through a grind but they are excited for the opportunity to play in front of the home crowd again.

The Wheelers have only lost one game at Chis Jones Field since moving to the 8-Man football ranks and that was a Quarterfinal round playoff loss to Remsen, St. Mary’s two years ago. The Wheelers and Wolves met during the first 8-Man season for the Wheelers in 2016, with Harris-Lake Park edging out a 36-26 win in that playoff battle. Harris-Lake Park Head Coach Lane Gunderson said he really respects the Wheelers program.

Audubon has been led on offense by a strong season from senior quarterback Skyler Schultes. He has rushed for 1,473 yards and 25 touchdowns to go along with 6 more scores passing. Harris-Lake Park has two very strong defenders in the middle of the field. Nose Tackle Abdulla Elbuytari leads the team in tackles with 68.5 and tackles for loss with 23. Linebacker Lucas Gunderson has 63.5 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. Coach Birks said the Wheelers will have their work cut out for them against that strong front.

Harris-Lake Park has been efficient on offense. Quarterback Brody Sohn has thrown for 1,962 yards and 31 touchdowns with just 7 interceptions. Running Back Lucas Gunderson has rushed for 615 yards and 9 touchdowns. Coach Gunderson said they will need to try to keep some balance to have success against the Wheelers.

The Wheelers and Wolves will kick off at 7:00pm. Chris Parks and Mike Smith will have the call on KJAN with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30pm. Tune in at 6:00pm for our final pick ’em show of the year “Who’s Gonna Win?”. Then stay tuned after the game for all the playoff scores on “The Iowa High School Scorebaord Show” from 10:00pm-11:30pm. Catch the action on AM1220, FM101.1, and online at kjan.com.