Gladbrook-Reinbeck is hoping to continue its string of recent success against BCLUW in a Class-A District Four opener at Conrad Friday night (September 12, 2014).

The eighth-ranked Rebels (1-1) have won every game in the series since 2006 and are seeking their ninth consecutive victory over the Comets. Three of the last eight games against BCLUW have featured shutouts by Gladbrook-Reinbeck. In three of the other five games, the Comets scored only six points.

While history shows this could be a one-sided game, BCLUW (2-0) is a much-improved squad that's led by first-year coach Anthony Jahr. Gladbrook-Reinbeck Coach John Olson feels the game could be a shootout that features some big plays by both teams.

“Whether it be us or whether it be them, we're gonna have some big plays,” Olson said. “From a defensive standpoint, we don't want to give up any big plays to them. You can recover from a six-, seven-, eight-, or even a 20-yard play, but it's very demoralizing on the defense if you're giving up 30-, 40-, 50-, or 60-yard touchdowns. The same thing goes for (BCLUW).”

Olson believes the winner of Friday's game will be the team whose defense executes the best.

“It's hard to get past the execution part (of this game),” he said. “If you execute and do things the right way, you're not going to give up big plays. Execution is the number one thing we talk about all the time and it's something we focus on.”

Gladbrook-Reinbeck isn't the only area team with a 1-1 mark hoping to open district play with a win. Another match-up of 1-1 squads is Wapsie Valley hosting North Tama.

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