Elk River vs. Buffalo

7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14

The state's top rushing team meets the state's top passing team this Friday when Elk River visits Buffalo in North Central Blue subdistrict play. 

The No. 2-5A Elks have been a powerhouse the last two seasons with their pound-the-ground game that has averaged 454.6 rushing yards per game and led to back-to-back Class 5A Prep Bowl appearances, including the Class 5A state title two years ago.  

The start of this season has been no different. Elk River (2-0, 1-0) is averaging 438 rushing yards per game — 86 yards more than the next best in Class 5A (Spring Lake Park's 352 rushing yards per game) — while averaging an astounding 9.1 yards per carry.

Elks senior running back Adam Nelson boasts team-highs in rushing yards (336) touchdowns (4), and senior Kevin Egbujor has contributed 229 yards and three touchdowns as part of the running game.

Nelson rushed for a team-high 93 yards and three touchdowns in last year's 45-13 win over the Bison, who look to counter this season with a potent aerial attack.

Buffalo (1-1, 0-1) leans on the arm of junior quarterback and Iowa State commit Aidan Bouman, who leads the state with 740 yards and 62 completions through two weeks. Bouman, however, was held to just 243 yards on 12-of-32 passing in last season's meeting with Elk River.