Harper travels to Iowa Western

The Harper College football team looks to bounce back today from last week’s 20-0 loss to Iowa Central — but it won’t be easy.

The Hawks travel to No. 5 Iowa Western for 1 p.m. kickoff today.

Iowa Western (4-0) is coming off of a 52-7 victory over College of DuPage last week.

“If we play very, very well, we will have an opportunity,” said Harper coach Eric Waldstein.Simplicity is Iowa Western#146;s strength, according to Waldstein.#147;They run about 6 plays on offense,#148; he said.

The key to stopping the Reivers is freshman quarterback Jake Waters.

#147;Defensively, we have to try to contain him,#148; Waldstein said. #147;He really runs the show well.#148;

Waters has rushed for 129 yards per game this season, but run defense has been one of Harper#146;s strengths.

And unlike last week, Harper quarterback Cody Miller should not be blitzed quite as much.

Miller, however, will still have to contend with quality Reivers defensive ends. Look for the Hawks to counter the pass rush off the edge with a quality running game of their own.

It was a mixed bag on the injury front this week for the Hawks. After being steadily pressured by Iowa Central last week, Miller only participated one full day of practice. But Waldstein expects him to play.

The news is not as good for sophomore offensive lineman Rafael Flores (St. Charles East). Flores will miss the rest of the season due to a injury to his left knee.