Cedar, Battle Creek will battle with playoffs on the line

BATTLE CREEK - Cedar Catholic is riding high from a big win over Crofton, but a new challenge awaits in the Battle Creek Braves this week.

Cedar has two more games as the team pushes for a case to earn a spot in the playoffs. With a 3-4 record, it is expected the Trojans will need to win both this week against BC and next week against Stanton to earn a spot.

Cedar will face a challenge in a Braves team that lost to Norfolk 21-7 last week. Head coach Chad Cattau says his team has the confidence it needs to win on the road on Friday.

“Our team is very confident right now,” said Cattau. “We have shown steady progress throughout the season and it’s been fun to be a part of. We really need to use that momentum and confidence as we head into this week’s game.”

The Trojans face a balanced offense in Battle Creek. Ty Heimes is the quarterback and leads the team with 140 yards per game, with 103 through the air. Dylan Mettler leads the team on the ground with 77 rushing yards per game.

“They run a very balanced offense between the run and pass,” said Cattau. “We will really need to make sure our coverage and communication are at a high level. They tend to run it a little more than pass, but they have a good balance to what they do.”

Cedar’s defensive secondary of Myles Thoene, Tate Thoene, Cole Becker, and Matthew Becker will be tested. Senior Matthew Becker’s interception against Crofton last week has shown the progress the Trojans have made in pass coverage this week, just in time for a passer in Heimes.

Cattau knows that with the balance of Battle Creek winning in the trenches — on offense and defense — is a necessity.

“We will need to really win at the line of scrimmage,” said Cattau. “Each week most games are won up front so our emphasis is always at winning with technique and effort from our linemen. This week will hold true of that.”

Cedar travels to Battle Creek, looking to improve their regular season record to 4-4 on the season.