Preview: Storm face first road test of the season at Coe
The Simpson Storm football team hits the road for the first time in 2017 on Saturday, Sept. 23 when it travels to Cedar Rapids for a meeting with the defending Iowa Conference champion Coe Kohawks at Clark Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
The Storm (1-2, 0-1) are looking for their first win of the conference season after a 40-31 setback against Wartburg last week while the Kohawks (3-0, 1-0) try to remain perfect on the season after coming back to beat Nebraska Wesleyan 35-25 last week in Lincoln.
Gameday Coverage
Video Stream: CoeAthletics.com
Radio: KNIA 1320 AM/95.3 FM and KNIAKRLS.com
Radio Talent: Andrew Swadner (play-by-play), Rick Wilson (analyst)
Quick Hits
• Drew Jensen's 43-yard field goal in the second quarter of last week's loss to Wartburg gave him 26 for his career, tied for the most in school history with Brett Majors (1999-2002).
• Simpson leads the Iowa Conference and ranks 10th in Division III with 12 sacks through three games. Defensive end Jake Stearns is tied for the conference lead with 4.0 sacks while the other end, Trey Chumbley, is third with 3.5.
• The Storm defense has eight takeaways in 2017, 26th in Division III but just third in the IIAC. Coe leads the country with 13 takeaways.
• With an interception and a fumble recovery last week, the Storm have at least one takeaway in 12 of 13 games since Matt Jeter took over as head coach in 2016.
• Senior WR Jackson Redmond has ascended to the level of one of the top receivers in the country, hauling in 9.7 receptions per game, good for tops in the Iowa Conference and sixth in Division III.
• Sam Sasso has thrown four touchdown passes in each of the last two games, the first player to throw for four touchdowns in back-to-back weeks since Mike Donnenwerth in 2003. Donnenwerth threw five against Buena Vista on Oct. 25 and four at Loras on Nov. 1.
A Look at the Kohawks
Coe has a new look in 2017 after the graduation of All-American running back Trevor Heitland and all-conference quarterback Gavin Glen. Despite the new personnel, the Kohawks haven't missed a beat, averaging better than 35 points per game through three games. Running back Tino Green has assumed the role of Heitland's replacement, averaging 8.8 yards per carry. First-time starter Quentin White made a good first impression last week, throwing for 319 yards and four TDs. Coe leads the IIAC in total defense, allowing just 339.7 yards per game.
The Series
Saturday marks the 42nd meeting between Simpson and Coe in a series that began in 1910. Coe leads the all-time series 26-14-1 though the teams have split the last four meetings. Coe completed its undefeated regular season in Indianola in 2016 with a 47-29 win. Prior to Simpson's 41-38 win in Cedar Rapids in 2013, the Kohawks had won nine in a row.
Watch the Storm in HD
Storm video streaming has gone high-definition! A new addition in the spring of 2017, Storm football fans can experience all six home game in HD for the first time this season. Veteran broadcaster Todd Guessford has the call alongside analyst Paul Davis, former defensive line coach for the Storm. Pregame begins at 12:30 p.m.
On the Air
Back again this season, all Simpson football games can be heard on KNIA 1320 AM/95.3 FM and online at KNIAKRLS.com. You can also download the KNIA app on iTunes and Google's Play Store. Andrew Swadner will have the call with Rick Wilson providing the color commentary.
