CITYHIGH (0-1)

vs. Bettendorf (1-0)
@ BETTENDORF

When: 7:15 PM

Where: Merv Habenicht Field: Dedication Game

The Rundown: Following a turnover-plagued 0-14 loss against Cedar Falls in the season opener, The Little Hawks are busing to Bettendorf High School to battle against the Bulldogs for the Merv Habenicht Field Dedication Game.

City High has historically played Bettendorf in the playoffs. Since 1992, the teams have matched up against each other ten times, each team coming away with five wins, and each team has progressed to the finals five times.

“You’re really talking about two of the better teams in the East side of the state,” Little Hawk head coach Dan Sabers said.

The Bulldogs won their first game by a wide margin against Assumption High School, (41-6).

Bettendorf maintains a solid defense and offense, platooning players across the board in a similar manner to college teams, rather than having athletes play both ways.

The Bulldogs sport a disruptive, “attack first – read later” defensive line with returning starters, and an offensive plan led by returning players such as three year returning quarterback Cyle Cox, who accounted for 189 offensive yards and a rushing touchdown in the game against Assumption. Their offensive strategy involves zone plays, boots, and action in the flats.

City High won’t be changing up their game plan drastically, but Sabers expects better ball control and coverage against a larger team. Making plays is Sabers’s goal.

“Obviously this year we aren’t as big as some teams, we’re more of a spread it out kind of team, and we’ll try to get the ball to some of our athletes,” Sabers said.

DeJuan McKenny ‘15 and Eric McDonald ‘15 are captains for the Little Hawks, but Tavian Banks of Bettendorf and Tim Dwight ’93of City High have been made honorary captains for the dedication game.