The Audubon Wheelers (7-1) open up the 2021 football playoffs on Friday against the Stanton-Essex Vikings (6-2). The Wheelers have had another strong season following a Quarterfinal appearance in 2020 and a State Runner-Up finish in 2019. Audubon Head Coach Sean Birks said one thing that makes this Wheeler team special is their ability to keep a level head.

Gavin Smith has had another phenomenal season at quarterback for the Wheelers, throwing for 701 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,432 yards and 31 more scores. Stanton-Essex Head Coach Jeff Grebin said this a talented Wheeler team led by Smith.

Stanton-Essex also puts a lot of faith into a senior quarterback in Carter Johnson. He has thrown for 802 yards and 13 scores and rushed for 500 and 8 more touchdowns.  Logan Roberts has been strong on the ground as well with 815 yards and 13 TD’s. Coach Birks said the Wheelers have their work cut out for them to try to slow those guys down.

Coach Grebin said his team is excited to play in a great playoff atmosphere at Chis Jones Field.

We’ll have coverage of the game on KJAN. Chris Parks and Mike Smith will have the call on AM 1220, FM 101.1, and online at KJAN.com. Start the night with our weekly pick ’em show Who’s Gonna Win? at 6:00 p.m., followed by pregame at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff at 7:00 p.m.