Photo by David Borer Fort Dodge's Dalton Eckley

Nik Moser is aware of the early-season elephant in the room.

“It’s no secret that we have to be more consistent offensively if we want to get to the level we feel like we’re capable (of reaching),” the Fort Dodge football coach said ahead of his team’s home game against Waterloo East. “Our run game and passing game both. We need to finish drives and not get in our own way with penalties or mistakes.

“We’ve done a decent job of moving the ball overall, but we don’t have a lot of points to show for it. We’ll get there, though.”

Seventh-ranked (Class 4A) FDSH and the Trojans meet in an old Big 8 rivalry matchup at Dodger Stadium on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Fort Dodge is 2-0, with victories over Mason City and Webster City by a combined seven points. The Dodgers have scored just one first-half touchdown and 27 total points thus far. They’ve moved the ball – accumulating over 600 yards of total offense – but penalties and lack of execution at times have kept them from putting more of a dent in the scoreboard.

East (0-2), on the other hand, has allowed 93 points combined in losses to Waterloo West (50-7) and Marshalltown (43-20).

“They’ve faced two opponents who are 2-0 and playing well so far (in the Wahawks and Bobcats),” Moser said of the Trojans. “They have a lot of talent, especially at the skill positions. Their quarterback is solid and experienced, the running back and receivers are good, and they have size on the line.

“They’ll try to create for their athletes in space, so we have to be disciplined. Our defense has done a nice job so far, but there are still a lot of areas for improvement. We have to keep getting better across the board, from myself and the coaching on down. Again, no secret there.”

Junior Will McElroy (240 yards rushing), junior Tru McBride (179 yards passing) and junior Zak Jorgensen (110 yards receiving) have been Fort Dodge’s statistical leaders on the young season. Senior Dreshaun Ross leads all of 4A in tackles for loss (eight) and sacks (four).

Juniors Sam Moser and Jayce Skow have been the top tacklers to date for a balanced FDSH defense that’s only given up 325 yards and 20 points thus far.

East has been paced by returning quarterback Chris Pierce (240 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions at a 65-percent completion rate), Norshawn Pompilus (90 yards rushing) and Gianni Gary (133 yards receiving).

The Trojans lead the all-time series, 35-31. Fort Dodge has won six straight in the series, which dates back to 1932.

“There’s always something special about facing East and (rival Waterloo) West (the Dodgers’ opponent next week),” Moser said. “I remember as a kid going to Sloane Wallace Stadium (in Waterloo) and watching my dad’s teams, with guys like Charles Bodady (former all-state FDSH tailback). I went to college with and played (at Iowa State) with (former Trojan stars) Milan Moses and Travis Ferguson. The Moses family is legendary in Waterloo, as is the East football program (with six consecutive state titles from 1966-71 and 56 consecutive victories at one point). They weren’t just a state powerhouse – they were a national powerhouse. (Former Dodger football coach) Mike Woodley is an East graduate. The roots run deep, and there is so much history between our two programs.

“(Current head coach) DeCarlos (Anderson) is the right man for the job. I have nothing but respect for what both he and (West head coach) Lonnie Moore are doing.”

Friday is breast cancer awareness night at Dodger Stadium. Fans are asked to participate in the “Pink Out” to support the cause, and UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge will have a booth set up for more information.

Temperatures are expected to still be in the 80s by game time, with light winds and clear skies.