The Audubon Wheelers (11-1) are ready for the trip to the UNI-Dome for the 8-MAN Football Semifinals on Thursday to face the Remsen, St. Mary’s Hawks (11-0). The Wheelers have fought through an extraordinarily tough schedule to reach this spot, facing 5 playoff teams throughout the season and one of those teams twice. After edging out the CAM Cougars for the second time this year in the Quarterfinals, the Wheelers will now get the chance to avenge their lone loss on the season which was a week one 26-25 game against the Hawks. Audubon Head Coach Sean Birks said he’s really proud of what his squad has accomplished.

The Wheelers are a very veteran group that includes a lot of playmakers. Skyler Schultes led the way during the season on the ground with 1,584 yards and 25 touchdowns. Gavin Smith has thrown for 825 yards and 14 scores. Kaiden Smith has come on strong, accounting for 9 touchdowns in their two playoff wins. Remsen, St. Mary’s Head Coach Zach Arnold said the Wheelers are tough to defend because of their versatility.

The Hawks have been able to achieve some good balance on offense through the year. Quarterback Blaine Harpenau has thrown for 1,300 yards and 26 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. Running Back Jeremy Koenck has racked up 1,005 yards and 13 scores and is complemented in the running game by Harpenau’s 833 yards and 21 more scores. Audubon Head Coach Sean Birks said the Wheelers can’t sell out too much one way or the other against this Hawks team.

These two teams have become very familiar with each other over the past few seasons. The Hawks knocked Audubon out in the Quarterfinal round in 2017 on their way to a Runner-Up finish. Coach Arnold expects this one to be a battle once again and with the two teams knowing each other fairly well it’s about which team will go out and execute.

We’ll have coverage of the Semifinal tilt on KJAN with pregame at 11:00am and kickoff set for Noon at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Chris Parks and Matt Mullenix will have the call on AM 1220, FM 101.1, and online at kjan.com.