Cyclones host Monarchs in 2018 gridiron opener

 HARLAN (Aug. 24) -- Twenty-five days after starting football camp in late July, Harlan Community is set to open the 2018 season Friday night against the Denison-Schleswig Monarchs.
 The varsity game will kick off at 7:00 p.m. at Merrill Field (note the new start time), preceded by a freshmen game at 4:15. HCHS will play its first two games at home this year, also hosting Sergeant Bluff-Luton next Friday.
 Cyclone head coach Curt Bladt, opening his 41st season at the helm, has been pleased with his team’s preseason progress.
 “I would say they worked hard and they have great potential, and we hope that potential is realized in positive things,” Bladt said.
 Returning more than half their starters on both sides of the ball from last year’s 10-2 state semifinalist, the Cyclones should be led by an impressive front eight on defense as they look to defeat Denison for the 25th time in the last 28 matchups.
 Defensive linemen Jake McLaughlin, Caleb Bieker and Derec Weyer, along with linebackers Jon Owens and Wyatt Schaben, are the veteran leaders of a 4-4 front.
 Denison, which suffered a 56-14 setback at Harlan last year - courtesy of 343 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns by then-Cyclone senior Nick Foss - finished 2017 with a 4-5 overall record and a 3-4 mark in District 7.

Denison-Schleswig (0-0) at HCHS (0-0) • Friday, August 24 • 7:00 p.m. • at Merrill Field

Series History
HCHS leads all-time, 57-33-4.
at Harlan: HCHS leads, 31-15-1.
at Denison: HCHS leads, 26-18-3.
Playoffs: HCHS leads, 7-0.
HCHS has won 24 of the last 27.

Last Five Meetings
2013: HCHS 28, D-S 6 (at Denison)
2014: HCHS 45, D-S 14 (at Harlan)
2015: HCHS 44, D-S 7 (at Denison)
2016: HCHS 35, D-S 34 (at Denison)
2017: HCHS 56, D-S 14 (at Harlan)