Dubuque Hempstead (3-0) at Cedar Falls (2-1)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: UNI-Dome

Radio: KDNZ (1250 AM)

Last meeting: Cedar Falls hammered previously unbeaten Hempstead, 42-19, a year ago at Dalzell Field in Dubuque.

Last week: The Mustangs rolled past Waterloo East, 42-10, while Cedar Falls topped Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 22-3.

Key stat: Fast starts. Hempstead has scored 76 of its 104 points before halftime. The Mustangs scored 31 first-half points against Iowa City West, 17 against Wahlert and 28 against Waterloo East.

What to watch: Brock Haas is Hempstead's top player. He is the Mustangs' leading rusher with 247 yards and five touchdowns and also leads the team, by a wide margin, in tackles with 44. Hempstead's quarterback is Matt Ehlers, the son of coach Mark Ehlers. Ehlers has thrown for 226 yards and four scores. Barkley Hill had another breakout performance for Cedar Falls last week, rushing for 247 yards and a touchdown. He also blocked a punt. Special teams play will be huge as Hempstead has been rock-solid in all facets of its kicking and return games.

Cedar Falls co-coach Brad Remmert:

On Hempstead: "They've jumped out real early on all of their opponents. It is important for us to get off to a fast start Friday night, as well.

"They are a wing-T offensive team with a very good fullback in Brock Haas. Defensively, they have been very aggressive. We have to be ready for a linebacking crew that will be aggressive at the line of scrimmage."

- Compiled by Sports Writer Jim Nelson