Iowa Sports Connection - July 2010 Pigskin Preview by Iowa Sports Connection

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Bines L O R Mo s

CONTENTS Volume 12 Issue 5

5 Pee Wee Profiles ISC Most Valuable Player: Ashley Prettyman Ashley Prettyman not only excels on the softball field but off the field, as well. Turn to page 5 to read about how Prettyman volunteers her time with the Kiwanis Miracle League at Principal Park.

7-12 Prep Connection Iowa H.S. Baseball & Softball State Tourney Coverage Read ISC’s reviews of the baseball and softball championship games from all four classes. Also, flip to page 9 to read more on the Student Athletes of the Month, Jamie Fisher and Andrew Redman. On page 12, read about who we chose as ISC’s Athletes of the Year.

13 Pigskin Preview Individual High School Index 8 Player p.15 Class 1A p.26 Class 3A p.40

Class A Class 2A Class 4A

p.14

p.20 p.32 p.46

College Division I p.53 Divsion III p.57

Division II NAIA/JUCO

p.56 p.62

66 Health & Fitness FOOTBALL ASSOCIATED FOOT INJURIES R.D. Lee Evans of Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, PC takes a look at the most common foot injuries that can occur while playing football. Turn to page 70 to learn more.

STAFF MIKE RICKORD • President/Publisher email: mrickord@iowasportsconnection.com

JOHN STREETS • Business Consultant email: jstreets@iowasportsconnection.com

TONY ATZENI • Radio Account Manager AARON MCFARLAND • Editor email: tatzeni@iowasportsconnection.com

email: isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com

JOE STASI • Sr. Sales Executive

DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • Marketing

jstasi@iowasportsconnection.com

Cedar Rapids/Sioux City

TIM WEIDEMAN • Communications Intern

MICHAEL RICKORD JR. • Marketing

ADAM OESTREICH • Graphic Artist KATE FOLEY • Graphic Artist

Contributing Writers: Mike Mahon, Howard Thompson, Larry Happel, Ryan Workman, Kerry Kahl, Dave Blanchard, Bryan Geelan, Mark Adkins, David Rebstock, Wade Steinlage, Brain Thiessen, Matt Bos, Jared Bodammer, Mike Byker, Matt Shelton, Ted Schultz, Josh Sandin, Dr. Lee Evans, Lynn Lindaman MD

Cover Shot: Offensive standouts from the “Big Four” Iowa universities will lead their respective teams this season. Photos provided by University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University and University of Northern Iowa.

2928 Ingersoll Ave. •DM, IA 50312 PH: (515) 283-1933 •FAX: (515) 283-1646 isc@iowasportsconnection.com www.iowasportsconnection.com The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscrition. The magazine can also be found at all Casey’s General Stores across the state in addition to a few select locations in Iowa. All stories and pictures produced by ISC staff © 2008 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2008 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is tradmark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.

Volume 12 Issue 5

Prose From the Pub The Iowa Sports Connection is Sure to be the State’s Leader in High School Football Coverage in 2010! This is the 12th system that allows our anniversary of the Iowa field correspondents to Sports Connection and of load scores from the course that makes this the games through their 12th annual Pigskin Preview! PDA’s and within minutes This 12th anniversary the scores scroll on Iowa Sports Connection iowasportsconnection. Pigskin Preview is the most com, WHO- TV 13’s in-depth magazine that website 13NOW.com has ever been published by the mobile web site, and our firm. Once again our scroll during the sports staff led by Tony Atzenti, on WHO-TV 13. Again Tim Weideman, and John this fall we will provide Streets has accumulated immediate scoring for more information than any over 100 games along media outlet in Iowa in one Mike Rickord ISC Publisher with end of period and magazine with statewide scoring details statewide reach. Every high school with our television from 8-man to 4A is covered. The partners. KMEG 14 CBS in Sioux City, coverage includes every district and KWWL in Waterloo the NBC affiliate, conference across the state “From the and WQAD in the Quad Cities is the CBS Missouri to the Mississippi”. The colleges affiliate are back on board to ensure that and universities across the state from the Iowa Sports Connection multi-media the Division I programs to the NAIA network is the state’s leader in covering programs are also included in this 12th Iowa high school athletics year-round annual Pigskin Preview making it without with radio, television, web, and of course a doubt the most comprehensive football our Iowa Sports Connection magazine. magazine EVER printed in Iowa. The pads This alliance along with a partnership will be popping across this state from with ESPN 1700 our flagship and over 8-man games in Walnut to Jack Trice 27 radio affiliates insure that our 6-hour Stadium where Iowa and Iowa State Friday Night Live is the state’s leader as battle on September 11th and the Iowa we kick off the 2010 Iowa high school Sports Connection staff have a preview sports season! inside of every game and team for you These new alliances combined with our football fans from border to border statewide magazine, digital magazines The front cover of this edition also and website iowasportsconnection.com recognizes offense in 2010 with Iowa bring Iowa the most powerful multi-media born and bred standouts on the cover. high school network reaching every This year’s crop of homegrown talent county and covering every sport all year includes our 4 cover boys Hawkeye not just state tournament coverage. Our Adam Robinson from Des Moines affiliates will provide feet on the ground Lincoln, Cyclone Austen Arnaud from around the state and get the community Ames High, Panther Schuylar Oordt, and feel in the reports along with our state Drake Bulldog Tom Kostek of Des Moines wide broad-brush analysis. The magazine Christian. has expanded in size and quality in our The Iowa Sports Connection with 12th year but now along with over 432 our Under the Lights with Friday Night Casey’s General Stores we are also in Live production in 2010 will continue the Scheels Sports stores in Iowa City, to expand the state’s most powerful Sioux City, West Des Moines, Cedar Falls, statewide high school multi-media and Waterloo. These two distribution network in history. Our Iowa Sports partners along with the Iowa high schools Connection Radio Network enters and all of our clients businesses have our year number 3 as we reach all 99 magazine reaching every pocket of the counties every Friday night and Saturday great state of Iowa. morning and Iowa’s only daily Iowa In closing, every year I apologize for Sports Connection high school update this infomercial column but I am so Monday through Friday to all of our proud of the staff and appreciative of our affiliates again reaching all 99 counties. supporting partners and sponsors that I In 2010 Friday Night Live will have over had to announce from my monthly pulpit. 100 correspondents live from games This growth has been a team effort with providing live updates from across the the schools and youth programs that state and along with over 100 schools comprise the foundation of Iowa sports that will provide us with scores ensuring “From the Pee Wees to the Preps to the that the Iowa Sports Connection Friday Pros”! Our growth has also forced us to Night Live Scoreboard show from 10 move to a new location at 2928 Ingersoll until midnight will have the state’s most in Des Moines after 12 years in our in-depth scoreboard. original space. I look forward to expansion The Iowa Sports Connection Radio across Iowa and a fall of incredible statewide coverage has expanded with football coverage and the family moments video and real time scoring updates on that we all share in this great state. the web and wireless devices as we have Thanks again for picking up the Iowa the past 2 years. Our Hy-Vee High School Sports Connection’s 12th annual Pigskin Headquarters and command center Preview! Have A Championship Year! God are still in the heart of the state capital Bless You! God inside the WHO TV 13 building. The NBC Bless America! affiliate in all of central Iowa and the Iowa Sports Connection have expanded our Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

Iowa Sports Connection Presented by:

Qwest Most Valuable Player: Ashley Prettyman, Des Moines East Tim Weideman Iowa Sports Connection Communications Intern Athletes are too often most The Kiwanis Miracle League completed its recognized for what they have first full season in 2009. accomplished on the field. Yes, Prettyman said she and her sister, scoring touchdowns, slamming Heather, also a junior and member of the dunks and driving in runs attract a East softball team, have been involved ever lot of attention, but they don’t give since the beginning. Ashley said they had a glimpse of what that athlete—that driven by the field after it had been built and person—is like when they’re not in thought it “looked fun.” They had also heard the spotlight. It’s what happens off the organization was “short of volunteers.” the playing field that reveals the most The Prettyman sisters have gotten about a person’s character. Des the rest of the Scarlets involved, as well. Moines East junior Ashley Prettyman “I brought the idea to our team and they is one athlete who not only performs thought it sounded really fun,” Ashley said. spectacularly on the softball diamond, Prettyman said at least one team member but continues to shine even when she Ashley Prettyman, tries to make it to every game and that isn’t in the spotlight. they’ve started a new tradition at the field, Des Moines East Besides contributing a .504 batting too. average, 29 RBI, 14 doubles and “We would do cheers for the little kids four triples to the Scarlets, and also being named a and they thought it was so fun,” Prettyman said. “They Class 4A First Team All-State selection by the Iowa thought it was really awesome. We did cheers for our Girls High School Athletics Association, Prettyman games, why not for theirs?” volunteers her time for the Kiwanis Miracle League Another reason Prettyman and her sister became of Iowa at Principal Park. On the Mircale League’s involved was because of her father, Curt. He had website, the league begins by stating, “Every child helped with a similar league when he was younger. He deserves a chance to play baseball.” This project gives said the Miracle League is simply a great organization over 3,100 kids ages 5-15 with disabilities living in Polk, to support because of what they want to accomplish: Warren and Dallas Counties the opportunity many of give every kid the opportunity to play. them had only ever dreamed of. “They don’t turn anybody away,” Prettyman said. “Any Members of Des Moines Kiwanis learned about kind of disability, it doesn’t matter.” Miracle Leagues around the country in 2007 and Curt also said he was very proud of how his decided to take the information they had collected to daughters approached their volunteer work and how the Kiwanis board and soon the project was underway. they genuinely wanted to help out. “I think they kind of

decided it’s kind of all played for the right reasons,” he said. “There’s no bad that comes out of that park. Everyone’s there for the kids.” “The fact that (Ashley and Heather) got it, I guess, was the most important thing,” Curt said. “There was no excuses of ‘I can’t,’ just ‘how to (help)’”. Ashley said that how the kids play purely for the love of the game motivates her to help out. “These kids do anything they can just to have fun,” Prettyman said. “(It’s great) just seeing them have fun and making new friends.” This year, Ashley and Heather were on the organizing end of a can drive in which all the proceeds would go to the Miracle League. With some help from Urbandale softball head coach Kim Wright-Jones and the rest of the J-Hawks, over $500 was raised. The Des Moines East and Urbandale teams presented a check for the amount to the Miracle League during the first game the teams played against each other. Also getting involved were the girls from Dowling Catholic. They have recently begun volunteering their time to work concessions during the games. Prettyman said she would like to “get more softball teams” from Des Moines and more volunteers in general involved with helping at the field. She said she would also like to be able to help out more often. “It’s hard to get down there right now because we’re in the middle of our season,” Prettyman said. Prettyman said that when the league’s fall season starts up, she’ll be helping out at the field every weekend. Interested in volunteering? Visit www. kiwanismiracleleague.org and click on “Volunteers Needed NOW”.

In each magazine we feature a MVP. This “Most Valuable Player” or “Most Valuable Parent” is recognized for what they’ve contributed to a team, organization or community, besides statistical performance. If you would like to nominate an MVP for our Qwest Most Valuable Parent or Player, please contact us at isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com.

Saturday, August 28 7:00am Start For race information visit scheels.com/desmoinesevents

Benefiting Shoes That Fit. A local organization that provides shoes and clothing for children in need.

Complete this entry form (duplicates accepted) or register on-line @ scheels.com/desmoinesevents

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Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Congratulations to all of those who competed in the 2010 AAU Regional Track and Field Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Do you have action photos of your athletes? Send them to isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com to have them published on the Pee-Wee pictures page. 06

Volume 12 Issue 5

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presented by

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Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

2010 Iowa High School Baseball Tournament Championship Results IHSAA, Iowa Sports Connection Cedar Rapids Kennedy Whips Iowa City West for 4A Title DES MOINES, Iowa - The Class 4A state tournament was the same from start to finish. The closest game was seven runs and the average margin of victory was 10 runs. Sixth-ranked Cedar Rapids Kennedy whipped fourth-ranked Iowa City West 11-1 in five innings in the championship game Saturday night at Principal Park to cap the one-sided tournament. Kennedy, which dumped top-ranked Mason City in the semifinals, won its first state title in its 12th appearance. The Cougars end the season at 32-10. West, which upended top-seeded Dubuque Hempstead in the semifinals, ends at 30-10. The Trojans lost in the finals for the second straight year, having dropped a 4-0 decision to Sioux City North a year ago. The championship for Kennedy was the first time an MVC team has won the 4A state title since 1994 when Cedar Rapids Washington won it all. The Mississippi Valley Conference rivals had split a regular-season double-header on June 21. But this one was for the state title — and it wasn’t close. The Cougars jumped to an 8-0 lead after two innings. Kennedy scored two runs in the bottom of the first on five hits — singles by Terrell Sykes, Devon Jacobus, David Yancey and Cody Bell, and a double by Austin Christensen. West avoided further damage with an inning-ending double play, stranding two runners. The Cougars added six more runs — on four hits, three walks and a hit batter — in the second. Sean Moore crushed a homer to right field for West to make it 8-1. It was the Trojans’ first hit of the game. Kennedy countered with two runs in the bottom of the fourth for a 10-1 lead. Yancey led off with a double, and Cunningham and Sykes added RBI singles. The Cougars ended the game early with a run on two hits and an error in the bottom of the fifth. Yancey had three hits and Cunningham four RBIs to leads Kennedy. Christensen allowed just three hits over five innings to pick up the win. West played without Ryan Rumpf, who would have been the cleanup hitter and starting pitcher. He was suspended for an unspecified “team conduct violation.” Glenwood Tops Charles City for 3A Title, 4-1 DES MOINES, Iowa - Eighth-ranked Glenwood proved to be too much to handle for Charles City as the Rams defeated the Comets 4-1 Saturday night in the Class 3A championship game at Principal Park. Taylor Kaufman pitched a gem for Glenwood, giving up only one run and five hits in his complete-game effort. Kaufman (12-0) struck out 10 batters and walked three. Glenwood started off the second inning strong, getting back-to-back doubles from Kaufman and Nick Wells.

Wells’ double scored Kaufman and Wells was thrown out after he made a quick turn around second and couldn’t get back to the bag in time. The top of the order came through for Glenwood in the home half of the sixth as they added three runs on six hits. Kyle Wheeler started the inning with a double and his teammates followed with five straight singles. Grant Loeffelbein, Kaufman and Wells each picked up an RBI in the sixth. The insurance runs would prove to be crucial as Charles City staged a late comeback in the top of the seventh, scoring one run on an RBI groundout from Taylor Kaufman, Glenwood

a run-scoring single to give Solon a 2-1 lead. Solon tacked two more on in the second inning and made some history doing it. Travis Brimeyer hit a one-out single and later scored on an RBI triple from Koehn. He then scored on an RBI double from Nick Day. Day’s twobagger gave Solon a total of 130 doubles on the season and set a new Iowa high school record. The Knights had more than few chances to score more runs as they were able to put the leadoff man on in the second, third and fourth innings but great pitching and defense helped the Spartans get out of the jams. The Spartans scored a run in the fifth on an RBI single from Ryan Butler and Kuemper added a late run in the top of the seventh on a two-out error on the first baseman Butler. The Spartans end the season on a 26-game win streak and with a 41-2 record — having been ranked #1 in the preseason poll and all throughout the season. Kuemper ends at 27-10. Westphal Leads Martensdale-St. Mary’s to 1A Championship

Jacob Huegel. The state title is the first ever for the Rams. They end their season at 30-7. Charles City ends at 22-14. Solon Wins First 2A Title, Beats Kuemper Catholic DES MOINES, Iowa - The top-ranked Solon Spartans finished their season on top, winning the team’s first state baseball championship title as they defeated Carroll Kuemper Catholic 5-2 in the Class 2A final Saturday afternoon at Principal Park. In Solon’s first appearance in the title game in school history, starting pitcher Brandon Shulista did not disappoint. Shulista (12-0) tossed an impressive complete-game victory over the Knights. He gave up two runs (one earned) on six hits. Shulista walked three and struck out three. Kuemper took an early 1-0 lead as Cody Williams singled to lead off the game. Kyle Pudenz hit a single of his own to advance Williams to third and Williams later scored on a ball-four wild pitch to Ethan Schoeppner. The Spartans wasted no time in taking the lead, pushing across two runs in the bottom of the first. Marshall Koehn walked and advanced all the way to third on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt from Kuemper pitcher Hank Olmstead. Derrick Loveless was also able to coax a walk from Olmstead and Tyler Smith flew a ball into left field for a sacrifice fly. Shawn Olson followed with

DES MOINES, Iowa - Ethan Westphal was dominant on the mound yet again as he led the Martensdale-St. Marys Blue Devils past the Remsen St. Mary’s Hawks 3-0 to win the Class 1A state championship. It was the second state championship for the Blue Devils as they took home the 1A crown back in 2004. Westphal started and won all three games in the state tournament for the Blue Devils, finishing the season with a perfect 16-0 record. On this day, Westphal shut out the Hawks, while tossing a complete game. Westphal yielded six hits, three walks and struck out 11 batters, as Martensdale-St. Marys completed their perfect season at 43-0. Remsen St. Mary’s did not go down easily, though. They threatened in the bottom of the fourth and bottom of the seventh innings. The Hawks collected three hits in the bottom of the fourth, but after a confusing strikeout, caught stealing double play, Westphal was able to strikeout Cody Colling to end the threat. In the seventh, the Hawks picked up two hits, but Westphal recorded three strikeouts, punching out Mike Wesselmann to end the ball game. Martensdale-St. Marys put up all three of their runs in the top of the first inning. Hayden Van Hoose drew a bases loaded walk to score David Walker and put the Blue Devils on the board. Zeb Noel then stepped in and ripped a two-run double, giving the Blue Devils the 3-0 lead after one-half inning. After a rocky start, Hawks’ starting pitcher Andrew Portz settled in and pitched a good ball game. In six and one-third innings he surrendered seven hits, three runs, four walks and struck out one. Remsen St. Mary’s season came to a close with a 26-9 record.

Good August 1 - 31, 2010. 08

Volume 12 Issue 5

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Iowa Sports Connection

2010 Iowa High School Softball Tournament Championship Results IGHSAU, Tony Atzeni, Iowa Sports Connection Big Third Inning Lands West Des Moines Valley a Sixth State Softball Championship over Des Moines East, 5-1 FORT DODGE, Iowa – The first of the four Iowa high school state softball championship games was contested at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge on Friday afternoon with #4 Des Moines East and #5 West Des Moines Valley meeting for the Class 4A title. The Tigers began the game looking for their 6th state softball title while the Scarlets are looking for their third state title. The first time these teams met was late in the regular season where the Scarlets were able to outlast the Tigers, 8-7. Friday afternoon in very hot and humid conditions, Riley Fisher and Emma Remy were able to control things in the circle as the teams would show goose eggs on the scoreboard through two innings. Remy did not post a strikeout through three innings but induced eight ground ball outs. The Tigers got on the board in the bottom of the third as Emily Bowen walked with one out and advanced to third on a Hailey Jensen single with two outs and scored on a past ball. Katelyn Bakey then singled to score Jensen to make it 2-0 with both runs were unearned. The Tigers would add two more before the inning ended as Laura Milligan walked followed by a two run double by Laney Abrahamson. Janie Smith would begin the fourth in the circle for Des Moines East. After setting down the Tigers, Smith ended up getting the Scarlets on the board in the fifth inning with a solo home run to left field making it 4-1. Fisher allowed her first hit in relief in the bottom of the sixth on a triple by Abrahamson after setting down the first eight she faced. That was followed by an double by Ally Swartz to score Laney and a 5-1 Tigers lead after six. In the end Remy scattered just four hits, walked only one while getting Des Moines East to hit into 12 ground ball outs. West Des Moines Valley would claim the schools sixth state softball championship, fifth this decade and finish the season with a 31-10 record. Des Moines East would finish at 29-12. Laney Abrahamson was named the All-Tournament team captain. Carlisle Rolls to 3A State Softball Championship, 10-1 FORT DODGE, Iowa – The second of the four Iowa high school state softball championship games was contested at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge on Friday afternoon with #1 Carlisle meeting #4 Keokuk for the Class 3A title. The Wildcats are looking for their fourth state softball title, the last coming in 1997 while the Chiefs look for theirs school’s first ever. The Wildcats opened up the game grabbing a 1-0 lead after Alyssa Witt singled, stole second and scored on a infield single by Kaitlyn Mortimer. The third inning began like the first for Carlisle as Gronewold was set down on strikes then Witt singled and stole second. Seyerra

Volume 12 Issue 5

DuBois walked and after a fly out Chelsea Warner singled home Witt and DuBois followed her home on an error to give the Wildcats a 3-0 lead. Jordan Gronewold helped her own cause with and rbi single in the fourth scoring Hilary Pennington who earlier reached base with a single making it 4-0. Seyerra DuBois made it 5-0 when she opened the Wildcat fifth inning with a home run to center field. Pennington made it 6-0 when she singled home Mallory Parson who was in as a pinch runner. Gronewold held the Chiefs hitless for four innings but Keokuk would score in the fifth inning on a Kristie Kelly single and would later scored on a fielder’s choice by Autumn Bowen. The Wildcats scored twice in the fifth, sixth and seventh and ended up with at least a run in each inning except the second.

Jamie Fisher, BCLUW

Jordan Gronewold, Carlisle

Gronewold finished with a 4-hitter for her 33rd win of the season and was named the team captain of the Class 3A All-Tournament team. Carlisle claims their fourth softball title and first since 1997 and finishes the season at 38-2. Keokuk finishes 34-10. BCLUW (Conrad) Goes Back-to-Back for 2A Championship FORT DODGE, Iowa – The third of the four Iowa high school state softball championship games was contested at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge on Friday night with #1 BCLUW (Conrad) facing #7 Wayne (Corydon) for the Class 2A state title. Eight runs, five hits, four errors, and before you could get settled for the Class 2A title game it was BCLUW up 8-0. Jamie Fisher was electric in the circle for the defending state champions with her 3-hit, 16 strikeout performance. Cassandra Darrah pitched well despite the score as only two of the runs were earned. Darrah scattered nine hits while setting down ten on strikes. BCLUW (Conrad) goes back-to-back with the Class 2A title and finished the season 41-3. Wayne (Corydon) ended with a 27-4 record. Jamie Fisher was named the captain of the Class 2A All-Tournament team.

Akron-Westfield Takes Advantage of Mistakes for Class 1A State Title, 5-1 FORT DODGE, Iowa – The fourth and final Iowa high school state softball championship games was contested at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge on Friday night with #1 Akron-Westfield facing #2 Newell-Fonda for the Class 1A title. After a couple of scoreless innings, Akron-Westfield made the first statement as Jordan Harris singled, advanced to third on an error and wild pitch and scored on a and error. Brandi Davis singled to load the bases. After yet another error and unearned run, Melissa Kroksh singled to drive in another run and extend the lead to 3-0 in the third inning. The Mustangs got on the board in the fourth inning with a 2-out rally. Jenna Falline singled. Hugerrich pinch ran and scored as Alyssa Henrich reached on a Westerner error and cut the deficit to 3-1 after four innings. AkronWestfield came right back a put up an insurance run, another unearned run in the sixth to make it 4-1 and one more in the seventh for a 5-1 lead. The Mustangs committed six errors overall. Harris tossed a 2-hitter but did walk four while striking out six for the complete game victory. Falline allowed ten hits and five runs but none of them earned while striking out six. Akron-Westfield finishes with the Class 1A title and a 37-1 record. Newell-Fonda ends the season with a 34-6 record. Sarah Parkinson was named the captain of the Class 1A All-Tournament team.

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Iowa Sports Connection

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2010 Iowa State Baseball

Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Barnes and Willms Named ISC’s H.S. Senior Athletes of the Year Tony Atzeni ISC Radio Account Manager This season we have narrowed down those to be recognized to nine highlighted by Harrison Barnes of Ames, James Morris of Solon and Nick Moore of Iowa City West. In the end the choice for the ISC Iowa High School Senior Male Athlete of the Year was Harrison Barnes of Ames. When it comes to Iowa high school basketball, Barnes may have been the most celebrated in Iowa basketball history. Harrison led Ames to back-to-back unbeaten state championship seasons in Class 4A, setting a new 4A record for consecutive victories along the way. The North Carolina recruit was as unselfish a player as you might have ever seen with his talent as well as understanding that the game was won by a team and not Harrison Barnes, an individual. Barnes was named to the Ames McDonald’s All-American team as well as everybody’s all-state teams including the Iowa Sports Connection. It was an easy choice to name Harrison the Iowa High School Basketball Player of the Year as well. With much of his time dedicated to basketball this past season, Barnes did qualify for the state track and field championships in the long jump and high jump. Listed below are the finalists: Harrison Barnes, Ames Alec Crawford, Wilton Marcus Heemstra, Rock Valley (Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley) Nick Moore, Iowa City West James Morris, Solon Ryan Powers, Calamus-Wheatland Cole Welter, Don Bosco (Gilbertville) Louie Wickett, Madrid

This past 2009-2010 sports season has been one of many memories when it comes to the Iowa high school female athlete. This season the choice was narrowed down to an elite group of nine. Highlighting this group was Katie Flood of Dowling Catholic, Carli Tritz of Bishop Heelan (Sioux City), Jessica Gehrke of Iowa City West and Hannah Willms of Hannah Willms, Dike-New Hartford. Dike-New Hartford In the end the choice for the ISC Iowa High School Senior Female Athlete of the Year was Hannah Willms of Dike-New Hartford. No matter what Hannah does, Hannah does it great!! Willms set new marks in track and field this past season. The all-time high jump mark is hers, setting it at the Drake Relays at 6-01. The new 400 meter dash all-time record is also now in her name, erasing a record set back in 1984 by Natasha Kaiser of Des Moines Roosevelt. Hannah also qualified for the Junior Worlds at the USA Track and Field Championships where she finished fifth in the world in the high jump. In volleyball, Willms was named to the Iowa Volleyball Coaches Association Elite All-State Teams all four seasons. Dike-New Hartford qualified for the state volleyball tournament the past three seasons and finished second in 2007 and 2008. Hannah was named to the all-tournament team all three seasons and the team captain in 2008. Willms received a scholarship to play volleyball at Iowa State University and may even continue her track and field success if time allows. Listed below are the finalists: Morgan Casey, Northeast (Goose Lake) Katie Flood, Dowling Catholic Jessica Gehrke, Iowa City West Jordan Gronewold, Carlisle Lindsay Hoehns, Twin Cedar (Bussey) Susan Keis, Newell-Fonda Jessica Nichols, Perry Carli Tritz, Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) Hannah Wilms, Dike New-Hartford

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Volume 12 Issue 5

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Prep

Iowa Sports Connection

The most comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the upcoming football season in the state of Iowa.

HIGH SCHOOL

8 Player

All State Team and Rankings District Previews All State Team and Rankings District Previews All State Team and Rankings Conference Previews

COLLEGE DIVISION I DIVISION II DIVISION III

p. 26 p. 27-31 p. 32 p. 33-39 p. 40 p. 41-45

Class 4A

All State Team and Rankings District Previews

Class 3A

p. 20 p. 21-25

Class 2A

All State Team and Rankings District Previews

Class 1A

p. 15 p. 15-19

Class A

All State Team and Rankings District Previews

NAIA/JUCO

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p. 46 p. 47-51

p. 53-55 p. 56 p. 57-61 p. 62-67

Volume 11 Issue 6

Iowa Sports Connection

Find Your Team: Pigskin Preview High School Football Index Adair Casey A-D-M, Adel AGWSR, Ackley A-H-S-T, Avoca Akron-Westfield Albia Alburnett Algona Alta/Aurelia Ames Anamosa Ankeny Ankeny Christian Aplington-Parkersburg Armstrong-Ringsted Ar-We-Va, Westside Atlantic Audubon Ballard, Huxley BCL-UW, Conrad Beckman, Dyersville Bedford Belle Plaine Bellevue Belmond-Klemme Benton, Van Horne Bettendorf B-G-M, Brooklyn Bishop Garrigan, Algona Bishop Heelan Bondurant-Farrar Boone Boyer Valley, Dunlap Burlington CAL, Latimer CAM, Anita Camanche Cardinal, Eldon Carlisle Carroll Cascade C.B. Abraham Lincoln C.B. Thomas Jefferson Cedar Falls Cedar Rapids Jefferson Cedar Rapids Kennedy Cedar Rapids Prairie Cedar Rapids Washington Cedar Rapids Xavier Center Point-Urbana Centerville Central City Central Clinton, DeWitt Central Decatur, Leon Central Lee, Donnellson Central Lyon Central Springs, Manly Central, Elkader Chariton Charles City Charter Oak-Ute Cherokee Clarinda Clarinda Academy Clarion-Goldfield Clarke, Osceola Clarksville Clay Central-Everly Clayton Ridge Clear Creek-Amana Clear Lake Clinton 14

Volume 12 Issue 5

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Colfax-Mingo Collins-Maxwell-Baxter Colo-NESCO Columbus Junction Columbus Catholic Coon Rapids-Bayard Corning Creston/Orient-Macksburg Crestwood, Cresco CWL, Corwith Dallas Center-Grimes Danville Davenport Assumption Davenport Central Davenport North Davenport West Davis County, Bloomfield Decorah Denison-Schleswig Denver Des Moines Christian Des Moines East Des Moines Hoover Des Moines Lincoln Des Moines North Des Moines Roosevelt Dike-New Hartford Don Bosco, Gilbertville Dowling Catholic Dubuque Hempstead Dubuque Senior Dubuque Wahlert Dunkerton Durant Eagle Grove Earlham East Buchanan, Winthrop East Central, Miles East Greene, Grand Junction East Marshall, LeGrand East Mills East Sac County East Union, Afton Edgewood-Colesburg Eddyville-Blakesburg Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira Emmetsburg English Valley, North English Essex Estherville-Lincoln Central Fairfield Farragut Forest City Fort Dodge Fort Madison Fremont-Mills, Tabor Garner-Hayfield Gehlen Catholic, Lemars Gilbert Gladbrook-Reinbeck Glenwood Glidden-Ralston G-M-G, Garwin Graettinger-Terril Grandview Park Baptist Grinnell Griswold Grundy Center Guthrie Center Hampton-Dumont Harlan Harmony-Farmington

39 Harris-Lake Park 39 Highland-Riverside 22 Hinton 35 H-L-V, Victor 34 H-M-S, Hartley 19 Hudson 25 Humboldt 41 IKM/Manning 43 Independence 16 Indianola 45 Interstate-35, Truro 23 Iowa City, City High 51 Iowa City West 51 Iowa Falls-Alden 51 Iowa Valley, Marengo 51 Janesville 38 JSPC, Jefferson 43 Jesup 41 Johnston 34 Kee, Lansing 31 Keokuk 48 Kingsley-Pierson 48 Knoxville 48 Kuemper Catholic, Carroll 48 Lakes Mills 48 Lamoni 28 Laurens-Marathon 23 Lawton-Bronson 47 LeMars 49 Lenox 49 Lewis Central, Council Bluffs 49 Linn-Mar, Marion 17 Lisbon 35 Logan-Magnolia 29 Lone Tree 25 Louisa-Muscatine 23 Lynnville-Sully 17 Madrid 19 Manson-NW Webster 39 Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto 19 Maquoketa 33 Maquoketa Valley, Delhi 18 Marion 23 Marshalltown 38 Martensdale-St. Mary’s 25 Mason City 27 Mediapolis 25 Meskwaki Settlement, Tama 19 MFL/Mar-Mac 33 Melcher-Dallas 43 Midland, Wyoming 19 Mid-Prairie, Wellman 34 Missouri Valley 47 M-M-C, Marcus 45 MOC-Floyd Valley 19 Montezuma 28 Monticello 21 Moravia 39 Mormon Trail, Garden Grove 29 Mount Ayr 41 Mount Pleasant 19 Mount Vernon 22 Murray 16 Muscatine 18 Nashua-Plainfield 44 Nevada 31 New Hampton 22 New London 25 Newell-Fonda 42 Newman Catholic, Mason City 41 Newton 18 Nishnabotna

16 30 27 24 27 29 42 27 43 47 39 49 49 34 24 17 33 35 47 17 45 15 45 33 28 18 15 27 41 18 41 49 23 31 23 35 24 25 27 33 43 29 43 47 25 47 38 18 35 18 17 38 33 21 41 24 35 18 18 31 45 44 18 51 28 42 34 23 15 22 45 19

Nodaway Valley 30 North Butler, Greene 22 North Cedar, Stanwood 30 North Fayette, West Union 35 North Iowa, Buffalo Center 21 North Linn, Troy Mills 29 North Mahaska, New Sharon 24 North Polk, Alleman 39 North Sentral, Kossuth 16 North Scott, Eldridge 51 North Tama, Traer 23 Northeast Hamilton, Blairsburg 17 Northeast, Goose Lake 29 Northwood-Kensett 21 Norwalk 45 NUH, Cedar Falls 22 Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove 39 Oelwein 43 Ogden 29 Okoboji, Milford 33 Olin 17 Osage 34 Oskaloosa 45 Ottumwa 48 Panorama, Panora 31 PCM, Monroe 39 Pekin 30 Pella 45 Pella Christian 39 Perry 45 Pleasantville 31 Pleasant Valley 51 Pocahontas Area/Pomcroy-Palmer 27 Postville 23 Prairie Valley, Gowrie 27 Preston 17 Red Oak 41 Regina, Iowa City 35 Remsen-Union 15 Riceville 17 Ridgeview, Holstein 27 River Valley, Correctionville 15 Riverside, Oakland 25 Rockford 22 Rock Valley/Boyden-Hull 41 Roland-Story 39 Ruthven-Ayrshire 16 Saydel 45 Sergeant Bluff-Luton 41 Seymour 18 Sheldon 33 Shenandoah 39 Sibley-Ocheydan 27 Sidney 19 Sigourney-Keota 38 Sioux Center 33 Sioux Central, Sioux Rapids 27 Sioux City East 50 Sioux City North 50 Sioux City West 50 Solon 44 South Central Calhoun 33 South Hamilton, Jewell 29 South Hardin, Eldora 39 South O’Brien, Paullina 27 South Page, College Springs 19 South Tama 44 South Winnishiek, Calmar 35 Southeast Polk 47 Southeast Warren 25 Southeast Webster-Grand 21 Spalding Catholic, Granville 15

Spencer Spirit Lake Springville St. Albert, Council Bluffs St. Ansgar St. Edmond, Fort Dodge St. Mary’s, Remsen Stanton Starmont, Arlington Storm Lake Sumner-Fredericksburg Tipton Treynor Tri-Center, Neola Tri-County, Thornburg Tripoli Turkey Valley, Jackson Jct. Twin Cedars, Bussey Twin River Valley, Bode Underwood Union, LaPorte City Unity Christian Urbandale Valley Community, Elgin Valley, West Des Moines Van Buren, Keosauqua Van Meter Ventura Villisca Vinton-Shellsburg WACO-Wayland Walnut Wapello Wapsie Valley, Fairbank Washington Waterloo East Waterloo West Waukee Waukon Waverly-Shell Rock Wayne, Corydon Webster City West Bend, Mallard West Branch West Burlington, Notre Dame West Central Valley, Stuart West Central, Maynard West Delaware, Manchester West Fork West Hancock, Britt West Harrison, Mondamin West Liberty West Lyon, Inwood West Marshall, State Center West Monona West Sioux, Hawarden Western Christian, Hull Western Dubuque, Epworth Westwood, Sloan Whiting Williamsburg Wilton Winfield-Mt. Union Winterset Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka Woodbine Woodbury Central Woodward Academy Woodward-Granger

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41 33 17 31 28 39 15 19 29 41 35 35 31 31 18 17 29 18 16 31 43 33 47 23 47 30 25 17 19 43 23 19 30 29 44 49 49 47 43 43 31 42 16 30 38 31 17 43 28 21 25 35 27 39 27 21 33 43 27 15 44 35 23 41 17 19 21 29 29

Iowa Sports Connection

8-Player Preseason Top-10

8-Player Preseason All-State Defense

8-Player Preseason All-State Offense QB-Tim Olejniczak, Sr., Ankeny Christian Academy

DL-Lucas Dalton, Sr., Lenox DL-Jake Johnston, Sr., West Central (Maynard)

QB-Michael Schwenk, Sr., Coon RapidsBayard

DL-Landon Maynes, Sr., Lenox

QB-Marcus Mechaelsen, Sr., Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg)

DL-Nate Meier, Jr., Fremont-Mills (Tabor) LB-Corey Eckels, Sr., Murray

RB-Jason Carroll, Sr., C-W-L (Corwith)

LB-Kaleb Kahue, Sr., Nishnabotna

RB-Austin Christensen, Sr., Lenox

LB-Levi Peters, Sr., Twin River Valley (Bode)

RB-Nate Howard, Sr., Graettinger-Terril WR-Spencer Smith, Jr., Elk HornKimballton/Exira

LB-Bryson Rezac, Sr., Armstrong-Ringsted

WR-Clay Harreld, Sr., Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) OL-Eathen Martin, Sr., Harmony (Farmington)

DB-Spencer Clausen, Sr., ArmstrongRingsted DB-Jacob Esdohr, Sr., Coon Rapids-Bayard DB-Austin Hancock, Sr., Lenox

OL-Eric McKee, Sr., CAM (Anita) OL-Colin Russel, Sr., Tri-County (Thornburg)

P-Kyle Eden, Sr., Woden-Crystal LakeTitonka

1-North Sentral Kossuth 2-Lenox 3-Armstrong-Ringsted 4-Kee (Lansing) 5-Coon Rapids-Bayard 6-Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) 7-St. Mary’s (Remsen) 8-Stanton 9-West Central (Maynard) T10-Ankeny Christian Academy T10-Harmony (Farmington) Watch List: Adair-Casey, East Mills, Fremont-Mills (Tabor), Glidden-Ralston, Graettinger-Terril, Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines), Melcher-Dallas, Tri-County (Thornburg), Woodbine

2009 8-Player State Champions Armstrong-Ringsted

OL-Billy Steichen, Sr., St. Mary’s (Remsen) OL-Stephen Smiley, Sr., Adair-Casey K-Isaac Lopez, Sr., Ankeny Christian Academy

8 Player Kinglsey-Pierson (2-7) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Adam Rapp Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Tyler Campbell (RB/DB); Ryan Mercer (QB/DB); Tate Rohde (QB/RB); Matt Steffen (LB); Patrick Washburn (OL/DL)

Laurens-Marathon (4-5) Nickname: Chargers Head Coach: Mike Ehn Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1989) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Evan Johnson (OL/DL); Kolby Joynt (RB); Devin Lind (LB); Bryce Maschino (LB); Austin Stumbo (WR)

Newell-Fonda (2-7) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Brian Wilken Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/8

Top Returning Players: Nate Boevers (WR); Brad Bohe (FB/LB); Jesus Flores (K/P); Alan Gerdes (RB); Jacob Hess (QB/SS); Blake Jesse (WR/FS); Cole Magnussen (DB)

Remsen-Union (6-4) Nickname: Rockets Head Coach: Colin Youde Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Kraig Alesch (RB/LB); Josh Bohnenkamp (QB/LB); Colby Felts (WR/DB); Evan Kunkel (OL/DL/K); Aaron Nitzschke (DL/P)

River Valley (Correctionville) (2-7) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Brian Winkler Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Blane Cullen (LB); Billy Pansegrau (DB); Jon Schlitz; Joel Sanchez; Carl Simonsen (OL/DL/P)

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Spalding Catholic (Granville) (0-9) Nickname: Spartens Head Coach: Mike Hofman Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Ross Budden (QB); Riley Full (RB/DL); Zach Kellen (LB) Taylor Murphy; Jordan Plathe (OL/DL); Cody Suntken (OL/DL)

District 1 Whiting (2-7) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Shawn Packard Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Kevin Grell (OL/DL/P); Bryce Hubert (DB); Taylor Kron (RB/LB); Reid Linden (QB); Christian Neldeberg (TE/DL)

St. Mary’s (Remsen) (9-1) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Ken Hajek Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2004) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Cody Koenck (LB); Zane Phillips (RB); Beau Pick (DL); Billy Steichen (TE/ Billy Steichen, DL/K/P) St. Mary’s (Remsen)

District Outlook St. Mary’s (Remsen) and RemsenUnion are the only teams that posted winning records last season of the teams that form this district. That being said, most are returning some kids that gained valuable experience last season and should be ready to fight for a playoff spot. This district provides many teams a chance to change some of their past football history in a positive way.

ISC District Predictions 1. St. Mary’s (Remsen) 2. Remsen-Union 3. Newell-Fonda & Laurens-Marathon Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

District 2

8 Player Armstrong-Ringsted (13-1) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Robert Zotz Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2009); State RunnerUp (2007, 2008) Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/9 Top Returning Players: Spencer Clausen (QB/CB); Travis Hantleman (RB/CB); Dakota Odermann (RB/ LB); Bryson Rezac (TE/LB); Brett Thackery (OL/DL)

Spencer Clausen, Armstrong-Ringsted

C-W-L (Corwith) (8-2) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Ryan Wagner Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals (2008) Top Returning Players: Caleb Anderson (QB/DB); Jason Carroll (RB/LB); Dallas Grein (OL/LB);

Volume 12 Issue 5

Mitchell Shipman (RB/LB); Bryce Vorland (DB)

Graettinger-Terril (9-3) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Karlton Hector Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (Graettinger, 1976, 1983) Top Returning Players: Blaze Alesch (CB/P); Eric Hatland (DB/K); Nate Howard (RB/LB); Heath Marchand (LB)

Harris-Lake Park (2-7) Nickname: Wolves Head Coach: Lane Gunderson Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 15/15 Top Returning Players: Tanner Hiveley (FB/LB); Jacob Ihnen (TE/ LB); Nathan Kyle (OL/LB); Brady Nissen (QB/DB); Mychal Sheridan (RB/LB)

North Sentral Kossuth (10-1) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Troy Adams Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (Sentral, 2002, 2003);

North Kossuth (Runner-Up, 1979) Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/10 Top Returning Players: Brett Beadle (OL/DL); Heath Bernhard (RB/LB); Austin Bierstedt (TE/DL); Jake Larson (QB/LB); Jordan Ricke (RB/DB)

West Bend-Mallard (4-7) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Pete Kapustynski Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1994, 1998, 1999, 2004) Top Returning Players: Ryan Banwart (RB); Mitch Bonnstetter (DB/P); Tanner Bruellman (LB)

Ruthven-Ayshire (3-6) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Larry Swingen Top Returning Players: Colton Bakken (OL/DL); Trevin Enderson (QB/LB); Michael Sundall (LB); Kyle Toillion (LB); Carter Williamson (LB)

District Outlook

Twin River Valley (Bode) (1-8) Nickname: Thunder Head Coach: Boe Jergans Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals (2004) Top Returning Players: Nick Carman (LB); Cody Hubrich (RB/ LB); Ben Jacobson (QB/LB); Levi Peters (RB/LB/K/P); Peyton Vote (DB); Abel Ramos (DB)

One of the deepest districts over the years and last year was no different. Armstrong-Ringsted won the state title after two runner-up finishes. North Sentral Kossuth has beaten A-R the past two regular seasons and GraettingerTerril has been as good as most in 8-player. C-W-L (Corwith) has not been a pushover and West Bend-Mallard has football history and tradition on their side. It should be a good battle most Friday nights this season with many of the same names landing at the top of the district.

ISC District Predictions 1. North Sentral Kossuth 2. Armstrong-Ringsted 3. C-W-L (Corwith)

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Iowa Sports Connection

District 3

8 Player CAL (Latimer) (0-9) Nickname: Cadets Head Coach: Brian Folkerts Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Nick Brookes (P); Alex Dohrman (RB); Trevor Fitz (LB); Tyler Krabbe (TE/ DL); Clayton Miller (QB); Kellen Suntken (CB); Tanner Yakel (OL/DL)

Clarksville (3-7) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Kyle Norton Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Caleb Ciavarelli (LB); Dalton Ciavarelli (RB/CB); Tanner Fenneman (DL); Scott Hempen (QB/DB); Austin Kromminga (OL/DL); Blake Rottink (WR)

Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) (10-2) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: John Seiser Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2006) Top Returning Players: Clay Harreld (WR); Corey Hassebrock (LB); Bryce Kauffman (LB); (QB/K/P); Austin Pigsley (RB); Caleb Rapp (TE/DL); Ethan Seiser (OL/DL); Dillon Timm (DB)

Evan Bolt, Janesville

Riceville (0-9) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Warren Haacke Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1983) Top Returning Players: Dean Conger (OL/LB); Buzz Linkenmeyer (RB/LB); Jayden Stover (QB/DB); Ryan Richardson (DB); Michael Theis (OL/DL)

Tripoli (4-6) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Tom Nuss Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1983) Top Returning Players: Tyler Lenox (RB/LB); Colby Nilges (TE/DL); Karter Schult (OL/DL/K); Kody Waddell (DL)

Janesville (6-4)

Ventura (2-7)

Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Travis Miller Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Nick Bartels

Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Mark Pruggel Best Playoff Finish: No Report Top Returning Players: Jared Callison (TE/DL); Cole Hanley (DB); Cal Huber (RB/LB); Trevor Jackson (LB); Hunter Olinger; Ryan Schmitz

(OL/LB); Evan Bolt (RB/LB); Josh Despard (QB/DB); Blair Mattingly (LB/P); Nick Nielson (DL); Nick Watson (DL)

8 Player Central City (4-5) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Matt Weiss Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Aaron Coghlan (OL/DL); Jason Etten (QB); Cole Hogan (OL/DL); Justin Kerscher (RB); Clayton Visek (CB)

Kee (Lansing) (6-4) Nickname: Kee Hawks Head Coach: Neil Galema Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Jalen Cooper (QB/P); Charlie Ewing (TE); Jacob Galema (OL); Terry Mitchell (OL); Jason Mooney (RB)

Dunkerton (6-4)

Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Kevin Behr Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (1988) Top Returning Players: Walker Bormann (DL); Jason Fedderson (QB/DB); David Jacobs (WR/DB); Alec Witt (DL)

Springville (3-6) Jason Mooney, Kee (Lansing)

East Central (Miles) (0-9)

(RB/DL); Taylor Keeney (QB/LB); Brad Marburger (OL/DL); Dalton Milder (DB); Douglas Milder (DL); Josh Rathje (TE/DL); Dylan Ritmer (OL/LB)

Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Chris Miner Top Returning Players: Jordan Cress (WR/DB); Devin French (RB); Collin Hirl (LB); Jason Meyer (OL/DL); Nathan Sawyer (QB/DB); Austin Schminkey (P)

Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka (2-6) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Doug Morgansen Best Playoff Finish: No Report Top Returning Players: Kyle Eden (DL/P); Bryce Haler (DL); Jake Meinders (QB/CB); Kyle Pals (LB); Tommy Schutter (TE/DL); Aaron Sorenson (RB/LB)

District Outlook Tradition in the football program gives Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) a strong nod in this district. Only Janesville posted a winning record last season out of this group and looks once again poised to be part of the upper district finish. The big question is who else will be in the playoff chase?

ISC District Predictions 1. Northeast Hamilton (Blairsburg) 2. Janesville 3. Clarksville

District 4 Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/15 Top Returning Players: Colby Burt (DB); Tate DeGraff (TE/K); Jake Johnston (OL/DL); Travis Kelly (OL); Dale Martin (OL/LB); Dan Nemmers (WR/DB); Casey Welter (WR)

Preston (12-1)

Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Travis Rigdon Best Playoff Finish: Substate Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/9 Top Returning Players: Ben Anderson (OL/DL); Brandon Eighmey (LB); Alex Etringer (RB/ LB/K); Hunter Heideman (OL/DL); Corey Joens (QB/RB/DB); Austin Scribner (OL/DL); Logan Studer (DL/P) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Dave Jenkins Top Returning Players: Matt Earls

Olin (1-8)

(QB); Zach Tannahill (WR); Joel Watson (LB)

Midland (Wyoming) (0-9) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Phil Whitman Top Returning Players: Ryan Andresen (OL/LB); Ryan Leonard (QB/RB/DL); Katlin Marr (OL/LB); Tyler Schurbon (QB/WR/DB)

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Nickname: Orioles Head Coach: Jared Baumann Top Returning Players: Jake Hulett (QB/LB); Joel Lam (LB); Jacob Studt (LB)

West Central (Maynard) (10-2) Nickname: Blue Devils Head Coach: Steve Milder Best Playoff Finish: State Champion 1997; State Runner-Up (1977,1978)

District Outlook West Central (Maynard) will look for new skill kids but return strong line play on both sides of the ball, a good place to rebuild around. Kee (Lansing) should improve on last season’s 6-4 record and challenge for the district title. Dunkerton was also 6-4 and have 8 returning starters from that squad and should improve and battle for a strong finish. Preston posted the best record of the teams in this district last season and although it’s tough to repeat a 12-1 record, should also be in the mix for a playoff spot.

ISC District Predictions 1. Kee (Lansing) 2. West Central (Maynard) 3. Dunkerton Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

District 5

8 Player Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines) (8-3)

Bingham (QB/LB); Trey Schneider (OL/DL); Josh Schrader (WR/LB)

Harmony (Farmington) (5-5)

Melcher-Dallas (4-6) Nickname: Saints Head Coach: Chris Petersen Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals (1975) Top Returning Players: Robert

8 Player Adair-Casey (10-3) Nickname: Bombers Head Coach: Wade Anderson Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2000, 2001) Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/9 Top Returning Players: Cole Palmer (RB/LB); Cody Roberts (TE/DL); Brice Sheeder (TE/DL); Cole Palmer (RB/LB); Taylor Wheatley (QB/CB)

Ankeny Christian Academy (9-2) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Steve Olejniczak Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals (2008) Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/6 Top Returning Players: Austin Alessio (TE/LB); Enoch Campbell (OL/DL); Isaac Lopez (WR/CB/ P/K); Tim Olejniczak (QB/CB)

CAM (Anita) (8-3) Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Joe Wollum Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 18

Volume 12 Issue 5

Twin Cedars (Bussey) (2-7) Nickname: Sabers Head Coach: Jared Jensen Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals Top Returning Players: Jeremiah Crosby (TE/LB); Dustin Richards (OL/DL); Mark Rowley (TE/DL); Blake Stone (QB); Jake Systma (OL/ DL)

Seymour (0-9)

Nickname: Defenders Head Coach: John Safford Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 3/8 Top Returning Players: Colby Burt (DB); Tate DeGraff (TE/DL); Dan Nemmers (RB/DB)

Nickname: Rockets Head Coach: Randy Clennan Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/8 Top Returning Players: Lucas Batten (RB/DB); Brandon Hudson (QB/DL); C.J. James (TE/LB); Eathen Martin (OL/DL); Clayton Mills (LB); Josh Vance (OL/DL)

McDanel (RB); Ryan Pinegar (OL/ DL/K); Bracken Smith (QB/DB)

Meskwaki Settlement (Tama) (0-8) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Todd Dale Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/7 Best Playoff Finish: N/A Top Returning Players: Brannon Benson (OL/DL); Vincent Lasley (WR/DL); Kane YoungBear (LB); Stacy YoungBear (QB/DB/P)

Moravia (3-7) Nickname: Mohawks Head Coach: Denny Whitlow Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Colten Beals (LB); Chris Bird (RB/LB); Austin Luse (DL); Miles McCoy (DB); Tyler

Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Garrison Carter Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/12 Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Trevor Banks (QB/LB); Tuff Christianson (WR/DB); Tim Horman (RB/LB); Trevor Sherrard (DB); Seth Wells (OL/DL); Travis Young (RB/LB)

District Outlook

Tri-County (Thornburg) (11-1) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Scott Edmundson Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 2/8 Top Returning Players: Travis Carruthers (OL/DL);William Corrick (OL/DL); Jared DeKline (OL/DL); Kadonn Foubert (OL/DL); Colton Molyneux (QB/DB); Levi Ryals (TE/ DB); Colin Russel (OL); Isaac Shaull (RB/LB)

Depending on who you talk to, the answer for choice to claim this district title seems to be a wide open choice. Tri County (Thornburg) is pretty consistent on putting out a solid team each year but return only two starters from last season. Harmony (Farmington) has been improving and hope to continue that trend. Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines) will need to rebuild around a nice group of skill kids while Melcher-Dallas will rely on quarterback Robert Bingham and his experience to lead. A young group of players will be depended on in this district race.

ISC District Predictions 1. Melcher-Dallas 2. Tri-County (Thornburg) 3. Grandview Park Baptist (Des Moines)

District 6 10/13 Top Returning Players: Trevor Cavin (LB); Sawyer Hansen (RB); Taylor Hunt (OL); Eric McKee (OL); Tanner Runyan (TE/DL); Tucker Schmidt (OL/DL); Donavvan Smith (DL)

East Union (Afton) (5-5) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Steve Kinyon Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Ryan Bryson (OL/DL); Zach Welch (DB)

Lamoni (3-6) Nickname: Demons Head Coach: Brian Nowlin Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Brock Mahi (DB); Tyler Seymour (DB)

Lenox (13-1) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Russell Dukes Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2008); State RunnerUp (2005, 2009)

Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: D.J. Brown (P); James Clow (OL/DL); Austin Christensen (RB); Lucas Dalton (DB); Dylan Douglas (TE/K); Austin Hancock (QB); Patrick Long (DB); Landon Maynes (OL/DL)

Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/10 Top Returning Players: Hunter Decker (OL/DL); Corey Eckels (QB/LB/P); Zeb Hatfield (TE/DL); Jonathon Romero (LB/K); Jeremy Shaw (OL/DL); Joe Webb (OL)

District Outlook Lenox, 2008 8-Player Champs (left) Austin Hancock, Lenox (right)

Mormon Trail (Garden Grove) (1-9) Nickname: Saints Head Coach: Travis Johnson Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Austin Erving (OL/LB); Austin Leer (RB/ LB); CJ Porterfield (RB/LB/P)

Murray (5-4) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Keith Shields

It all starts with the Lenox Tigers who have played for the title the past two seasons with a title in 2008 and runner-up finish in 2009. A strong group returns in their quest for another run. Ankeny Christian Academy will return some key pieces along with Adair-Casey. All three teams have returning starters at quarterback. CAM (Anita) returns 10 starters and will be strong with Murray also hoping for a playoff spot.

ISC District Predictions 1. Lenox 2. Adair-Casey 3. Ankeny Christian Academy & CAM (Anita) Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

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District 7

8 Player Ar-We-Va (Westside) (6-4) Nickname: Rockets Head Coach: Phil Snyder Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Top Returning Players: Tyler Ehlers (RB); Elliott Kock (LB)

Boyer Valley (Dunlap) (4-6) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Jay Petersen Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Adam Hadden (QB/S/P); Mark Hanigan (WR/CB/P); Sean Klein (LB/K); Dillon Malone (OL/DL); Nick Miller (OL/DL)

Charter Oak-Ute (3-6) Nickname: Bobcats Head Coach: Adam Eggeling Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/9 Top Returning Players: Dylan Boyle (LB/P); Josh Gotto (QB/LB); Nolan Staley (RB/LB); Jon Steffen (OL/ DL)

Coon Rapids-Bayard (7-3) Tyler Ehlers, Ar-We-Va

Nickname: Crusaders Head Coach: Dan Spooner Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/10 Top Returning Players: Jay Carstens (WR/DB), Jacob Esdohr (DB/WR/K), Colton Geer (DL), Marty McAllister (OL/DE),

Michael Schwenk (QB)

East Greene (Grand Junction) (3-6) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Tony Berger/Tim Bardole Top Returning Players: Schyler Bardole (RB); Tory Beger (LB); Aaron Lyons (TE/DL); Nic Nicolaisen (DL/P); Rob Ritchie (OL/DL)

Glidden-Ralston (7-3) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Kreg Lensch Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1975, 2005) Top Returning Players: Garrett Genter (S); Taylor Hackett (RB/S); Wade Hoyle (QB/LB); Will Reever (S); Zachary Rohrbeck (TE/DL/P); Jason Winker (OL/LB)

Walnut (3-7) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Ron Hamilton Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Derek Frahm (TE); Zach Hemmingsen (LB); Cody Olson (LB)

8 Player East Mills (8-3)

Nishnabotna

Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Andy Irwin Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Top Returning Players: Daniel Duysen (TE/LB); Kaleb Richter (LB); Luke Schafer (QB/LB)

Hamburg (2-7) (8-P) Farragut (5-4) (8-P)

Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Michael Almquist Top Returning Players: Levi Allen (WR); Jordan Jones (TE/LB); Cameron Kinney (QB); Dallas Lindsy (LB)

Nickname: Blue Devils Head Coach: Toby Young Best Playoff Finish: Hamburg – State Runner-Up (1972); Farragut – State Runner-Up (2002) Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/20 Top Returning Players: Joel DeLong (WR/DB); Brody Esser (OL/ DL); Kaleb Kahue (RB/LB); Doug Raymond (QB/RB/DB); Andrew Thompson (QB/DB)

Fremont-Mills (Tabor) (3-6)

Sidney (5-5)

Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Jeremy Christiansen Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/15 Top Returning Players: Derrian Bredberg (TE/LB); Joey Carlson (TE/DL); Dallas Franks (OL/DL); Austin Hansen (QB/DB); Nate Meier (RB/DL); Corey Morrical (WR/P); AJ Scarbourgh (QB/LB); Nicholas Williams (RB/LB); Clayton Wilson (P)

Nickname: Cowboys Head Coach: Donnie Sears Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/12 Top Returning Players: Devon Barrett (OL/DL); Ethan Burge (OL/ DL); Jacob Gordon (LB); Garett Graham (TE/LB); Trevor Schaaf (WR/DB)

Essex (0-9)

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South Page (College Springs) (1-8) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Tyler Stevens & Zac Stevens Top Returning Players: Dakota Cowen (OL/DL); Devin Devine (QB/S); Mike Ribbey TE/DL); Tyler Slough (RB/LB)

Woodbine (6-4) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Jason Strong Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1996) Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/14 Top Returning Players: Zach Archer (QB/S); Spencer Ball (OL/ DL); Jacolby Ehlert (OL/DL); Kyle Kuhlman (RB/LB); Josh Metusik (S); Sam Powers (QB/DB); Austin Quick (DB)

District Outlook It looks to get interesting with Glidden-Ralston and Coon Rapids-Bayard and their offenses led by experienced QBs under center. Woodbine looks to improve on a 6-4 season in 2009 and Ar-We-Va is usually in the middle of the district race and Boyer Valley would like to improve on a disappointing finish last season and their first season at the 8-man game.

ISC District Predictions 1. Coon Rapids-Bayard 2. Glidden-Ralston 3. Woodbine

District 8 Villisca (4-5) Nickname: Bluejays Head Coach: Troy Quick & Jason Hults Top Returning Players: Chuck Appel (LB); Austin Greig (DB); Timmy Myers (QB); Chris Schaaf (TE/DL)

Stanton (11-1) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Don Hicks Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2007) Top Returning Players: Jason Clemens (LB); Greg Focht (RB/LB); Tyler Havrum (QB/WR/P); Shayne Larson (LB)

Stanton football - Tyler Havrum hands off to Greg Focht

District Outlook Stanton has had the most success of the teams in this district but they are looking at a new group of leaders and that bodes well for the rest of the teams looking for a playoff spot in a wide-open district at least on paper. Fremont-Mills (Tabor), East Mills and Nishnabotna are three that will be in the mix for an upper district finish. Hamburg and Farragut consolidated to make up the new name to this district in Nishnabotna.

ISC District Predictions 1. Stanton 2. Fremont-Mills (Tabor) 3. Nishnabotna Volume 12 Issue 5

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Class A Preseason All-State Offense QB-Brendon Boerm, Sr., North Tama (Traer) QB-Taylor Wurth, Sr., Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) RB-Timon Bell, Sr., Madrid RB-Ben Buffington, Sr., Newman Catholic (Mason City)

Class A Preseason All-State Defense DL-Marcus Benton, Sr., Van Meter DL-Brandon Imoehl, Sr., Postville DL-Dalton Rucker, Sr., Bedford DL-Mike Sievers, Sr., Madrid LB-Matt Backes, Sr., Central (Elkader) LB-Brody Blint, Sr., Danville

RB-Travis Dougherty, Sr., Bedford

LB-Kyle Hawkins, Sr., BGM (Brooklyn)

RB-Zach Tade, Sr., Central (Elkader)

LB-Jordan Walston, Sr., Bedford

WR-Hunter Nelsen, Sr., A-H-S-T (Avoca)

DB-Garrett Ogan, Sr., Montezuma

WR-Cody Nilges, Sr., Tripoli

DB-Robbie Quintero, Sr., Newman Catholic (Mason City)

OL-Tyler Ahrens, Sr., Madrid OL-Evan McCarty, Sr., Clay Central-Everly OL-Nathan Jones, Sr., North Tama (Traer)

DB-Brett Vanderheiden, Sr., Earlham P-Joel Ramos, Sr., Cardinal (Eldon)

Class A Preseason Top-10 1-Madrid 2-Newman Catholic (Mason City) 3-Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) 4-North Tama (Traer) 5-Bedford 6-NUH-Cedar Falls 7-WACO (Wayland) 8-Belle Plaine 9-Akron-Westfield 10-Northwood-Kensett Watch List: AHST (Avoca), BGM (Brooklyn), Central (Elkader), Grundy Center, GMG (Garwin), Guthrie Center, HLV (Victor), Lisbon, North Mahaska (New Sharon), Van Meter

OL-Eric Simmons, Sr., Madrid OL-Zach Snyder, Sr., Belle Plaine K-Dillon Stradt, Sr., Newman Catholic (Mason City)

2009 Class A State Champions Southern Cal (Lake City)

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District 1

Class A Akron-Westfield (8-3) Nickname: Westerners Head Coach: Graham Lundt Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2002) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Tanner Bundy (RB); Ethan Hecht (TE/DL); Mitchell Hedlund (P); Joel Schroeder (OL/DL); Ben Wolthuiezen (RB/CB)

Clay Central-Everly (8-3) Nickname: Mavericks Head Coach: Kevin Fahnlander Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2001) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Caleb Batschelet (RB/LB); Mitch Fahnlander (QB); Trevor Kunzmann (DL); Andy Fliss; Caleb Mackey (WR); Evan McCarty (LB); Brent Trielweiler (OL/DL)

Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) (10-2) Nickname: Jays Head Coach: Tony Gunter Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1995) Returning Starters (Letterman): 11/14 Top Returning Players: Trevor Bouma (RB/LB); Chirs Eral (OL/ DL); Devin Groenhagen (OL/DL); Eric Loutsch (TE/LB); Alec Mousel (WR/ DB); Micah Neary (OL/DL); Taylor Wurth (QB/DB) Taylor Wurth, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars)

Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn (0-9) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Brad Cave Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Neal Brent (WR/LB); John Hoefling (WR/ DL/P); Jesse Kunzweiler (QB); Nathan Zubrod (OL/DL)

West Sioux (Hawarden) (4-6) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Clint McKee Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Nathaniel Ericson (QB); Francisco Garcia (OL/ DL); David Hernandez (LB); Dillon McKee (RB); Steve Topete (K/P); Andrew Waterman (DB)

Woodbury Central (Moville) (4-6) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Kelly Manker Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1980) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Grady Gallagher (QB); Josh Haberl; Taylor McErlath (WR); James Wright (WR)

District Outlook Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) may have felt they could have been the state champion after the tough loss late to eventual champions Southern Cal in the quarterfinals. With the return of Taylor Wurth under center and 10 other returning starters the rest of the district will have the Jays circled on their schedule if they hope to win the district. Akron-Westfield, Woodbury Central, Bishop Garrigan and Clay Central-Everly will all be part of the fight.

ISC District Predictions 1. Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) 2. Akron-Westfield 3. Clay Central-Everly

Class A Belmond-Klemme (2-7) Nickname: Broncos Head Coach: Steve Smith Top Returning Players: Joel Brooks (DL); Jordan Hansen (P); Derek Havens (CB/K); Colton Slaughter (OL/DL)

Jacob Behr (#10), Bishop Garrigan

Bishop Garrigan (Algona) (6-4)

Northwood-Kensett (6-4) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: David Capitani Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Spencer Capitani (QB); Torin Newell (LB); Bryan Sime (DL); Nik Werner (RB)

Southeast Webster-Grand (Burnside) (0-9)

Nickname: Golden Bears Head Coach: Marty Wadle Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1985); State Runner-Up (1999, 2005) Top Returning Players: Jacob Behr (RB); Alex Boisjolie (OL/LB); Kevin Elbert (RB/CB)

Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Chip Wisecup Best Playoff Finish: No Report Top Returning Players: Jared Carnicle (DB); David Hannon (LB); Colin Murphy (OL/DL)

North Iowa (Buffalo Center) (1-8) Nickname: Bison Head Coach: Graig Eichenberger Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Eric Krull (QB); Josh Perez (RB/P)

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District 2 West Hancock (Britt) (3-6) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Bob Sanger Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1996); State Runner-Up (1993) Top Returning Players: Gerardo Ibarra (QB/DB); Zac Schleuger (RB/LB/P); Ryan Swanson (RB/ LB); Bret Walk (DB)

District Outlook There is a lot more optimism in this district as most of the teams are coming off below average seasons. Northwood-Kensett is usually in the playoff picture and should be again this season. The big question here is who are the newcomers that will make the biggest impact on their team? Once that question is answered the district picture will be a bit clearer. West Hancock and Bishop Garrigan should be in the middle of the group that gains an upper division finish.

ISC District Predictions 1. Northwood-Kensett 2. Bishop Garrigan (Algona) 3. West Hancock (Britt) Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

District 3

Class A Colo-Nesco (3-6) Nickname: Royals Head Coach: Bill Huebner Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Brandon Eley (QB/DB); Ethan Jamison (TE/ DL); Austin Larsen (RB/LB); Kody Larsen (OL/DL); Nathan Thompson (OL/DL)

G-M-G (Garwin) (2-7) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Kyl Gilllespie Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1987) Returning Starters (Letterman): 5/12 Top Returning Players: Mike Burt (LB); Jake Catherwood (OL/DL); Brody Fisher (RB/LB); Brandon Lolwing (WR/DB); Chris Reed (WR/ DB)

Grundy Center (3-6) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Brandon Krusey Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1984, 1987, 1988)

Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Tanner Ackerson (DB); Jake Ernst (OL/ DL); Eliot Randel (OL/DL); Nathan Schmadeke (WR); Andrew Winburn (LB); Dalton Wrage (DB)

Newman Catholic (Mason City) (12-2) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Mike Dirksen Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2009) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Ben Buffington (RB/LB); Hunter King (QB/DB); Blake Louscher (OL/DL); Robert Quintero (RB/LB); Dillon Stradt (K); Drew Verstegen (WR/ DB)

North Butler (Greene) (4-5) Nickname: Bearcats Head Coach: Mark Rusch Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report

Top Returning Players: Reese Kock (P); Casey Krull (OL/LB); Daniel Williams (RB/DB)

NUH-Cedar Falls (11-1) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Kody Asmus Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals (2009) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Kyle Denning (QB/P); Christian Ford (TE/LB); Alex Quinones (RB/LB); Andrew Stone (WR/DB); Joe Weber (OL/DL); Jake Wumkes (OL/ DL) Kyle Denning, NUH-Cedar Falls

Rockford (7-3) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Nick Johnson Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Josh Dolan (LB); Spencer Kelly (DB); Ben Neal (OL/DL); Scott Paulus (RB); Mike Seibert (QB/P); Isaac Schwantes (DL); Luke Staudt (DB)

District Outlook Newman Catholic lost the Class A title game last year in overtime. NUH-Cedar Falls lost to the Knights in the quarterfinals. Both return with experience and should once again be a strong contender this season. The Knights will run with the combo of Ben Buffington and Robert Quintero. The Panthers will count on the leadership of quarterback Kyle Denning. The rest of the district will fight the remaining two playoff spots with Rockford, Grundy Center, G-M-G (Garwin) and Colo-Nesco part of that group.

ISC District Predictions 1. Newman Catholic (Mason City) 2. NUH-Cedar Falls 3. Rockford

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District 4

Class A Central (Elkader) (9-2) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tom Wilwert Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/10 Top Returning Players: Matt Backes (WR/LB); Steven Keppler (DB); Tim Nemechek (OL/LB); Geoffery Sylvester (P); Geoffery Tajaran (WR/DB); Zack Tade (RB)

Don Bosco (Gilbertville) (1-8) Nickname: Dons Head Coach: Dean Youngblut Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Tony Becker (OL/DL/P); Nick Rosauer (QB/ DB); Chris Schares (OL/DL); Austin Schmit (RB/DB); Nate Springer (WR/DB)

East Buchanan (Winthrop) (6-4) Nickname: Buccaneers Head Coach: Mike Stafford Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals

(1989, 2006) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Carl Halford (OL/DL); Travis Johnson (LB); Dalton Jones (OL/DL)

Jones (OL/DL); Brandon Svoboda (OL/DL)

Edgewood-Colesburg (1-8) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Rob Petsche Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Zach Bailey (OL/DL); Mitch Brady (QB); Nick Dugan (LB); Ben Elliot (RB/P); Cory Hanson (DB); Michael Kelchen (P); Willie Rhines (OL/DL)

North Tama (Traer) (12-1) Nickname: Redhawks Head Coach: Brent Thoren Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2008) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Brendon Boerm (QB/DB); Lucas Hefty (WR/ DL); Cade Isenhower (LB); Nathan

Valley Community (Elgin) (3-6) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Chad Beermann Best Playoff Finish: No Report Top Returning Players: Clay Amundson (DL); Jack Davis (OL/ LB); Blaine Everman (DB); Ethan Everman (RB); Robbie Kerr (FB/ LB)); Joe Koehn (OL/DL); Tyler Wagner (DB)

District Outlook Brendon Boerm, North Tama (Traer)

Postville (4-5) Nickname: Pirates Head Coach: Ray Rankin Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (1992) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Blake Everman (LB); Brandon Imoehl (OL/ DL); Dallas Imoehl (RB/LB); Cody Jarmes (LB); Dillon Schlee (DB); Zach Steffans (QB/DB)

North Tama has put together some very solid seasons the past few years but have to feel a bit disappointed even with the success with an overtime loss in the state title game in 2008 and a 2-point loss to eventual champion Newman Catholic in the semifinals last season. Brendon Boerm is back under center and hopeful for another opportunity. Central Elkader will look to reload after a 9-2 season while Postville and East Buchanan also look to improve.

ISC District Predictions 1. North Tama (Traer) 2. Central Elkader 3. Postville

District 5

Class A Danville (5-5) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: Dustin Kirkland Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Lettermen): No Report Top Returning Players: Brody Blint (OL/LB); Jacob Brooks (OL/DL); Joshua Stevens (RB/DB); Caleb Titus (RB/DB); Niall Williams (K)

Top Returning Players: Jake Hendricks (OL/DL); Austin Kleinmeyer (RB/LB); Preston Russell (OL/DL); Tyler Smith (OL/ DL); Dacoda Ward (RB/LB) Austin Kleinmeyer, Lisbon

New London (2-7) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Darrin Loyd Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Lettermen): No Report Top Returning Players: Austin Allen (RB/LB/P); Kyle Helmerson (QB/ DL); Dylan Hird (OL/DL); Dekota Job (LB); Jake Kadel (DB)

English Valley (North English) (1-8) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: Steve Hester Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No report Top Returning Players: Gideon Kluge (RB); Ethan Morrow (OL/DL); Carsten Parmenter (QB); Trenton Wiseman (LB); Adam Wolf (LB)

WACO (Wayland) (8-4)

Lisbon (5-5) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Kent Allison Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Lettermen): 7/11

Returning Starters (Lettermen): 9/9 Top Returning Players: Harry Miller (OL/LB); Levi Rietzler (RB/ LB) Austin Ronan (RB/LB); Jacob Sexton (OL/DL); Kent Thompson (OL/DL)

Lone Tree (3-6) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Mike Miller Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1982)

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Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Chad Edeker Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Lettermen): No Report Top Returning Players: Kendall Leichty (OL/DL); Spencer Shepherd (RB/LB); Brady Stauffer (QB); Jordan Vrandenburg (DB)

Winfield-Mount Union (2-7) Nickname: Wolves Head Coach: Russ Buffington Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1994) Returning Starters (Lettermen): No report Top Returning Players: Derek Dedic (QB/LB); Grant Edwards (RB); Izak Kreiger-Coen (RB/LB); Ty Reynolds (OL/DL); Andrew Roller (K)

District Outlook WACO (Wayland) enters this district as the only team with a winning record in 2009. The Warriors football program is one that usually has them in the district and playoff picture. Look for much the same this season. Lisbon returns a nice group on the line which will help with the younger and inexperienced players to develop. Lone Tree, Danville and New London are a few of the others that could punch themselves a playoff ticket as well.

ISC District Predictions 1. WACO (Wayland) 2. Lisbon 3. Lone Tree Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

District 6

Class A Belle Plaine (7-3)

Iowa Valley (Marengo) (1-8)

Lynnville-Sully (1-8)

Nickname: Plainsmen Head Coach: Todd Bohlen Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Lettermen): 8/13 Top Returning Players: Keegan DeMeulenaere (S/K); Cooper Northrop (DB); Devon Parr (LB); Reed Petersen (OL/DL); Zach Snyder (OL/DL); Scott Wheeler (DL)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Vince McGee Top Returning Players: Travis Glandorf (DB); Josh Kriegel (LB); Robert Lockhart (DL); Logan Loftus (QB/DB); Colton Rabe (RB); Jace Roberts (LB); Brock Schulte (LB)

Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: John Kramer Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1983) Returning Starters (Letterman): 11/17 Top Returning Players: Chase Cullen (DB); Bryce Doane (DB); Blake Dunsbergen (QB/DB); Corey Harthoorn (FB/LB); Matt Lisk (OL/ DL); David Samson (TE/DL); Ben Schwartz (WR/LB); Kyle Soderblom (RB/LB/P); Jesse Thompson (RB/ LB); Ryan Van Kooten (OL/LB)

B-G-M (Brooklyn) (6-5) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: Jerod Burns Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Returning Starters (Lettermen): 8/11 Top Returning Players: John Beck (LB); Kyle Hawkins (LB); Jevohn Miller (OL/LB); Matt Plants (S)

Montezuma (5-4)

H-L-V (Victor) (9-3) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Kevin Smith Top Returning Players: Angus Gryp (P); Garrett Hinrichs (OL/DL); Bryce Kuesel (QB); Brandon Leonard (RB/ DB); Dylan McClenathan (DB); Austin Tuttle (LB)

Volume 12 Issue 5

Kyle Hawkins (#55), B-G-M (Brooklyn)

Nickname: Braves Head Coach: Ryan Van Veen Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (2006) Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/14 Top Returning Players: Austin Battreall (RB/LB); Connor Johnson (OL/DL); Garrett Ogan (RB/DB); Kirk Salnave (RB/LB/K); Bryan Stanford (WR/LB)

North Mahaska (New Sharon) (8-3) Nickname: Warhawks Head Coach: Steve Ehret Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2005); State RunnerUp (1989, 1995, 2004) Top Returning Players: Blake Lanphier (DL); Chaz McBirnie (K)

District Outlook Belle Plaine moves down from a tough Class 1A district to Class A and although tough a better chance for success exists. H-L-V (Victor) was average last season but return a good group that should improve on last season and be a district contender. North Mahaska will always be part of a district contending list and also watch for BGM (Brooklyn) and Montezuma. In the end the Plainsmen with enough key leadership back on both sides of the line may have the edge in a balanced district.

ISC District Predictions 1. Belle Plaine 2. H-L-V (Victor) 3. B-G-M (Brooklyn)

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District 7

Class A Earlham (3-7)

Madrid (11-2)

Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Scott Driskell Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 11/15 Top Returning Players: Ben Evans (OL/DL); Parker Frey (OL/DL); Caleb Logemann (OL/DL); Derek Minor (WR/LB); Brett Vanderheiden (WR/DB)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Randy Hinkel Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1991); State Runner-Up (1990, 1993, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003) Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/15 Top Returning Players: Tanner Adams (FB/LB); Tyler Ahrens (OL/ DL); Timon Bell (RB/LB); Nick Efkamp (DB); Brock Hinkel (TE/DL); Jeremy Johnson (RB); CJ Manthe (DB); Mike Sievers (OL/DL); Eric Simmons (OL/DL)

Guthrie Center (4-5) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Brent Meier Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1996) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Brandon Clark (LB); Dustin Clark (DL); Brick Imerman (QB/LB); Cole Larsen (RB); Jon Moses (K); Dylan Robson (OL/DL); Kolton Schreck (OL/DL)

Martensdale-St.Marys (2-7) Nickname: Blue Devils Head Coach: Randy Folkerts Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals (2003) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Garrett Gehringer (LB); Elijah Shnurman (RB/LB); Austin Streyfeller (LB); Trent Verwers (QB/DB); Zach Wood (DB)

Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) (4-6) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Matt Oliver Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Garrett Brungardt; Andrew Keonck; Seth Nutting (QB)

Van Meter (8-2) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Eric Trudo Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals (1994, 1996) Returning Starters (Letterman): No report Top Returning Players: Luke Bardwell (DL); Marcus Benton (OL/ DL); Andrew Flaherty (LB); Michael Folkerts (OL/DL); Alex Gilmore (QB); Tyler Reicks (RB/DB); Dillon Thomas (P)

District Outlook The Madrid Tigers are perennial playoff and title contenders and this season there is no reason to go against that history. Solid offensive line is back and Timon Bell in the backfield is a good start. Van Meter has been making strides but just not to the level of the Tigers. Guthrie Center, Earlham and Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) have key returners to build around and should be in the hunt for a playoff spot.

ISC District Predictions 1. Madrid 2. Van Meter 3. Guthrie Center

District 8

Class A A-H-S-T (Avoca) (11-1) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Cory Faust Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 11 (11) Top Returning Players: Robert Fauteaux (OL/DL); Alex Long (OL/ DL); Hunter Nelsen (WR/S): Tyler Twilley (CB); Dylan Zornes (RB/LB)

(CB); Travis Dougherty (RB/LB); Willie Lawrence (S); Cody Morris (CB); Dalton Rucker (OL/DL); Colton Townsend (K); Jordan Walston (RB/ LB); Shane Walston (OL/DL)

Returning Starters (Letterman): 9 (22) Top Returning Players: Dray Carl (RB/DB), James Hogan (OL/LB), James Johnnes (OL/DL), Tyler Kinman (FB/LB), Blake Thompson (K)

Elk Horn-Kimballton/Exira (6-3) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Scott Yates Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Conner Hansen (LB); Spencer Smith (RB/ DB)

A-H-S-T (Avoca)

Riverside (Oakland) (2-7) Bedford (7-4) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Bob McCoy Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1992); State Runner-Up (1998) Returning Starters (Letterman): 19/23 Top Returning Players: Jacob Armstrong (OL/DL); Cole Bonde

Jordan Walston, Bedford

Corning (4-6) Nickname: Red Raiders Head Coach: Kent Bass Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round

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Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Brian Winkler Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Michael Bentley (DB); Quintin Forrester (LB/K); Mack Houseman (DL); Devon Moore (QB); Tanner Todd (DB)

West Harrison (Mondamin) (0-9) Nickname: Hawkeyes Head Coach: Craig Birdsall Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Lucas Christensen (RB/DB/P); Ethan Earlywine (OL/DL); Ryan Mauseth (QB/DL); Lane Peasley (OL/DL); Joe Roden (RB)

District Outlook A-H-S-T (Avoca) has been the standard bearer in this neck of the football woods and should once again be at least a contender for a district title and playoff spot. Bedford returns nearly everyone form a 7-4 season and may be the best based on those figures as they work toward their past history of football success. Corning may be the sleeper in this group as they return many key pieces from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winning season.

ISC District Predictions 1. Bedford 2. A-H-S-T (Avoca) 3. Corning Volume 12 Issue 5

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Class 1A Preseason All-State Offense QB-Jace Engstler, Sr., Garner-Hayfield QB-Joe Popken, Sr., Hinton

Class 1A Preseason All-State Defense DL-Jordan Hervey, Sr., Van Buren (Keosauqua)

RB-Tanner Loots, Sr., Northeast (Goose Lake)

DL-Jacob Kramer, Sr., Tri-Center (Neola)

RB-Jack Manning, Sr., Woodward-Granger

LB-Eli Elliott, Jr., West Branch

RB-Josh Treybal, Sr., Hartley-MelvinSanborn

LB-Nathan Folkers, Jr., West Fork

RB-Travis Wahlert, Jr., West Central Valley (Stuart)

LB-Tre Powell, Sr., Woodward-Granger

WR-Steve O’Neill, Sr., St. Albert (Council Bluffs) WR-Josh Thompson, Sr., Garner-Hayfield OL-Levi Ettleman, Sr., Logan-Magnolia OL-Kyle Hoffman, Sr., Northeast (Goose Lake) OL-Jed Johnson, Sr., Lake Mills OL-Tucker Kehoe, Sr., Prairie Valley (Gowrie)

DL-Evan Mikels, Sr., Logan-Magnolia

LB-Cade Lambson, Sr., Mount Ayr LB-Brendan TerWee, Sr., West Lyon (Inwood) DB-Austin Ryan, Sr., AplingtonParkersburg DB-Ben Schmitt, Sr., Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction)

Class 1A Preseason Top-10 1-West Branch 2-St. Albert (Council Bluffs) 3-West Lyon (Inwood) 4-IKM-Manning 5-Aplington-Parkersburg 6-Hinton 7-Northeast (Goose Lake) 8-Woodward-Granger 9-Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn 10-Mount Ayr Watch List: Dike-New Hartford, Emmetsburg, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Hudson, North Cedar (Stanwood), Pekin, Saint Ansgar, Starmont (Arlington), Treynor, Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction)

DB-Justin Wohlert, Sr., Hartley-MelvinSanborn P-Ryan Mayfield, Sr., Woodward-Granger

OL-Mitchell Udell, Sr., Hinton K-Gabe Meis, Sr., St. Albert (Council Bluffs)

2009 Class 1A State Champions St. Albert (Council Bluffs)

High School Student Athletes...

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District 1

Class 1A Hinton (8-3)

IKM-Manning (11-2)

Nickname: Blackhawks Co-Head Coaches: Steve Diediker & Bruce Held Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1985) Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/9 Top Returning Players: Keegan Bak (WB/DB); Joe Barkley (OL/DL); Blake Hoefling (TE/LB); Joe Popken (QB/DB); Brady Schindel (WB/DB); Kole Vondrak (WB/LB); Mitchell Udell (OL/DL)

Nickname: Wolves Co-Head Coaches: Tom Casey & Floyd Foreman Best Playoff Finish: IKM–State Champions (2006); Manning–State Champions (2002); State RunnerUp- Manning (2000) Top Returning Players: Ian Erickson (DL); Josh Ertz (LB); Mitchell Irlmeier (RB/DB); Ethan McConnell (P); Jay Peterson (K); Robert Tank (DB

Joe Popken, Hinton

Lawton-Bronson (3-6) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Chad Moseman Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (2007) Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/15 Top Returning Players: Austin Hillinger (LB); Joel Imel (RB/ DB); Dylan Lower (RB/LB); McKenna Ocherking (DL); Connor McNaughton (RB); Luke Skinner (DB); Matt Skinner (DB)

Manson-Northwest Webster (8-3) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Cougars

Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Top Returning Players: Ronnie Allbee (LB); McGinty Brandon (RB); Connor Brown (WR/DB); Kaden Cue (WR/P); Trevor Hood (OL/ DL); Trevor Schreier (LB); Chris Stuhrenberg (LB/K)

Prairie Valley (Gowrie) (12-1) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Craig Jelinek Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals (2008, 2009) Top Returning Players: Curtis Anderson (DB); Caden Duncan (RB); Tucker Kehoe (OL/DL); Nate Schill (DL)

Ridge View (Holstein) (3-7) Nickname: Raptors Head Coach: Jeff DeHaan Top Returning Players: Michael Davidson; Greg Davis; Seth Johnson (QB/K/P); Spencer Snyder; Colby Stephens; Tyson Thorson; Blake Woodke (WR)

West Monona (Onawa) (4-5) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Dale Pash Top Returning Players: Austin Bales

Class 1A Alta/Aurelia Alta (4-6) (A) Aurelia (1-8) (8-P)

Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Kevin Hammer Best Playoff Finish: Aurelia – State Runner-Up (1986-A, 2001-8-Player) Top Returning Players: Cory Ballantyne (LB); Austin Glawe (TE/ DL/P); Steven Handwork (QB); Kevin Hernandez (LB); Jaden Holten (CB); Garrett Van Houten (RB/LB); Karl Kennedy (TE/LB); Josh Kristensen (CB); Gabe Walsh (K)

Emmetsburg (10-1) Nickname: E-Hawks Head Coach: Mike Dunlap Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1977, 1979, 1989, 1990, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2008) State Runner-Up (1975, 1976, 1978, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988) Returning Starters (Letterman): 5/5 Top Returning Players: Brady Berkland (RB/LB); Bobby Gappa (RB/DB); Tyler Henderson (OL/ DL); Cory Schultes (QB/DB); Nick Wuebker (TE/DL)

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn (9-2) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Steve Waechter Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals; Sanborn State Runner-Up (1985) Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/8 Top Returning Players: Matt Finch (RB/LB); Greg Hegstad (RB/LB); Brenton Rossman (OL/DL); Josh Treybal (FB/DL); Justin Wohlert (QB/DB)

Pocahontas Area/PomeroyPalmer (8-2) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Roger Sommerlot Best Playoff Finish: Pocahontas – State Champions (1985) Top Returning Players: Avery Aden (QB); Spencer Beekman (LB); Cody Rahn (LB); Luke Sommerlot (RB)

Sibley-Ocheyedan (2-7) Nickname: Generals Head Coach: Craig Parkinson Best Playoff Finish: Sibley – State Champions (1978) Top Returning Players: Abraham Acosta (OL/DL); Steven Brockshus

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(RB/DB); Isaac Butler (OL/DL); Brett Doeden (LB); Jesse Glade (DB); Casey Hertz (LB); Landon Howard (LB); Troy Schmidt (QB/P); Ryan Soat (WR/DB); Ethan Stofferan (LB)

Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) (5-4) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Travis Schueller Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/9 Top Returning Players: Adam Ehlers (WR/DB); Ethan Lindquist (RB/LB); Brad Ripke (QB); Mitch Seivers (OL/DL); Nick Wittmaack (WR/DB)

South O’Brien (Paulina) (1-8) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Mark Fuhrmann Top Returning Players: Tim Jenness (RB/P); Tanner Mathews (LB); Adam Paulsen (QB); Austin Richter (DL); Ben Wagner (OL/DL)

West Lyon (Inwood) (10-2) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Wildcats

(RB/DB); Jake Fox (RB/DB/P); Kody Kuhlman (LB); Gabe Madsen (DL/K)

Westwood (Sloan) (1-8) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Andy Homan Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/8 Top Returning Players: Trent Baker (QB/LB/P); Jordan Hansen (WR); Joel Kounkel (OL/LB); Juan Munoz (OL/DL)

District Outlook Pretty tough district with IKMManning, Prairie Valley (Gowrie) and Lawton-Bronson with proven programs but many have not seen each other over the years with many miles of travel between some of the schools in this redistricting. Look for IKM-Manning to lead the way with their tradition but also watch for Manson-NW Webster off a very good season in 2009. Hinton may be a sleeper with some nice skill kids returning. The Wolves are down from Class 2A.

ISC District Predictions 1. IKM-Manning 2. Hinton 3. Manson-NW Webster

District 2 Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1998, 1999) State Runner-Up (1995, 2008) Top Returning Players: Cody Ahrendt (OL/DL); Sully Al-Ostaz (RB/LB); Cody Grotewold (QB/DB); Kyle Heyer (DB); Trevor Snyders (LB/K); Brenden Ter Wee (OL/ DL); Adam Teunissen (DB); Nick Thompson (OL/LB); Jason Van Ginkel (LB)

District Outlook West Lyon (Inwood), Emmetsburg, Pocahontas Area/Pomeroy-Palmer and Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn combined for a 37-7 record last season. Then add Sioux Central and the consolidation of Alta and Aurelia and this should be an interesting district to keep and eye on. West Lyon has a strong group back led by Brenden Ter Wee in the trenches and looks to be the favorite. Look for the non-district games to show how this district may play out. Pocahontas Area/P-P and Sibley-Ocheydan move down from Class 2A.

ISC District Predictions 1. West Lyon (Inwood) 2. Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn 3. Emmetsburg & Pocahontas Area Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Class 1A AGWSR (Ackley) (2-7)

Dike-New Hartford (4-5)

Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Matt Lindeman Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Jake Bagley (P/K); Aaron Bell (LB); Cesar Guevara (RB); Evan Johnson (QB/ LB); B. J. Reents (OL/DL); Pete Woodman (RB/CB)

Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Don Betts Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1998, 2001, 2002) Top Returning Players: Si Eiklenborg (LB); Troy Irvin (OL/DL); Eric Joblinske (RB); Tanner Johnson (OL/DL); Brennan Miller (LB); Michael Weidemann (WR)

Aplington-Parkersburg (6-4) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Alex Pollock Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1993, 2001); State Runner-Up (1996, 2000) Top Returning Players: Dylan Bellows(LB); Jake Everts (RB/LB); Jason Grill (RB); Joey McCracken (OL/DL); Austin Ryan (QB/S) The “Sacred Acre” Aplington-Parkersburg Field

Garner-Hayfield (4-5) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Cam Smith Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1991); State Runner-Up (1974) Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/13 Top Returning Players: Jace Engstler (QB/DB); Michael Kozisek ((DL); Chris Noty (OL/DL); Blake Risius (RB/WR/DB); Alex VanGerpen (RB/DB/LB); Seth Williams (WR); Brian Young (DL/OL)

Lake Mills (5-5) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Bill Byrnes Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman):

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6 (11) Top Returning Players: Royce Byrnes (QB/DB); Levi Dahle (RB/P); Alex Grunhovd (DB); Jed Johnson (OL/DL); Josh Olson (OL/LB); Tyler Rice (RB/DB); Zach Ringham (OL/ DL); Josh Zabel (OL/DL)

Nashua-Plainfield (3-6) Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Ben Jass Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/10 Top Returning Players: Dominick Carey (OL/DL/K); Andy Glaser (RB/ LB); Jon Hillegas (WR/DB); Zach Larson (QB/DB); Alec Mulvey (WR/ DB); Griffin Poppe (OL/DL); Matt Sharp (QB/DB); Austin Siemons (OL/DL); Caleb Smith (WR/DB); Colin Strabala (DL); Austin Walk (OL/DL); Taylor Wedeking (RB/ LB/P)

Saint Ansgar (7-4) Nickname: Saints Head Coach: Drew Clevenger Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals (2006) Top Returning Players: Clay Eustice (OL/DL); Cael Halfman (QB/DB);

District 3 Tony Heimer; Cody Marsh (RB/ DB); Casey Mayer (WR/DB); John Sievert (DL)

West Fork (0-9) Nickname: Warhawks Head Coach: Eric Burt Returning Starters (Letterman): 15/17 Top Returning Players: Nathan Folkers (RB/LB); Zane Ruger (RB/ LB); Kielan Sullivan (OL/DL); Seth Tuttle (QB); Jace Winfrey (WR/ DB/P) District Outlook Some old rivals and some new faces join this district with Aplington-Parkersburg the familiar name in the group. Dike-New Hartford and A-P are back together after a few years in different classes as old rivals and with Saint Ansgar and an improving Lake Mills and Garner-Hayfield, most of this group will look to improve on last season. The Falcons always compete and will get the early season nod. AGWSR (Ackley) drop down one class.

ISC District Predictions 1. Dike-New Hartford 2. South Winnesheik (Calmar) 3. Saint Ansgar

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District 4

Class 1A BCLUW (Conrad) (0-9) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Josh Ehn Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1976) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Conner Case (WR/LB); Luke Erbes (QB/S); Derek Gustafson (QB/CB); Alex Morgan (CB); Cole Thompson (LB)

Eagle Grove (9-2) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Kelly Williamson Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: John Anderson (OL/DL); Andy Bell (DB); Rogan Roosa (DB); Vincent Whipple (RB/DB); Jade Zabel (RB/DB)

Gladbrook-Reinbeck (4-5) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: John Olson Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2004) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Parker Bolt

(QB/DB); Colby Luethje (FB/LB); Levi Petersen (P); Logan Petersen (DB/K); Zach Schwartz (FB/LB)

Hudson (5-5) Nickname: Pirates Head Coach: Duane Sniffin Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1975, 1994); State Runner-Up (1979, 1980) Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/14 Top Returning Players: Alex Chilcote (DL); Cale Henke (QB); Kyle Johnson (LB); Josh Tack (OL); Noland Tomlinson (DB)

Ogden (0-9) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Ken Vigdal Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1992, 2001) Returning Starters (Letterman): 7 (9) Top Returning Players: Ryan Alberts (DL); Tyler Baumhover (RB/ LB); John Brown (OL/DL); Tyler Happe (TE/DL); Jared Hefler (RB/ DB); Gabe Summerhayes (K); Asher VanSickle (DB); Tanner Wilson (DL)

South Hamilton (Jewell) (4-5) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Todd Coy Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Casey Coy (LB); James Larson (OL/DL); Devan Quam (RB/DB)

Woodward Academy Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Unknown at Press Best Playoff Finish: New Program

Woodward-Granger (9-3) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: George Ashman

Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Chet Knake Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Bret Boeckenstedt (QB); Bryan Jess (P)

Clayton Ridge (Guttenburg) (10-2) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Chad Harbaugh Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: DJ Anderegg (OL/DL); Antonio Armstrong (OL/DL); Henry Berns (RB/LB); Cody Preston (DB); Dakota Schroyer (DL)

Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) (2-7) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Greg Drew Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Derek Dzaboff (P); Robert Holtz (OL/LB);

Jared Kracke (OL/DL); Emerson Reis (WR/DB); Cody Schindler (QB/ DB)

North Linn (Troy Mills) (4-5) Nickname: Lynx Head Coach: Jared Collum Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/4 Top Returning Players: Garrett Harris (RB/LB); Stefan Juran (OL/ DL); Jake Oswald (QB/DB); Brendan Schott (LB)

Northeast (Goose Lake) (7-3) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Ryan Unrah Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/12 Top Returning Players: Paul Gordon (P); Kyle Hoffman (OL/DL); Tanner Kleppe (LB); Tanner Loots (RB/ DB); Forrest Marx (OL/DL); Efrain Sandoval (OL/DL); Justin Sparks (WR/DB); Tanner Voss (OL/LB/K)

Starmont (Arlington) (7-4) Nickname: Stars Head Coach: Matt Lee

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District Outlook Many in this district hope to improve on last season. Woodward-Granger has posted back-to-back solid winning seasons and return key pieces to build on their 9-3 season last year with Jacob Muser and Jack Manning. Hudson also returns more than half of their starters after a break even season in 2009. Eagle Grove drops from 2A but are looking for new faces to step on after a 9-2 season. Hudson and South Hamilton (Jewell) also drop from Class 2A.

ISC District Predictions Jack Manning, Woodward-Granger

Class 1A Bellevue (6-4)

Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 13/18 Top Returning Players: Mark Besechoa (DL); Cory Crnkovich (DB); Jonathan Hodges (OL/DL) Joel Krehbiel (OL/DL); Jack Manning (RB/LB); Ryan Mayfield (WR/P); Cody Moore (DL); Jacob Musser (QB/K); Andrew McCune (RB/DL); Tre Powell (LB); Nathan Somsky (OL/DL)

Best Playoff Finish: State Runnerup (1999) Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/19 Top Returning Players: Jake Daisy (OL/DL); Brad Franzen (DB); Nate Hamlett (LB); Vinnie Otdoerfer (RB/ DB); Ethan Moses (RB); Nathan Pech (LB)

1. Woodward-Granger 2. Hudson 3. Eagle Grove

District 5 LB); Jeff Sullivan (LB); Connor Woods (OL/LB) 2007 Class A State Champs Wapsie Valley

Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction) (10-2) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Mark Scott Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Jordan Mitchel (LB); Ben Schmitt (DB); Isaac Toberman (DL)

Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) (9-2) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tony Foster Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1996, 1997, 2007); State Runner-Up (1990, 2007) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Isaac Happel (LB); Connor O’Brien (RB/

District Outlook Based on last season’s success, this has a look of a pretty deep district with Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) up one class, Clayton Ridge (Guttenburg), Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction), Starmont (Arlington), Bellevue and Northeast (Goose Lake) all completing winning records in 2009. Depending on who you talk to you get a different answer and that states how tough this district will be and how underclassmen will really have an effect on the season.

ISC District Predictions 1. Northeast (Goose Lake) 2. Starmont (Arlington) 3. Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction) Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Class 1A Alburnett (0-9) Nickname: Pirates Head Coach: Chris Evers Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/8 Top Returning Players: Sam Bowers (OL/DL); Mitchell Harger (OL/LB); Jacob Sevening (QB/CB); Chaz Sorenson (P/K)

Cardinal (Eldon) (5-5) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Jim Lindsay Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Tanner Chance (WR/CB); Josh Fuhs (OL/ DL); Tyler Goodell (WR/LB); Joel Ramos (LB/P); Brandon Warren (QB/LB)

Highland (Riverside) (2-7) Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Tony Johnson Best Playoff Finish: Highland-Lone Tree - State Runner-Up (1997) Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/15 Top Returning Players: Austin Arnold (QB/DL); William Greiner (RB/DB); Skyler Houseal (OL/DL);

Blake Ossman (FB/LB); Derrick Stewart (RB/LB)

North Cedar (Stanwood) (5-5) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Clay Harrold Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Tyler Canfield (RB/LB); Jared Dewell (LB); Alex Leeper (DL); Mitchell Schroeder (LB); Donny Wachendorf (RB/DB)

(QB), Blake Quam (LB), Brett Thonpson (DB), Michael Wissner (LB)

West Branch (12-1) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: Butch Pedersen Best Playoff Finish: State Championship (1989, 1991, 1992) Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/15 Top Returning Players: Rilen Carew (RB/CB); Clay Cook (OL/DL); Eli Elliott (FB/LB); Derrick Miller (OL/ DL); Logan Murry (TE/DL)

Pekin (5-4) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Jim Donavan Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1982, 1983, 1998); State Runner-Up (1975, 1977, 1988, 1997) Top Returning Players: Spencer Adam (RB/LB); Trevor Davis (DB); Hunter Maeder (RB/LB); Trey Sathoff (DB)

District Outlook

Van Buren (Keosauqua) (0-9)

Tyler Canfield (#21), North Cedar (Stanwood)

Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) (4-6) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Steve Shantz Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (Greenfield, 1981) Top Returning Players: Nick Fox

District 6

Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Randy Cochran Top Returning Players: Zach Boyd (QB); Nic Giberson (LB); Tony Moore (OL/DL); Spencer Watson (QB)

Wapello (6-4) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Todd Parsons Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Ashton Grimm (LB); Jacob Lafayette (WR); Logan Lanz (DB); Jace Winslow (LB)

West Branch has a tradition rich football program and look to be the big favorite in a district with many new faces for the Bears to face. Cardinal (Eldon) will play up from Class A along with Highland (Riverside) while North Cedar (Stanwood) will drop down from 2A. Pekin looks to be in position for an upper division finish with the real battle after that. Highland (Riverside) returns nearly half of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starters and should be considered along with North Cedar and Wapello.

ISC District Predictions 1. West Branch 2. Pekin 3. Highland (Riverside)

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District 7

Class 1A Central Decatur (Leon) (4-5) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Jon Pedersen Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Devon Cornell (OL/DL); Dalton Gilbert (LB); Shay Kofoid (DB); Preston Pedersen (QB/DB); Riley Shea (OL/ DL); Jordan Welch (WR/DB); Jake Wilson (TE/LB)

Des Moines Christian (6-4) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Cade Lambert Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Matt Nichols (DB); Jesse South (LB); Austin Stubbs (QB/DB); Charlie Vryhof (RB/LB)

Mount Ayr (7-3) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Derek Lambert & Delwyn Showalter Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Corey Beaman (LB); Jake Glendenning (OL/ DL); Cade Lambson (RB/LB); Dusty Lyden (RB); Jesse Penick (LB); Drake

Schafer (OL/LB); David Showalter (QB/DL); Matt Sobotka (DB)

Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) (5-5) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Steve Shantz Best Playoff Finish: Greenfield State Runner-Up (1981) Top Returning Players: Cody Ladd (QB/LB); Blake Quam (OL/LB); Greg Smith (OL/DL); Kaleb Wessel (DB); Kevin Wessel (DB); Michael Wissner (OL/LB)

Pleasantville (1-8) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Tim Koerselman Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Bobby Beier (QB); Tasker Phillips (RB); Wesley Prill (DB); D.J. Weaver (WR)

Wayne (Corydon) (1-8) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Bart Elliott Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Caleb Dodds (RB/LB); Logan Hutchison (WR/DB); Trey McMurry (RB/LB)

Panorama (Panora) (6-5) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Lyle Alumbaugh Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/25 Top Returning Players: Josh Calmer (WR/DB); Garrett Chase (OL/DL); Dante Copeland (OL/DL); John Derry (FB); Kyle Muyskens (RB/DB); Ethan Sparks (OL/DL); J.C. Watts (WR/DB)

Nickname: Wheelers Head Coach: Monte Richhoff Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1977) Returning Starters (Letterman): 17/18 Top Returning Players: Jay Blomme (QB); Zach Bohlmann (RB); Jarred Packard (RB); Ranen Spies (WR); James Svoboda (DL) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Brad Knight Top Returning Players: Trai Anderson (DL); Jamar Wise (LB)

Griswold (8-2) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Andy Everett Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Tyler Archibald (OL/DL); Chris Bates (K); Dillon Bates (QB); Thomas Moore (DL); Josh Ridlen (LB); Brandon Vanatta (DB); Jacob Wetterlind (RB)

Logan-Magnolia (6-4) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Matt Straight

Champions (1979, 2003) Top Returning Players: Jake Allen (RB/DB); Trenton Geer (DL); Mitch Godfrey (QB/DB); Cole Rath (LB); Alex Severn (OL/LB); Chris Zimmerman (RB/LB)

St. Albert (Council Bluffs) (14-0)

Clarinda Academy (1-8)

Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Kevin Culjat Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009); State Runner-Up (2003) Top Returning Players: Kevin Bissell (OL/LB); J.D. Culjat (QB); Jake Gentile (RB); Reese Hansen (RB); Kellen O’Neil (LB); Steve O’Neil (WR); Jesse Parks (TE/DL); Nate Romano (OL/DL); Mickey Russell (TE/DL); Matt Vermillion (LB)

Treynor (9-2) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Steve Owens Best Playoff Finish: State

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District Outlook

ISC District Predictions Kyle Muyskens, Panorama (Panora)

Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1990); State Runner-Up (1989) Top Returning Players: Levi Ettleman (WR); Nate Fender (QB); Ben Kill (OL/DL); Marrick Loftus (RB/DB); Quin Mann (LB); Evan Mikels (DL/P); Nolan Oviatt (RB/ DB); Dom Snyder (LB); Troy Sodders (LB)

Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Eric Gabe Returning Starters (Letterman): 14/16 Top Returning Players: Colt Chinberg (OL/DL); Greg Dudley (DB); Jeff Dudley (DB); Chase Freemeyer (FB/LB); Mason Hasty (OL/ DL); Sam Miller (OL/DL); Connar Marnin (OL/DL); Dillon Moore (TE/ DL); Ryan Wagers (OL/LB); Travis Wahlert (RB/LB) This may be one of the most wideopen districts with no one real standout and one that may be where the district champs suffers a couple of losses. Mount Ayr gets the nod with the return of many of the key pieces to last season’s 7-3 team. Look for Nodaway Valley, Panorama (Panora), Central Decatur (Leon), West Central Valley (Stuart) and Des Moines Christian to all fight for a playoff spot.

Class 1A Audubon (2-7)

West Central Valley (Stuart) (4-5)

1. Mount Ayr 2. Central Decatur (Leon) 3. West Central Valley (Stuart)

District 8 Underwood (5-5) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Loren Litner Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals (2002) Top Returning Players: Jesse Allen (OL/DL); Andrew Bonnet (RB/LB); Justin Henderson (OL/LB); Dillon Robinson (RB/LB); Jeremy Taylor (OL/LB)

District Outlook Mitch Godfrey, Treynor

Tri-Center (Neola) (3-6) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Travis Sell Top Returning Players: Britton Barrier (QB/DB); Zach Christensen(RB/LB); Dakota Junkman (DB); Robert Kinney (DL); Jacob Kramer (OL/DL); Scott Manhart (OL/LB); Austin McMahon (DB); Ryan Messerschmidt (OL/DL); Caleb White (OL/DL)

Treynor is coming off a solid 9-2 season but now move up from Class A to 1A this season and in a district with perennial power St. Albert (Council Bluffs). Logan-Magnolia and Griswold have also played solid football and would like nothing better than take the next step to get deeper in the playoffs. The sleeper may be Underwood if any of those mentioned falter along with Tri-Center (Neola) who was a very young football team last season.

ISC District Predictions 1. St. Albert (Council Bluffs) 2. Treynor 3. Logan-Magnolia Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Class 2A Preseason All-State Offense

Class 2A Preseason All-State Defense

Class 2A Preseason Top-10

QB-Taylor Newland, Sr., West BurlingtonNotre Dame

DL-Kyle Frisch, Sr., SumnerFredericksburg

QB-Tyler Wolterstorff, Sr., Western Christian (Hull)

DL-Jared Henkenius, Sr., Kuemper Catholic (Carroll)

RB-Ethan Calvert, Sr., Interstate 35 (Truro)

DL-Keith Holm, Sr., South Central Calhoun

RB-Jake Greco, Jr., North Fayette (West Union)

DL-Matthew Schmelzer, Sr., South Winnesheik (Calmar)

RB-Kile Overmyer, Sr., Albia

LB-Zach Fligg, Sr., Davis County (Bloomfield)

RB-Drew Utterback, Sr., Sigourney/Keota

DL-Braden Lehman, Sr., Iowa City Regina

WR-Dalton Ferch, Sr., West Marshall (State Center)

LB-Kyle Johnson, Sr., Hudson

TE-Joe Borts, Sr., Colfax-Mingo

LB-Jacob Rathmacher, Sr., Roland-Story

OL-Cole Blair, Sr., South Central Calhoun

DB-Jordan Dykstra, Sr., Sheldon

OL-Allen George, Sr., Bondurant-Farrar

DB-Ty Troutman, Jr., Beckman (Dyersville)

OL-Bret Johnson, Sr., Roland-Story

P- Marshall Koehn, Sr., Solon

LB-Bret Nieuwsma, Sr., Pella Christian

1-South Central Calhoun 2-Iowa City Regina 3-North Fayette (West Union) 4-New Hampton 5-Roland-Story 6-Bondurant-Farrar 7-Central Lyon/George-Little Rock 8-Western Christian (Hull) 9-Iowa Falls-Alden 10-PCM-Monroe Watch List: Albia, Cascade, Davis County (Bloomfield), Gilbert, Interstate 35 (Truro), JSPC (Jefferson), Mid-Prairie (Wellman), Osage, Pella Christian, Sioux Center, South Winneshiek (Calmar), St. Edmond (Fort Dodge), Sumner-Fredericksburg, West Marshall (State Center)

OL-Kelly Kaufman, Sr., Okoboji (Milford) OL-Andrew Nodvedt, Sr., Central Springs (Manly) K-Michael Schmadake, Sr., Columbus Catholic (Waterloo)

2009 Class 2A State Champions Solon

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District 1

Class 2A Central Lyon/George-Little Rock (3-6) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Toby Lorenzen Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1976, 1977, 2006); State Runner-Up (1996, 1999, 2007, 2008) Top Returning Players: Terron Geerdes (RB/LB/K); Brendan Metzger (TE/LB); Matt Nagel (OL/ DL); Hunter Sieperda (RB/DB/P); Jeff Wagenaar (LB)

Top Returning Players: Tate Hanson (RB/LB); Zach Jones (QB); Kelly Kaufman (OL/DL); Austin Millard (OL/DL); Bryson McCabe (S) Kelly Kaufman, Okoboji (Milford)

Sheldon (7-3) Estherville-Lincoln Central (2-7) Nickname: Midgets Head Coach: Chuck Fandel Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (1987) Top Returning Players: Nate Jensen (LB); Ryan Vos (DL); Ty Wilson (DB)

Okoboji (Milford) (1-8) Nickname: Pioneers Head Coach: Travis Schipper Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/16

Nickname: Orabs Head Coach: Matt Meendering Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (2005) Top Returning Players: Jordan Dykstra (WR/DB); Michael Lovan (RB/LB); Daniel Westphalen (LB)

Sioux Center (5-5) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tim Van Regenmorter Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2001) Top Returning Players: Gabe Doornick (LB); Levi Dykshorn (LB);

Jon Hauswald (LB); Micah Lassen (QB/DB); JanTae Miller (RB/DB); Trevor Pieper (LB/P)

Spirit Lake (2-7) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Josh Bolluyt Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Andrew Broocks (OL/DL); Rick Maris (LB); Mitch Peschon (QB/K); Aric Waltz (LB) Unity Christian (Orange City) (1-8)

District Outlook

Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Shane Williams Top Returning Players: Spencer Groeneweg (OL/LB); Tyler Kroeze (RB/LB); Robert Vander Veen (QB/ DB)

Western Christian (Hull) led by Tyler Wolterstorff back under center will be the team to beat and with Boyden-Hull/ Rock Valley now in Class 3A the road seems a bit clearer for the Wolfpack. Never overlook a Central Lyon/GeorgeLittle Rock team that always plays solid football especially on the defensive side and with clock control on offense. Sioux Center would like to improve on their break-even finish last year. EsthervilleLincoln Central drops to Class 2A from Class 3A.

Western Christian (Hull) (10-2) Nickname: Wolfpack Head Coach: Travis Kooima Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Heath Bonestroo (LB/P); Jacob Granstra (WR); Brian Hengeveld (DL); Ben VantHul (RB); Mathew Westra (DL); Tyler Wolterstorff (QB)

Class 2A Cherokee (Washington) (6-4) Nickname: Braves Head Coach: Kurt Reynolds and Neil Phipps Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Jakob Hummel (WR/DB); Seth Mahnke (DB)

East Sac County (3-6) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Eric McCollough Top Returning Players: Kyle Bass (LB); Tanner Berry (LB); Phil Brotherton (DB); Collin Schrader (QB/P); Marcus Stoltenburg (K); Colby Struchen (DB)

JSPC (Jefferson) (6-5) Nickname: Rams Head Coach: Bill Kibby Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Top Returning Players: Nate Carhill (DB/P); David Owens (TE/DL); Matt Rickers (OL/K); Jeff Skalla (DB) Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) (9-3) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Brian Webb Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Jared

Henkenius (OL/DL); Tyler Heuton (TE/DL); David Hicks (DB/K); Cody Williams (RB/DB)

Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto (5-5) Nickname: Rams Head Coach: Dave Kuhl Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Kyle Hamilton (K); Josh Trucke (LB); Stormy Trucke (LB)

Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/18 Top Returning Players: Josh Blair (TE/DL); Ryan Hemer (OL/DL); Austin Treiber (OL/LB)

Odebolt-Arthur/Battle CreekIda Grove (5-4) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Larry Allen Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round

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ISC District Predictions 1. Western Christian (Hull) 2. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock 3. Sioux Center

District 2 Top Returning Players: Austin Blair (RB/DB); Cole Blair (OL/DL); Bryce Dooley (RB); Chris Gray (QB/DB/P); Brian Green (WR); Keith Holm (OL/ DL); Colton Riley (TE/LB); Justin Schultz (DL); Jacob Simpson (RB); Kirby Vogel (LB)

District Outlook

Missouri Valley (6-5) Nickname: Big Reds Head Coach: Brian Knott Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Jacob Howell (OL/DL); Jole Miller (QB/ LB); John Paul Petersen (LB); Cody West (LB)

Tyler Wolterstorff, Western Christian

Austin Blair, South Centrel Calhoun (Southern Cal Lake City pictured)

South Central Calhoun *Southern Cal (Lake City) (13-1) (A) Rockwell City-Lytton (6-4) (A)

Nickname: Titans Head Coach: Bryan Case Best Playoff Finish: Southern Cal - State Champions (1990, 2000, 2008, 2009) Returning Starters (Letterman): 18/30

Southern Cal (Lake City) has won the past two Class A titles. Now they consolidate with Rockwell City-Lytton and now in Class 2A it will not be long before most will know about South Central Calhoun. JSPC (Jefferson) has been between 3A and 2A and are now back in 2A. Kuemper Catholic is under new coaching after a couple of strong seasons and with East Sac County and Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove to name a few others, a pretty deep district. Somebody deserving of a playoff spot looks to be left out as only East Sac had a losing record last season.

ISC District Predictions 1. South Central Calhoun 2. JSPC (Jefferson) 3. East Sac County Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

District 3

Class 2A Central Springs (Manly) (4-5) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Bill Shafer/Craig Johnston Top Returning Players: Jesse Johnson (QB); Max Lund (RB); Dylan Miller (WR/DB); Andrew Nodtvedt (DL); Chris Smith (RB)

Clarion-Goldfield (4-5) Nickname: Cowboys Head Coach: Paul Hansch Returning Starters (Lettermen): 10/18 Top Returning Players: Corey O’Connor (RB/LB) Agbeze Onuma (TE/DL); Blake Rasmussen (OL): Ben Torres (RB/DL); Andy Wenzel (OL/ DL)

Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) (2-7) Nickname: Sailors Head Coach: Aundra Meeks Best Playoff Finis)h: State Champions (2004) Top Returning Players: Eliot Frost (TE/LB); Taylor Hotek (LB); Kraig Konrardy (DB); Lamar Sayles (RB/

LB); Michael Schmadke (K); Jay Schmit (QB)

Denver (7-3) Nickname: Cyclones Head Coach: Rhett Barrett Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1995) Top Returning Players: Jay Dykstra (LB); Joe Kettman (DL)

Forest City (4-5) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Chad Moore Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/15 Top Returning Players: Josh Abbott (LB); Cole Anderson (DB); Tim Brock (WR/DB); Ben Collins (RB); Tyler Harmon (DB); Cole Leitch (OL/LB); Justin Putney (OL); Kyle Rosaker (QB/LB/K/P); Riley Scharper (OL); Jake Schneider (OL)

(1994) Top Returning Players: Chase Hadwiger (OL/DL); Scott Hartema (RB/LB); Parker Krause (DB); Brennan Lauterbach (LB); Devin Lempke (TE/LB); Cade Olson (DB)

Osage (11-1) Nickname: Green Devils Head Coach: Lon Lawler Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: John Lutz (TE/DL); Trevor Molitor (QB); Joe Roll (DL); Luke Wagner (K)

New Hampton (10-3) Nickname: Chickasaws Head Coach: Scott Frerichs Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1999) Top Returning Players:Justin Burgart (OL/DL); Brandon Lenehan (TE/LB); Thomas Mahoney (DB); Dominic Samec (LB/K); Lee Schuchardt (DB); Anthony Troyna (OL/DL) Dominic Samec, New Hampton

Iowa Falls-Alden (5-4)

District Outlook A new look here with four teams dropping down from Class 3A to Class 2A. Clarion-Goldfield, Forest City, Iowa Falls-Alden and New Hampton, who won a district title last year in 3A are now part of this district along with Osage who won a District 3 title last year. Newcomers will play a huge roll here with those that had success in 2009. In a tough to call district the edge goes to New Hampton after a solid 10-3 season. Denver is up from Class 1A.

ISC District Predictions

Nickname: Cadets Head Coach: Pat Norem Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1996); State Runner-Up

1. New Hampton 2. Iowa Falls-Alden 3. Clarion-Goldfield & Osage

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District 4

Class 2A Beckman (Dyersville) (4-6) Nickname: Trailblazers Head Coach: Gregg Hammann Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Robbie Anstoetter (WR); Conner Golden (QB/P); Tyler Langel (LB); Ellliot Salter (QB); Ty Troutman (WR)

Cascade (Western Dubuque) (9-2) Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Tim Frake Returning Starters (Letterman): 5/10 Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Kevin Burgess (OT); Jordan Gibbs (OT); Brad Gravel (RB/LB); Andrew Hosch (LB); Eric Knuth (LB); Alex Steffen (DT)

Jesup (1-8) Nickname: J-Hawks Head Coach: Bruce Wall Top Returning Players: Alex Brown (OL/DL); Max Faulkner (QB/P); Larry Garbes III (OL/DL); Nick Kite (TE/DL); Brady Mattson (LB); Ethan

Pelton (LB); Trey Versluis (LB)

MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) (2-7) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Tracy Decker Top Returning Players: Chris Doeppke (DB); Jonathan Heins (RB/ LB); Tyler Hertrampf; Charles Knipf (OL/DL); Cole Kregel (OL/DL); DJ Pheiffer (QB/DB); Zach Piper (LB); Elliot Wirkler (OL/DL)

Monticello (5-4) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Shane Blake Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Cody Gullet (QB); Cole Lightner (OL/DL); Joe Lopez (LB); Curtis Prull (OL/K); Cody Simmons (DL); Ben Stutt (DL/P)

Champions (1992) Top Returning Players: Kyle Bishop (LB); Ryan Bouska (DB); Tanner Creery (DL); Jake Greco (RB/LB/P); Reid Nuss (QB/DB)

South Winneshiek (Calmar) (12-2) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Jason Ohrt Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2009) Top Returning Players: Jared Holien (QB); Dominik Lensing (WR/DB); Matt Meyer (LB); Matt Schmelzer (OL/DL); Nick Schmelzer (OL/LB)

North Fayette (West Union) (12-1) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Bob Lape Best Playoff Finish: State

Sumner-Fredericksburg (7-3) Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Brad Mohs Best Playoff Finish: (Fredericksburg) State Champions (2001) Top Returning Players: Kyle Frisch (TE/DL); Zach Kerr (RB/LB/K); Cal Oberbroekling (DL)

District Outlook North Fayette (West Union) is a good place to start when you look for year to year success on the football field with usually solid line play and running game. South Winneshiek (Calmar) had a great year and looks to take on the challenge of moving up one class from 1A. Cascade and Sumner-Fredericksburg are a couple of others that are usually in a district battle. Monticello is my sleeper as they look to improve on a 5-4 record last season.

ISC District Predictions Matt Meyer (red), South Winnishiek

1. North Fayette (West Union) 2. South Winneshiek (Calmar) 3. Monticello

District 5

Class 2A Camanche (0-9) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Steve Dougherty Top Returning Players: Taylor Grim (QB/CB); Bret Johnson (TE/LB); Andrew Keeling (LB); Jacob Klone (LB); Curt Stoll (LB); Mike Sullens (RB/S/P)

Columbus (Columbus Junction) (2-7) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Jeff Martin Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1981) Top Returning Players: Luis Aguirre (DL); Rafeal Cardenas (QB); Brady Milder (RB)

Regina (Iowa City) (10-2) Nickname: Regals Head Coach: Marv Cook Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2005); State RunnerUp (1972, 2007) Top Returning Players: Anthony Halsch (RB/LB); Daniel Larew (WR/DB/K); Braden Lehman (DL); Jake Lehman (DL/P); Patrick McCaffery (OL/DL); Jack Verducci (QB/DB); Jacob Vollstedt (LB) Jack Verducci, Iowa City Regina

Durant-Bennett (3-6) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Barry Bower Top Returning Players: Skylar Dierikx (QB/K); Caleb Fruend (RB/ LB); Austin Kessler (DB); L. Ross (DB)

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Louisa-Muscatine (Letts) (2-7) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Karl Burgason Top Returning Players: Dexter Biera (OL/DL); Devon Bonnichaen (OL/DB); Lucas Kemp (QB/LB); Randy Rogers (LB)

Wilton (4-5) Nickname: Beavers Head Coach: Lance Pedersen Top Returning Players: Austin Anderson (LB); Cale Austin (DL/K); Andrew Snyder (DB); Dylan Stepleton (DB); Brandon Van Zandt (DL)

Tipton (1-8) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Josh Bahr Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/11 Top Returning Players: Tyler Cawiezell (WR/DB); Brian Goerdt (DL); Adam Hein (OL/LB); Dustin Ihns (DL); Derek Latimer (LB); John Meixner (DL); Drew Proctor (DB); Austin Urmie (LB)

West Liberty (2-7) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Joe Donovan Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals Top Returning Players: Erik McKillip (RB/LB); Kory Wiele (LB)

District Outlook Iowa City Regina is an overwhelming favorite in this as no team returns here without a winning record other than Regina at 10-2 last season. The big question is who will be behind the Regals. Look for Wilton and Tipton to be a couple of those to teams that should improve on last season and find themselves in the upper-division of this district. Durant-Bennett moves up from Class 1A.

ISC District Predictions 1. Iowa City Regina 2. Wilton 3. Tipton Volume 12 Issue 5

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Iowa Sports Connection

District 6

Class 2A Albia (3-6)

Eddyville-Blakesburg (7-4)

Sigourney-Keota (5-4)

Nickname: Blue Demons Head Coach: Jerry Staton Best Playoff Finish: No Report Top Returning Players: Kyle Bachman (OL/DL); Curt Coughlin (QB/S); Aaron Henderson (LB); Alex Mason (RB); Kile Overmyer (RB)

Nickname: Rockets Head Coach: Eric Kellar Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 3/9 Top Returning Players: Ethan Conrad (QB/DB); Jake Crosby (RB/ DL); Brandon Reed (OL/DL); Sam Taylor (WR/DB); Nathan Van Zante (RB/LB)

Nickname: Cobras Head Coach: Mark Schib Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1995, 2001, 2005); State Runner-Up - Sigourney (1976) Top Returning Players: Eric Baetsle (WR); Logan Klein (K); Drew Utterback (QB)

Central Lee (Donnellson) (1-8) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Kenton Benner Best Playoff Finish: No Report Top Returning Players: Bryce Bartholomew (LB); Brian Boeck (QB/DB); Justin Fett (WR/LB); Dakota Kirchner (LB); Kyle Krauter (QB/DB/P); Jon Rooney (OL/DL)

Davis County (Bloomfield) (8-3) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: David Lukens Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Zach Fligg (LB); Will Kincart (OL/DL); Jered Kuberski (LB); Aaron Halls (TE/DB); Josh Martsching (WR/DB)

Mediapolis (6-4) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Brian Borrison Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Jacob Darbyshire (QB); Adam Dzuilko (OL/DL); Jesse Ertz (QB/DB); Wil Janssen (LB); Tanner Siegwarth (LB); Cody Warth (OL/DL)

Mid-Prairie (Wellman) (8-3) Nickname: Golden Hawks Head Coach: Pete Cavanaugh Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Michael Aldeman (DB); Brody Barthelman (RB/LB); Tyler Clark (OL/DL); Dylan Wertz (LB)

Drew Utterback, Sigourney-Keota

West Burlington-Notre Dame (5-5) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Jeff Housel Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 3/12 Top Returning Players: Taylor

District Outlook This district is one that has a few teams with consistent football success with Mid-Prairie (Wellman) and Sigourney-Keota and recent success in Davis County (Bloomfield) and Mediapolis. Albia is not one of those teams but led by Kyle Overmyer could be a sleeper this season based on past history. No one will run away in this district as this should be a tight race throughout the season. I have nothing more than a sense or feeling that here is where I make a sleeper choice for the top of the district with Albia. If I am right, I will look like a genius and if not, the Blue Demons get some respect after some down seasons. Eddyville-Blakesburg moves up one class from 1A.

ISC District Predictions

Newland (QB/DB); Brian Roberts (OL)

1. Albia 2. Davis County (Bloomfield) 3. Mid-Prairie (Wellman)

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District 7

Class 2A Collins-Maxwell-Baxter (8-2)

North Polk (4-5)

Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Rob Luther Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 5/12 Top Returning Players: Drake Dawson (WR); Logan Gibbs (RB/ LB); Chris Kauer (WR/LB); Josh Zieser (WR); Kyle Zeiser (TE/DL)

Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Rob Sinclair Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Tony Davis (RB/LB); Lucas Hadaway (QB/DB); Trevor Hall (OL/LB); Colton Hill (OL/ DL); Noah Pickard (RB/LB)

East Marshall (LeGrand) (3-6)

Nickname: Norseman Head Coach: Kerry Van Winkle Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1979, 1980) Top Returning Players: Kenton Betz (LB); Brett Johnson (OL/DL); Brandon Morgan (OL/DL); Jacob Rathmacher (DL); Nolan Samo (LB); Bryttan Thompson (RB/DB)

Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Mike Studt Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Jordan Bowers (RB); Tanner Hamelau (OL/DL); Ryan Valline (LB/P); Luke Wilson (QB)

Roland-Story (3-7)

Gilbert (7-4)

St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) (5-5)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Scott Auderer Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2004) Top Returning Players: Joe Goodman (QB/DB); Corey Morrisey (TE/LB); Christian Reed (RB/DB)

Nickname: Gaels Head Coach: Dick Tighe Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Top Returning Players: Nick Clark (QB/K); Anthony Flattery (RB/ DL); Neil Flattery (RB/DL); Ben Kraayenbrink (DL); Kain Katz (OL/ DL); David Linder (OL/DL); Ryan

Rode born (OL/DL); David Tan (DB)

South Hardin (Eldora) (2-7) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Mike Olson Top Returning Players: Dayton Balkans (P); Levi Prosser (QB); Andrew Stowe (OL/DL)

West Marshall (State Center)

(6-4) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Ken Winkler Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1999) Top Returning Players: Brandy Beaks (QB/DB); Logan Chester (DB/K); Dalton Ferch (RB/ DB/K/P); Tanner Staler (DB); Tyson Streeter (LB)

District Outlook Roland-Story had an unusually down year last year but return solid in the trenches and should be back in the district battle. West Marshall (State Center) will light it up with the return of offensive skill kids led by Dalton Ferch. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) is another with tradition and all three have veteran coaches leading the way. Pretty deep district based on the recent past so watch for good battles on Friday nights and a well earned district title to the winner. The Gaels move up from Class 1A to Class 2A. Dalton Ferch, West Marshall

ISC District Predictions 1. Roland-Story 2. West Marshall (State Center) 3. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge)

District 8

Class 2A Bondurant-Farrar (8-3) Nickname: Bluejays Head Coach: Adam Busch Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/16 Top Returning Players: Nathan Erickson (RB/LBP); Nathan Erickson (RB); Allen George (OL/DL); Cole Hacker (WR/CB); Taylor Sanderson (QB); Josh Tucker (TE/LB)

Colton Rowley (FB/LB); Tony Saucedo (OL/DL)

Colfax-Mingo (2-7) Nickname: Tigerhawks Head Coach: Mike Horstman Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Dylan Berkley (QB/DB/K); Joe Borts (TE/LB); Dylan Day (OL/LB); Justin Fisher (DB); Cameron Hainer (LB); Brandon Kolo (OL/DL)

Clarinda (2-7) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Jim Lindsay Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/12 Top Returning Players: Cadre Bartleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (OL/DL); Scott Brockman (OL/DL); Nicky Lesley (TE/DL); Steven Ripley (RB/DB); Trevor Shane (OL/LB); Tyler Steve (QB/DB)

Clarke (Osceola) (1-8) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Ryan Sweeney Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Kati Mogongwa (WR/DB); Tony Kalk (OL/LB); Ryan Phillips (QB/DB);

Interstate 35 (Truro) (4-5) Nickname: Roadrunners Head Coach: Randy Calvert Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 13/21 Top Returning Players: Ethan Calvert (RB/LB); Mat Eads (OL/ DL); Connor Hagen (OL/DL); Dallas Houchin (LB); Clay Simmons (RB/ LB); Mike Strawn (OL./DL)

Ethan Calvert (#33), Interstate 35

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PCM-Monroe (4-6) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Dar Dahms Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Top Returning Players: Scott Bruxvoort (TE/LB); Hutch Burns (RB/DB); Josh Fosenburg (QB/ LB/P); Dustin Moore (OL/LB)

Brent Nieuwsma, Pella Christian

Pella Christian (7-3) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Richard Kacmarynski Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Chase Carlson (DB); Alex Fynaardt (RB/ DB); Trey Hugen (WR/K); Bret Nieuwsma (RB/LB); Kyle Nikkel (QB); Levi Nikkel (DB); Justin Pastoor (OL/DL); Sam Tevdt (DB); Marcus Van Zee (OL/DL)

Shenandoah (0-9) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Brett Roberts Top Returning Players: Nick Allely (RB/LB); Stephen Langley (OL/LB); Ryan Matheny (OL/DL); Jordan Poe (TE/DB/P); Kyle Sparks (QB/DB)

District Outlook No doubt somebody will be left out of this district race which looks deep and balanced. Bondurant-Farrar and Pella Christian based on experience and recent success should battle for the district title but also watch for Interstate 35 (Truro) who may be moving up one class but return 13 starters. Clarinda returns nine starters and PCM-Monroe will always compete. Clarke (Osceola) moves down from Class 3A to Class 2A.

ISC District Predictions 1. Bondurant-Farrar 2. PCM-Monroe 3. Pella Christian & Interstate 35 (Truro) Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Class 3A Preseason All-State Defense

Class 3A Preseason All-State Offense QB-Gavin Glenn, Sr., ADM (Adel)

DL-Austin Hardman, Sr., Marion

QB-Luke Eben, Sr., Creston-OrientMacksburg

DL-Pierre Jones, Sr., Ballard (Huxley)

RB-Dylan Barrett, Sr., Harlan

DL-Blake Wilson, Sr., Waverly-Shell Rock

RB-Wes Burnside, Sr., Union (LaPorte City)

LB-Curt Durr, Sr., LeMars

DL-Brent Tarr, Sr., Clear Lake

RB-Brandon Domeyer, Sr., West Delaware (Manchester) RB-Michael Hammes, Sr., Fairfield

LB-Austin Palmer, Sr., West Delaware (Manchester) LB-Zach Twedt, Sr., Benton (Van Horne) LB-Jackson Sawyer, Sr., Winterset

WR-Derek Loveless, Sr., Solon

DB-Dustin Albaugh, Sr., Marion

WR-Brady Roland, Sr., Carlisle

DB-Darian Cotton, Sr., Mount Pleasant

TE-Henry Kriegel-Coble, Sr., Mount Pleasant

DB-Delby Halcomb, Sr., Dallas CenterGrimes

OL-Austin Blythe, Sr., Williamsburg

DB-Nate Wilmes, Sr., Carlisle

OL-Adam Cave, Sr., Harlan

Class 3A Preseason Top-10 1-Harlan 2-Marion 3-Solon 4-Clear Lake 5-Decorah 6-Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) 7-Fairfield 8-Dallas Center-Grimes 9-Mount Pleasant 10-Williamsburg Watch List: ADM (Adel), Ballard (Huxley), Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley, Carlisle, Carroll, Central Clinton (DeWitt), DenisonSchleswig, Grinnell, LeMars, Lewis Central (Council Bluffs), Pella, WaverlyShell Rock

P-Taylor Ostrich, Sr., Carroll

OL-Nick Kohrt, Sr., Ballard (Huxley) OL-Adam Lenehan, Sr., New Hampton OL-Tom McClimon, Sr., Central Clinton (DeWitt) K-Cody Sacquitene, Sr., Decorah

2009 Class 3A State Champions Harlan

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Volume 12 Issue 5

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Iowa Sports Connection

District 1

Class 3A Atlantic (3-6) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Gaylord Schelling Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2002); State RunnerUp (1980) Top Returning Players: Gunnar Blum (RB/P); Parker Hoye (QB/S); Philip Iekel (RB/LB); Robert Nichols (LB)

Carroll (12-1)

(TE/DL); Luke Eblen (QB/DB); Jordan Hayes (OL/DL); Luke Neitzel (RB/LB); Kolton Thatcher (RB/LB)

Glenwood (6-4) Nickname: Rams Head Coach: Brian Albert Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Top Returning Players: Cole Darrow (TE/LB); Levi Henderson (LB); Michael Lawler (DL/K)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Dennis McCartan Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals (2009) Top Returning Players: Jay Baumann (TE/S); Taylor Berger (LB); Brad Christensen (CB); Shawn Higgins (RB); Casey Kasperbauer (WR/DB/K); Taylor Ostrich (WR/S/P)

Creston/Orient-Macksburg (5-5) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Brian Morrison Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/17 Top Returning Players: Collin Bevins

1989, 1992, 2000, 2001) Top Returning Players: Dylan Barrett (RB); Alex Brown (DL); Adam Cave (TE); Joseph Klein (DB); Justin Mills (RB); Zach Osborn (QB); Derek Schwartz (LB); Trent Wendt (K/P)

Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) (4-5) Nickname: Titans Head Coach: Jim Duggan Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Nate Connealy (RB); Nick Graves (LB); Tommy Grimes (OL/DL); Eric Toole (DB/P); Adam Wenck (LB); Brandon Wilson (K)

Red Oak (1-8) Dylan Barrett, Harlan

Harlan (14-0) Nickname: Cyclones Head Coach: Curt Blandt Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1982, 1982, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009); State RunnerUp (1981, 1985, 1986, 1988,

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Mike Beason Best Playoff Finish: No Report Top Returning Players: Seth Esias (RB); Matt Goracke (DB); Tanner Johnson (QB/DB); Cole Meek (LB)

Winterset (3-6) Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Zach Sweeney Best Playoff Finish: State Quarterfinals

Returning Starters (Letterman): 13/24 Top Returning Players: Chance Beloit (OL/DL); Ryan Bowers (OL); Taylor Darr (OL); Drew Eighmey (OL); Andy Hensley (DL); Brennan Kaldenburg (RB/CB); Landon Klimesh (K/DB);Garrett Macumber (RB); Jordan Morris (QB); Cole Murphy (FB/LB); Jackson Sawyer (TE/LB)

District Outlook Always a state title contender, Harlan is back as the defending champions and led by all-state running back Dylan Barrett should be back in the championship race as usual. The question is who will be the test for the Cyclones this season? Look for Lewis Central with Coach Dugan, familiar with success at St. Albert in the past, is back in Iowa with the Titans this season and Carroll to be part of the upper division team race with Winterset back with 13 starters and experience. Red Oak moves up from Class 2A.

ISC District Predictions 1. Harlan 2. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) 3. Carroll

Dylan Barrett photo courtesy of Harlan Newspapers

Class 3A Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) (10-2)

(FB/LB); Tim Miner (DL); Hunter Rohde (RB/LB)

Nickname: Crusaders Head Coach: Roger Jansen Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1975, 1982, 2008); State Runner-Up (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1993, 2007) Top Returning Players: Justin Baker (OL/DL); Michael Malloy (RB); Zach Maxey (K)

Nickname: Dutchman Head Coach: Tom Rupp Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Top Returning Players: Caleb De Haan (LB); Cody Hughs (OL/LB); Brandon Pekelder (OL/DL); Leo Sanchez (K)

Denison-Schleswig (6-5)

Rock Valley/Boyden-Hull (13-1)

Nickname: Monarchs Head Coach: Chad Van Kley Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/20 Top Returning Players: Aaron Baughman (OL/DL); Jeremy Gallagher (FB/LB); Jacob Heiden (OL); Carl Reitz (K); Matt Reitz (WR/ DB); Ricky Torres (QB)

Nickname: Nighthawks Head Coach: Cory Brandt Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2009 Returning Starters (Letterman): Hunter Rohde, 5/22 LeMars Top Returning Players: Micah Hoogendoorn (OL/DL); Bryce Marra (WR/DB); Nate Taylor (LB); Nate Villabos (RB/LB); Matt Westra (QB)

LeMars (6-4)

Sergeant Bluff-Luton (4-5)

Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Jim Boyd Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1973) Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/22 Top Returning Players: Curtis Durr

MOC-Floyd Valley (5-5)

Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Chris Zyzda Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Austin Krohn (WR); Tyler Moffatt (OL/ DL); Cody Solari (LB); Jake Wimmer

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District 2

(RB/DL); Luke Wyant (LB)

Spencer (4-5) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Jim Tighe Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1994); State Runner-Up (1990, 1991) Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/17 Top Returning Players: Zach Carlson (WR); Alex Doppenberg (RB/ DB); Brandt Illg (DB); BJ Kardell (K); Jack Randall (RB/DB); Charlie Rettey (WR/LB); Kris Rhode (OL/DL); Ben Roos (DL) Robby Schlaeger (QB); Dillon Schulz (OL); Bryan Tewes (LB)

Storm Lake (1-8)

Nickname: Tornadoes Head Coach: Bill McCabe Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/17 Top Returning Players: KJ Besch (OL/DL); Nolan Cone (RB/LB); Pel Deng (WR/DB); Desmond Khounlo (LB); Jake Larson (OL/DL); Michael McCabe (QB/DB)

District Outlook It is easy to usually state that Bishop Heelan is the team to beat but there will be a whole new look to this group from the past two seasons and may be challenged a bit more this season. LeMars hopes to be the team to challenge the Crusaders in the district race with a strong running game led by tailback Hunter Rohde. Boyden-Hull/ Rock Valley enjoyed a runner-up finish last year in Class 2A and now will see if they can compete at the next level. Denison-Schleswig looks to build around Ricky Torres who had a strong season in 2009.

ISC District Predictions 1. Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) 2. LeMars 3. Denison-Schleswig Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

District 3

Class 3A Algona (1-8) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Mike Weier Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Richie Baxter (LB); Blair Bradley (QB); Michael Erpleding (LB); Conner McGuire (CB); Michael McMahon (RB/S); Derek Person (LB)

Ballard (Huxley) (9-2) Nickname: Bombers Head Coach: Al Christian Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/24 Top Returning Players: Tanner Hiatt (RB/LB); Pierre Jones (DL); Nick Kohrt (OL); Sean Raes (LB); Tanner Weatherman (QB/DB) Chris Wanless, Decorah

Tanner Weatherman, Ballard

Volume 12 Issue 5

Boone (5-4) Nickname: Toreadors Head Coach: Mark Camemisch Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Top Returning Players: Alex Appenzeller (WR/K); Andrew Booten (LB); Aaron Greenlee (TE/ LB); Trent Lasher (RB)

Clear Lake (11-1) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Fred Wieck Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2002); State RunnerUp (2006) Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/14 Top Returning Players: Josh Brood (LB); Chase Duesenberg (DB); Paxton Farmer (RB); Austin Horner (DB); Austin Kessler (OL); Elliott Neuberger (RB/WR); Brent Tarr (DL)

(OL/DL); Cole Beirnes (OL/DL); Slater Johansen (QB/DB); James Perez (RB/LB); Jace Simpson (RB/ LB)

Humboldt (3-6)

Webster City (5-5) Nickname: Lynx Head Coach: Bob Howard Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/22 Top Returning Players: Josh Briese (FB/DL); John Davis (QB/CB); Nick Erritt (OL/LB); Keagan Parks (RB/ DL); Luke Shannon (LB)

Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Greg Thomas Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2006) Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/15 Top Returning Players: Justin Carlson (DB); Dustin Skow (WB/S); Andrew Swan (WR); Brandon Thilges (RB/LB)

District Outlook Clear Lake has built a long tradition of consistency and will once again get the nod this season with some new contenders in this new look district. Ballard (Huxley) and Webster City return some key experienced players and look to be the teams in the title chase. Humboldt moves back up from Class 2A. Boone and HamptonDumont will scrap and should be in the playoff battle.

2007 Class 3A State Champs Humboldt

Hampton-Dumont (5-5) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Jerry Shafrath Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 5/13 Top Returning Players: Ben Ady

Fitzgerald (RB); Nick Harvey (DB); Jordan Kieffer (LB); Andre Thomas (RB)

Nevada (0-9) Nickname: Cubs Head Coach: John Pelzer Top Returning Players: Bryce Black (P); Mike Chisholm (QB/K); Dan

ISC District Predictions 1. Clear Lake 2. Ballard (Huxley) 3. Webster City

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Iowa Sports Connection

District 4

Class 3A Charles City (6-4) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Steve Stallsmith Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/11 Top Returning Players: Simon Anderegg (OL/DL); Jon Esparza (DL); Griffin Feller (DB); Vance Heller (OL);Jacob Huegel, (QB); Zach Jacoubek (K); Remington Lanenga (OL/DL); Seth Marvin (DL); Tyler Mitchell(DB); Ross Meusel (DL); Ryan Stewart (OL); Derek Wedemeier (LB)

Crestwood (Cresco) (3-6) Nickname: Cadets Head Coach: Chris Lentz Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Reed Faldet (RB/LB); Dustin Murphy (K)

Decorah (9-3) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Bill Post Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1974, 1987, 1988, 1989); State Runner-Up (1997, 2004, 2008)

Returning Starters (Letterman): 5 (21) Top Returning Players: Marlon Henriquez (LB); Cody Sacquitne (DB/K); Casey Smith (LB)

Independence (0-9) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Gary Waters Top Returning Players: Adam Flaucher (QB/DB); Mike Rieff (LB)

Waverly-Shell Rock (2-7) Nickname: Go-Hawks Head Coach: Mark Hubbard Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1990, 1992) Returning Starters (Letterman): 17/25 Top Returning Players: Levi Epley (OL/DL); Eric Larson (WR/DB); Jackson Litterer (QB); Blake Wilson (TE/DL); Luke Wright (OL/DL)

Nickname:Huskies Head Coach: Jim Yokas Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Top Returning Players: Nick Bouska (LB); Kyle Fink (DB); Stephen Meyer (QB); Justin Stewart (DB)

Levi Epley, Waverly-Shell Rock

Waukon (3-6) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Ted Snitker Top Returning Players: Garrett Cooper (LB); Colin Ferring (OL/ DL); Danny Pfiffner (OL/LB); Blaine Snitker (OL/DL)

Marion Football

Nickname: Blue Raiders Head Coach: Derek Roberts Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Gavin Eilers (S); Vaughn Takes (WR)

Center Point-Urbana (6-4) Nickname: Stormin Pointers Head Coach: Dan Burke Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1985) Returning Starters (Letterman): 6/17 Top Returning Players: Joey Dighton (RB/K/P); Logan Driessen (LB); Garrett Gatrost (TE/DL); Dalton Heffernen (OL/DL); Aric Meyers (QB/LB); Colton Reynolds (OL/DL)

Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Doug Winkowitsch Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1991) Top Returning Players: Scott Carroll (LB); Brandon Domeyer (RB/ DB); Myles Finn (K); Matt Hermsen (LB); Jordan Hoffmann (DB); Austin Palmer (OL/LB)

Oelwein (5-5)

Central Clinton (DeWitt) (5-4) Nickname: Sabers Head Coach: Kurt Kreiter Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1973) Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/13 Top Returning Players: Dillon Connell (TE/LB); Alex Daldorf (RB/LB); Devin Daniels (QB); Joe Feldpausch (CB); Brandon Jasper (FB/S); Ryan Lechtenberg (DB); Tom McClimon (OL/DL); Dustin Petersen (FB/LB)

Maquoketa (7-3) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Kevin Bowman Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Top Returning Players: Chase Coakley (DB) Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

District Outlook Decorah has been the easier choice year to year but there is a feeling that district race will be much like last season where teams improved throughout the season. Much of this district remained in tact and along with the Vikings look for West Delaware (Manchester) with a much more experienced newcomer, Waverly-Shell Rock, to be right there along with Charles City.

ISC District Predictions 1. Decorah 2. Waverly-Shell Rock 3. West Delaware (Manchester)

Class 3A Anamosa (0-9)

West Delaware (Manchester) (7-3)

Marion (10-1) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Tony Perkins Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1980) Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/14 Top Returning Players: Dustin Albaugh (DB); Michael Carter (DL); Tyler Fisher (LB); Austin Hardman (DL); Curran Lippsett (LB/K); Jake McDonald (LB); Zach Neilson (LB)

Union (LaPorte City) (8-3) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Joe Hadachek Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Wes Burnside (RB); Blake Clark (LB); Brad Siebel (DB)

Vinton-Shellsburg (4-6) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Pat Farley Best Playoff Finish: Substate Round Returning Starters(Letterman: 12/25 Top Returning Players: Sean Dulun (P); Travis Libbert (DB); John Lippman (DB); Gunner Trannel (LB); Logan Williams (RB/DB)

District 5 Western Dubuque (Epworth) (2-7) Nickname: Bobcats Head Coach: Brian Cool Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2001) Top Returning Players: Matt Kass (QB); Jordan Kluesner (K); Michael Kluesner (LB/P); Nick Lenstra (WR/DB)

District Outlook Always an interesting group in the past with Marion, Central Clinton (DeWitt) and Union (LaPorte City). Marion is big and strong up front and should be able to grind people up front again on both sides of the football. Defense wins championships and Central Clinton returns 7 of their starters and should help their hopes of a district title. Union, Maquoketa and possibly newcomer Western Dubuque will fight for the upper division race.

ISC District Predictions 1. Marion 2. Central Clinton (DeWitt) 3. Union (LaPorte City) Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

District 6

Class 3A Benton (Van Horne) (4-5)

Mount Vernon (2-7)

Nickname: Bobcats Head Coach: Shawn Pfiffner Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Ben Jones (RB/LB); Jordan Kearns (CB); Mitch Lester (WR/CB); Zach Twedt (QB/ LB)

Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Duane Orr Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1974, 1993, 1994); State Runner-Up (1972, 1978, 1989, 2002, 2003) Top Returning Players: Jake Brokel (DB); Ryan Cox (LB); Jacob Davidson (OL/LB); Jordan Roe (LB); Beau Rolland (TE/P); Henok Russell (K); Jacob Timm (QB/DB)

Clear Creek-Amana (7-4) Nickname: Clippers Head Coach: Rodney Walls Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/14 Top Returning Players: Zac Manders (WR/DB); Josh Rohert (WR/DB); Caleb Sedlacek (K); Nash Stopko (LB); Tyler Walls (FB/LB)

Volume 12 Issue 5

Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Kevin Miller Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1988, 2007, 2008, 2009); State Runner-Up (1992, 2003, 2006) Top Returning Players: Travis Brimeyer (RB); AJ Brumwell (LB); Nick Henry (OL); Marshall Koehn (K/P); Derrick Loveless (WR); Pat Payrz (QB)

Williamsburg (8-2) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Curt Ritchie Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2002) Top Returning Players: Austin Blythe (OL/DL); Tyler Greiner (RB); Riley Hoschstedler (OL/DL); Tim Jones (K); Kelly Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke (QB); Brett Waughop (RB)

South Tama (1-8)

District Outlook

Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Mike Stein Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1985) Top Returning Players: Fidencio Balderas (OL/LB); Nick Clancy (RB/ LB); Kyle Lux (TE/DL); Brandon Horbach (QB/P); Dustin Kalinay (WR/DB)

Grinnell (9-2) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Jim Dunne Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1998) Top Returning Players: Trent Baker (WR/DB); Nate Bryngelson (OL/ LB); Nathan Criswell (DB); Jordan Ferch (DB)

LB); Martin Ponce (LB); Jake Redlinger (QB); Nic Williams (P)

Solon (14-0)

Washington (5-5)

Trent Baker, Grinnell

Nickname: Demons Head Coach: Jason Ganoe Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Landon Coker (WR/DB); T.J. Leutele (TE/

Solon is the standard-bearer after three straight state titles and a runnerup finish four years ago. The Spartans look to reload but others look to end the dynasty. They will also do it up to Class 3A from Class 2A. Some new faces are on the schedule with Grinnell and Washington but watch for Clear Creek-Amana with ten returning starters back to bring a respectful season to challenge. Williamsburg with all-state lineman Austin Blythe, who will play at Iowa next season, will try to build on a very solid 8-2 season last year.

ISC District Predictions 1. Solon 2. Williamsburg 3. Grinnell

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Iowa Sports Connection

District 7

Class 3A Centerville (11-1) Nickname: Big Reds Head Coach: Jim Knott Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Chris Schacher (LB)

Chariton (3-6)

Fort Madison (3-6) Nickname: Bloodhounds Head Coach: Todd McGhghy Top Returning Players: Zach Bartlett (P); Eric Kent (QB); Colton Languell (LB/K); Clinton Richers (RB); Jesse Ross (DB)

Nickname: Chargers Head Coach: Lee Sandy Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Wuceley Andersen (RB/LB); Dustin Harberts (LB); Dalton Storm (QB/DB); Eugene Zinchenko (LB)

2007 Class 3A Champs Keokuk

Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Bob Jensen Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/14 Top Returning Players: Henry Krieger-Coble (WR/LB); Darian Cotton (RB/DB); Brayton Meeker (OL/LB)

Oskaloosa (2-7)

Fairfield (7-3) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Mike Schrenk Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Grant Curran (DB); Jeff Guttry (LB); Michael Hammes (RB); Matt Hotek (OL/DL); Jordan Leazer (QB/ DB); Tanner Metcalf (LB); Michael Smithburg (OL/DL)

Mount Pleasant (5-4)

Keokuk (1-8) Nickname: Chiefs Head Coach: Doug Dodds Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2007) Top Returning Players: Zach Asbury (DL); CJ Dunagan (LB); Kevin Jennings (QB); Bryce Rose (LB); Derek Rose (LB); Elliot Vandenberg (RB/DB)

Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Darrell Schumacher Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1996); State Runner-Up (1983) Returning Starters (Letterman): 8/22 Top Returning Players: Ethan Brandt (OL); Alex Christensen (WR); Zach Myers (DL); Jake Osborn (RB); Malaki Wills (TE)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Michael Whisner Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Colin Buchman (OL/DL); Gavin Glenn (QB); Kyle Knoll (OL/DL); Keegan Mumma (CB); Josh Sampson (WR/ CB); Damon Schmidt (LB); Lucas Thompson (CB)

Carlisle (6-4) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Mark Hoekstra Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/17 Top Returning Players: Jeremy Flaws (QB/DB); Justin Hagedorn (K); Kyle Joiner (LB); Ryan Onstott

(LB); Brady Roland (WR/CB); Matt Wilkson (OL/DL); Nate Wilmes (RB/DB)

Norwalk (3-6) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Paul Patterson Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 5/12 Top Returning Players: Zach Elliott (DB); Zane Henely (K); Shay Huffman (P); Austin Katzureck (OL/DL)

Newton (1-8)

Nate Wilmes, Carlisle

Top Returning Players: Devin Hugan (RB); Ira Mitchell (RB); Gunnar Shipley (RB)

Dallas Center-Grimes (4-6)

Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Chris Hudson Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Top Returning Players: Austin Houser (K/P); Dylan Schrader (RB); Tony Schroeder (OL/DL); Adam Thiel (QB) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Ed Erngenbright Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1980); State Runner-Up (1977, 1988, 1990)

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District Outlook Interesting mix of teams with 3A runner-up Pella looking to reload and Mount Pleasant wanting to make the next hurdle along with under the radar Fairfield who return a strong group with experience led by the running of Michael Hammes. Mount Pleasant adds to the running game with the return of Darian Cotton. Not many off nights for the top of this new-look district.

ISC District Predictions

Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Scott Heitland Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/23 Top Returning Players: Zach Bauer (DL), Beau Berkley (P/K), Blair Goldsmith (DB); Delby Halcomb (RB/DB); Tyler Kastantin (WR); Michael Mitchell (LB), Brock Negrete (RB)

Knoxville (2-7)

Nickname: Little Dutch Head Coach: Jay McKinstrey Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2009) Returning Starters (Lettermen): 7/25 Top Returning Players: Chris Bandstra (OL/DL); Spencer Boeyink (RB/DB/); Travis Ewing (WR/LB); Grant Gustafson (RB/LB); Teag Klyn (QB/DB); Ryan Lanke (WR/ LB); Josh Pringle (WR/LB); Zack Zemanek (OL/DL)

1. Fairfield 2. Mount Pleasant 3. Pella

Class 3A A-D-M (Adel) (7-4)

Pella (10-4)

Perry (4-5) Nickname: Bluejays Head Coach: Jeff Hayes Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/24 Top Returning Players: Corey Anderson (FB); Cory Beidler (P); Zach Elliot (DB); Vince Jahnke (OL/ DL); Austin Katzureck (DL); Evan Kimberlin (OL); Jake Kruger (QB); Michael Lewiston (OL); Zane Seeley (RB/LB); Levi Schmitz (OL/DL); Wil Stetzel (FB/LB); Jay Torres (LB); Marco Velasco (K)

Saydel (1-8) Nickname: Eagles

District 8 Head Coach: Craig Wederquist Returning Starters (Letterman): 11/11 Top Returning Players: DJ Bowman (OL/DL); Dan Breitbarth (QB); Nate Hall (WR/DB); Chris Hartung (OL/DL); Jake Punelli (LB); Jordan Snell (LB); Wes White (WR/ DB) District Outlook It is a new day with Newton dropping down from Class 4A to 3A this season. Add the Dallas Center-Grimes/ADM (Adel) and Carlisle/Norwalk rivalry in district instead of out of district and it should be a fun season. Carlisle has a solid skill set group back with Brady Flaws (QB), Nate Wilmes (RB) and Brady Roland (WR). DC-G also has experience at the skill position and looks to improve on the offensive side of the football. Gavin Glenn is one of the best quarterbacks in the state and will lead ADM in the battle for a district title. Offenses look to dominate so the team that finds a way to make big plays on defense could have the edge in the end.

ISC District Predictions 1. Dallas Center-Grimes 2. Carlisle 3. A-D-M (Adel) Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Class 4A Preseason All-State Offense

Class 4A Preseason All-State Defense

QB-Kyle Anderson, Sr., Ames

DL-Brandon Abernathy, Sr., Indianola

QB-Jed Haycraft, Sr., Cedar Rapids Kennedy

DL-Isaac Ales, Sr., Muscatine

RB-Jontel Clayton, Sr., Fort Dodge

DL-Tyler Schmitt, Sr., Urbandale

RB-Austin Ebertowski, Sr., Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln

LB-Mark Atwater, Jr., Linn-Mar (Marion)

RB-Jer Garman, Sr., Linn-Mar (Marion) RB-Barkley Hill, Jr., Cedar Falls WR-Amara Darboh, Sr., Dowling Catholic

DL-Brody Berrie, Sr., Bettendorf

LB-Will Kenny, Sr., Fort Dodge LB-Zach Parson, Sr., Cedar Rapids Kennedy

WR-Lincoln Vorba, Sr., Mason City

LB-Adam Sailor, Sr., Cedar Rapids Washington

TE-Ben Boesen, Sr., Dowling Catholic

DB-Darreus Caston, Sr., Fort Dodge

OL-Tim Grahm, Sr., Burlington

DB-Zane Cozad, Jr., Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson

OL-Dallas Hinkhouse, Sr., West Des Moines Valley OL-Nic Pierotti, Sr., Johnston

DB-Ryan Langford, Sr., Davenport Assumption

OL-Zach Thompson, Sr., Ankeny

DB-Travis Perry, Sr., Urbandale

OL-Toby Ziemer, Sr., Cedar Rapids Washington

P-Austin Miller, Sr., North Scott (Eldridge)

Class 4A Preseason Top-10 1-Dowling Catholic 2-Cedar Rapids Xavier 3-Bettendorf 4-Cedar Falls 5-West Des Moines Valley 6-Cedar Rapids Washington 7-Ankeny 8-North Scott (Eldridge) 9-Linn-Mar (Marion) 10-Fort Dodge Watch List: Ames, Burlington, Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln, Davenport Assumption, Iowa City High, Johnston, Ottumwa, Urbandale, Waukee

K-Spencer Lee, Sr., Johnston

2009 Class 4A State Champions Iowa City, City High

COME SEE THE BOYS OF SUMMER August 8-11 vs. Portland August 21-24 vs. Nashville September 3-6 vs. Memphis August 10: The Famous Chicken August 21: Fan Batting Practice August 22: Autograph Baseball Giveaway September 3: Postgame Fireworks September 6: As Seen On TV Giveaway call (515) 243-6111 or visit iowacubs.com for tickets 46

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Iowa Sports Connection

CIML Iowa

Class 4A Ames (3-7) Nickname: Little Cyclones Head Coach: Bruce Vertanen Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (1996) Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/19 Top Returning Players: Kyle Anderson (QB); Darin Blum (WR); Nathan Cruise (LB); Davis Dixon (DB); John Elsenbast (K); Chris Hinojo (FB); Jon Hoskins (DL); Dane Jensen (OL); Tony Rush (LB); Luke Swalla (RB/DB); Corey Thompson (RB)

Waukee (7-4)

Jon Hope, Waukee

Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2009) Top Returning Players: Chris Allen (WR/LB); Kyle Carnahan (RB/ LB); Austin Hauser (QB); Josh Illum (RB/K/P); Will Kenny (LB); Willie Williams (WR/DB); Darius Zeigler (WR/S)

Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Scott Carlson Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals Top Returning Players: Evan Breuer (RB/P); Jonny Getting (QB/WR/ CB); Jon Hope (TE/LB/S); Lance Irvin (K); Josh Schueler (OL/DL); Cody Tennison (OL/DL); Jordan Wachter (FB/LB) West Des Moine Valley, 2008 Class 4A State Champs

Fort Dodge (7-3) Nickname: Dodgers Head Coach: Matt Miller Best Playoff Finish: Semifinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 14/24 Top Returning Players: Ethan Bartlett (LB); Darius Caston (RB); Jontel Clayton (RB/CB); Ty Littzen (K); Willie Williams (WR/CB)

Marshalltown (13-1)

Mason City (5-5) Nickname: Mohawks Head Coach: Justin Tenner Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1978); State Runner-Up (1981) Top Returning Players: Tyler Kober (FB/LB); Travis Mallo (LB); Jake Peter (CB); Landon Schultz (DL); Robert Swanson (S); Ryan Voves (RB/DB)

Nickname: Bobcats Head Coach: Dave Holdiman

Ankeny (10-2)

Dowling Catholic (WDM) (12-1) Nickname: Maroons Head Coach: Tom Wilson Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2000, 2001); State Runner-Up (1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1987, 1995, 1998) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Ben Boesen (TE/LB); Connor Bravard (QB/P); Amara Darboh (WR); Matt Eganhouse (LB); Ty Flood (RB/ LB); Eric Lee (WR/CB); Jason McMurray (WR/S); Dalton Parrott (RB); Jacob Stacy (RB/CB)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Gary Swenson Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2002, 2003, 2005, 2008); State Runner-Up (1979, 1992, 2004) Returning Starters (Letterman):

Class 4A

Ben Boesen photo courtesy of Bryan Riesberg

Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Jerry Pezzetti Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1997); State Runner-Up (2007) Top Returning Players: Joe Bredice (RB/CB); Joel Lanning (QB); Rob Meyers (RB/LB); Cole Netten (K); Greg Raney (WR/CB); Zach Thompson (OL/DL)

West Des Moines Valley (6-5)

Indianola (4-6) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Eric Kluver Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 5/12 Top Returning Players: Brandon Abernathy (DL/OL); Spencer Bowers (DL); Zach Brown (QB); Brennan Davey (WR/CB); Ryan McCoy (FB/S); Nick Reinert (K)

Johnston (6-5) Nickname: Dragons Head Coach: Brian Woodley Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/14

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Ben Boesen, Dowling Catholic

Top Returning Players: Nathan DePenning (RB); James Garlock (WR/DB); Bradley Hagerla (TE/DL); Spencer Lee (K); Brandon McBride (DL); Justin Long (QB); Nick Pierotti (OL/DL); Zach Stitz (TE/LB); Carr Terpstra (P)

16/19 Top Returning Players: Brody Baumann (WR); Seth Campbell (DL); Pete Christiansen (S); Alex Eaton (LB); Brandon Ellingson (FB/LB); Jordan Guske (CB); Trevor Hansen (OL); Dallas Hinkhouse (OL); Trey Lewis (RB); Isaac Lintz (WR); Nolan Lodden (DB); Martin Looney (RB); Dillon Olsen (DL) Conference Outlook Last year was the year to take advantage of a slightly down West Des Moines Valley program. Marshalltown did that with a state runner-up finish. This season the Tigers will be back but will need to find a new leader at quarterback. Ames is looking to build on a strong finish after a disappointing start with Kyle Anderson at QB and Corey Thompson in the backfield. Waukee returns strong line play on both sides of the football but like the Warriors will have to find a new leader under center. Fort Dodge has some very nice returning talent in the backfield with Darius Caston and Jontel Clayton and should be tough once again.

ISC Conference Predictions 1. West Des Moines Valley 2. Ames 3. Waukee & Fort Dodge

CIML Central Garrett Funk (OL); Nigel Habben (QB/DB); Nick Jepsen (OL/LB); DeAndre Moore (RB/CB); Travis Perry (WR/DB); Kellen Roberts (RB/DB); Tyler Schmitt (OL/DL)

Southeast Polk (1-8)

Conference Outlook

Nickname: Rams Head Coach: Denny Muller Best Playoff Finish: Runner-Up (2006) Top Returning Players: Logan Bieghler (K/P); Brock Daniels (CB); Matt Knipp (DB); Dylan Leighter (LB); Mike Pavvon (DL); Austin Pinegar (TE); Jake Sargent (RB); Zach Warren (RB)

Dowling Catholic reached the semifinals last season and has the talent to have another season with the potential to reach the UNI-dome again. A strong offensive line returns. Last season the offense had to catch up with the defense. This season the roles are reversed. Look for Ankeny to be part of the battle as always in the CIML-Central with the Maroons, Urbandale and Johnston in a battle for the upper division finish. Indianola has pieces that make them dangerous. From top to bottom itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a tough conference and should be again this season as Indianola, Johnston and Southeast Polk will also have competitive teams.

Urbandale (9-3) Nickname: J-Hawks Head Coach: Sam Anderson Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1975) ; State RunnerUp (1979) Returning Starters (Letterman): 11/25 Top Returning Players: Jordan Augustine (OL/DL); Cody Elbert (CB); Connor Freeman (RB/DB/P);

ISC District Predictions 1. Dowling Catholic 2. Ankeny 3. Urbandale & Johnston Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Class 4A Des Moines East (7-4) Nickname: Scarlets Head Coach: Rick Roberts Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/24 Top Returning Players: Dashawn Cason; Matt Grover (WR/P); Louie Ingoli (WR); Connor Kouri (DB); Jesus Zambrano (K)

Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Nathan Brown (WR); Austin Damm (TE/DL); Theo Evans (OL/DL); Ben Markey (QB); Colby Robbins (LB); Michael Weaver (OL/DL)

Des Moines Lincoln (6-4) Nickname: Railsplitters Head Coach: Tom Mihalovich Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 14/22 Top Returning Players: Keevon Bernstine (RB/S/P); Tyler Goble (FB/DL); Austin Lovan (DB/K); Jordan Smith (OL/P); Kippie Ward (RB/CB)

Des Moines Roosevelt (2-7)

Ottumwa (7-3)

Nickname: Roughriders Head Coach: Guy Rosenberg Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/14 Top Returning Players: Darren Carr (RB/LB); Michael Freeman (RB/ LB); Jahzel Fristo (RB/CB); Michael Groth (P); Tajh Washington (QB/S); John Watson (WR/S); Chris Williams (OL/DL)

Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Zach Wigle Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Ely Emery (FB/LB); Tori Drayton (DL); Brandon Enloe (TE/CB/P); Ben Kraemer (QB/S); J.C. Salter (RB/LB); Quinn Vesely (RB/DB)

Conference Outlook Ottumwa has returned to where they had found familiar grounds over the years in the metro, back on top. The Bulldogs should once again be the team to beat in the Metro for the crown but Des Moines Lincoln and Des Moines East should not be counted out. How quickly the newcomers improve will dictate how close the race will be. Des Moines Roosevelt would also like to believe that they can get back into the race after a couple of down seasons.

Des Moines North (0-9) Deshawn Cason, Des Moines East

Des Moines Hoover (1-8) Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Mitch Elbert Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round

Nickname: Polar Bears Head Coach: Greg Holland Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Dante Maricle (RB); Weston McPhee (QB); Jordan Thomas (RB/LB)

CIML Metro

ISC District Predictions Tahj Washington, Des Moines Roosevelt

1. Ottumwa 2. Des Moines East 3. Des Moines Lincoln

Deshawn Cason photo courtesy of Janene Kling (www.jksphoto.ifp3.com)

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Iowa Sports Connection

Class 4A

MVC - Valley

Cedar Falls (8-3)

Cedar Rapids Prairie (3-7)

Dubuque Hempstead (8-3)

Waterloo East (2-7)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Pat Mitchell and Brad Remmert Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1986); State Runner-Up (1982, 1999, 2005, 2008) Returning Starters (Letterman): 10/17 Top Returning Players: Ben Challgren (LB); Alex Crow (FB); James Harrington (WR/CB); Barkley Hill (RB/P); Cody Hirsch (OL); Nick Hullerman (DB); Thomas Knief (OL); Joe Schwickerath (LB)

Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Craig Jelinek Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1981) (3A) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Chaz Boots (QB); Trevor Burgess (RB); Sam Joens (TE/DL); Brandon Lafferty (WR/LB); Nate Meyer (LB); Josh Rundall (RB); Austin Ruetzel (K); Ben VanRoekel (LB); Jacob Van Winkle (WR)

Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Mark Ehlers Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1979); State Runner-Up (1978) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Mitch Berendes (OL/LB); Jason Lewis (RB/DB); Chad Peppmeier (DL/P); Kyle Wiest (K)

Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Antonio Mays Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Shawn Boehmer (DL/LB); Alex Oliver (DL/ LB); Nathan Sahr (QB/P); Cameron Winters (LB)

Cedar Rapids Xavier (10-3)

James Harrington, Cedar Falls

Cedar Rapids Jefferson (1-8) Nickname: J-Hawks Head Coach: Jim Womochil Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1972) Top Returning Players: Conner Herman (TE/DL); Alec Saunders (S/P); Tanner Unkel (RB/CB)

Nickname: Saints Head Coach: Duane Schulte Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (2006); C.R. Regis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; State Champions (1978); State Runner-Up (1972, 1982) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Pat Chizek (RB); Colin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor (LB); Tyler Wright (LB)

Iowa City West (3-7) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Brian Sauser Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1995, 1998, 1999) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Anthony Brown (LB); Ian McBrearty (DB); Devonnie Moses (LB); Mark Plath (DB); Charles Rogers (QB); Berkley Strand (LB); Alex Troester (K/P)

District Outlook Cedar Falls brings football tradition and back this season are two outstanding skill kids in Barkley Hill at tailback and James Harrington at wide receiver. Cedar Rapids Xavier is not far removed from a state title and will look to reload after a solid 2009 season. Iowa City West would like to get back to a winning season and have experience to improve and possibly contend this season. Dubuque Hempstead hopes to continue what has been a good last couple of years but will need to do that with newcomers.

ISC District Predictions 1. Cedar Rapids Xavier 2. Cedar Falls 3. Iowa City West

James Harrington photo courtesy of Lattin Photography

Class 4A MVC - Mississippi Cedar Rapids Kennedy (5-6) Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Tim Lewis Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Erik Boyer (K/P); Anthony Crawley (RB); Herschel Dixon (LB); Christian French (S); Jed Haycraft (QB); Jordan Sanford (LB)

Top Returning Players: Vito Freese (RB/LB); Ryan Giesemann (WR/ DB); Carson Kreiss (OL/LB); Cody Perry (FN/LB); Tyler Roddick (FB/ LB)

Dubuque Senior (1-8) Nickname: Rams Head Coach: Mike Wulfekuhle Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Lettermen): 5/9

Iowa City, City High (14-0) Nickname: Little Hawks Head Coach: Dan Sabers Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1993, 1994, 1996, 2009); State Runner-Up (1997, 2001) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Andrew McNulty (QB/DB)

Cedar Rapids Washington (9-3) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tony Lombardi Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (2003) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Alex Carr (RB/CB); Adam Sailor (LB); Quinn Vincent (OL/LB)

(LB); Michael Jeschke (OL/LB); Riley McCarron (RB/DB); JJ Reimer (OL/DL)

Linn-Mar (Marion) (9-2) Adam Sailor, Cedar Rapids Washington

Dubuque Wahlert (2-7) Nickname: Golden Eagles Head Coach: Mike Mahoney Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Zach Brautigam (QB); Andrew Ganshirt

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Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Bob Forsyth Best Playoff Finish: Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Brandon Allen (LB); Mark Atwater (QB/LB); Jer Garman (RB); Kyle Hollister (DB); Aaron Hunter (WR/DB); Josh Montague (WR); Mitch Wantock (LB)

Waterloo West (2-7) Nickname: Wahawks Head Coach: Lonnie Moore Best Playoff Finish: State RunnerUp (1975, 1984) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Ian Brauer (OL/LB); Dakota Hottle (LB/K)

District Outlook Can Iowa City High find enough to fill the many holes left behind by graduation? Is Linn-Mar ready to go to the next level? It will be tough for the Little Hawks, but for the Lions, the answer on paper and based on last season looks to be yes with the return of Mark Atwater under center and one of the top rushers in the state in Ger Garman. Cedar Rapids Washington like City High will have to fill some key losses while Cedar Rapids Kennedy hopes to improve with some experience back this season.

ISC District Predictions 1. Cedar Rapids Washington 2. Linn-Mar (Marion) 3. Iowa City High Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Class 4A Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln (6-4) Nickname: Lynx Head Coach: Justin Kammrad Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Lettermen): No Report Top Returning Players: Beau Brownley (P); Austin Ebertowski (RB); Brad Groepper (DL); Cleo Harris; Jamison Lalk (TE, DL); Josh Kinney (OL); Alex Olson (QB); Tex Richmond (OL); Luke Thalle (DL); Devin Thomas (RB); Nolan Webster (WR); Alex White (RB)

Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson (1-8) Nickname: Yellow Jackets Head Coach: Mark Puev Best Playoff Finish: Substate Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Colton Harlan (DL); Cole Millard (RB/LB); Dominic Wilson (RB/S), Josh Skou (WR/DB)

Sioux City East (5-5)

Sioux City West (1-8)

Nickname: Black Raiders Head Coach: Bob Goovin Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1984) Returning Starters (Letterman): 12/32 Top Returning Players: Ryan Anderson (RB/CB); Ryan Donahue (RB/CB); Quenton James (WR); Jordan Menard (WR/CB); Brad Stapleton (LB); Mike Soole (OL); Conner Ulven (OL/DL); Mitch Vos (RB/LB)

Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Andy Yost Best Playoff Finish: No Report Returning Starters (Lettermen): No Report Top Returning Players: Anthony Baker (OL/DL)

Conference Outlook

Sioux City North (3-6)

Josh Skou (#28), Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson

Missouri River

Nickname: Stars Head Coach: Shawn Meth Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Returning Starters (Letterman): 18 Top Returning Players: Max Kaplan (K/P); Nick Longtin (LB); Shannon McKenzie (OL/LB); Jawad Najdawi (WR); Jonathan Pitts (RB/CB); Tre Worden (WR)

Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln had a successful season in 2009 and looks to build off of that with a solid nucleus returning led by tailback Austin Ebertowski. Changes in the coaching ranks will cast a few unknown answers to questions in the Missouri River. Sioux City East will return twelve starters and look to be the challenger. After Abe Lincoln and with the changes to this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedule which will include playing teams from other classes to fill out a schedule left open because of the changes by the CIML, it leaves a lot of unknown answers to questions.

ISC District Predictions Austin Ebertowski, Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln

Volume 12 Issue 5

1. Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln 2. Sioux City East 3. Sioux City North

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Iowa Sports Connection

Mississippi Athletic Conference Bettendorf (8-2) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Aaron Wiley Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1981, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 2004, 2007) Returning Starters (Letterman): 7/14 Top Returning Players: Brodie Berrie (DL); Gage Ridenour (WR/P); Nate Shaw (LB); Hunter Spreen (OL); Griffin Steil (DL); Adam Vesole (CB/K); Eric Wells (CB) #91 Brody Berrie, Bettendorf

Burlington (4-6) Nickname: Grayhounds Head Coach: John Flaherty Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1948, 1950) Returning Starters (Letterman): 9/22 Top Returning Players: Tim Graham (OL/DL); Cole Hart (QB/CB); Josh Osborn (RB/LB/CB); Devin Pflum (TE/LB); Brian Plfum (TE/LB); Austin Shaver (OL/LB); Jordan Webb (RB/LB/CB)

Clinton (11-1) Nickname: River Kings Head Coach: Lee Camp Best Playoff Finish: State Quarterfinals Returning Starters (Letterman): 4/19 Top Returning Players: Aaron Brown (FB/LB); DJ George (OL); Patrick Hess (WR/DB); Blake Pennock (DL); Eric Pruitt (OL/DL); Derek Witt (WR)

Davenport Assumption (5-5) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Wade King Best Playoff Finish: State Semifinals Top Returning Players: Andrew Dobek (QB/QB); Tim Kilfoy (DB); Ryan Langford (RB/DB); Zach Mumm (RB); Jordan Sinkler (LB); Tyler Swope (OL/DL)

Davenport Central (5-5) Nickname: Blue Devils Head Coach: Mark Roering Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1955, 1957, 1962, 1973, 1976, 1983) Top Returning Players: Kyle Franklin (QB/P); Tyries Wilson (RB)

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Davenport North (0-9) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Greg Kern Top Returning Players: Joe Kern (RB/LB); Chris Maze (P); Jeff Owens (OL/DL); Eric Reynolds (QB)

Davenport West (2-7) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Scott Schroeder Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1974,1977) Top Returning Players: Zach Bruce (RB)

(LB); Aaron Huber (RB/DB); Austin Miller (K); Ben Nagle (OL/DL); Bryce Sellers (LB)

Pleasant Valley (5-5) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Rusty VanWetzinga Best Playoff Finish: State Champions (1985) Returning Starters (Letterman): No Report Top Returning Players: Dolan Guihn (DL); Grant Lang (QB); Maurice Terrell (RB/DB)

Muscatine (2-7) Nickname: Muskies Head Coach: Tony Napierala Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Isaac Ales (DL); Tanner Bohling (RB/DB); Ozzie Carrillo (K); Jeff Failor (WR/ LB); Griffen Gaeta (WR/LB); Paul Jindrich (QB/DB); Chad Vander Linden (DB)

North Scott (Eldridge) (5-5) Nickname: Lancers Head Coach: Kevin Tippet Best Playoff Finish: 1st Round Top Returning Players: Travis Anderson (WR/DB); Tyler Blondell

Conference Outlook Who will be the team that emerges in 2010 in the MAC? Last season it was Clinton. On paper it looks to be a tight battle for the top with some familiar faces starting with a perennial power in Bettendorf that returns itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front seven on defense. Davenport Assumption and North Scott (Eldridge) return a strong group and will be part of the fight along with Pleasant Valley. Burlington and Davenport Central may be the sleepers this year.

ISC Conference Predictions 1. Bettendorf 2. Davenport Assumption 3. North Scott (Eldridge)

Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Volume 12 Issue 5

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Iowa Sports Connection

Hawkeyes Look to Provide Encore in 2010, Surpass Exciting 2009 University of Iowa Sports Information Department finished seventh in the final rankings of both major polls. It The 2009 Iowa football season will be remembered was Iowa’s highest season-ending rank since 1960 (third) as one of the most exciting, nail biting and successful and the fourth top ten finish in the last eight seasons. campaigns in University history. With many of the And, Iowa has now won successive January ingredients in place, many are looking for bowl games. the 2010 Hawkeyes to provide an encore Individual honors followed Iowa’s wins that’s even better. The challenge of topping on the gridiron. Offensive lineman Bryan last year’s achievements will be difficult, Bulaga was named the Big Ten’s Offensive but it’s something players, coaches and Lineman of the Year. Defensive end Adrian fans eagerly look forward to as they enter Clayborn was named national Defensive a new decade of Hawkeye football. Player of the Year by College Football Three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year Performance Awards. He’ll be back to lead Kirk Ferentz will be hard pressed to a veteran defense. duplicate the results of the past decade. Seven Hawkeyes were named first team But his Iowa program has made a habit of all-Big Ten last year. They included Bulaga, doing things the experts say can’t be done Tyler Sash, Clayborn, Pat Angerer (LB), Tyler Sash (DB), at Iowa. The Hawkeyes were 80-45 (.640) Oskaloosa HS, Dace Richardson (OL), Tony Moeaki (TE) in the decade just completed. That’s the UI Defensive Back and Amari Spievey (DB). Only Clayborn and most Iowa wins, ever, in a decade. Since a Sash return from that group. Second team all-Big Ten 2-18 start to the Ferentz era, the Hawkeyes have gone performers included Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (WR), 79-37 (.681). Iowa competed in eight bowl games over Rafael Eubanks (OL), A.J. Edds (OLB), Kyle Calloway (OL) the last nine years (5-3 record) and six of those contests and Brett Greenwood (DB). were January bowl games, with two being BCS contests. Seniors Adrian Clayborn (DE) and Ryan Donahue (P), Only eight other teams in the country have played in that along with junior Tyler Sash (DB), are 2010 all-America many January bowl games in the past eight seasons. candidates. Both Clayborn and Sash received all-America Last year was an excellent example of all that has recognition last year. Other Hawkeyes expected to gain happened during the Ferentz era. Most figured Iowa was pre- or post-season honors include Ricky Stanzi (QB), destined for a so-so record, with road games at Iowa Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (WR), Marvin State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio McNutt (WR), Brett Morse (FB), Riley Reiff State. Confounding most in college football, Iowa won (OL), Julian Vandervelde (OL), Allen Reisner its first nine games, for the first time in school history (TE), Broderick Binns (DE), Christian Ballard and climbed as high as sixth in the national polls. Two (DT), Karl Klug (DT), Jeremiha Hunter (LB), November losses, by a total of 10 points, are all that Brett Greenwood (DB) and Shaun Prater separated Iowa from a Big Ten title and who knows what (DB). Others could certainly make the list as else. But, Iowa did well enough to earn a spot in the time moves on. 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl and a 24-14 victory over ACC Stability is a key ingredient in Iowa’s champion Georgia Tech. success. Over the past 31 years, Iowa has The final results of the memorable 2009 season were had only two head football coaches. The an 11-2 overall record and a second place Big Ten (6-2) only team in the Big Ten that can match finish. The Hawkeyes finished in the Big Ten’s upper that figure is Penn State and Joe Paterno. division for the eighth time in nine years. The 11 wins Seven league schools have had at least five equal the most (2002) wins ever by an Iowa team. Iowa

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head coaching changes in the last three decades. Only six assistant coaches have left the Ferentz staff in the last 10 years. Of those six, one retired, three went to the NFL and two left to become coordinators at the Division I level. The last eight years have been unprecedented in Iowa football history. It has resulted in two Big Ten championships (2002 & 2004); four wins in six January bowl games and four finishes in the nations top ten. A 22-game home winning streak (broken in 2005) and 36 straight home sellouts (broken in 2008) are additional positives of a program rich in tradition and consistency. Four January bowl wins over highly regarded teams from the Southeastern and Atlantic Coast Conferences (Florida, LSU, South Carolina and Georgia Tech) are all notches on the Hawkeye victory belt. Ferentz has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year three times. He joins the select company of Hayden Fry, Joe Paterno and Bo Schembechler as the only three-time winners of the award. Ferentz was also named the 2002 Associated Press National Coach of the Year. Ferentz, entering his 12th year with the Hawkeyes, ranks second in longevity among league football coaches. Another residual effect of Iowa’s successful program is the fact that Hawkeye players have won the Outland, Mackey, O’Brien, Groza and Doak Walker Awards (and a runner-up to the Heisman) during the Ferentz era. Iowa had a semi-finalist for virtually every individual award given during the 2009 season. Allen Reisner, All Iowa games were televised in 2009. In Marion HS, fact, 113 straight Hawkeye football games UI Tight End have been televised. The Hawkeyes appear weekly on national TV networks (ABC, ESPN, Big Ten Network). The 2010 Hawkeyes play a 12-game regular season schedule, which includes an attractive seven game home slate. There will be a bye week (Oct. 9th). The opener is Sept. 4th, against Eastern Illinois, at Kinnick Stadium as four of the first five games are in Iowa City.

Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Iowa State Sets Its Sights on another Bowl Victory in 2010 Tim Weideman Iowa Sports Connection Communications Intern through the season.” As football season approaches, a feeling of In case Robinson were to go down, Iowa State excitement is growing around Ames, Iowa. After may be in good shape with what Rhoads called “a coming off an Insight Bowl victory over the Minnesota pretty good stable of running backs.” Some players Gophers to finish the season 7-6, the Iowa State challenging for the spots behind Robinson on the Cyclones are a team ready to show the strides depth chart will be Jeff Woody, they’ve made in the offseason. ISU QB Austen Arnaud Scores Beau Blankenship and James “The reason that excitement a TD during the Insight Bowl White—a former Southeast exists is because of the Polk H.S. prep from Pleasant development that has taken place against Minnesota. Hill, Iowa. in our football program over the Much of the weight of last 19 months,” head coach Paul expectations for this season Rhodes said August 4 during Iowa will be put on the Cyclones State’s Media Day. “We have a quarterback and team leader, group of improved football players, Arnaud. Rhoads said Arnaud now we must make sure we are was “our most improved player an improved football team.” coming out of spring ball” and Improvement will go a long way that the senior should have a special final campaign. in the Cyclone’s efforts to accomplish the goal set for However, Rhoads said Arnaud will have to improve on the team by Rhoads, which remains the same as last his mechanics, fundamentals and decision making. year: win a bowl game. Arnaud threw 13 interceptions last season, while Offensively, the Cyclones return a number of throwing only one more touchdown with 14. Rhoads starters including playmakers Austen Arnaud (Ames said Arnaud is poised and that comes from the H.S.) at quarterback and Alexander Robinson at improvements he has made in the offseason. running back. Robinson returns for his senior year “He knows he is a better fundamental football after rushing for 1,195 yards and averaging 99.6 player right now,” Rhoads said. “He also knows that yards per game. He was also selected Honorable he understands an offense fully and thoroughly as he Mention All-Big 12 by both the AP and Big 12 enters. That is why he appears poised. He will be a coaches. Keeping Robinson healthy will be key to the tremendous leader of this football team and you will Cyclones’ success. see it on the football field when we begin September “When you have a 1,100 yard rusher like A-Rob 2. When you have that confidence, you are going to in nine or ten games of play, you have to be light,” deliver the ball, take off running or get into someone’s Rhoads said. “I wish we could control the health but face because of that confidence.” we can’t control what happens in the game and that Defensively, the personnel for the Cyclones are not is where he suffered all of his injuries. No one takes as experienced as they are on offense. Coach Rhoads care of their body and trains smarter than Alexander said that is a focus of practices before the season and we count on him to help his health as he goes

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kicks off. “We are going to have to practice our way through that,” Rhoads said. “It is a group that must improve daily and will improve daily and game-by-game as we go through the season.” Rhoads said the defensive line has shown strides in understanding the importance of making plays. The real question for the Cyclones is how quickly can the young linebacking corps make the transition to game days. “The linebacker position is the hardest to play in defense because you are involved so quickly in the run and pass game and there is a big transition there that has to take place,” Rhoads said. “Being young and inexperienced, that group is going to have to learn and progress as quickly as they possibly can.” Several names to watch that Rhoads threw into the discussion about the linebacker position included Jake Knott (Waukee H.S.), Matt Morton and A.J. Klein. 2010 Schedule: Sept 2 Sept 11 Sept 18 Sept 25 Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 20

Northern Illinois @ Iowa @ Kansas State Northern Iowa Texas Tech Utah @ Oklahoma @ Texas Kansas (Homecoming) Nebraska @ Colorado Missouri

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Iowa Sports Connection

Panthers Picked 4th in MVC | All Eyes on TE Oordt University of Northern Iowa Sports Information Department, Iowa Sports Connection Preseason All-America thrid team on July The University of Northern Iowa 26. football team was picked to finish fourth Oordt (Cedar Falls, Iowa) tied for the in the Missouri Valley Football Conference team lead last season with five touchdown preseason poll, the league announced receptions. Oordt caught 18 passes for August 1. The Panthers earned one first358 yards (19.9 avg.) while seeing action in place vote and finished just eight points all 11 games. out of second in the poll voted on by the league’s coaches, sports information Three Panther Football Games directors and media members. to be Televised this Fall Defending champion Southern Illinois was picked to repeat this year receiving The University of Northern Iowa football 313 points in the poll including 30 first team will have three of its games on place votes. The Salukis enter the season television this fall. riding a league-record 14-straight Panther Sports Properties has conference victories. South Dakota State announced that the Sept. 11 game agaisnt is picked second with 252 points and Carlos Anderson North Dakota State in the UNI-Dome and Illinois State third with 249. UNI rounds RB, UNI the Oct. 23 Homecoming game vs. Illinois out the top-4 with 244 points. State in the UNI-Dome will be broadcast on Northern Iowa sophomore running back the Panther Sports Network. Carlos Anderson and senior tight end Schuylar Oordt The two PSN games will be broadcast live on were each named to the preseason all-conference KWWL-TV and KCWI-TV. Jeff Mickey (play-by-play), team. Fullback Ryan Mahaffey and place kicker Billy Rick Coleman (analyst) and Eric Braley (sideline Hallgren were each named honorable mentions. reporter) will call the action for the PSN. The Panthers open the 2010 season on Sept. 11 “KWWL is very pleased to continue our when they host North Dakota State. relationship with PSN, and look forward to bringing Panther Athletics to all UNI fans throughout Eastern Oordt Reels in Preseason Awards Iowa,” KWWL Station Manager Kim Leer said. UNI’s other television game this fall will come on University of Northern Iowa senior tight end Oct. 9 at Southern Illinois as a part of the Missouri Schuylar Oordt was named a FCS Senior Scout Valley Football Conference’s TV package. Bowl’s second team preseason All-American by the The UNI-SIU game will be produced for syndication organization’s committee. on over-the-air and cable television stations Oord was also named to The Sports Network

throughout the Midwest. The Panther-Saluki contest will air live or taped on FS Midwest and Fox College Sports (FCS), which has a national distribution of 56 million homes. The MVFC’s production company is Kansas City-based Niles Media Group. Niles Media Group coordinates all aspects of production - compliance with Fox Sports Midwest and Comcast SportsNet Chicago on-air guidelines, commercial reels, intelecast graphics, satellite transmission and uplink, etc. - for each telecast. Niles Media Group also handles production of public service announcements, commercial spots and video promotional items.

2010 Schedule: Sept. 11 Sept 18 Sept 25 Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 20

North Dakota State Stephen F. Austin (Hall of Fame) @ Iowa State South Dakota State (Family Weekend) @ Southern Illinois @ South Dakota Illinois State (Homecoming) @ Youngstown State @ Indiana State Missouri State @ Western Illinois

Drake Football Team Looks To Ride Momentum With 14 Returning Starters Mike Mahon Drake University Sports Information Director With 14 starters back, the Drake football team hopes to pick up where it left off last year when the Bulldogs posted an 8-3 record. Only a last-second field goal in the season finale by eventual league champion Butler (20-17) prevented Drake from earning a share of the Pioneer Football League title. “We need to continue to build team chemistry to become better,” said third-year head coach Chris Creighton, who has 28 letterwinners from last year’s second-place team that posted a 6-2 league mark. “We do have a number of returning letterwinners and starters coming back from a year ago,” said Creighton. “Last year’s team had an intense desire to succeed. If we can find that same desire and continue to build our chemistry I think that this year’s team could be dynamite.” Drake will open its 116th season of intercollegiate football entertaining Lehigh Sept. 4. “We are very excited about our 2010 schedule,” said Creighton. “With 10 Division I FCS opponents, we are eligible for a bid to the NCAA FCS national playoffs.” There are eight starters returning on defense, including first-team All-PFL end Dain Taylor who will be a senior. Taylor (6-3, 242), named to both the Sports Network and Consensus Draft Services preseason All-American team, collected 48 tackles, including 29 solo hits in 2009. He led Drake with 19.5 tackles for losses totaling 90 yards, while recording a team-high 10.5 quarterback sacks for 73 yards in losses. Junior Dave Witkiewicz is back for his second year at starting nose guard, while the team welcomes the return of three-year starting defensive tackle Andrew Asbell who was redshirted in 2009. Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

Asbell earned second-team all-league honors in 2007 Lawrence, an honorable mention All-PFL selection last and was an honorable mention choice in 2008. fall, and senior left guard Stephen Flynn will lead a young Senior linebacker Ben Morrison was an honorable offensive line. mention All-PFL choice last year after totaling 75 tackles, Drake will head into the fall with more certainty at the including 14.5 tackles for 57 yards in losses, while quarterback position after sophomore Mike Piatkowski collecting 4.5 quarterback sacks. assumed the role last year. Piatkowski passed for 2,139 Linebacker Tyler Moorehead, a former Mason City yards — the most by a Drake quarterback since Connor Newman prep standout, was named the 2009 Pioneer Jostes threw for 2,196 yards in 2004 — including 14 Football League Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. touchdowns. The secondary has three starters returning in junior “Last season none of our quarterbacks had experience free safety Nick Chenier (6-2, 204), and cornerbacks headed into the opening game. With one year under his Michael Lahart from Chariton, Iowa, and Lucas Mosier belt, I think Mike (Piatkowski) will be better this fall. The from Lewis, Iowa. greatest improvement is often from year one to year Drake’s defense will be under the direction of new two,” added Creighton. coordinator Tom Allen this season after defensive Senior Tom Kostek, a former Des Moines Christian coordinator and assistant head coach Neal Neathery prep standout, and Patrick Cashmore will return to left to become the defensive coordinator at Texas-San share the slot-back duties. Kostek led the Bulldogs with Antonio. 347 yards rushing in 88 carries (3.9 avg.) including four “It is not a brand new scheme, but there is new touchdowns. Cashmore rushed for 251 yards in just five terminology and some of the positions have had to make games. Sophomore Trey Morse, who rushed for 278 adjustments, I am very pleased with how quickly our yards (3.5 avg.), provides depth in the backfield. guys have made those adjustments and how fast they Returning receivers junior Drew Blackmon and have been able to play as a result.” said sophomore Joey Orlando caught 31 Lucas Mosier, Creighton. “It fits our strengths and our and 20 passes, respectively, last year. Griswold HS, guys have high football IQ’s.” One of the priorities in the spring Drake U. Defensive Back Senior Steve Platek, a two-time was finding a replacement for first-team all-league choice at fullback, all-league kicker Brandon Wubs, headlines seven offensive starters. who also was a four-year starter as Platek, a co-captain, led Drake with a punter. team-high nine touchdowns last year. “We have a fifth-year senior Mitch He caught a team-best 49 passes for Rasmussen and senior Billy Janssen 553 yards, including three touchdowns. competing for the kicking duties,” said He also rushed 30 times for 147 yards, Creighton. “That has to be a strength including a team-high six touchdowns. for our football team in the fall.” Sophomore offensive tackle Evan Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Peacocks Ready for Fifth Season in Northern Sun Conference Howard Thompson Upper Iowa University Sports Information Director

Nate Curran will lead a revamped defense UIU’s kicking duties will be handled by two Nate Curran Named CDS Preseason First Team under the lights in Commerce, Texas for the veterans, Jason Price (K) and Gus Preuss(P). All-American Peacocks 2010 opener against the Lions of The Peacocks will play 11 consecutive Saturday “Being selected to the All-American team is a reward to Nate for his commitment to excellence in the Texas A&M-Commerce. Curran was contests highlighted by five home classroom, on the field and during the off season,” said named to the Collegiate Draft Services Northern Sun Intercollegiate UIU Head Football Coach Tom Shea. Preseason All-American First Team and Conference matchups at Eischeid Curran, a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, is coming off a will be the focal point of the Peacocks Stadium in Fayette. The Peacocks junior season having been named to the Daktronics revamped defense. host their NSIC and home opener Super Region #3 Defensive First Team and the Head Coach Tom Shea and his staff on Sept. 11 when Minnesota Duluth All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference South Division First Team. made no bones about it after last visits. The Bulldogs finished 2009 Coach Shea added, “Nate is not only an outstanding season… the defense had to improve. as repeat NSIC Champions after student but a natural leader; he is not vocal, but he An injection of young blood on the compiling a 10-0 mark in conference lets his work ethic speak for itself. Nate is a very defensive line as well as the addition play and made a run to the elite eight unselfish player; he does whatever he has to do to help of Tony Leggett at linebacker give the in the NCAA Division II Playoffs after the team. Nate will be one of the keys in developing a Peacock senior safeties, Curran and respectable defense at UIU.” LaMont Williams winning the NCAA Championships in The Peacock safety led the Upper Iowa defense in Craig Henry, a hungry group to lead 2008. tackles with 92 which included 55 solo tackles and 5 onto the field each series. UIU then visits MSU Moorhead for a Sept. tackles for loss (22 yards). The 92 tackles tied him for On the offensive side, the other half of UIU’s 18 matchup before returning home to take 75th in the nation among defensive players at 8.18 Curran connection and fellow 2009 All-NSIC on Winona State on Sept. 25. The Peacocks per game. When playing against the pass, Curran performer, Ben, will once again man the helm as visit Bemidji State on Oct. 2 before hosting the led UIU with 4 interceptions which he returned for the starting quarterback for the third straight Minnesota, Crookston on Oct. 9 for this year’s 47 yards and one touchdown. In two years with UIU year. The qb’s two favorite targets return as Homecoming. Following an Oct. 16 after transferring from the University of Northern Iowa, he has recorded 153 well in the forms of Jesse Hubbard, also a 2009 battle on the road with the 2009 tackles and snagged 6 interceptions. All-NSIC wideout, and LaMont Williams. Former NSIC North Division Champion, Curran passed on his expectations for All-NSIC defensive back Dominique Jackson will Minnesota State, the Peacocks host the Peacock defense as well. “I expect switch sides of the ball and play receiver for the back-to-back contests to close out the that everyone will be prepared for our Peacocks this fall as well. home portion of the 2010 campaign. opponent through a great week of The backfield is experienced and deep with The Peacocks welcome Southwest practice and film study. I will also expect our defense to come ready to play every returners Sam Epsteen, Jordan Otdoerfer and Minnesota State on Oct. 23 and Saturday.” Mike Moser ready to lead the stable of talented Wayne State on Oct. 30. Upper The NSIC is well represented with 10 newcomers. The offensive line is young but will Iowa closes out the 2010 season young men recognized from member Nate Curran, be lead by former All-NSIC performer Erv Kehoss with a pair of games on the road at institutions. Cedar Falls HS, and true sophomore Lucas Sharp. Concordia University and Augustana. UIU Defensive Back

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Iowa Sports Connection

Spartans Look to High-Powered Offense in 2010 University of Dubuque Sports Information Department The University of Dubuque football team is looking forward to the 2010 football season for coach Stan Zweifel and his Spartans. The Spartans finished last season with a 5-5 overall mark and tied for 4th in the IIAC with a 4-4 record. The Spartans overall record was the second best by a first year head coach since 1939. UD is expecting around 170 student-athletes to begin preseason practice in mid-August and return 16 letterwinners on defense and 18 on offense. The high powered offense of 2009 returns eight starters including pre-season 2010 D3football.com All-American (Second Team), 2010 Consensus AllAmerican (Second Team), 2010 D3 Football Senior Classic All-American Team (First Team), and a 2010 State Farm AFCA Good Works finalist, Michael Zweifel at wide receiver. Last season, Zweifel was named to the D3Football.com First Team All-West Region (Wide Receiver), D3Football. com Second Team All-America, and was one of 20 Division III Selections and the only IIAC honoree on the AP Little All-America Team (Third Team-Wide Receiver). Zweifel finished as the 2009 NCAA Division III statistical champion in receiving yards per game (152.20 yards). He finished second in receptions per game (11.10 catches a game) after finishing with 111 total catches on the season for 1,522 yards. He was 19th in the nation in All-Purpose Yardage with 154.80 per contest. UD ranked 27th overall in passing offense (282.10) and 47th overall in total offense (407.40). Zweifel is joined by teammate

Justin Spaulding at running back who finished 2nd in the league in rushing. Spaulding tied for 54th overall in rushing with 93.20 yards a game. The Spartans broke four Iowa Conference marks in 2009 while earning five AllIowa Conference selections. First Team: Michael Zweifel (Wide Receiver); Justin Spaulding (Running Back); Second Team: Colton Hansen (Quarterback); Leonard Brady Jr. (Defensive Back); Honorable Mention: Richard Skaife (Offensive Line). Named to the All-Iowa Conference Academic Team was Ben Thompson. The Spartans return veteran wide receivers DeMacus Fleming, who was in the Top-10 in numerous receiving categories and Justin Rupnow, who made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver. Miles Hookstead and Dave Farrey return as two of the top tight ends in the league. On the offensive line, Richard Skaife, Tyler Lang, Tim Odeneye, and Austin Chatman all return after starting in 2009. The biggest question on offense will be who replaces Colton Hansen at quarterback, who finished 36th in the nation in total offense a game (273.80 yards) and 37th in passing efficiency (146.87) in 2009. Wyatt Hanus an AllStater from North Tama, Iowa, has the most experience after playing in five games and throwing for 117 yards and three touchdowns last season. Kevin Hertzog, a gifted senior who has been waiting for his chance to start will compete for the job as well. “I am very excited about our personnel on offense,”

stated Zweifel.”We have some big weapons on this side of the ball and we had a great year recruiting. The battle for quarterback will involve talented freshmen, transfers, and our returners. Michael has a legitimate shot to be one of the most prolific receivers in college football history.” On defense, the Spartans return eight starters led by an impressive secondary. Leonard Brady Jr. returns at one cornerback spot. and D.J. Ingham, a 10-game starter returns at the other cornerback position. Both safeties for UD are returning starters in Jajuan Burton and Toney Bailey III. The linebacking core returning for their sophomore season after starting a year ago are Trevor Runkle, the Spartans leading tackler and Ryan Stodden, who will provide stability up front. The defensive line returns the leading sack attack of Albert Hightower along with James Larrabee, Stephan Vassalotti, and Travis Triggs. The weakest link last season for the Spartans was in the special teams area. UD recruited seven new kickers to improve this area of the team as well as two honored long snappers. Aaron Laskowski took over the punting duties after Scott Heiar was injured during last season and will return as punter for the Spartans. According to Zweifel, “The Iowa Conference race will be very competitive this year. I think it will be very difficult to go undefeated in the league. Central and Coe will have to be the early favorites, but I think Wartburg, Luther, BV and us can make a challenge to be there at the end.” The Spartans open up at home under the lights of Chalmers Field on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7:00 p.m. against the Rockford College Regents.

Veteran Central Squad Eyes Another Title Run Larry Happel Central College Sports Information Director Fifteen starters return from Central’s 2009 Iowa Conference championship football squad. A record 11 all-conference players are back. Fifty-two letterwinners return. None of it means a thing in 2010, according to coach Jeff McMartin. “We’re a blue-collar football team,” he said. “We have to go out every week ready to play and ready to play our best or we’ll get beat. We can be an exciting football team, but we’ll have to work hard.” But McMartin isn’t complaining about the return of so many key performers from a squad that recorded the program’s 17th perfect regular season while capturing a record 30th conference title and gaining a 20th NCAA Division III playoff berth before closing at 10-1 overall. Yet the Dutch have to fill some key holes, including those at running back and linebacker. And Central is staring at one of its most demanding schedules ever, opening with non-conference powerhouses Wis.-Oshkosh and Augustana (Ill.) before tackling what has become a remarkably balanced Iowa Conference field. McMartin enters his seventh season at his alma mater with a glossy 53-13 record (.803), winning or sharing four league titles in his first six years as head coach. He already ranks fifth in winning percentage among active NCAA Division III coaches. That’s among the latest of the sparkling numbers surrounding the Central program. The Dutch— --are the second-winningest team in all NCAA Divisions since 1975 with an .810 winning percentage (301-70-1). --have finished first or second in the Iowa Conference in 27 of the past 30 years. --have posted undefeated regular seasons in three of the past four years and posted a 43-4 regularseason mark in that span. Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

--haven’t had a losing season since 1960. The Dutch are No. 10 in the USA Today preseason Division III rankings. Reason enough for a sunny outlook is Central’s strength up front. Four starters return in the offensive line among eight offensive starters are back overall. Senior Joey Shoemaker earned first team all-league honors at right tackle and second-team honoree Lee Schroeder is back at left tackle. Senior A.J. Santon received honorable mention at guard and junior Casey Tanner returns at center. There is plenty of experience at tight end. Senior Jordan Leuschen had 21 catches for 299 yards and six touchdowns. Junior all-conference receiver Jeremy Snead had a team-high 46 receptions for 541 yards and nine scores. The Dutch have a couple of additional speedsters in juniors Mike Furlong and Brett Wilkin. Identifying a replacement for graduated conference rushing leader David Zachary is among the preseason’s big questions. McMartin is excited about sophomores Ross Doehrmann and Erik Grunder. And Central can rely on versatile senior S-back Jarred Lackey. He averaged a whopping 8.2 yards a carry and 253 yards overall. Junior all-league quarterback Nate Snead is a dual threat. He was 106 of 176 passes for 1,264 yards and 17 TDs with just three interceptions while rushing for 15 TDs, averaging 79.3 yards. The Dutch defense gets a boost with the return of senior defensive end Aaron Steenhoek, who was on his

way to an all-star season when he was sidelined with injury. Central is also imposing at the opposite end with all-conference senior Shane Wong, who racked up a team-high 14 tackles for loss with 10 sacks. Senior Austin Hill is among the veterans inside at tackle. Hill’s younger brother, junior Brady Hill, is a returning starter at nose tackle. Senior strongside linebacker Greg Best made 56 tackles while sophomore Keith Rush emerged on the weakside. The team’s top freshman recorded 54 stops. A young secondary took some shots last year but should improve. Junior Jake Peterson moves to strong safety in 2010. He made 34 tackles last year. Junior Ryan Schmidt is back at free safety where he was Central’s third-leading tackler with 58. Senior Cody Baethke endured some injuries and returns at cornerback. He was Central’s secondleading tackler in 2009 with 63, including 42 unassisted tackles with three interceptions. Three all-conference performers are back on special teams. Senior Jake Viggers connected on 7 of 10 field goals last year and is 28-of-36 for his career. Senior Kurtis Brondyke, an all-American track decathlete, is a three-time all-conference punter. He averaged 38.6 yards a All-Iowa Conference quarterback boot and 40.6 yards in Nate Snead, a former Southeast 2008. Polk High School standout, returns to help Central College Furlong and Wilkin defend its league title this fall return as punt and kick returners. Wilkin earned all-conference distinction.

Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Kohawks Climbing to Top of IIAC Ryan Workman Coe College Sports Information Director After being picked to finish seventh in the Iowa Conference last season, the Coe College Kohawks surprised the league and the nation with a second place-finish and an appearance in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III football playoffs. The Kohawks will be led by Head Coach Steve Staker for the thirdstraight season. Staker garnered numerous honors last season, as he was named the Iowa Conference Coach of the Year, AFCA Region Five Coach of the Year and the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year. Coe closed the 2009 season with a 10-2 record, with losses coming to Iowa Conference Champion Central and to St. Thomas, both ranked 10th in the nation at game time, in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. It was just the third 10-win season in school history. The Kohawks finished 10th in the D3Football.com poll and 12th in the AFCA Coaches Poll, both the highest rankings in school history. The Kohawks open the 2010 campaign ranked in The Sporting News and the USA Today Top 25 polls. The Sporting News has the Kohawks ranked 18th, while USA Today puts them 20th. The D3Football.com poll ranks the Kohawks 12th in the nation. Reigning Iowa Conference MVP Brad Boyle returns under center for his junior campaign. Boyle, a New Sharon, Iowa native, joined Bill Lech last year as the only Kohawks to have three or more 300-yard passing

games in a single season. Boyle broke an NCAA Division III record by throwing 307 passes without being intercepted, before throwing his first pick in the regular season finale. Along with throwing 19 touchdown passes, Boyle rushed for 15, the most by any quarterback in school history. Boyle completed a school-record 212 passes, while throwing for 2,639 yards. Coe will look to replace two-time All-Iowa Conference member Sam Hammes in the backfield, but should have plenty of options to do so. Hammes led the Kohawks with 682 yards rushing last season. He’ll likely be replaced by Waukon’s Brendan Leiran. Leiran saw action in 11 games last season, starting two for the injured Hammes. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 41 attempts. Brad Boyle, Coe The Kohawks will return their top two wide receivers in Michael Rozum and Solon’s Tyler Takes. Rozum and Takes caught 40 passes each last year, with Rozum going for 625 yards and three scores, while Takes had 567 yards and eight touchdowns. Takes was a second team All-Iowa Conference performer as a wide receiver and return specialist, where he averaged over 10 yards per punt return and 20 yards per kick return. The Kohawks will also welcome back two-year starter Nick Ratchford, who started the first three games of the season before suffering a season-ending injury. Paving the way up front, all five members of the

offensive line return. Logan Weber will lead the way at center, where he was a first team All-Iowa Conference selection. Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Joel Brockmeyer and Sam Wright will anchor the left side, while Dubuque Hempstead’s Charlie Goetzinger and Carrington Daniel will hold down the right side. Just like the offensive line, all four starters return to the defensive line. Sophomore All-American Frank Weymiller returns at one defensive end, while All-Iowa Conference performer Nate Clear returns at the other. Waukon’s Weymiller shattered the school record for sacks last year, recording 15.5. His total was the third most in NCAA Division III. North Fayette’s Tyler Hemry and Grundy Center’s Elias Randel will hold down the tackle spots. The biggest hole for the Kohawks to fill is the linebacker position. Coe will look to replace all three linebackers, all of whom earned All-Iowa Conference honors. Glidden-Ralston’s Seth Johnson and Panorama’s Jake Breitbach return to the defensive backfield. Johnson led the Kohawks with three interceptions last year. All specialty players return for the Kohawks as well. Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Chase Cooling returns as punter, while Waterloo Columbus’ Elliot Rausa returns for his senior year as kicker. Cooling averaged over 35 yards on 56 punts last season, with 19 landing inside the 20-yard line. Rausa has hit 26 career field goals, the second most in school history. Coe will open the season with a 5 p.m. kickoff at Iowa Wesleyan. Coe returns home the following weekend for the home opener against Olivet Nazarene. The Kohawks kick off Iowa Conference play Sept. 18 at Luther. Coe will also host Central in a family weekend game Sept. 25 and Wartburg on Homecoming Oct. 16.

Brautigam Guides New-Look Rams into 2010 Grid Iron Campaign Kerry Kahl Cornell College Sports Information Director MOUNT VERNON — Change has been the overriding theme in Cornell College’s football program since December when Vince Brautigam took the reins as head coach. Brautigam, who triggered turnarounds in previous head coaching stints at the University of Dubuque (200108) and Mount Senario College (1990-2000), begins a similar task this fall along with a revamped coaching staff featuring six new assistants. Brautigam expects 25 newcomers to make up his 60-player roster. They’ll all be sporting new uniforms and helmets when they take the field for the Sept. 4 season opener against North Central. “We want them to be excited about what can happen here,” said Brautigam, only three years removed from leading Dubuque into the NCAA Division III national rankings. “Probably the most important key to our future success is understanding that we have to become a team. We have to take care of things we can control and not worry about who we are playing. How we handle adversity will also be a big factor in our ability to achieve a winning culture.” Cornell brings back 35 letterwinners – including 15 starters – from last year’s 2-8 squad that was competitive in Iowa Conference play despite a 1-7 mark. The Rams notched their first IIAC win in more than four years. They were within a touchdown of prevailing in three other contests. “I have been very impressed with the work ethic of the group of kids we have coming back,” Brautigam said. “There’s a hunger here to win and the kids have proven they are willing to do the little things that will give us that opportunity. Our 12 seniors have done a great job of leading since I stepped on campus.” The Rams return 10 starters on offense, headlined by one of the league’s top rising stars in sophomore 58

Volume 12 Issue 5

quarterback Andrew Burdick. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound The Rams must replace six defensive starters, including Burdick started every game during an impressive 2009 all-American safety Don Bladt and all-IIAC performers campaign in which he set single-season school records Brian King (linebacker) and Zach Zasada (defensive line). for passing yards (2,168), pass Junior linebacker Tyler Bailey is completions (180) and total the team’s top returning tackler offense (2,619). He broke a with 55 stops and 7.0 tackles for single-game mark with 28 pass loss. The Rams are talented and completions. Burdick threw 15 experienced on the defensive line touchdowns with 14 interceptions with senior Zachary Freeman, and also led all Cornell rushers with juniors Aaron Spickermann and Erik 451 yards on 163 carries with a Krol and sophomore Brandon Tabor. pair of scores. Spickermann collected 44 tackles Burdick lost his top target to and Tabor had 6.0 tackles for loss. graduation in first team all-IIAC Senior safety Joe Barlow is tight end Alex Macey (59 catches Aaron Spickermann, Cornell the lone returning starter in the for 716 yards in 2009), although secondary. He ranked fourth on the he welcomes back starting team with 52 tackles. receivers Thomas Connor (36 catches for 505 yards), Brautigam said competition is open at all positions, Kyle Tierney (34 catches for 365 yards) and Harry realizing several of his newcomers will figure into the depth Herbert (25 catches for 333 yards). Herbert caught a chart. team-best four touchdowns while Connor and Tierney “Our young kids will get an opportunity to play right away. snagged three scores apiece. Sophomore tight ends Chris But knowing the adjustment of the game and strength Lopez (16.1 yards per catch) and Shane McNally will also of the opponent, it will be a big learning curve for them,” be key components to the passing game. Brautigam said. “Our job is to develop the incoming class Senior Charles McDonald heads the running backs, sooner than later. Because of our lack of depth this year, netting 393 yards on 106 carries as the starter a year staying healthy will be a major factor in our process.” ago. Sophomores Vincent Osborne and McNally combined The Rams face a difficult 2010 schedule, which for 32 carries and 67 yards in backup roles. includes just one home game in September. Cornell Cornell has its entire starting offensive line back intact. opens play Sept. 4 at home against North Central (8-2 The group consists of seniors Isaac Hull, Chad Owen in 2009), a preseason Top 25 club, followed by another and A.J. Rachal, junior Jeff North and sophomore Sean nonconference contest under the lights at Macalester Langan. Owen and Hull are both three-year letterwinners. Sept. 11. Cornell dives into league action Sept. 18 at “We definitely have more game experience and are perennial power Wartburg. The Rams have conference older on the offensive side,” Brautigam said. “Early on, they home dates with defending IIAC champion Central (Oct. are going to be leaned upon to get us going in a positive 2), Buena Vista (Oct. 16), Simpson (Oct. 30) and Coe (Nov. direction.” 13). Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

Iowa Sports Connection

Buena Vista Beavers’ Defense Looks Returning Players Will Set Tone for to be Strength Again in 2010 Loras’ 2010 Football Season Tim Weideman Iowa Sports Connection Communications Intern After finishing 6th in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with a record of 3-5 (4-6 overall), the Buena Vista Beavers are no doubt looking for improvement in the 2010 season. However, that won’t come easily after losing quarterback Brandon Phelan (LeMars) to graduation. Phelan not only represented the Beavers’ most dangerous offensive threat, but was also one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the IIAC ranking 4th in passing yards (2,174) and passing yards per game (217.4). The Beavers will also have to find replacements for Phelan’s top three targets in wide receivers Bryce Meyer (49 receptions for 710 yards and 4 TDs), Eric Bertelsen (North Polk, 22/554/5) and Dean Mosher (36/369/2). Meyer (Lawton-Bronson) was named 2nd team all-conference last season. While the Beavers try to find Phelan’s replacement, a couple popular targets do return. Wide receiver Larry Marcel (20/279) returns for his junior year and senior fullback Zach Stephens out of Schaller-Crestland High School (13/113/1) represents a viable target from the backfield. Buena Vista also returns a stable of experienced running backs. Last year’s leading rusher Michael Black (Tipton) is back after posting 102 carries for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Black was named the IIAC Offensive Player of the Week on October 11 after scoring what would turn out to be the winning touchdown against Wartburg. Along with him will be John Hill (Webster City, 82/224/2) and Marcus Spearman—who rushed the ball 29 times for 120 yards last season before suffering a sidelining injury. On the defensive side of the ball, the Beavers return much of the nucleus that was used to build the conference’s second best defense, allowing only 328.9 yards per game. First team All-Conference selections Alan Bladt (LB,A-H-S-T) and Daniel Mikels (DL, Logan-Magnolia) return along with top ball stuffers Brian Bode (LB, Schaller-Crestland), B.J. King (LB, Tipton), Travis Forkner (LB, Paton-Churdan) and Aaron Giese (LB, South O’Brien). The rush defense was the Beavers’ strong point last season giving up only 111.4 yards a contest. Look for that success to continue. The Beavers will need some of the young guns in the secondary to step up, as the pass defense was not as spectacular allowing 217.5 yards per game and several seniors have been lost to graduation. 2010 Schedule: Sept 4 UW-Platteville Oct 30 Sept 11 @ Peru State Nov 6 Sept 25 Simpson Nov 13 Oct 2 @ Loras College Oct 9 Wartburg (Homecoming) Oct 16 @ Cornell Oct 23 Luther

Central (Senior Day @ Coe @ U of Dubuque

Tim Weideman Iowa Sports Connection Communications Intern After finishing tied for last place in the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conferece (IIAC) with a conference record of 2-6 (2-8 overall), the Loras Duhawks will look to bounce back in 2010. Statistically, not too many bright spots stand out from last season. Loras was last in total offense with 282 yards per game, rushing offense (63.2 yards per game), sacks against (39) and turnover margin (-14). In some areas, however, Loras did not struggle as badly. The team was fourth in the conference in total defense, allowing 348.6 yards per game, and fourth in rushing defense, giving up only 121 yards per game on the ground. The Duhawks will have help bettering those numbers as the team’s leading tackler in junior LB Eric Meyer (Dubuque Hempstead) returns after posting 64 tackles last season. Meyer was named IIAC Defensive Player of the Week on October 11 after recording 10.5 tackles (nine solo), forcing two fumbles, recovering one fumble, breaking up one pass and blocking a punt in Loras’ 43-14 victory over University of Dubuque. In fact, Loras returns a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball. The Duhawks’ top seven tacklers from last season return. Meyer will get plenty of assistance from fellow linebackers David Zoeckler (Junior, Iowa City High), Zach Myers (Junior, Dubuque Wahlert), and Cody Snitker (Senior, Waukon). Returning on the defensive line will be senior Ben Driscoll (Linn-Mar). He will need some help, however, in replacing sack threats Kenny Kikilas and Kyle McCormick. The Duhawks will also have to replace tackle-for-loss leader Kyle McCormick. Both McCormicks were second team All-Conference selections. Offensively, the Duhawks will again place a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of junior Vaughn Gesing (Waukon). Gesing was sixth in the IIAC in passing yards per game with 188.4. He will need to improve on his 16 interceptions to 8 touchdowns if Loras is going to turn it around in 2010. 2010 Schedule: Sept 4 Elmhurst Sept 11 @ Rockford Sept 18 @ Simpson Sept 25 @ Wartburg Oct 2 Buena Vista (Homecoming) Oct 9 University of Dubuque Oct 23 @ Central College Oct 30 @ Coe College Nov 6 Cornell Nov 13 Luther

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Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

2010 Luther College Football Preview Dave Blanchard Luther College Sports Information Director was looking very comfortable in the just three games before suffering The Luther College football team will enter the Norse offensive scheme. Ridenour a season ending knee injury. 2010 campaign with 34 letter winners returning joins the Norse after transferring “Defensively, our key will be from last year’s squad that posted an overall record from Capital University, a member how quickly we develop up front,” of 5-5 and finished in a two-way tie for fourth place in of the Ohio Athletic Conference that commented Durnin. “Anytime the Iowa Conference with a mark of 4-4. posted a record of 7-3 last season. a team graduates two starting “We are excited about the upcoming season,” Pre-season All-American all-conference performers on stated third year head coach Mike Durnin. “We have linebacker Kyle McGivney (Jr., Apple the defensive line, you are going a number of top quality football players returning on River, Ill./Warren HS) headlines the to have some concerns. Bobby both sides of the football that we feel will allow us Norse defensive unit. Following the Kuennen (Decorah, Iowa) and to take that next step towards an Iowa Conference 2009 season, McGivney was named Cody Edwards (Rock Falls, Ill.) championship.” first-team all-Iowa Conference and did such a good job for us on Offensively, the Norse will once again rely on the D3football.com All-West Region as the defensive line last year. feet and arm of quarterback Chris Reynolds (Jr., a second-team selection. He led the Fortunately, we have starter Zach West Des Moines Valley/Valley HS). A two-year Chris Reynolds, Iowa Conference with an average of Kotz (Sr., Lamoni, Iowa), junior starter, Reynolds has led the Norse in rushing the West Des Moines Valley, Shane McGuire (Highland, Wis.) 14.9 tackles per game that ranked past two seasons (1,114 yards) and has thrown for Luther College second in the NCAA III final national and Obi Ukabiala (So., Urbandale, over 3,200 yards and 19 touchdowns. statistics. He finished the 2009 Iowa) – pronounced Obee Oo“We must improve our running game to be campaign with 141 tackles (70 solo) and also led the cab-yahla - returning. All three saw significant action successful,” stated Durnin. “The last two years, Norse football team with four interceptions and two last season, so we won’t be starting completely from Chris has led us in rushing. Our staff feels that Ryan blocked punts. scratch.” Monroe (Sr., Ossian, Iowa/South Winneshiek HS), Defensive back Josh Patterson (Sr., Zion, Ill./ZionSeth Streeter (So. Prairie City, Iowa/Prairie Adam Bohr (So., Decorah, Iowa) and transfer Dan Benton) returns as one of the top corner backs in the City-Monroe) returns as the starting place kicker. Ridenour (So., Sheldon, Iowa) give us three backs league. Patterson, a two-year starter and first-team Streeter was the second leading scorer on the squad entering camp that will produce a solid running all-Iowa Conference selection in 2009, led the league a year ago, producing 7-of-9 field goals and 14-of-20 attack. They all have the ability to provide big gains in pass break-ups with nine. He finished the season extra point attempts for a total of 35 points. and their talent combined with what Chris can do with with 47 tackles and one interception. The Norse will open the 2010 season at home in the football on the ground will make us a much better The defensive unit also returns defensive backs Carlson Stadium versus St. Olaf College on Sept. 5. threat running the football.” George Zacharakis-Jutz (Sr., Solon, Iowa/Mount This non-conference rivalry dates back to 1921. St. After producing his best season in a Norse uniform Vernon HS), Jordan Grimm (Sr., Cedar Rapids, Iowa/ Olaf will once gain be one of the better teams in the in 2008, when he averaged 4.8 yards per carry, Kennedy HS) and corner Dana Schmitt (jr., Cedar Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Monroe missed the majority of last year due to Rapids, Iowa/Prairie HS), all starters a year ago. The Oles have won six in a row in this series that injury. Bohr, an all-state running back who helped Trevor Theobald (Sr., Blanchardville, Wis.) also includes the 33-13 victory last season. lead Decorah to a 3A state runner-up finish in 2008, returns after receiving a medical redshirt. Theobald, Luther will begin the Iowa Conference schedule saw some spot time during his freshman campaign. an all-conference defensive back in 2008, he played in hosting Coe College on Sept. 18. During spring workouts, he really ran the ball well and

Volume 12 Issue 5

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Iowa Sports Connection

Simpson Looks for Consistency on the Gridiron in 2010 Bryan Geelan Simpson College Sports Information Director As the Simpson football team prepares for the 2010 The Storm have a number of options returning in the season. campaign, third-year head coach Jim Glogowski’s game plan is backfield, as three running backs turned in 100-plus yard Simpson’s linebackers are a fast, athletic group that will set the same as his first day on the job. performances in 2009. Despite enduring nagging the tone defensively. Leading the group is junior linebacker out Matt Claassen “For us, the real keys to success don’t change; injuries throughout the season, Newhall native of Tripoli, Braden Everding. As a sophomore, Everding paced (Newhall), Simpson we need to take care of the football, run the ball Matt Claassen ran for 504 yards in seven games, the team and ranked fourth in the conference with 92 tackles, well and stop the run,” Glogowski said. “We need the most of any returner. Senior Renauld Shelton making 4.5 tackles for loss with an interception. Sophomore to establish the running game in order to find our accounted for 323 yards on the ground and Ted Haag of Waukee benefitted from increased playing time identity as a football team.” all-conference honorable mention pick, Jake Rissi, throughout the season and returns as the team’s secondIn 2008, Glogowski’s first season, the Storm rushed for 205 yards. He also caught 11 passes leading tackler. echoed the coaches’ mantra. Simpson posted for 143 yards. The defensive backfield returns two of four starters a year the best run offense and defense in the Iowa The deepest position group on the team can ago in senior corner Gabe Gilson of Prairie City and junior Conference on the way to a 7-3 record. Last be found among the receivers and tight ends. The safety Jarrod Schott of Pocahontas. Gilson is a two-year letter season, the ground attack remained tough Storm return four of the top five pass catchers winner, making 27 tackles and one interception a year ago. offensively, ranking second in the league. on the team a year ago, including Schott started six games, making 14 Defensively, Simpson allowed 189 rushing yards senior tight end Alex McCarty, tackles. Junior Colton Calvert of St. Charles Jake Rissi (Marion), Simpson per game while going 3-7 – a trend Glogowski sophomore receiver Taylor will likely see a magnified role with the wants to reverse in 2010. Rogers and junior receiver Ben departure of safety John Wolfe. “We are looking for progress on both sides of Coy. A reliable target and native The Storm returns a wealth of the ball in year three,” Glogowski said. “We need to create a of Prescott, McCarty led the team with 33 experience on special teams. Junior James sense of consistency in order to win games.” catches last season. Rogers, a dangerous Gale of Waukee is the top contender to Glogowski will look for that consistency to trickle down from threat in the red zone at 6-4 with great handle the placekicking duties in 2010, a core group of seniors and juniors. But with ten starters leaping ability, led the team with 505 yards hitting on 11 of 13 extra points in 2009 returning—five on offense and five on defense—players with and 11 touchdown receptions. Out of Jewell, and 7 of 10 field goals in his career. less experience will be looked upon to fill crucial roles. Coy made 20 catches for 266 yards. Another junior, punter Cameron Oviatt of “We need our group of 10 seniors to rise to the occasion A senior-laden group a year ago, the Carnation, Wash. returns after averaging along with our junior class,” Glogowski said. “We have talent, offensive line will undergo a makeover in 34.9 yards per punt last year. He placed just not a ton of experience. The strength of our team will lie in 2010. Losing 4 of 5 starters –including 10 punts inside the 20-yard line and had our ability to play together as a team.” Second Team All-Iowa Conference pick Bill Carroll—Simpson four punts over 50 yards. Calvert owns the most return Simpson looks to a new face to direct the offense in 2010 will build around junior center and lone returning starter, Brian experience on the team, taking back nine punts for 56 yards after the graduation of Tyson Unkrich, the team’s leading Tjossem of Sutherland. and 11 kicks for 194 yards. passer and rusher a year ago. Junior Chris Garza of Waukee is The defensive line lost a host of starters as well. With the Simpson kicks off the 2010 season at home against Bethel the top returning quarterback, appearing in five games a year graduation of defensive ends Ben Reutzel and Robert Napoli on Sept. 4. The conference season gets underway with a Sept. ago. In his lone start, Garza amassed 336 total yards, passing and nose guard Jason Courtney went 16.5 total tackles for 18 matchup with Loras in Indianola and homecoming is set for 254 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions while loss in 2009. Lone returning starter, senior Vinni Smith of for Oct. 2 as Luther travels to Buxton Stadium for a 2 p.m. rushing for 82 in a 36-33 loss to Dubuque. Brooklyn, anchors the group after making 29 tackles last contest.

Wartburg’s Anniversary Season Sets Strong Expectations in 2010 Mark Adkins Wartburg College Sports Information Director around it. In the backfield, sophomore Reese Thompson A 6-4 record in 2009 kept an impressive streak of Van Horne, en route to a second team all-league going for Wartburg College football. However, a 17th award, averaged just under 70 yards a consecutive winning campaign wasn’t the only place the game at running back last fall. Senior Mitch Knights wanted to be. Blythe of Central City returns at fullback. “While we all understand that our finish last year On the outside, the Orange and Black have had many highlights and kept (our consecutive winning their top four receivers back as part of a season run) going, it wasn’t what we’ve come to expect,” group of five that caught a total of 156 balls head coach Rick Willis said. “Our returners have worked in 2009. The receivers are highlighted by hard and are motivated to compete for a championship. seniors Matt Wickert of Memphis, Mo., We have outstanding leadership on this team headed by and Matt Gustafson of Fairbault, Minn., our senior captains Austin Cole of Manchester, Morgan who each hauled in 40-plus receptions last O’Connor of Fort Dodge, Jon Mallen of Britt, and Andrew season. Junior Levi Helbling of Creary of Knoxville. Malvern was close behind with 31 “The 2010 season receptions. will be both exciting and One of the things Willis and challenging,” he added. “Our his new offensive coordinator, tradition will be highlighted former quarterback standout as we celebrate the 75th Matt Wheeler, will be looking season of Wartburg for is someone to run the football. Our noncontrols. With the graduation of conference schedule will record-setting signal caller Nick certainly test us early, and Yordi last May, the job is open. the Iowa Conference will be John Mallen, “We have some options, but we as tough as ever.” don’t have experience,” Willis This year’s edition of said. “We’ll be evaluating that area closely Knights football has plenty throughout preseason camp.” to get moving quickly. “We’ll continue to attempt to be a physical, Starting on offense, an multiple and balanced offense,” he added. experienced offensive line Defensively, Willis and coordinator Joel tops the list. Wartburg Dettwiler will lean on experience at the will feature returning linebacker and defensive back positions. all-Iowa Conference Senior Blake Suckow of West Union, a 2009 center O’Connor and Reese Thompson, Wartburg second team all-Iowa Conference selection, junior Jon Orr of Coggon headlines the linebackers. His 89 tackles (second team) as well as ranked second last fall, while he led the unit two-year starter Spenser in hits for losses with 12. Senior Jourdan Cousin of Herkelman, a senior from Maquoketa, who registered Spencer had a strong junior season with 37 tackles and honorable mention awards. O’Connor anchors the group two interceptions, and junior Logan Hansen of Glennville, with two all-league honors in a row. Minn., made the most of his role a year ago with 51 The offensive line has some talented skill people Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

tackles, six of which were for losses. In the backfield, Wartburg is deep. Creary led the 2009 squad with 102 tackles and four interceptions en route to first team all-conference honors. Fellow seniors Brandon Moeller of Fort Dodge and Mallen also recorded 15-or-more tackles each, and junior Josh VanDenHul of North Sioux City, S.D., who has multiple talents, finished fifth in tackles (49). “We have a nice core group back on defense that is determined to improve its performance,” he added. “We’ll be younger and less experienced in our defensive line, but we are Wartburg excited about the potential of the group.” The Knights’ special teams crew is as deep as any on the field. With junior punter Robby Salmon of Mason City, who was among the conference leaders in yardsper-kick average a year ago and earned second team all-conference honors, the duo of senior Devin White of Decorah and junior Marcus Williams of Council Bluffs handing place-kicking duties, and a return unit that features VanDenHul and Mallen, Wartburg has plenty of possibilities. “Our specialists are experienced and should be the strength on this team,” Willis said. “With them leading the way, this group, as a whole, should also be a positive.”

Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Morningside Football Continues National Success in 2010 David Rebstock Morningside College Sports Information Director Morningside has been one of the nation’s most Todd, a senior from Holstein, Iowa, and Justin Shideler, a successful football teams over the past six seasons senior from Dakota Dunes, S.D., also saw significant playing with a 58-14 record for a .806 winning percentage. The time last year. The linebacker corps should receive an added Mustangs have made six consecutive appearances in the boost from the addition of Marcus Smith of Crete, Neb., a NAIA Championship Series and have advanced to at least redshirt freshman last year at the University of Nebraska, the quarterfinals for five years running. who helped lead Crete High School to back-to-back The Mustangs have posted 10-2 records each of the past Nebraska Class B state titles. two seasons and return most of the major players from a Starters Ben Rickord, a sophomore from Dakota Dunes, defensive unit that yielded an average of only 17.0 points per S.D.; Ryan Klein, a junior from Wakefield, Neb.; and Riley game to rank seventh nationally. Morningside brings back Tusha, a senior from Creighton, Neb., all return in the eight starters on defense, including its tackle, quarterback defensive secondary. Rickord topped the Mustangs with sack, and interception leaders. four interceptions and seven pass breakups last year as Ben Haugen, a senior defensive lineman from Estherville, a freshman, while Klein was the Mustangs’ third leading Iowa, earned first-team All-Great Plains Athletic Conference tackler with 73 stops. Newcomer Colby Henderson, (GPAC) honors last season following a breakout year that a sophomore from Wakefield, Neb., should make his saw him emerge as one of the league’s top down lineman. presence felt after he had 29 tackles and an interception Haugen led the Mustangs with six quarterback hurries last year at NCAA Division II University of Nebraska-Kearney. to go along with 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, The Mustangs must rebuild an offensive unit that rolled including 4.5 quarterback sacks. The Mustangs return two for averages of 45.1 points and 464.1 yards total offense others starters in the defensive front in junior John Kirwan per game to rank fourth and seventh, respectively, in the of Sioux City, Iowa, and second-team All-GPAC performer NAIA last year. Morningside returns only two starters on Vernon Moore, a senior from Houston, offense, but the pieces should be there to Texas. mold another effective unit. The Mustangs return two of their Morningside has produced an All-America starting linebackers in Marshall Tuttle, offensive lineman for six years running. The a senior from Sioux City, and Marshall top candidate this year is returning starter Barney, a junior from Logan, Iowa. Tuttle Nick Wilcox, a 6-4, 295 lb. senior from earned second-team All-GPAC laurels Omaha, Neb. Newcomer Tyler Winter, a following a banner 2009 season where 6-3, 290 lb. junior from Fort Dodge, Iowa, he topped the Mustangs with 86 tackles, earned special mention all-region honors 14 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, last year at Iowa Central Community 5.5 quarterback sacks, and three fumble College, while Prokopi Verros, a 6-6, 350 lb. recoveries. Barney also had a penchant for junior from Westchester, Ill., and a transfer getting into the opponents’ backfield with Bradley Norwood, from College of DuPage; and Tim Herman, PCM HS 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, a 6-6, 300 lb. freshman from Crete, Morningside WR including 4.5 quarterback sacks. Austin Neb., and a transfer from NCAA Division II

Chadron State College, are expected to bolster the ranks. The Mustangs’ most dangerous returning offensive weapons are wide receivers Joel Nixon, a junior from Wakfield, Neb., and Bradley Norwood, a senior from Runnells, Iowa. Nixon caught 34 passes for 576 yards and five touchdowns and averaged 16.9 yards per catch, while Norwood had 28 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns and averaged 12.2 yards per catch. Morningside’s ground attack should revolve around a pair of junior college additions. Mike McNulty, a junior from Elmhurst, Ill., was the nation’s 10th leading rusher in the juco ranks last fall when he ran for 1,116 yards and 12 touchdowns. Injuries limited Levi Owen, a junior from Scottsdale, Ariz., to 39 carries and 194 yards last year at Phoenix Community College, but he had a 129-yard performance in only 10 carries in a game against Snow Junior College. The Mustangs’ projected starting quarterback also came via the transfer route in Chris Stutzriem, a junior from Lawton, Okla., who was the backup last year at NCAA Division I-AA Indiana State University. Stutzriem passed for 660 yards and five touchdowns at NCAA Division I University of Wyoming during the 2008 season. He started four games for the Cowboys, including a 13-7 win against Tennessee. Stutzriem was the top rated prep quarterback in Oklahoma by Rivals when he completed 71.6 percent of his attempts and threw for 2,382 yards and 19 touchdowns as a senior at Eisenhower High School. Morningside’s kicking game is in good hands with placekicker C.J. Gradoville, a senior from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and punter Kane Kuehl, a senior from Sioux City. Gradoville, the NAIA national kick scoring leader in 2008, has made 32 of 41 field goal attempts and 194 of 200 PAT attempts during his Morningside career, while Kuehl was the GPAC punting champion in 2006 and 2007 when he was at Briar Cliff.

Senior Offensive Line Lead Statesmen in 2010 Wade Steinlage William Penn Sports Information Director While the rest of the program is expected to run smoothly, the course the William Penn football take in 2010 will depend on the success of the man behind center. A year removed from another winning campaign at 7-5 (5-2 in the Midwest League), their first back-to-back winning seasons since the mid-1970s, the Statesmen are without the services of three-time all-league quarterback Ryan Van Dalen as well as his favorite target Skyler Crouch, a four-time all-conference wide receiver. Quarterback: Van Dalen’s departure means someone has to make up for his 16 rushing and 13 passing touchdowns from last Corey Ketchum, season. With Van Dalen out of picture, William Penn the coaching staff worked exclusively during the spring with his backups, Aaron Kissinger and Jacob Ballanger. Running Back/Slot Back: As it was last year, the slot back position will be an unprecedented four-headed monster with Corey Ketchum, P.J. Perry, DeMarco Sanders, and Dalton Phelps sharing time in the backfield. A 2009 second-team all-MWL pick, Ketchum heads the crew, while Perry also had a solid 2009 year. Fullback: 2009 starter Travion Johnson has experience written all over his resume, but Shawn Davis, who redshirted last year, is hoping to throw a new face at the fullback position. Wide Receiver: Unquestionably on the best receivers in school history, Crouch possibly leaves an even larger void than Van Dalen as he left with career records for yards and touchdowns. Bernard Luster was a solid complement to Crouch last year, but his role will be magnified this campaign. 62

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Tight End: The most physical receiving blocker Penn has will see one more year of competition as honorablemention all-MWL selection Jimmy Deegan returns at the tight end position. Offensive Line: The strength of the Statesmen offensive attack for the past two years has been the line and it will again serve as the nucleus of the atom bomb Penn hopes to produce this season. An all-senior group, it could be said that the Statesmen offensive line could play side by side in their sleep. Steven Dawley, Wade Fischer, Matt Smith, Germarcus Smith, and Brett Stewart are all back for one final go-round in college and it is expected to be a productive one as all Dawley, Fischer, and Matt Smith return from all-conference campaigns. Defensive Line: Not to be outdone, the big men on the opposite side of the ball will also be integral to the wins Penn can accumulate. Paced by Dale Woods, a Second-Team All-American by College Fanz, three all-conference players will start on the defensive line. Woods will be joined by Damon Harrison and Jamal Zollicoffer, both second-team all-MWL selections in 2009. Linebacker: It seems every year Penn has to replace at least one great linebackers and this season is no different with all-league performers Trevon Greene and Kris Austin departed. A credit to the coaching staff, though, is that there is always someone standing in the wings ready for their chance to shine. Chris Ruff is the lone returning starter, while Sean Colemon, Brandon Millbrooks, Gustavo Marquez, Aaron Palacios, and Dale Stone join Ruff to present a formidable linebacking crew.

Secondary: Javaras Thomas headlines the final line of defense, which, with loads of returning flavor, should be a strong one. Thomas was a second-team all-conference pick last year.With depth available on the corners, two-time allconference performer Terrance Harper, formerly Terrance Flukers, is likely to move to the other safety position. Newcomer Shawn Watson should see playing time at safety as well as the coaching staff views him as one of the best players they have ever recruited into the program. Four names float to the top as Andrew Harris, Perry King, Chris Adeshina, and Cole Tom vie for the starting spots at cornerback. Special Teams: Michael Harris and Cody Hackett both graduated so gone is the two-punter formation that surprisingly worked well and the changes may not end there. Returning starting placekicker Cam Shearon has the edge in experience, but newcomers Shawn Watson and Marcus Karrigan both provide big legs. Schedule: The 2010 campaign begins with the renewal of an old rivalry as Penn was fortunate to pick up a season-opening game against Graceland on September 4. Three top-25 teams are on Penn’s schedule, including #9 McKendree, #20 Grand View, and #22 Taylor. Grand View comes to Oskaloosa for Homecoming on October 2. Conference: Defending league champion McKendree appears to be the frontrunner in the Midwest League, but Grand View and St. Ambrose will be very formidable opposition. “We are looking forward to the season and we have a great number of kids stick around this summer that lifted and practiced together,” Hafner added. “Going into the season, we feel as good as we ever have. We do not want to just knock on the conference door, but finally win one. If we can stay free of injuries and get the ball to bounce our way, we feel this could be the year to finally get that done.” Visit us on the web @ www.iowasportsconnection.com

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“Down Year” for St. Ambrose Brings High Expecations in 2010 Brian Thiessen St. Ambrose Sports Information Director It’s rare that a 6-4 season, with three wins coming by shutout, and a finish in the top half of the division can be classified as a down year, but that might be the best way to describe the 2009 season for the St. Ambrose University football team. After opening the campaign with two wins, the Bees dropped back-to-back games, including a 17-12 setback to eventual Mid-States Football Association Midwest League champion McKendree. Later in the year, SAU lost games to conference foes William Penn and Grand View to finish fourth in the league with a 4-3 mark. It was a letdown for a St. Ambrose program that had won seven conference titles and made eight national playoff appearances over the previous nine years. “Last year was a bit of a disappointment. We were not as consistent as we needed to be and we came up short of our goals,” fourth-year head coach Mike Magistrelli said. “But we think we’ve taken care of some of that this spring. Even though we’re young, we are much more consistent. We will be better this year; it’s just a matter of how soon we can get everything together.” Even coming off a down year and with a young team taking the field in 2010, the goals remain the same – compete and win the MSFA Midwest League, and reach and win an NAIA Football Championship Series game. To reach their goals, the Bees return 11 starters from a year ago, including six on the offensive side of the ball. A major change will see 2009 honorable mention allconference quarterback Michael Hayward return to wide receiver, a spot where he earned All-American honors in 2008. Hayward returns to the position where he set singleseason school records for receptions (88), receiving yards (1,292) and receiving touchdowns (11) in 2008. In just two years at the position, he already holds school records for career receptions (166) and career touchdown receptions (20). His 2,175 career receiving yards place him just 273 yards behind Tom Furlan’s all-time mark. “While we may have lost an all-conference quarterback

after picking up 64 tackles last year. in the switch, we’ve gained an AllJarrod Reichelt, Bryant Beal and American wide receiver,” Magistrelli Tony Gripp also received extensive said. “Moving from wide receiver playing time last season. to quarterback back to receiver is Up front, the defense will be led a testament to the type of athlete by senior nose tackle Joey Carioti, Michael is. Watching him this offwho was in on 44 tackles, five season, it’s like he never left the tackles-for-loss and a pair of sacks position. He didn’t miss a beat.” in 2009. Seniors Ricky Jackson Hayward’s return makes a deep (25 tackles, 3.5 TFL, two sacks) group of receivers even deeper. and Curtis Roeder (nine tackles) The receiving corps also includes and junior Arthur Haug (13 tackles, second team all-conference picks Billy 4 TFL, three sacks) will rotate at Rembold (31 catches, 469 yards, four Jacob Rohde (#88) defensive end. TDs) and Jacob Rohde (25 catches, Mount Pleasant HS, The starting cornerback spots 517 yards, six TDs), along with Beau St. Ambrose WR, are expected to go to returning Foiles, who led the team with 32 starters James Hannah-White and Colin Suiter. Hannahreceptions for 576 yards and six scores last year. White, a second team all-American return specialist, was Matt Ardiente returns after leading the team in rushing involved in 31 tackles and broke up nine passes while with 415 yards and six touchdowns on 97 carries in 2009. Suiter finished with 42 stops, eight pass breakups and two He looks to be the team’s primary back but will face stiff interceptions. competition. John Michaletti, Kyle Cummins, Zach Schulte and Mark “We really don’t have an every-down back,” Magistrelli O’Connor will battle for the safety spots. said. “But we have a very good stable of backs. We have a Sophomore Patrick Schmadeke will handle the kicking handful of guys who can step in.” duties. He knocked in 11-of-15 field goal attempts and With a solid group of receivers and backs in place, drilled a 50-yarder last year. sophomore quarterback Danny Tharp has the tools “Pat might be the best kicker we’ve had at St. Ambrose,” around him to succeed. Tharp red-shirted last season Magistrelli said. “He has great range and does an excellent after off-season shoulder surgery but had a strong spring job on kickoffs.” to win the starting job. St. Ambrose will face a tough schedule. The season “Danny is a pocket passer who is very accurate and begins Sept. 4 at Trinity International before the Bees’ makes great decisions. He was a pleasant surprise home opener against Malone on Sept. 11. On Sept. 18, for us in the spring and fits what we’re looking for in a SAU will visit national-power Saint Francis, Ind., before quarterback,” Magistrelli said. kicking off MSFA Midwest League play at 6 p.m. on Sept. After the graduation of three offensive linemen, there 25 against McKendree. will be a young group up front protecting Tharp. All“There are no gimmies,” Magistrelli said. “There are conference honorable mention right guard Joe Bailey and some good teams in this conference so each and every junior left guard Nick Hauge will lead the group. week we’ll have to find a way to get better.” The strength of the defensive should be at linebacker. Three-year starter Tyler Boyle is the top returning tackler

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Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Tradition, Excellence, Family - The Raider Way Matt Bos Northwestern College Sports Information Director Tradition, excellence, family…the Raider Way…just a few of the attributes that make the Northwestern College football team an annual contender for postseason play and a fixture among the top teams within the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). In 2009, under the direction of first-year head coach Kyle Achterhoff, in his 13th season overall as a coach within the program, the Raiders continued their strong tradition as they finished fourth in the conference with a 7-3 record and ended the year ranked 25th in the NAIA. It marked the 19th consecutive season that Northwestern finished with a winning record and the seventh straight year the Raiders ended the year ranked in the top 25. With 17 starters returning, many of whom have started multiple years for the Raiders, optimism heading into the 2010 season remains very high. Joining the returning starters and a total of 41 letterwinners are over 50 newcomers, the largest recruiting class in the history of the program. With over 100 players coming into camp, beginning Aug. 16, this will be one of the deepest teams the Raiders have put on the field in years. Offensively, Northwestern returns its entire backfield from last season, along with seven players who saw significant time on an offensive line that gave up just seven sacks in 2009, the third lowest total in the NAIA. Senior running back Taylor Malm returns as the top ball carrier for a Raider ground attack that ranked third in the GPAC, averaging over 210 yards per game. A second team all-GPAC pick last year, Malm led the Raiders with 1,617 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns, including 851 yards on the ground to go with 14 rushing scores. He also caught a team-high 29 passes out of the backfield and ranked eighth in the GPAC in kick returns, averaging 22.9 yards per attempt. Kevin Vander Schaaf, a senior, also returns after an injury-plagued 2009 season. Vander Schaaf, the team’s best blocker but also a threat between the tackles, gained 427 yards, averaged 4.3 yards per carry and reached the end zone four times. Brandon Smith had an outstanding freshman year for the Raiders, averaging a team-best 6.5 yards per carry and gaining over 500 yards rushing to go with five touchdowns. A key for the Raiders could lie in the hands of quarterback Jayme Rozeboom, a redshirt sophomore from Rock Rapids,

Iowa. Rozeboom saw limited action as a Austin Roseboom, freshman in 2008 and then was appointed Sioux Center, the starter in the spring of 2009, taking Northwestern every snap with the first team all spring and preseason. An injury just five days prior to the opening game of the 2009 season, however, ended the year for Rozeboom. He comes into the preseason completely healthy and with another full spring and summer season of work with the first team. With the loss of three of the top six receivers from last year, competition could be fierce in the preseason for the starting spots at receiver. The early favorite is sophomore Tyler Walker who had a successful freshman year with 15 catches for 152 yards. Another top target will be tight end Derrick Rensink, a junior from Sioux Center, Iowa. Rensink is a huge target and threat across the middle who caught 22 passes for 214 yards and two scores. Tim Vermeer (Sioux Center, Iowa) has spent the last two years on the junior varsity but has worked hard in the offseason and is another option as a receiver. One of the deepest and most talented positions for the Raiders is along the offensive line. Four starters return up front and are joined by a trio of players who saw significant field time, including a couple of starts. Senior John Adam (Sioux City, Iowa) and junior Travis Hofmeyer (Orange City, Iowa) earned second team all-conference honors last year. Daniel Solis, a four-year starter and two-time all-GPAC pick, and Nathan Nieuwendorp (Orange City, Iowa) also return as starters up front. Logan Ogden, a second-team all-GPAC pick in 2008, comes back after missing all of the 2009 season with an injury, and Evan Hoffmeier (Charter Oak, Iowa), Tyler Klyn (Oskaloosa, Iowa) and Wil Van’t Hof (Alvord, Iowa) also saw significant playing time in 2009. Defensively, the Red Raiders bring back nine starters from a 2009 squad that ranked fifth in the GPAC, allowing just over 20 points per game. The defensive line is an experienced group with seniors Jordan Te Grootenhuis (Larchwood,

Iowa) and Brad Hughes along with junior Paul Lundgren (Orange City, Iowa). Te Grootenhuis led all NWC linemen with 19 tackles and two sacks last season. Ethan Lensch (Glidden, Iowa), Nate Fischer (LeMars, Iowa), Taylor Morris (Ringsted, Iowa) and Stanley Fleming are four sophomores who have played significant minutes and will be looked to contribute more this year. The linebacking corps will be led by Austin Rozeboom (Sioux Center, Iowa), who earned honorable mention all-GPAC honors in 2009. Rozeboom led the Raiders with 53.5 tackles and totaled 2.5 sacks and one interception. The defense will benefit from the return of T.J. Lensch (Glidden, Iowa), who missed all of the 2009 season due to injury but earned all-GPAC honors after the 2008 season. Caleb Blauwet (Larchwood, Iowa), a three-year starter, totaled 19 tackles and one interception in an injury-riddled 2009 season. Aaron Jansen (Orange City, Iowa), Ben Aguilera (Highland, Calif.) and Grantley Samuels also return and have experience at the position. Two-time first team all-GPAC cornerback Caleb Van Otterloo (Le Mars, Iowa) leads a very talented Raider secondary. The senior ranked third on the team with 43 tackles and tied for fifth in the GPAC with five interceptions. Three-year starter Jon Gerber (Lester, Iowa) returns for his final season after earning honorable mention all-GPAC honors at safety in 2009. Gerber totaled 37.5 tackles and broke up three passes last year. Steven Van Wyhe (Rock Rapids, Iowa) and David Butler both are coming off outstanding seasons as members of the secondary and valuable playmakers on special teams. Van Wyhe ranked fourth on the team with 42.5 tackles while Butler totaled 21.5 tackles. Brad Payne (Alta, Iowa), Chris Butler and Jerel Kyles will compete for the other starting cornerback position and will add depth in the defensive backfield.

Briar Cliff Returns Seven on Both Sides in 2010

Jared Bodammer Briar Cliff Sports Information Director The Briar Cliff football team returns 14 starters (seven each on offense and defense) and 34 letterwinners from last year’s 4-7 campaign. The Chargers won three of their final five games and three-straight road games in 2009. The 2010 installment of BCU football features the largest roster in school history and increased expectations. With seven starters returning on defense, the Chargers have hopes of maintaining their level of play from a season ago, when they ranked second in the GPAC and 12th in the nation in total defense. They held opponents to 169.0 passing yards per game and only 109.0 rushing yards per outing. Leading the way for the Chargers will be a trio of honorable mention all-conference seniors in Eric Bolin, Jon Smith and Steve Urquidez. Bolin anchors a linebacker corps which graduated two starters, including Jarrod Makovicka, who ended his four-year career with the Chargers as the leading tackler in Briar Cliff and GPAC history. The 5-11, 232-pound Bolin recorded 62.5 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss, last season. He is expected to be joined by sophomore Jordan Lester at outside linebacker. Smith will be the captain of a defensive backfield which must replace two starters who combined for nine interceptions, last year. The 5-10, 187-pound Smith had 44.0 tackles in 2009. Expected to surround Smith are senior Rickey Miller and junior Caleb Young. Jerion Taylor, a freshman safety from Cedar Hill, Texas and Emmanuel Mkita, a freshman defensive back from Norfolk, Neb. will also push for time in the secondary. In his first season after transferring from Central Methodist, the 6-1, 282-pound Urquidez logged 35.0 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. The Chargers’ defensive front also returns junior Adnan Kasapovic (30.5 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss), junior Brady Summers (26.0 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, HM All-GPAC) and senior Jeremy Schindler (21.5 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss. Much more is also expected this season from senior Stan Bonsu after having a great spring. He posted two tackles last season while playing in all 11 games. Offensively, the Chargers have improved dramatically under third year head coach Tom Rethman. They outgained their opponents in 2009 for the first time in program history, 64

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Jordan Lester #3, Briar Cliff chalking up 281.5 yards of offense per game. They averaged 19.3 ppg and scored 13 touchdowns through the air and 10 on the ground. The Chargers return the quarterback-receiver duo of sophomore Lehi Tonga and senior Chase Colvin. The 5-10, 188-pound Tonga threw for 1,311 yards and 11 scores in 2009. He was 107-184 through the air. Meanwhile, the 6-3 Colvin garnered second team all-conference accolades after registering 41 receptions for 590 yards and six touchdowns. Freshman Tom Traficanti will push Tonga. The 6-3, 210-pound high school standout is from Glenbard North High School, where he was all-conference and led his team to an Illinois class 8A semi-final berth. Another target for the Chargers will be senior Zac Kliment, who returns after posting 20 receptions in 2009 for 164 yards. In the backfield, the Chargers have several options as they look to improve on last year’s 89.0 rushing yards per game. Junior Stavhn Leavy returns after leading the Chargers in rushing last year with 534 rushing yards and four scores on 164 carries. He also had 185 receiving yards on 21 catches. Also returning is the multi-positional Andrew Prohaska and sophomore back Damien Eichelberger. Prohaska was the

Chargers’ second-leading rusher last year with 264 yards on 56 carries. He scored four rushing touchdowns and led the team with 4.7 yards per carry. The honorable mention all-GPAC selection also led the Chargers with 46 receptions and 43.7 receiving yards per game. Prohaska was also the team’s primary kick and punt returner, leading the team with 26.6 yards per kick return. Eichelberger carried the ball 45 times for 167 yards and a score. Newcomer Aaron Taylor, from Peoria, Ariz., is also expected to see repetitions in the backfield. The Chargers’ offensive line was rebuilt in the offseason and is expected to include at least two freshmen; Wes Bell, a transfer from Missouri Western and Dan Campos, who prepped at Duncanville High School in talent-rich Texas. Senior John Swanson and sophomore Jonathan LeTempt and are the lone returning offensive lineman with extensive game experience. With the graduation of Josh McKean, the Chargers lost their only true punter/kicker on the roster. McKean, who only had the duties for one season, was 8-11 on field goal attempts with a long of 37 yards. His punting average was 37.5 yards. Expected to replace McKean is junior newcomer Derek Beisner, who switches sports after playing with the Charger soccer team, last fall. The Chargers will open the 2010 season with a night game against nationally-ranked Hastings, Sept. 4, at Memorial Field. They will then play road contests at Waldorf and Morningside before returning home to play Northwestern in a homecoming tilt, Sept. 25. Three of the team’s first four games are against teams which were ranked among the NAIA’s Top 25 in the 2010 spring poll. In October, the Chargers will host defending national champion Sioux Falls (Oct. 9) and Midland Lutheran (Oct. 30), while playing Dordt (Oct. 2), Concordia (Oct. 16) and Nebraska Wesleyan (Oct. 23) on the road. The squad’s November slate includes a road contest at Dakota Wesleyan, followed by a home finale against Doane, Nov. 13.

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Year 3 of Dordt Football Comes After Back-to-Back 1-10 Seasons Mike Byker Dordt College Sports Information Director Back for his third year as head coach at the college varsity level is John Heavner. Heavner, the architect of the young program, has been at the school since 2006 and will also handle the offensive coordinator duties along with coaching the wide receivers and tight ends. The Defenders, who relied on building the program from the outset with incoming freshman, feature a team with 19 juniors who remain from the inaugural 2008 varsity campaign. Also included in the group of returners are five performers who claimed allGreat Plains Athletic Conference honorable mention honors last season. The core of the returning Dordt College defensive unit is in the secondary and linebacker corp. Matt Postmus (Junior; Kalamazoo, Michigan) led the team in tackles last season at linebacker with 45 solo and 50 assisted stops with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Postmus earned post-season honors from the GPAC as a sophomore. Jordan Huisman (Sophomore; Orange City, Iowa) made his mark at linebacker and special teams as a freshman, playing in all 11 games and getting in on 19 solo and 48 assisted tackles. In the secondary the Defenders return two-time GPAC honorable mention honoree James Rowenhorst (Junior; Orange City, Iowa). Rowenhorst had 41 solo tackles and 25 assisted stops with seven passes broken up, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. Austin Bosma (Junior; Hospers, Iowa) made 33 solo tackles and 28 assisted stops at safety last season with two interceptions. The defensive line will be anchored by Brice Kroeze (Junior; Orange City, Iowa). The defensive tackle claimed GPAC honorable mention last season with 27 solo and 22 assisted stops with a team high 5.5 quarterback sacks. On offense Josh Van Kempen (Sophomore; Jenison, Michigan) returns after gaining 435 yards on 105 carries for a 4.1 per carry average. Van Kempen also had 21 catches for 192 yards and scored five touchdowns while garnering all-GPAC honorable mention. Aaron Floen (Sophomore; Sioux Center, Iowa) also returns after gaining 149 yards on 50 carries in his freshman campaign. Justin Knot (Sophomore; Hudsonville, Michigan) called signals for the Defenders last season and completed 65-146 passes for 649 yards and five touchdowns. Knot appeared in all 11 games for the Defenders last season. Reuben Faber (Junior; Escondido, California) handled the punting and kicking chores last season, punting 68 times for an average of 39.8 yards per attempt and he hit 5-8 field goal attempts with a long of 47 yards. Faber was named all-GPAC honorable mention in 2009. The Defenders will open their season against Dakota Wesleyan in Sioux Center on Saturday, September 4 at 6:00.

Douglas Named Graceland Head Coach for 2010 Football Season Matt Shelton Graceland University Sports Information Department President John Sellars has named versatile coach and educator Jeff Douglas, Graceland Class of 1984, to the position of Head Football Coach effective immediately. Jeff currently serves as Assistant Football Coach and Head Softball Coach at Graceland. “We are excited to have Jeff take charge of Graceland’s football program,” President Sellars said. “He has proven himself as a coach, educator and innovative recruiter, and as a valued member of the Graceland community.” “I am excited about and grateful for this opportunity,” Jeff said. “I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.” After graduating from Graceland, Jeff served 14 years as a Yellowjacket assistant football coach in several key roles: offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and as QB, LB, DB and offensive-line positions coach. He also served as Head Baseball Coach for 11 years, Assistant Athletic Director, working with Tom Powell, and he was an Assistant Dean of Admissions for five years, working with Bonita Booth. Jeff then moved on to Interstate 35 Community Schools in Truro, Iowa, where he served as Defensive Coordinator in football, Head Girl’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Track Coach. He still serves the District as Head Baseball Coach. He returned to Graceland in 2007 as an assistant football coach. He has been Head Softball Coach this past year. During the 2008-09 academic year Jeff taught in the Division of Health and Movement Science. About this year’s football squad, Jeff said, “We have had a tremendous recruiting year. We have upgraded ourselves both offensively and defensively. I believe our total number of recruits will also be up.” Jeff was a four-year varsity letterman at Graceland from 1979-1983 as a defensive back. He was selected to all-conference and district teams as a junior and senior. He earned All-American honors as a senior and was ranked second nationally in pass interceptions. He also earned All-Conference and district honors in baseball, earning four varsity letters. After graduating from Graceland with a B.A. in Physical Education and Health, Jeff earned his Master’s in Education from Northwest Missouri State University. He grew up in Corydon, Iowa and was a running back and defensive back at Wayne Community High School. He is married to Lena Baskin, also a Graceland graduate from the Class of 1984. They have three children: Brandon, who plays in the Detroit Tigers organization, and Brett, who hopes to be with the Kansas City T-Bones baseball organization this year. The boys are twins. Their daughter, Briana, will attend Graceland this fall and plans to play softball. “We had a great spring practice,” said the new Head Coach. “We look to follow that up with an even better fall. We are excited about the possibilities for the 2010 season.” Jeff added, “I look forward to working with the GU community, faculty and staff in an effort to have a football program that we can all be proud of.” The Yellowjackets begin the 2010 season September 4 at home against William Penn University.

Pedersen to Lead Grinnell College Waldorf Picked Last in MWL Ted Schultz Grinnell College Sports Information Director

Tim Weideman Iowa Sports Connection Communications Intern

With the return of nine starters on offense and four on defense, the Grinnell College football team is seeking an improved campaign in 2010. The Pioneers, who were 2-8 a season ago and 2-7 in the Midwest Conference, return four all-conference players including second-team linebacker Marquis Bradley ’11. Bradley ranked second on the squad in tackles last year with 107. Three all-league honorable mention picks return for Grinnell – receiver Robert Seer ’12, offensive lineman Chris Jarmon ’12 and defensive back Marc Heronemus ’11. Seer led Grinnell in receiving last year with 47 catches for 760 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Heronemus had 52 tackles. Other returning starters on offense for Grinnell are quarterback Mike Bogard ’12, running back TJ Schaid ’13, tight end Brian Westerlind ’12 (may move to defense this year), receiver Kelsey Davis ’12 and linemen Jake McVeigh ’11, Scott Mata ’11 and Stephen Hudak ’12. Bogard accounted for 901 passing yards and 137 rushing yards before being sidelined just past the midway point of the season with a knee injury. Mike McCabe ’13 filled in admirably and went on to finish with 1,212 passing yards and 239 rushing yards, both team-highs. Joining Bradley and Heronemus as returning starters on defense are linebackers Ryan Fletcher ’11 (82 tackles) and Ryan Creps ’12 (57 tackles). With so many offensive starters back, first-year interim head coach Jeff Pedersen ’02 is confident in his team’s potential on that side of the ball. “Both our quarterbacks have started a lot of games, so that’s encouraging,” he explained. “Bogard is a great runner and probably better at the short and intermediate game, while McCabe throws a nice deep ball. I feel fine having either one start, plus we’ll have a few incoming first-years to assist if needed.

Waldorf isn’t expected to have much say in the MSFA’s Midwest League’s outcome this season. After finishing 0-7 in conference and 1-9 overall last year, the Warriors have been picked by MWL coaches to finish last in the division. Hoping to help the Warriors exceed the low expectations will be the team’s leading rusher, Deonte Lewis, who returns for his senior year after rushing for 493 yards on 122 attempts. Also returning will be senior quarterback and the Warrior’s leading passer, RocTerrius Hobbs. Last year, Hobbs completed 63 of 154 pass attempts for 652 yards and three touchdowns. Hobbs’s favorite target, senior Luke Gassman, also returns. Gassman caught 25 passes for 347 yards last season. Defensively, defensive linemen Chris Gomez and Justin Luiten are joined by fellow senior John Lawson at linebacker as players to watch.

2010 Schedule: Sept 4th Sept 11th Sept 18th Sept 25th Oct 2nd Oct 9th Oct 16th

Malacaster @ Monmouth Ripon @ Lake Forest Beloit @ Knox Lawrence

Oct 23rd Oct 30th Nov 6th

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@ St. Norbert Illinois College @ Carroll University

2010 Schedule: Aug 28th Sept 4th Sept 11th Sept 18th Sept 25th Oct 2nd Oct 9th Oct 16th Oct 23rd Oct 30th Nov 6th Nov 13th

Dordt (Scrimmage) @Trinity Bible College Briar Cliff University Trinity International @ Grand View @ Iowa Wesleyan St. Ambrose (Homecoming) McKendree University @ Haskell University @ St. Francis William Penn @ Quincy University Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

IWC Football Program Announces Coaching Staff for 2010 Iowa Wesleyan College Sports Information Department New Iowa Wesleyan College Head Football Coach Kent Anderson has announced the addition of two new full-time members of his coaching staff, as well as new duties for several returning coaches. Peter Jennings, Joe Stubbs, Brad Linares and David Lukens all have been announced as members of Anderson’s staff. Linares and Lukens are new as full-time coaches, while Jennings and Stubbs both are returnees to the staff. Among the changes in the staff will be new duties for Jennings, who take over as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator in this his third season with the program. Lukens is the newest member of the staff and comes to IWC from Davis County High School in Bloomfield, Iowa, where he was the head coach the past 16 years. Lukens took over a struggling Davis County program and made it one of the best in Southeast Iowa and a perennial playoff contender in the state. In all he has taught in high schools for 30 years and has been a head football coach at the high school level for 25 years. “He has a great football mind,” Anderson said. “What I like is his sound approach to defensive football. He has leadership qualities and knows Southeast Iowa high school football inside and out and has been one of the top high school coaches in the state for many years. We are fortunate to have him on board.” Linares will become a full-time member of the staff this year after serving as a volunteer assistant last year. He coached the team’s wide receivers this past season and will take over duties in charge of the offensive line this year. He also is a native of Fort Madison and played football with Jennings at Illinois College. “Peter and Brad are Southeast Iowa guys,” Anderson said. “Brad has done a great job here in the offseason with our weight program, and he’ll give our offensive line the toughness we need at that position. That’s really what I liked about him, that he’s going to instill that toughness in a position where it’s very important.” Stubbs is the senior member of the staff and will be entering his fourth year as an assistant with the program. A former player at IWC from 1998-2002 and a graduate of the college, the Georgia native has made his home in Mount Pleasant and will continue to coach the team’s defensive backs. “I consider Joe another Southeast Iowa guy,” Anderson said. “He’s lived here the past ten years, he knows the school and he’s a great asset to have and also helps us to maintain continuity.” Along with Anderson, who also is a native of Bloomfield, the staff gives IWC a heavy connection with the region east, west and south of the Mount Pleasant. The makeup of the staff also will allow Anderson the freedom to not specialize on one side of the ball, as many IWC head coaches typically have in the past, and instead oversee the entire team during practices and games. “It’s important to have balance in the program,” Anderson said. “Offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, head coach, balance in the team. This staff allows us to do that.” IWC is coming off a 2-9 season in 2009. The Tigers are scheduled to open their 2010 season on Sept. 4 against Coe College at home at Mapleleaf Community Stadium.

Grand View Vikings Enter 2010 Season with National Recognition Grand View College Sports Information Department College Fanz Sports Network, the world’s largest online college sports community launched by ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen, announced their preseason National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Football Top 25 rankings. The Grand View University football team has been rated by Dannelly and College Fanz as the No. 18 team in the NAIA. The Vikings went 9-3 overall in 2009 and 6-1 in MSFA action. Grand View was ranked as the No. 19 team in the 2009 NAIA Postseason Poll and the No. 20 team in the 2010 NAIA Spring Poll. Grand View led the NAIA in turnover margin last season (+1.9) with 24 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries. The Vikings will return 22 starters in 2010 including First Team All-Conference performer Daryl Ford (Houston, Texas). Ford ranked in the top-20 nationally in rushing and scoring in 2009 with 1,034 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Vikings lose four starters including AFCA All-American Titus Bland, who had six interceptions last year. The rankings were compiled by veteran NAIA guru and College Fanz director of college relations Jason Dannelly, along with members of the College Fanz NAIA Football Game of the Week broadcast team. Dannelly has been rating NAIA Football teams since the fall of 2002. His weekly NAIA Football ratings are recognized nationally in various media sources. Grabbing the top spot in the ranking are the back-to-back defending NAIA National Champions, the University of Sioux Falls Cougars, who have been rated in the College Fanz NAIA ranking’s top spot since winning the 2008 NAIA National Title. The Cougars have a veteran wide receiver core led by one of the NAIA’s best in Jon Ryan. Defensively the Cougars looked to be strong again but will have to replace seven key starters from last year’s top defense in the NAIA. 2010 Schedule: Aug 28th Black Hills State Sept 11th @ St. Francis (IL) Sept 18th Marian Sept 25th Waldorf (Homecoming) Oct 2nd @ William Penn Oct 9th Quincy Oct 23rd @Bacone Oct 30th Iowa Wesleyan Nov 6th St. Ambrose Nov 13th @McKendree

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Volume 12 Issue 5

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Iowa Sports Connection

Ellsworth Community College Opens the Season Ranked 9th in Nation

Young, Talented Tritons Prepare for 2010 Season

Tim Weideman Iowa Sports Connection Communications Intern

Josh Sandin Iowa Central Sports Information

The question for the Ellsworth Community College Panthers football team is can they reload after losing a lot of the talent that led them to back-to-back Graphic Edge Bowl Championships (2008, 2009), back-to-back 2008-2009 Region XI Championships and last year’s 2009 Region XI Playoff Championship. It seems the Panthers may have the talent to continue the success in 2010, the team’s 50th anniversary season. Or at least the experts believe so. After finishing last season with an 8-3 record and ranked 9th in the country by the NJCAA, Ellsworth hasn’t given up any ground in this year’s preseason poll. On the offensive side of the ball, watch for running back John Wallace to make a splash. Wallace was the Panthers’ second-leading rusher behind now University of Northern Iowa Panther quarterback Tirrell Rennie. Last season Wallace recorded 118 carries for 559 yards and nine touchdowns. He also showed his versatiliy by snagging 31 receptions for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Ricky Rowe appears poised to take over where Rennie left off. Last season, Rowe completed 20 of 32 passes for four touchdowns and carried the ball 26 times for 101 yards. Rowe will have several experienced targets to throw the ball to, including wide receiver Andre Thomas and John Rabe (Iowa Falls). Thomas amassed 521 receiving yards and four touchdowns, while Rabe collected 488 yards and two touchdowns, respectively. When the other team has the ball, they had better watch out for defensive linemen Michel Miraldo and Jerone Williams. Miraldo had 34 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. Williams collected 44 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season.

Iowa Central debuts at No. 12 in the first NJCAA poll of the year. The Tritons are one of four Midwest Football Conference schools to appear in the poll. Despite missing a bowl game for the first time in seven seasons, expectations are high for Iowa Central as they are also picked to finish second in the MWF West Division. As usual, nothing will come easy this season for the Tritons as three teams in the West Division appear in the top 25. Ellsworth checks in at No. 9 and Iowa Western is No. 23. On the East side of the division, Grand Rapids is No. 10. Iowa Central finished the 2009 season with a 6-3 record. The Tritons return four starters on the offensive side of the ball, headlined by All-Conference quarterback, Terrance Johnson, and five defensive starters. The returners for Iowa Central will have plenty of help from a recruiting class that Coach Twait calls “a very talented class.” “I think we covered our bases as far as depth, we didn’t overload at one spot, and we have talent everywhere,” Twait said. As usual with Iowa Central, the signee list is heavy on local, Iowa talent. “We like winning with Iowa kids so that’s who we go after,” said Twait. “38 of our 45 signees are in-state kids.” Coach Twait is excited about the class, but thinks there is still a lot of hard work left ahead for the signees if they want to log big time minutes on the field this season. “Count on a lot of these kids to appear in our two-deep roster,” said Twait. “But I still think the core of the action will go to the 70 sophomores we have coming back.” Iowa Central will open the 2010 season against No. 23 Iowa Western in Fort Dodge as the Tritons will look to defend the Kinney Cup.

2010 Schedule: Aug 28th Morningside JV Oct 23rd Sept 2nd @ Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Oct 30th Sept 11th Iowa Central Nov 6th Sept 18th Joliet (Homecoming) Nov 20th Sept 25th @ Grand Rapids Oct 2nd Harper Oct 9th @ Dupage Oct 17th Wisconsin-Lacrosse JV

@NDSCS @ Iowa Western West Playoff - TBA Graphic Edge Bowl

2010 Schedule: Sept 4th Iowa Western Sept 11th@ Ellsworth Sept 18thDakota College Sept 25th @ Joliet Oct 2nd Grand Rapids Oct 9th @ Harper Oct 16th Dupage

Oct 23rd Arkansas Baptist (@ KansasCity, KS) Oct 30th North Dakota

Iowa Western Looks to Experienced Players to Lead Team in 2010 Tim Weideman Iowa Sports Connection Communications Intern The Iowa Western Community College Reivers will try to put their names back into the hunt for an IIAC championship after finishing last season with a record of 5-4. Sophomore running back Jaime Goldsmith returns for his final season with the Reivers. After facing some stiff competition on the depth chart last season, Goldsmith will likely be a favorite to start this season. Goldsmith carried the ball 61 times last season for 208 yards and three touchdowns. Look for the Reivers’ receiving corps to show their experience this season, as they return three players with significant numbers from last season. Abe Kos (Mid-Prairie) leads the returning players in catches from last season with 12 for 111 yards, but it’s Shane Prater who boasts the most impressive returning numbers with nine receptions for 172 yards and three touchdowns. William Baughman (Harlan) also represents a scoring threat. He hauled in only four balls last year for 75 yards but two of those catches were touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Lenard Williams is the name to watch out for. Williams made 26 tackles including 9.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks last season for the Reivers. 2010 Schedule: Aug 28th Highland Oct 9th @ Dakota College - Bottineau Sept 4th @ Iowa Central Oct 16th NDSCS Sept 11th @ Joliet Oct 30th Ellsworth Sept 18th Grand Rapids Nov 6th MFC West Playoffs - TBA Sept 25th @ Harper Nov 21st Graphic Edge Bowl Oct 2nd Dupage

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Volume 12 Issue 5

Iowa Sports Connection

Keeping Kids in the Game for Life Lynn M Lindaman, MD Lindaman Orthopaedics

Writing about the benefits of sports for youth in this publication would be “preaching to the choir”. The beneficial impact on not only the physical well being of children, but also the emotional and social benefits from individual and team sports is indisputable. To fully take advantage of these benefits the child must continue sporting activities into adulthood. It is estimated that 70% of kids participating in sports drop out by the age of 13! Studies have cited various reasons for dropping out of sports. These range from losing interest, not having fun, tired of participating, to the sport taking too much time, wanting to participate in nonsporting activities, to problems with coaches. Additionally, one of the factors in this dropout rate is injury. Every year more than 3.5 Million children under the age of 14 are treated for sports injuries. These children lose the benefits of exercise, teamwork and healthy competition. There are some 30 Million children participating

Volume 12 Issue 5

in organized sports every year. This includes over 7.3 Million High School students. These High School athletes sustain more than 2 Million injuries each year. This includes 500,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations. Over the last several decades there has been significant reduction in the number of injuries and particularly catastrophic injuries due to improvements in safety features and protective gear as well as rule changes. However over 50% of the injuries are Overuse Injuries. Not all injuries result in physician or hospital visits and it is estimated that 75% of young athletes will suffer from an over use injury. This is up from 20% in the 1990’s. The magnitude of the number of injuries and the potential immediate and long term effects of these injuries has lead to a coordinated effort to deal with this problem. On April 1st Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention (STOP) was unveiled. This organization formed through the cooperation of the: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons American Academy of Pediatrics American Medical Society for Sports Medicine National Athletic Trainers’ Association National Strength and Conditioning Association SAFE Kids USA In addition to the organizational members listed above, the organization counts 27 world renown

physicians and athletes as its advisory “Council of Champions” as well as another 24 of the nation’s top physicians from a multitude of specialties as its volunteer steering committee This is a comprehensive public outreach program. It focuses on the importance of sports safety -specifically relating to overuse and trauma injuries. The initiative not only raises awareness and provides education on injury reduction, but also highlights how playing safe and smart can enhance and extend a child’s athletic career, improve teamwork, reduce obesity rates and create a lifelong love of exercise and healthy activity. The message underscores the problems of overuse and trauma and emphasizes the expertise of their coalition of experts. They have developed, and are continuing to develop educational and informational material not only for health care providers, but also for coaches, parents and athletes. These materials not only deal with general issues such as hydration, concussion or overuse injuries, but also deal with injury prevention specifically for each sport. For the parents there is information on how to spot and prevent potential overuse injuries in your child as well as how to encourage success in your young athlete. For the coach in addition to the anticipated help with injury prevention, recognition and treatment, there is also help with working parents. All the educational information as well as information about the organization itself can be found at: www.STOPSportsInjuries.org.

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Iowa Sports Connection

Football Associated Foot Injuries R.D. Lee Evans, DPM, FACFAS Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, PC

Due to the numerous bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments that act in harmony to move the foot it is no surprise that the sport of football is particular hard on the foot. The direct impact, shear forces of pivoting, changing directions as well as the generally uneven grass playing surface makes foot injuries common. Ligament sprains, joint injuries, tendonitis and fractures are common football related problems and will be discussed here. Turf toe is probably one on the most common football related injuries. It may start as a jamming of the big toe or in other cases a hyperextension of the toe leading to pain with movement, swelling and an inability to push off the toe. Treatment consists of ice, rest, taping or splinting the toe. It is helpful to wear still soled shoes to keep the toe from bending and in some cases intra-articular steroid injections. Certain taping techniques have also shown to improve turf toe by reducing motion. Metatarsal stress fracture is a potentially devastating foot condition that is characterized by pain on the top of the foot that may be nondiscreet at first but then focally more tender. Swelling almost always is present. Stress fracture can be injuries of conditions wear the athlete dramatically increases there work out

in a relatively short period of time. If the player has pain that is pin point with swelling to the top of the foot then removing the athlete from competition and acquiring an x-ray is imperative to prevent worsening injury and prolonged treatment. Usual treatment for stress fracture is a fracture boot or other form of immobilization for 4 to 6 weeks. The best way to treat a stress fracture is to not get one in the first place. Proper training foot wear go a long way towards preventing metatarsal stress fractures. Plantar Fasciitis is a common ailment for football players as well as recreational athletes. It is characterized by pain in the heel or arch pain after rest or upon rising in the morning. Swelling is usually not present. Pain is usually improved with activity and worsened by prolonged standing. Acute Plantar Fasciitis is treated with anti-inflammatory medication, rest, taping of the arch or wearing arch supports. Occasionally, physical therapy or cortisone injections are needed to reduce the inflammation. In cases of chronic plantar fasciitis custom orthotics may be necessary to reduce the amount of strain on the heel and arch. Ankle Sprains are a frequent occurrence in football. The most typical sprain is the inversion sprain, characterized by a plantarflexion/ inversion injury. Usual scenario would include

stepping on a foot or rolling the ankle with a quick change in direction causing the ankle to continue to roll. Ankle sprains are graded by severity. The greater the severity of the injury, the number of ligaments involved and the amount of clinical symptoms(swelling, pain, loss of function) determine the degree of injury from 1-3. A grade 3 ankle injury is the most severe and can remove the football player from competition for 6 weeks. Achilles Tendonitis occurs from inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation can occur either at the attachment of the tendon and is known as insertional tendonitis or can also occur slightly higher and is known as noninsertional tendonitis. Non-insertional tendonitis can be more severe due a potential tendon rupture risk. Any athlete who complains of Achilles soreness should be evaluated closely by athletic training staff or physician to assess the risk of rupture with continued competition. Injury is part of sports especially football. However, appropriate conditioning in the off season and wearing proper shoes for the activity go a long way to preventing injury. Dr. Evans is a Board Certified Podiatrist that practices at Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons. To reach Dr. Evans or to schedule an appointment please call 515-224-5224.

GET BACK INTHEGAME! SPORTS INJURY ASSESSMENT CLINIC FREE Sports Injury Assessment Clinic for Middle School, High School and College Athletes that have an acute injury (acquired in the previous 24-48 hours). Receive timely care and limit the amount of time away from school. When: Monday – Friday • 7:15 – 8 a.m. Saturday (Aug 28 – Oct 23, 2010) • 9 –11 a.m. Where: Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons–West Campus Iowa Health Outpatient Therapy – West (Suite 205) 6001 Westown Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50266 Call 515-224-5225 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, call aheads preferred Monday–Friday. The initial visit is at no cost to the athlete; however, there will be a charge for braces, crutches, etc. Athletes under the age of 18 will need signed permission of a legal guardian to be evaluated.

Volume 12 Issue 5

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