ALLEMAN — The Fort Dodge football team had to scratch and claw its way into the 2024 Class 4A playoff field.

Now that the Dodgers are in, they refuse to rest on their laurels.

The ultimate challenge awaits on Friday, as head coach Nik Moser’s squad visits North Polk to take on the top-ranked and top-seeded Comets. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

Fort Dodge (7-2 overall) is the 16th and final seed in the bracket. The co-District 1 champions clinched a bid with a dramatic 24-20 victory at No. 8 Spencer last week.

The Dodgers will be a heavy underdog on paper against North Polk (9-0), a 4A state semifinalist a year ago and a program that is 26-6 overall since 2022. Moser isn’t worried about statistics, rankings, seeds or odds at this point, though. Fort Dodge is just hoping to make the most of this opportunity as it takes the field on house money.

“I keep saying it over and over again: I feel like we’re getting better every week, and our guys just don’t want to see it end,” Moser said. “It’s such a good group to coach. We enjoy being around each other. We embrace the work. The last few days (from the victory at Spencer on) have been awesome.

“It’s a fun team to support and root for. They’ve come so far in the last 10 weeks, which is the most rewarding part. We’re very proud of them for being able to earn a 10th game like this.”

The Comets have a Top-10 offense and defense against one of the state’s tougher schedules. North Polk — located just north of Ankeny and one of the fastest growing school districts in Iowa — captured the District 5 crown by defeating playoff qualifiers Adel-ADM and Ballard, as well as Indianola (5-4 versus the No. 1 schedule in 4A).

North Polk also defeated Humboldt, Webster City and Bondurant-Farrar before league play began.

“They’re obviously tough,” Moser said. “They’re a run-first offense, but they have a lot of sets and formations and will pass when the opportunity presents itself. Their defense is aggressive and physical.

“My former (Iowa State) teammate, (head coach) Tim TeBrink, does an outstanding job. And (Nathan) Feldmann, their quarterback, is all over the field for them.”

Feldmann is a jack of all trades. The 190-pound senior has over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and a 4A-best 28 total touchdowns, completing 67 percent of his passes and gaining 10 yards per carry.

Feldmann is also their second leading tackler and has the most interceptions on the squad.

Junior B.J. Tate (855 rushing yards, 12 TDs), senior Jake Hout (219 receiving yards) and senior Jakob Phillips (11.5 tackles for loss) are the Comets’ other statistical leaders.

North Polk had 349 carries compared to just 102 pass attempts during the regular season. The Comets average an impressive 7.3 yards per rush, and have scored 34 times on the ground.

The Dodgers counter with Jamarius Green, who has rushed for 1,243 yards and 13 TDs in a breakout senior campaign. Sophomore quarterback Tru McBride has 1,336 passing yards and 17 scores.

Junior Noah Daniel had his third 90-plus yard kickoff return for a touchdown last week, while also blocking a key extra point. Daniel has 345 receiving yards at 23 yards per catch, nearly 600 return yards, two fumble recoveries and 46.5 tackles – third behind only junior Jesse Egli (57) and sophomore Jayce Skow (48.5).

Senior Jonathan Brown, sophomore Jayon Preston-Grady and Egli lead the Dodgers in tackles for loss.

“It’s pretty simple: we have to be able to establish the run (on offense) and stop it (on defense) first and foremost,” Moser said. “They’re really good at the point of attack, and can move the ball effectively both between the tackles and in space.

“We’ll have to execute, try and create some turnovers, see what’s working and adjust (accordingly). They’re really good, but it’s the playoffs. You’re going to face a quality opponent no matter what this time of year.”

Moser is hoping as many Dodgers as possible are in attendance to support the team.

“The kids have bought in and trusted each other, and they’ve helped create a buzz (by winning seven of their last eight games),” Moser said. “The community support is huge and means so much to them. I’ve heard from a lot of people in recent weeks who have been following the team and are excited about how far they’ve come. Only 16 teams are still in it at this point, so we’re thankful for the opportunity and aren’t taking it for granted.”

Weather isn’t expected to be a factor, as temperatures are slated to be around 50 degrees with a light wind and clear conditions at kickoff.