Knaack, Opheim Carry Grundy Center Past St. Albert

All year long, Grundy Center has relied on [player_tooltip player_id="23982" first="Logan" last="Knaack"] and Zach Opheim to carry the way on offense. The duo did not let them down in the state semifinals, leading the way to a 34-6 victory over Council Bluffs St. Albert. On the fast turf of the UNI-Dome, Knaack and Opheim were nearly unstoppable. Both had long, back-breaking runs against the St. Albert defense with Opheim finishing with 223 yards and Knaack 200. <em>Opheim is as talented a running back in the state as you will see. He mixed breakaway speed with athleticism, giving him the ability to get away from would-be tacklers.</em> In the third, <em>Opheim put all his skills on display on one play. He pushed towards the pile, spun free, ran through a pair of defenders and held off another before hitting the end zone. Just an incredible mix of speed, power and agility to keep his balance.</em> <em>Knaack just finds ways to make plays for Grundy Center. He is a very capable runner, using his talents to make key first downs and move the chains. </em> After the Grundy Center defense forced another punt, Knaack made it a three possession game. <em>He again flashed exceptional speed</em> in getting free for a 76-yard run before punching it in for his third TD. <em>Sam Wilber of Council Bluffs St. Albert showcased himself with his leg</em>. Wilber booted through a 45-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 35-yarder in the third. The Grundy Center defense held St. Albert to just 115 total yards including 87 on 40 rush attempts.