Game Report: Sergeant Bluff-Luton vs. Carroll

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   I had a great time covering my first game on the Iowa side of the state line as I traveled to Sergeant Bluff to watch the SBL Warriors host the Carroll Tigers. Sergeant Bluff entered the game hoping to remain undefeated on the season against a tough Carroll team looking to pick up a key win. Both teams feature stifling defenses and a ground-and-pound running game that involves several backs and the QB carrying the ball. From start to finish, this game proved to be a defensive battle as both offenses struggled to find a rhythm or would have promising drives stall in the opponent's territory. Ultimately, big plays by a pair of SBL youngsters, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1529036' first='Ryan' last='Husen']'s two biggest runs led to scores and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1529005' first='Justin' last='Ehlers']' second-half kickoff return for a touchdown resulted proved to be the difference in the matchup. Carroll's biggest playmaker on the day was senior DB [player_tooltip player_id='1529008' first='Reece' last='Ziegman'], whose two interceptions provided a spark for the Tigers.   In the end, the Sergeant Bluff-Luton defense proved too suffocating for the Tigers' offense, as they pitched the 21-0 shutout. The Warriors advanced to 7-0 and look primed to be a problem in the playoffs. They'll have a huge matchup against a dominant Bishop Heelan squad this Friday. Carroll moved to 4-3 on the season and will look to get back in the winning column as they host the Sioux Center Warriors in week 8.   Here are a few players from Friday's matchup that stood out to me:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Player of the Game:   [player_tooltip player_id='1529036' first='Ryan' last='Husen'] (<a href="https://x.com/ryanhusen11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>), 2027 - RB - Sergeant Bluff-Luton - 5'9" 175 lbs   Sophomore RB [player_tooltip player_id='1529036' first='Ryan' last='Husen'] had a breakout game on Friday as he gashed through the Tiger's defense for 199 yards and a rushing touchdown on only ten carries. Husen produced the two biggest offensive plays for the Warriors, first with a long gain that set the offense up at the goal line and a touchdown run that proved to be the dagger late in the fourth quarter. What stood out the most about Ryan is that he isn't the biggest back, but he is extremely tough with a strong base that allows him to stay upright through tackle attempts. Husen seemed unfazed when taking on contact, maintaining great balance and footwork while keeping his legs moving and his eyes downfield. One of those backs that always seems to fall forward when he does go down. Husen sees the field extremely well, displaying great vision and patience as he looks for creases in the defense and has the burst to explode through those gaps for big gains. Very much looking forward to watching more tape on this dynamic sophomore!   Notable Standouts:   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/IMG_0945.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1529047" style="width:450px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sergeant Bluff-Luton 2026 LB - [player_tooltip player_id='1370736' first='Joey' last='Hardy']</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1370736' first='Joey' last='Hardy'] (<a href="https://x.com/hardyjoey123" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>), 2026 - LB/FB - Sergeant Bluff-Luton - 6'4" 215 lbs   Junior LB/EDGE [player_tooltip player_id='1370736' first='Joey' last='Hardy'] was one of the players I went in looking forward to getting a good in-person look at, and I was not disappointed. Hardy showed why we have him as a top 10 player in the 2026 class, as he ended the game with five tackles, three TFLs, a sack, 35 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown. Hardy stands out immediately, possessing next-level size at 6'4" and 215 pounds, with room to continue filling out his frame. Hardy proved to be a handful for the opposing Tiger's OL as he was consistently blowing past his blocker and making big plays in the backfield or putting pressure on the opposing QB. When watching Hardy, you notice that he can win so many 1v1s because of his explosive get-off and speed, which allows him to gain ground quickly against his opponent. He can then use his length, power, and smart use of hands to disengage from defenders to continue pursuing the ball. His aggressiveness and mean streak at the point of contact also give him an edge over opposing blockers. Hardy also played a big role on offense, scoring the first TD of the game and proving to be a physical blocker in the running game. It won't be long before we start seeing more looking coming Joey's way!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/IMG_0943.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1529045" style="width:449px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Carroll 2025 DB/ATH - [player_tooltip player_id='1529008' first='Reece' last='Ziegman']</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1529008' first='Reece' last='Ziegman'] (<a href="https://x.com/reece_ziegmann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>), 2025 - DB/ATH - Carroll - 175 lbs   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1529008' first='Reece' last='Ziegman'] played a big part in keeping the Warriors' aerial attack grounded on Friday. Ziegman did an excellent job showing off his ball-hawking skills as he picked off two passes. He's very instinctive and reacts quickly to his reads, using his speed and range to get depth in coverage and prevent any big gains over the top of the defense. Ziegman possesses great ball skills as he does a good job reading the receiver's eyes, locating the ball, and has good hands at the catch point. Effective use of hands to disrupt passes. A solid prospect who should get some looks!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/IMG_0952.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1529044" style="width:450px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sergeant Bluff-Luton 2025 ATH - [player_tooltip player_id='1529022' first='Zayvion' last='Ellington']</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1529022' first='Zayvion' last='Ellington'] (<a href="https://x.com/zayvionawesome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>), 2025 - ATH - Sergeant Bluff-Luton - 6'0" 175 lbs   [player_tooltip player_id='1529022' first='Zayvion' last='Ellington'] is a versatile player who projects well on either side of the ball at the next level. Zayvion impressed at safety, where he was able to rack up seven tackles and had an interception that shut the door on a promising drive for the Tigers. What stood out the most about Zayvion was his speed and agility which gave him a huge range in coverage while being able to change direction fluidily and pursue the ball. Another thing that impressed me about Zayvion was his willingness to step up and make tackles in the box. He is stronger than you would think and uses good technique, making him a reliable tackler when he gets to the ball. Ellington also projects as a versatile running back who can also make plays as a receiver. With his twitch and athleticism, you'll want to find ways to feed him the ball and allow him to work in space. Ellington holds a solid list of offers from Peru State, Grand View, Sioux Falls, Minnesota State-Mankato, and Northwestern College, and we expect this list to continue growing in the upcoming months.   [player_tooltip player_id='1529009' first='Taidyn' last='Peterson'] (<a href="https://x.com/TaidynPeterson5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>), 2025 - LB/RB - Carroll - 6'2" 220 lbs   Carroll's [player_tooltip player_id='1529009' first='Taidyn' last='Peterson'] was one of the players who passed the eye test immediately. The senior LB/RB has a projectable frame at 6'2" and 220 pounds, with solid explosiveness and athleticism to go with his size. Although Peterson and the Tiger's run game never really took off, I was still impressed with his defensive performance. Peterson played well at linebacker, where he displayed a quick trigger to the ball, filled in his gaps well, and could pick up RBs in coverage. He uses his hands well to disengage from blockers at the line of scrimmage. Good pursuit of the ball. Taidyn finished the night with 6.5 tackles, a TFL, and 79 rushing yards. Under the radar senior!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/IMG_0951.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1529007" style="width:450px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sergeant Bluff-Luton 2028 ATH - [player_tooltip player_id='1529005' first='Justin' last='Ehlers']</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1529005' first='Justin' last='Ehlers'] (<a href="https://x.com/28ehlerjus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>), 2028 - ATH - Sergeant Bluff-Luton - 5'11" 175 lbs   Make sure to jot down this name for future reference! Although freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1529005' first='Justin' last='Ehlers'] didn't see a ton of action on Friday, he still found a way to shine when he returned the second-half kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. He displays great vision and awareness as a ball carrier, finding open lanes and following his blockers into the open field. Once Ehlers is in the clear, he was able to really show off his speed, breaking away from the defense and outracing everyone to the endzone. Looking forward to seeing what the next few years have in store for Justin!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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