PREVIEW BOMBERS AND BEARS

The Bombers take on the Byron Bears Friday night in Byron. The Bears are 2-2 overall and 1-2 in the division. The Bears have lost to Rochester and Stewarville, and beaten Triton and Pine Island. The Bombers are 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the division. There are no like opponents between the two teams. Offensively the Bears come in next to last in yards per game 317 yards. The Bombers have the edge at 337 yards per game. Defensively the Bears are a stout group, giving just 242 yards per game. The Bombers are at 344 yards per game. The Bombers like to run the ball, the Bears are more balanced. They have a good quarterback in senior Jack Nelson, he has the best pass completion percentage in the league at 61%. He is also a threat to run the ball as well, with 238 yards. His favorite targets are Thor Knutson with 15 receptions, and Max Zamzow with 15. The Bombers have an impressive running game with Ian Althoff, leading the league with 521 yards. They will need to continue to run the effectively to shorten the game. The key to slowing down the Bears passing game, is not letting Nelson get to comfortable throwing the ball. The Bombers have done a good job of pressuring the quarterback in recent games, but they must keep Nelson in the pocket and not let him scramble for yardage, he leads the Bears in rushing. The Bombers most likely will get Jordan Lundell back for this game, his speed will be needed to cover the Bears receivers. The Bears have had some personal events happen to them this season, it has had a effect on them early in the season.  If the Bombers can run the ball, the Bears run defense is the worst in the league, they can shorten the game. They also must finish their drives with a score. The Bomber pass defense will face its toughest test Friday night, a healthy Lundell will help.   Bombers 17  Bears 21