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ARMSTRONG, GRAETTINGER - For all of the armchair quarterbacks who think they can predict the outcome of tonight's matchup between Armstrong-Ringsted and Graettinger/Terril based on their last meeting - a 39-21 victory by the Mustangs - you are sadly mistaken.

"The weather was just so bad that there's no telling what could happen on Friday based on our last meeting," said A-R coach Robert Zotz. "Neither team got to do what they wanted because the field conditions pretty much dictated what you were able to run."

In that final meeting, the Knights held an advantage over A-R for the majority of the game, but the Mustangs' Tyler Tonderum scored three touchdowns in the final quarter to seal the victory for A-R. G/T coach Karlton Hector sees no reason why the Knights can't finish the game this time around, especially after their 35-22 win over previously unbeaten North Sentral Kossuth.

"(Against A-R) we were able to stick with them throughout the game, but we just made a few too many mistakes," he said. "Against NSK we played relatively mistake-free ball and came out with a victory. We feel that if we play our best game, and limit our mistakes, we can beat anyone."

While the G/T victory came as a surprise to most people, Zotz was not surprised. "Graettinger/Terril is a good team and so is NSK. When you have two good teams going against each other it isn't a surprise either way. They showed a lot of emotion and character and played great football."

Both G/T and A-R had lost to NSK during the regular season, but Hector doesn't read anything into beating the only team to beat the Mustangs.

"It might give the guys something to talk about. It might get them a little more pumped up, but when it comes down to it, you have to go out there and play football," he said. "We are going to have to play another great game if we plan to advance to the UNI-Dome."

Both coaches expect a great football game along with great fan attendance and support.

"There's going to be a lot of hard hitting and a lot of excitement," said Zotz. "Both communities are going to show up in full force to support their teams and it's going to be a lot of fun. We're looking forward to it."

"We're excited to be playing A-R in Graettinger," said Hector. "They have the experience, they've been here before. We're just going to come out and give full effort on every down. You're going to see a great game from two great teams."

Key to the game: Third down.

With two teams so evenly matched, it is the little things that make the difference. In their win over NSK Graettinger/Terril's defense was lights out on third and fourth down, forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over on downs numerous times. The team that can hold their opponents to third and long situations and effectively get the ball back into the hands of their offense will come out on top.