From the Capital-Journal 11/12/21:
D3 No. 1 Rossville (10-0) vs. D1 No. 1 Riverton (8-2)
Last week: Rossville defeated D4 No. 2 Nemaha Central, 32-12.
This week, Rossville will host another No. 1 seed in Riverton, a program three hours away enjoying their best year under fifth-year head coach Johnny Mallatt.
Although Rossville's staff knew they've been in the postseason in the recent past, the game plan took shape over the past week as they broke down the film.
Averaging 32.1 points per game and giving up 14.7, Rossville head coach Derick Hammes pointed out the possession, run-oriented offense that was led by a big line up front.
"As a unit, the line has good size, moves people and they fit off of them," said Hammes. "Their fullback is a good runner, think that's a go-to back for them.
"Their style of play is going to lean towards a possession game, our style of play is the opposite. Two ends of the spectrum so to speak, that'll be an important part of the game. Are we going to have a high possession game or is it going to be a grind it out type game?"
Defensively, similar to last week, Hammes said Riverton can throw multiple looks on that side of the ball but it was a new scheme to prepare for, nothing that the size o the defensive lineman stood out as well.
He also added they can cover space well, and attacking space is something Rossville's offense likes to do.
Similar to last week, and any game, Hammes pointed out the need to protect the football but added a few more keys to a victory.
Keys to the game from Hammes: When you’re run-oriented it doesn’t mean you can’t pass. Play action off the runs, our ability to take care of play-action will be key.
Silver Lake will host undefeated Wellsville, a program about an hour away, that averages 43.9 points per game and gives up just 6.4.
Offensively, they're led by junior running back Nash Money, who has 1,497 yards and 29 touchdowns on the season. The team, as a whole, has rushed for 2,788 yards and 45 touchdowns.