Preview: Crestview (4-5) at Leipsic (3-6)

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

It may or may not be the season finale when Crestview takes the field against Leipsic on Friday.

While a win won’t guarantee a playoff spot, a victory and some other help would keep the Knights (4-5, 1-5 NWC) in postseason contention. However, a loss could very well mean the season is over for Crestview. Leipsic (3-6, 2-4 NWC) has already been eliminated from playoff contention.

“I know that this game has a lot of consequences hanging in the balance,” Crestview head coach James Lautzenheiser said. “Our coaching staff would love the opportunity to lead these young men into Week 11, but we want to make sure that we put our players in a position for success no matter what. It’s never too late for players to build trust in one another and grow confidence in themselves. Our commitment to that level of preparation this week will go a long way in determining the final outcome on Friday night.”

The Knights are coming off a 34-26 loss to Ada.

“I don’t want to discount Ada’s win last week,” Lautzenheiser said. “They worked hard. They played hard. They played together. But we should have won that game and we need to make sure that we take the correct actions this week to put ourselves in a better position during this week’s contest with Leipsic.”

“Our coaches want to see the growth and maturity from our players that we know is possible, and we need our seniors and juniors to help us accomplish that mission, he continued. “We can’t hide behind the injury bug when we go up against Leipsic. They’ve had their fair share of significant injuries as well.”

Leipsic has dropped four straight but still leads conference teams in total yard per game (380) and is second in rushing (214) and passing (166) per game. The Vikings also have the NWC’s leading rusher in Hayden Hiegel (175 carries, 1,114 yards, 15 touchdowns). Quarterback Quin Schroeder is fourth among conference passers, having completed 84-of-138 tosses for 1,089 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Estevan Carrillo leads the receivers (37-479, four touchdowns), while Trent Siefker has 25 receptions for 394 yards and three scores.

Defensively, the Vikings are fourth among NWC teams, allowing 280 yards per game (159 rush, 121 pass) per game.

“This team has had a great deal of resilience,” Leipsic head coach Joe Kirkendall said. “We have dealt with multiple injuries at crucial positions and these guys have showed up every week willing to put the work in to get prepared for Friday. From the very beginning of the season we had guys play through nagging injuries and step into different roles to help the team.”

“I think our young guys on the offensive line have done a tremendous job all year and have battled,” he added. “We put five or six sophomores on the field all the time because of injuries and they have really grown up. The character of this team has been phenomenal.”

“They have young faces contributing at key positions on offense and defense and they play hard for one another,” Lautzenheiser said of the Vikings. “Leipsic likes to play aggressive, fast, and physical football. We have to digest our game plan this week and hold one another accountable for their 1/11th contribution on each play. “We saw last week what happens when we aren’t sharp enough on offense, defense, or special teams with all 11 players at the same time.”

Entering the regular season finale, the Knights are averaging 310 yards per game, fifth among conference teams (175 rushing, 135 passing). Carson Hunter has completed 79-of-146 passes for 1,045 yards, 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Kellin Putman is third among NWC receivers with 485 yards and seven touchdowns on 21 receptions, while Beau Eggleston has 26 catches for 209 yards. Isaac Kline leads the ground game with (115-568, seven touchdowns), while Braxton Leeth has 45 carries for 380 yards and four scores.

The Knights are third among NWC teams in terms of defense, giving up 280.6 yards per game, including just 103 through the air.

“They have been really solid on the defensive side of the ball,” Kirkendall said of the Knights. “For the most part they have been very good against the run. They have also dealt with injuries but they have remained competitive throughout. Their size is a concern for us and now that the quarterback is back they have the ability to be very explosive offensively.”

“We have the athletic talent to win this game on Friday, but our coaching staff wants to see these players have each other’s back when things get tough,” Lautzenheiser said. “We want to see them demonstrate brotherly love for one another during the week and throughout the game. If we commit ourselves to that type of emotional maturity, even in the last portion of this season, we can emerge successful from this challenging season.”

Leipsic won last year’s matchup 35-21.