The CAM Cougars are prepping for a home quarterfinal round battle against perennial power Newell-Fonda on Thursday night in the 8-Player Football Playoffs. CAM was able to battle back from a halftime deficit to score five straight touchdowns in the second half to prevail past Fremont-Mills 46-20 in the 2nd Round. Newell-Fonda earned their quarterfinal spot with a 39-14 win over Lenox last week.

The Mustangs have been led on the offensive side by junior quarterback Mason Dicks. He has thrown for 1,501 yards and 20 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,340 yards and 25 more scores. CAM Head Coach Barry Bower has been impressed by the efficiency Mason has achieved.

Newell-Fonda Head Coach Brian Wilken said Dicks has worked really hard to get better after last season.

Coach Bower said the Cougars will have to try to match the intensity and physicality of a perennially good team.

CAM has gotten great play across the board from a strong senior class. Lane Spieker is a workhorse on offense with 2,555 yards on the ground and now 56 touchdowns on the year. He’s also thrown for 927 yards and 11 more scores. A veteran offensive line of Reese Oglesbee, Nolan Hensley, and Gavyn Jessen have paved the way. Coach Wilken sees a very experienced and tough group from CAM.

The Cougars get to play in a quarterfinal round game for the second straight season after falling two points shy of the semifinals on the road against Fremont-Mills last year. This time will be on their home field, something the program hasn’t had the chance to do since 1995. Coach Bower said that’s a great accomplishment for his kids.

We’ll have coverage of the Cougars and Mustangs on KJAN. Chris Parks and Mike Smith will have the call from Anita with pregame at 6:00 p.m. and kickoff at 7:00 p.m. on AM 1220, FM 101.1, and online at kjan.com. You can also watch the game on the student run broadcast on the CAM Cougar Channel through the KJAN Video Network.