Fall Football 2013

Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Daily Nonpareil

The Daily Nonpareil 1F

2013 Football Preview Started from the bottom ...

INSIDE

High Schools Catch up on Abraham Lincoln, Lewis Central, St. Albert and Thomas Jefferson, as well as teams around the region. Pages 3F-9F

Colleges From left: Iowa Western coordinators Mike Strohmeier, Mike Blackbourn and Donnie Woods, and head coach Scott Strohmeier.

Now We’re Here Reivers open fifth season as reigning NJCAA champions

We Can Find the Solution

HAWKEYES: Coming off a 4-8 season, Kirk Ferentz wants to get fans talking less about his contract and more about his team. Page 11F CYCLONES: Iowa State has shown steady improvement under Paul Rhoads, but no breakout season.

Could this be it?

Page 10F HUSKERS: The Big Ten initiation period is over, and NU’s schedule looks easier this year.

Can the Huskers capitalize? Page 11F

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Football Preview

2F Sunday, August 25, 2013

Counting the reasons football remains king There’s a reason they come. Actually, many.

As someone who loves almost all sports, I often wonder why the bleachers remain largely empty during many sports seasons and then fill up during football.

Clearly, football is America’s most popular sport. But I think it goes beyond that. I think there are many reasons why football attracts the casual fan more than perhaps the rest of the high school sports combined.

Going strictly by numbers, it’s likelier that more men have played football. And if those men played football, they surely put themselves in those pads and reminisce when they take their seat on a Friday night.

Why does football rule? Let us count the ways. Call it my preseason Top 25: 1) That feeling of anticipation in the two hours before kickoff.

2) Wearing your jersey to school on gameday.

3) That feeling of satisfaction after a good, hard, crisp practice.

4) The Oklahoma drill.

5) Dreaming of playing in the Dome.

6) Earning an upperclassman’s respect with a big hit.

7) Earning a coach’s respect by doing your job consistently well.

8) Completing that last preseason practice.

9) Homecoming week.

10) Watching the best hit of the previous game on film the next week, and then rewinding it several times.

11) Being the guy that made that hit.

12) Doing your school’s hokiest cheer after a big win.

13) When that play you’ve been struggling to execute in practice works to perfection on Friday night.

14) The anticipation of a gameday pep rally.

15) Beating your biggest rival.

16) College football Saturdays.

17) NFL Sundays.

18) NFL Mondays. And Thursdays.

19) Looking your teammates in the eyes in the huddle and knowing nothing needs to be said.

20) The inner satisfaction you feel in knowing you’ve earned the right to put on the pads on Friday night.

21) The pride your family feels when they walk into the stadium on game night.

22) Iowa Western having a national championship to defend.

23) Abraham Lincoln vs. Thomas Jefferson.

24) St. Albert vs. Lewis Central.

25) Opening the Nonpareil on Saturday morning to see how everyone else did. (This means that the area coaches have phoned in their results. What a great segue.

Coaches, we need you to report your game immediately after it’s over. The kids deserve it, win or lose. Parents, if your games aren’t appearing in our paper, let your coaches know. We want all of our circulation-area games to appear in Saturday’s paper.)

The Daily Nonpareil

IWCC making impact from coast to coast

Reiver Nation.

I rolled my eyes the first time I heard it.

Could a two-year school that recently started football have a nation already?

The answer seems to be yes.

And it’s growing every day.

Reiver Nation is about to make its mark on the college football world. Former Iowa Western players will cover the map from Oregon (Jared Ebert) to Rutgers (Dallas Hendrikson) in 2013.

Jake Waters is in a quarterback battle at Kansas State.

Deon Long will line up at receiver opposite Stefon Diggs at Maryland.

Don Jackson is expected to have a big year at tailback in the pistol offense at Nevada.

Guard Mike Smithburg and safety Isaiah Johnson are scheduled to be starters at Kansas.

Andrew Brown was one of the first three players given a Silver Shirt, given to someone who leads on and off the field and has proven himself a defensive starter, at South Dakota State.

The list goes on and on.

There are former Reivers at Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and many other Division I schools.

Coach Paul Rhoads told me at Iowa State’s media day that he wouldn’t be surprised if running back Aaron Wimberly, defensive end Cory Morrissey and defensive tackle Rodney Coe

Staff photo/Kyle Bruggeman

From left, coordinators Mike Strohmeier, Mike Blackbourn and Donnie Woods, and head coach Scott Strohmeier have taken Reiver football from nothing to No. 1. college history. Now we’ll see if the story stays the same through the title and the fame.

IWCC opens the 2013 campaign ranked fourth in the nation. New faces dot the roster and more than 7,000 miles of travel and seven road games await the Reivers in year No. 5.

Every game is winnable.

Iowa Western could be in the national title chase again.

And while its season plays out, former Reivers will be spreading the IWCC brand nationwide.

As the 2012 team proved, anything is possible. Who knows what could happen?

Maybe Travis Green, Devon Nash and Waters lead Kansas State to a Big 12 title. Or perhaps it’s Wimberly, Coe

were all in the starting lineup for the Cyclones at some point this season, perhaps in the opener.

“That’s a huge testament to Scott Strohmeier and the job he and his staff have done in developing their program and developing their kids,” Rhoads said. Surely, others agree.

Strohmeier and coordinators Mike Strohmeier, Donnie Woods and Mike Blackbourn came to Council Bluffs in 2008.

In five short years, they’ve turned Iowa Western from a brand new program to a perennial national power and the reigning NJCAA champion.

Like Canadian rapper Drake, they started from the bottom, now they’re here.

In 2012, the Reivers made national headlines with the most dominant season in junior

and Morrissey that get Iowa State into the upper half of the league in Ames.

I have a feeling that a former Reiver will do something big this fall.

Maybe Brown makes an interception that seals an upset win at Nebraska. Possibly tight end Ryan Hubbell hauls in the pass for Louisville that gives Teddy Bridgewater the Heisman Trophy. Or perhaps Jackson breaks off the run that spoils Boise State’s run at a BCS bowl bid, or Devin Thomas returns a punt that gives Morningside the NAIA national championship.

With so many former Iowa Western players out there, something is bound to happen.

And you can bet that Reiver Nation will be watching.

Weekly Area Prep Football Schedule Friday, Aug. 23 Sidney at Ar-We-Va Clarinda Academy at Clarke Boyer Valley at Kingsley-Pierson Stanton at Nishnabotna Essex at Twin Cedars Fremont-Mills at West Harrison Thursday, Aug. 29 Lewis Central at Abraham Lincoln Friday, Aug. 30 Thomas Jefferson at Des Moines North Carroll Kuemper at Carroll Creston at Chariton Atlantic at Clarinda Harlan at Denison-Schleswig Red Oak at Glenwood East Mills at Shenandoah IKM-Manning at OA-BCIG Missouri Valley at Logan-Magnolia Tri-Center at A-H-S-T Griswold at St. Albert Underwood at Treynor Audubon at Riverside Coon Rapids-Bayard at Ar-We-Va Boyer Valley at Exira-EHK Essex at Lenox Sidney at Nishnabotna Stanton at Southwest Valley Woodbine at West Harrison Charter Oak-Ute at Whiting Friday, Sept. 6 Glenwood at Thomas Jefferson Abraham Lincoln at Harlan Carroll at Atlantic Clarinda at Creston St. Albert at Lewis Central Denison-Schleswig at Carroll Kuemper Clarinda Academy at East Mills Riverside at Shenandoah

Treynor at Red Oak Logan-Magnolia at IKM-Manning Nodaway Valley at Griswold Tri-Center at Underwood West Monona at Missouri Valley A-H-S-T at Audubon Ar-We-Va at River Valley Whiting at Fremont-Mills Charter Oak-Ute at West Harrison Exira-EHK at Woodbine Essex at Coon Rapids-Bayard Glidden-Ralston at Boyer Valley CAM at Nishnabotna Lenox at Stanton Southwest Valley at Sidney Friday, Sept. 13 Thomas Jefferson at Abraham Lincoln Indianola at Lewis Central Atlantic at Creston Glenwood at ADM Harlan at Perry Denison-Schleswig at Carroll Carroll Kuemper at Clarinda Academy Mount Ayr at Clarinda Red Oak at OA-BCIG Shenandoah at Greene County IKM-Manning at Tri-Center Missouri Valley at Nodaway Valley St. Albert at Panorama West Central Valley at Treynor Audubon at Madrid A-H-S-T at Westwood East Mills at Riverside Underwood at Griswold West Monona at Logan-Magnolia Ar-We-Va at Charter Oak-Ute Boyer Valley at Coon Rapids-Bayard West Harrison at Exira-EHK Woodbine at Glidden-Ralston CAM at Fremont-Mills Nishnabotna at Southwest Valley

Sidney at Lenox Friday, Sept. 20 Des Moines Hoover at Thomas Jefferson Abraham Lincoln at Sioux City North Carroll at Harlan Creston at ADM Lewis Central at Atlantic Perry at Glenwood Storm Lake at Denison-Schleswig South Central Calhoun at Carroll Kuemper Clarinda Academy at Clarinda Greene County at Red Oak OA-BCIG at Shenandoah Manson-Northwest Webster at IKMManning Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto at Missouri Valley Treynor at Tri-Center West Central Valley at St. Albert Woodward-Granger at Audubon Griswold at A-H-S-T Logan-Magnolia at Riverside Underwood at West Monona Westwood at East Mills Coon Rapids-Bayard at Woodbine Exira-EHK at Charter Oak-Ute Glidden-Ralston at West Harrison Stanton at Boyer Valley Fremont-Mills at Essex Lenox at Nishnabotna Friday, Sept. 27 Thomas Jefferson at Sioux City East Sioux City West at Abraham Lincoln ADM at Lewis Central Denison-Schleswig at Atlantic Harlan at Glenwood Perry at Creston Clarinda at OA-BCIG

Carroll Kuemper at Greene County Red Oak at Clarinda Academy Shenandoah at Treynor IKM-Manning at Sioux Central Missouri Valley at Panorama Tri-Center at St. Albert Bedford at Audubon A-H-S-T at West Monona East Mills at Logan-Magnolia Griswold at Westwood Riverside at Underwood Boyer Valley at Ar-We-Va West Harrison at Coon Rapids-Bayard Woodbine at Sidney Essex at CAM Fremont-Mills at Stanton Friday, Oct. 4 Des Moines Lincoln at Thomas Jefferson Abraham Lincoln at Des Moines East Atlantic at ADM Creston at Harlan Glenwood at Sergeant Bluff-Luton Lewis Central at Perry Denison-Schleswig at Le Mars Clarinda at Red Oak OA-BCIG at Clarinda Academy Shenandoah at Carroll Kuemper Ft. Dodge St. Edmond at IKMManning Nodaway Valley at Tri-Center St. Albert at Treynor West Central Valley at Missouri Valley Audubon at Guthrie Center Logan-Magnolia at Westwood Riverside at A-H-S-T Underwood at East Mills West Monona at Griswold Ar-We-Va at Woodbine Glidden-Ralston at Charter Oak-Ute West Harrison at Nishnabotna

Sidney at Fremont-Mills Stanton at Essex Friday, Oct. 11 Thomas Jefferson at Indianola Des Moines Roosevelt at Abraham Lincoln Glenwood at Creston Harlan at Lewis Central Perry at Atlantic Spencer at Denison-Schleswig Clarinda Academy at Shenandoah Greene County at Clarinda OA-BCIG at Carroll Kuemper Red Oak at St. Albert Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto at IKMManning Missouri Valley at Tri-Center Treynor at Nodaway Valley Woodward Academy at Audubon A-H-S-T at East Mills Griswold at Riverside Underwood at Logan-Magnolia Ar-We-Va at West Harrison Charter Oak-Ute at Boyer Valley CAM at Stanton Essex at Sidney Fremont-Mills at Nishnabotna Friday, Oct. 18 WDM Valley at Thomas Jefferson Abraham Lincoln at Waukee Atlantic at Harlan Lewis Central at Glenwood Winterset at Creston Denison-Schleswig at Sioux City Heelan Clarinda Academy at Greene County Carroll Kuemper at Red Oak Shenandoah at Clarinda IKM-Manning at Pocahontas Area St. Albert at Nodaway Valley

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Treynor at Missouri Valley Tri-Center at Panorama Martensdale-St. Marys at Audubon East Mills at Griswold Logan-Magnolia at A-H-S-T West Monona at Riverside Westwood at Underwood Boyer Valley at Woodbine Charter Oak-Ute at Coon RapidsBayard Exira-EHK at Ar-We-Va Nishnabotna at Essex Southwest Valley at Fremont-Mills Stanton at Sidney Friday, Oct. 25 Thomas Jefferson at Urbandale Southeast Polk at Abraham Lincoln Atlantic at Glenwood Creston at Lewis Central Harlan at ADM Sergeant Bluff-Luton at DenisonSchleswig Clarinda at Carroll Kuemper Nodaway Valley at Clarinda Academy Red Oak at Shenandoah IKM-Manning at Ridge View Missouri Valley at St. Albert Panorama at Treynor West Central Valley at Tri-Center Audubon at Earlham A-H-S-T at Underwood Griswold at Logan-Magnolia Riverside at Westwood West Monona at East Mills Ar-We-Va at Glidden-Ralston West Harrison at Boyer Valley Woodbine at Charter Oak-Ute Essex at Southwest Valley Lenox at Fremont-Mills Nishnabotna at Stanton Sidney at CAM

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The Daily A3 DDateNonpareil

Sunday, August 25,Nonpareil 2013 3F The Daily

Champs reload for next test Reivers tasked to follow up historic season Tony Boone tony.boone@nonpareilonline.com

Iowa Western won the NJCAA title with a championship prep quarterback a year ago.

Now, it will try to repeat with another.

Sophomore Connor Bravard (pronounced bruh-VARD) won the offseason battle to replace the departed Jake Waters as the starter for the reigning national champs. The sophomore, who claimed Iowa’s Class 4-A title with West Des Moines Dowling in 2010, played in 11 games for the Reivers a year ago.

Waters, the NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year, is now at Kansas State. His 2012 national title with the Reivers was his third championship in six years. He won two 1-A prep crowns at St. Albert.

Last season, Waters set an NJCAA record by completing 73.3 percent of his passes. As his backup, Bravard connected on 70.8 percent of his attempts and had six touchdown tosses.

His experience in the IWCC offense helped him beat out freshmen and transfers for the spot.

“It’s going to be the spotlight position. Jake’s gone. A lot of eyes are on that position,” IWCC coach Scott Strohmeier said. “Connor’s worked extremely hard to put himself in this position. I think he’s earned the right to take it.”

Bravard, like Waters, was a multi-sport athlete in high school.

He played basketball, ran track and was a key member of Dowling’s 4-A championship baseball team during his senior year.

In football, he has never lost a game as a starting quarterback. He was 9-0 on the freshman team and 5-0 as the junior varsity starter as a

Staff photo/Kyle Bruggeman

After backing up Jake Waters last season, sophomore Connor Bravard takes over the offense as Iowa Western’s quarterback. junior after playing safety with the varsity team as a sophomore.

During his senior year, Bravard threw for 2,158 yards and 22 TDs as the Maroons went 14-0. He came to IWCC after initially going to Northern Iowa, then had to win the starting job in camp.

“I didn’t worry about that,” he said. “I have confidence in myself and believe in what I can do. I just did my

MOre Iowa Western

Q&A with Marco Naughton, Page 13F

best and then let the coaches decide.

My job is to do what I can do best, and let everything play out. I’m really excited and ready to go.”

The Reivers return only one starter, Illinois recruit Geronimo Allison at receiver, from an offense

that averaged 62.8 points per game.

Yet, Strohmeier said they can still be explosive.

“We’re going to be a little bit different. But I think we can be effective, move the football and score some points,” he said. “It seemed like we lost everything, but we’ve got some good players still in the program. And then we brought in some good ones.”

Defensively, only end Landon

Schultz and linebacker Steve Meyer are back as starters. But the newcomers and returners stepping into the vacated spots are expected to perform well.

“I like where we’re at right now,” Schultz said. “We had a good camp.

You can’t really worry about who’s REIVERS/See Page 13F

Iowa Western 2013 Home Football Schedule Played at Lewis Central High School field.

AUG. 31

IOWA CENTRAL

2:30

SEP. 21

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

1:00

OCT. 19

ELLSWORTH CC (homecoming)

2:30

OCT. 26

ND STATE COLLEGE OF SCI.

1:00

For a complete schedule, visit

goreivers.com

Come cheer on your hometown team!

All games broadcast on 89.7 The River & www.goreivers.com. w.goreivers.com.

Watch highlights and more on CBTV17 Bluffs Sports Zone

Defending National Champions !

Lewis Central

4F Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Daily Nonpareil

LONG-DISTANCE PLANNING

Titans look for another playoff run Tony Boone

tony.boone@nonpareilonline.com

Lewis Central had the best playoff run in school history last year with a first-year starting quarterback surrounded by veterans.

Now that quarterback, junior Austin Simmons, is the veteran. And questions surround him.

The Titans are going through a youth movement after losing a talented senior class to graduation following an appearance in the Class 3-A quarterfinals in 2012.

“We’re still trying to fit all of the pieces into the puzzle,” L.C. coach Jim Duggan said.

“The good thing is that we’ve got Austin coming back as the quarterback. We’re going to obviously build around him offensively.”

The Titans do bring back Jacob Cook, Jacob Barents and tight end Mitch Brinkman along the offensive line. But at the skill positions, Brinkman and Conner Hanafan are the top returning receivers with four catches each last year.

Fullback Luke Sutherland, with 13 carries, is the most experienced ball carrier outside of Simmons.

“We may be young early, and it’ll be a learning curve for those young kids,” Duggan said. “I think that once we get into week four, those kids will have those games under their belts. The kids that will end up having to play will do just fine.”

Unlike last year, Simmons has known the entire offseason that he’d be the starting quarterback in the fall. And he’s happy with how he has progressed in that role.

“I’ve definitely come a long way since the beginning of last season,” he said. “Now, I’m so much farther ahead strengthwise, knowledge-wise, confi-

Staff photo/Kyle Bruggeman

Lewis Central quarterback Austin Simmons will lead an offense full of new faces this season. The junior passed for 1,345 yards a year ago. dence-wise. I feel a lot better.

I’m a lot more prepared for this season.”

Simmons threw for 1,345 yards and ran for 337 more last year. But the Titans bring back less than 300 total yards from scrimmage from the rest of their offensive returners combined.

Defensively, five starters return, including linebacker Ethan Ruby. The senior, who was second on last season’s senior-laden team with 100 total tackles, said he isn’t sure what to expect when the Titans take the field with a bunch of

new faces next week.

“For me, it’s really hard to tell. You just never know,” he said. “We’re going to go out there, put the best guys on the field and everybody’s going to give their best effort. What happens, happens. Hopefully, it’s the outcome we want.

“As a senior, I definitely want to send a message at the beginning of the season that we’re not to be trifled with.

We’re going to go out there and play hard-nosed football.”

TITANS/See Page 12F

Lewis Central Caleb Shudak, Mitchell Brinkman.

The Word: The Lewis Central program has plenty of momentum following last season’s run to the Class 3-A quarterfinals. Quarterback Austin Simmons returns to lead the Titan offense, although he’ll have plenty of new faces in the lineup with him at the skill positions. L.C. faces a tough schedule early before beginning play in one of the most competitive districts in 3-A.

Duggan

Ruby

Coach: Jim Duggan, 4th year (114-30, 13 years) 2012 Record: 9-3 (Lost in 3-A quarterfinals) Returning Starters: Seniors: Lincoln Rodenburg, Jake Rodgers, Ethan Ruby, Mason Brinkman, Philip Gilman, Jacob Cook, Jacob Barents. Juniors: Austin Simmons, Luke Sutherland, Conner Hanafan. Sophomores:

Lewis Central Schedule Aug. 29..................................... At Abraham Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6.........................................................St. Albert, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13.................................................Indianola, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20...............................................At Atlantic, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27....................................................... ADM, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4...................................................... At Perry, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11.......................................................Harlan, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18............................................ At Glenwood, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25.....................................................Creston, 7:30 p.m.

Kickin’ it with ... Caleb Shudak Shudak had successful seasons in four sports (football, swimming, tennis and baseball) during his freshman year at L.C. On the gridiron, he made 17 tackles for a playoff team and was the All-City kicker, hitting 7 of 9 field-goal attempts, including 3 of 4 in a road win at Creston.

What was the best part of your freshman year?

I had some great seniors to play with in all my sports, so I had some good leaders to show me around and get me in the mix of things. I liked having the older guys show me what’s going on and how things work.

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How do you back up a successful year like that?

Just put in more work. I have more guys to work with. I have people that push me and help me push others.

What will your roles be in football this year?

I know kicking is the main one. I’m going to see if I can work hard and get more roles on offense and defense with all of the seniors we lost. I’ll try my best to get on the field.

How long have you been kicking a football?

I started working really hard when I was in seventh grade. That’s when I started doing a lot. I did some when I was little, like at (age) 7. I probably tried it when I was 6.

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Do you know what your range is right now?

I don’t know. I’m hoping that, in a game, I can get a little farther out than 50 (yards). Hopefully, 53 in a game would be realistic. I just pulled a 50 the other day. I think it would’ve went through.

Is placekicking where you see your future?

Yeah, that’s what I want to do when I get older.

Just kick, wherever it takes me.

What have you set for goals this season?

Individually, I just want to have a season like last year, except not miss my field goals. Instead of going 7 for 9, I’ll try to go 9 for 9. As a team, we want to get to the (UNI-)Dome. That’s our goal every year.

My goal for the team is to win 10 games. That would be nice.

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The Daily Nonpareil

The Daily Nonpareil Sunday, August 25, 2013 5F

FILLING THE VOID Jackets bring new look into fall campaign Tony Boone

tony.boone@nonpareilonline.com

This is Thomas Jefferson, A.D. (After Dominic).

For the first time since he took over as the head coach of the Yellow Jackets prior to the 2010 season, Mark Puev will enter a fall without star Dominic Wilson.

The 2012 C.B. Player of the Year was T.J.’s top rusher and passer, second-leading receiver and most productive tackler.

Puev said after Wilson’s graduation, the time has come to adapt to life without him.

“For three years, we knew we’d have to,” he said. “When I got here, he was a sophomore and I knew he was something special.

Now, I think some of the things we do schematically are going to have to change.”

In a way, the coach started the transition late last season when he moved Wilson to receiver to make room for his future quarterback, Jason Wallace. The sophomore threw for 535 yards and five touchdowns in a six-team Class 4-A division that had four teams with winning records.

“Last year helped me out with seeing how much faster it is at varsity and how much different it’s actually going to be,” Wallace said. “It’s what I expected. I knew it was going to be a lot bigger, a lot stronger, a lot faster.”

Now a junior, the Jacket quarterback will have a pair of proven receivers on the outside to help him out. Senior Jakahi Gregory led T.J. with 492 receiving yards and five touchdowns last year while Devin Kopera had 850 yards and nine TDs across town at Heartland Christian.

“Having Devin and Jakahi both on the field at the same time will spread out the defense so it will make it easier to make reads on my part,” Wallace said.

“I think we’re going to be capable of going downfield really fast

Staff photo/Kyle Bruggeman

Thomas Jefferson wide receiver Jakahi Gregory returns as one of the top offensive threats for the Jackets this season. with the offense that we run.”

T.J. also brings back some experience up front, but it must find a new tailback, replace its linebacking corps on defense and fill some holes in its secondary.

Puev said there are players that will fill in that have talent, but are younger and unproven in game situations.

“I like the numbers coming up in those skill positions. That’s at least a good mark,” he said. “At least we’re replacing them with some pretty good, quality athletes.”

Gregory said there were also leadership roles to fill.

“Losing Dominic was a big hit for us,” he said. “I’ve got to step up in that role and help out as far as leading the team, being one of the co-captains.”

T.J. opens its season at Des Moines North before it plays three straight games, including one as the visitor against Abraham Lincoln, at C.B. Stadium. Puev said he hopes to find out a lot about his team, especially his younger players, during that early stretch.

“At some point in time, there’s either going to be a point where JACKETS/See Page 12F

Thomas Jefferson The Word: Class 4-A’s new divisional format wasn’t kind to the Yellow Jackets in 2012. They gave up an average of 50 points a game over the last five weeks of the season and face those same five teams again. T.J. has playmakers on offense, especially at receiver, but it needs to find a tailback and rebuild the back end of its defense during the early weeks of the season.

Puev

Wallace

Coach: Mark Puev, 4th year (6-20) 2012 Record: 3-6 Returning Starters: Seniors: Jakahi Gregory, Trevor Ceder, Steven Ruby, Jake Meyer, Devin Kopera.

Juniors: Jason Wallace, Jamin Walters, Gabe Fisher.

Thomas Jefferson Schedule Aug. 30...........................At Des Moines North, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6...............................................Glenwood, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13............................At Abraham Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20........................... Des Moines Hoover, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27......................... At Sioux City East, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4................................Des Moines Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11...........................................At Indianola, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18......................West Des Moines Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25.........................................At Urbandale, 7 p.m.

Catching up with ... Devin kopera Kopera returns to T.J. after attending Heartland Christian. In the first full season of varsity football for the Eagles, he led the team in receiving with 55 catches for 850 yards and nine touchdowns. He also was the first H.C. athlete to medal at the Corner Conference track meet.

How’d you end up back at Thomas Jefferson?

I went over there for a year, and it was good for me at the time. I got some college looks and stuff.

Now I’m back here. I was talking with coaches, and this is the right fit for me because I want to be at the college level. And 4-A’s probably the right place to be for the college level.

What are your favorite memories from Heartland Christian?

There’s a lot. With a smaller team there’s probably more unity. Probably the best memory was traveling against this team called Glidden-Ralston.

They’re really good, and they rocked me pretty hard quite a bit. And then scoring touchdowns. I really liked scoring touchdowns.

How excited are you to see how you perform at this level?

I’m definitely stoked. I want to see how it turns out. I want to see where it leads me to, everything that happens and what’s in store for me.

Will we see you in other sports at T.J.?

I might do basketball. I’m definitely weightlifting

or doing Iron Jackets for college football. And probably track too.

Is football your best sport then? And why?

Most definitely. Basically, (because of) my frame. I have a pretty big vertical. I’m really lanky, I guess. I’m pretty good on my cuts, too. I wouldn’t say I’m a really physical guy and I have (some) speed. But it’s mainly just my frame.

How do you see yourself blending in with this team?

I see myself as a wideout, like Jakahi is.

I think we could be a good combo together because he’s a really, really good receiver. He has a lot of talent. I can come to the table so we can even it out a lot.

Let’s Go, JACKETS !

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St. Albert

6F Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Daily Nonpareil

SENIORS SET TO CARRY THE LOAD Falcons hope experience can help them back to UNI-Dome Tony Boone

tony.boone@nonpareilonline.com

St. Albert made a monumental turnaround last year.

After an alarming 48-0 home loss to Lewis Central early, the Falcons regrouped to win 11 consecutive games and advance to the Class 1-A championship for the second straight year.

“As far as a group of players and a team that overachieved, last year has to be right up there as one of our highest,” St. Albert coach Kevin Culjat said. “When you think about how badly we looked at the beginning of the season and how good we looked at the end of the season, it was just amazing how much better we got over the course of the year.”

A 35-14 defeat at the hands of Iowa City Regina at the UNI-Dome, however, spoiled the fantastic run by the Falcons. And it’s served as a driving force during a successful offseason.

“Obviously, that one hurt a lot, losing two years in a row in the state championship game,” said senior quarterback Tucker Culjat, the coach’s son. “Really, our true motivation is each other and it being our last year together and last time ever playing football together.”

St. Albert has 21 seniors among the 42 players on its roster. Many are returning starters. Others played significant time. And the Falcons have been shattering team testing records.

“Our effort in the weight room this summer has been astronomical,” coach Culjat said. “I think physically

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“Our seniors always seem to step up. The bar is obviously set high here because of the successes of the classes behind them. No senior class wants to be the class that doesn’t

Office: 328-5008 Cell: 250-9099

Q&A with Eric Johnson, Page 12F

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Coach Culjat said St. Albert’s biggest strength this year will be in its line play. Led by second-team allstate tackle Trey Bowman (6-foot-4, 248 pounds), a three-year starter, the Falcons are loaded up front.

“You never want to put pres-

sure on kids, but our season is going to hinge on our offensive and defensive lines,” Culjat said. “I think they know that. It’s a tremendous group.

It’s one of the bigger lines we’ve had.

FALCONS/See Page 12F

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A7 DDateNonpareil The Daily

Xxxx Abraham Lincoln

The Daily Sunday, August 25,Nonpareil 2013 7F

Built for another run Lynx seniors looking for postseason win Tony Boone

tony.boone@nonpareilonline.com

Making the comparison seems natural.

Justin Kammrad knows that.

He tries not to do it himself.

But the Abraham Lincoln coach said players in his program and people in the community often bring up the similarities between his current team and the one that went 9-1 in 2010.

In that season, Kammrad’s third at the helm, the Lynx returned a slew of seniors who were three-year starters. The team was talented and experienced. It was arguably the best in A.L. history.

This year’s seniors were freshmen then. Three of them, Kammrad recalled, played quite a bit. They’re now hoping they can create their own identity while having their own special season.

“We’d like to think that,” senior receiver Brandon Colpitts said.

“Those guys were extremely deep.

We’re not quite as deep as that team was, but we have a lot of talent in our first 11.”

A.L. returns 13 starters from a team that struggled to a 3-7 finish in 2012. The Lynx did advance to postseason play for the fifth straight season, but even that had a hollow feeling to it.

“We didn’t have a very successful year last year, and we thought we would be fairly decent,” Kammrad said of his first sub.500 year. “Going 3-7, we thought we could’ve done a lot better.

“We had way too many turnovers last year. ... In most of the games that we lost, we had multiple turnovers. We felt there were a couple of games that could’ve gone either way that we just didn’t play well enough to win. There’s definitely a lot of room for improvement.”

Kammrad said a lot of the Lynx success will rely on quarterback play. Senior Jared Thompson will be a third-year starter at the posi-

Staff photo/Kyle Bruggeman

Abraham Lincoln wide receiver Brandon Colpitts led the Lynx in receptions (34) and receiving yards (468) last season as a junior. with us just because we all have our experience,” he said. “We all have played together, most of us, for five years now. We’ve played so much together, we’re used to each other. We’re able to trust each other that we’re each going to do our jobs.”

Six starters, including linebackers Garner and Jake Whalen, return on defense. Kammrad said the Lynx also need to improve on that side of the ball.

“Our turnovers have to decline, but we also, defensively, have to

tion and said he’s been working on his accuracy in the offseason.

He completed 43.7 percent of his passes and was intercepted 12 times last year.

Colpitts was the team’s top receiver with 468 yards. Dylan Garner and Payton Hiffernan, A.L.’s leading rushers with 761 and 44 yards, respectively, also return behind an offensive line that brings back four starters (Wes Eledge, Dallas Muschall, David Lewis and Joe Carbis).

Muschall is a two-time All-City pick. He believes A.L.’s chemistry could lead to big things.

“I feel a lot more confidence

Abraham Lincoln The Word: Abraham Lincoln advanced to the playoffs for a fifth straight year in 2012. But with a 3-7 record, it didn’t seem like much of an accomplishment. With 13 starters returning, led by an experienced senior class, the Lynx are expecting better results this year. With a number of three-year starters back, A.L. must keep turnovers at a minimum to find success this season.

Kammrad

Abraham Lincoln Schedule Aug. 29.......................................Lewis Central, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6...........................................At Harlan, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13...............................Thomas Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20........................At Sioux City North, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27..................................Sioux City West, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4............................... At Des Moines East, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11.........................Des Moines Roosevelt, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18............................................ At Waukee, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25..................................... Southeast Polk, 7 p.m.

Muschall

Coach: Justin Kammrad, 6th year (28-22) 2012 Record: 3-7 (Lost in 4-A first round) Returning Starters: Seniors: Wes Eledge, Dallas Muschall, Joe Carbis, Jared Thompson, Dylan Garner, Brandon Colpitts, Jake Whalen. Juniors: David Lewis, Payton Hiffernan.

LYNX/See Page 12F

Lining up With ... Jared thompson Thompson is entering his third season as A.L.’s starting quarterback. He threw for 933 yards and seven touchdowns with 12 interceptions in 2012 while also running for 254 yards and three scores. The senior had three passing TDs last year in a win over Des Moines Roosevelt.

What was the offseason like for you?

Busy. A lot of camps. A lot of 7-on-7 drills. A lot of weightlifting, trying gain weight. A lot of eating. A lot of lifting weights and throwing footballs.

How do feel about all of the skill players you

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have returning?

A lot better. Basically, we’re all in the same grade. We all have the same chemistry this year as opposed to last year when I didn’t know the seniors as well. Just having everyone back is nice because the experience level of everyone is higher.

How did you like the divisional format in Class 4-A? I like it because we have four games to prepare before our first district game. To get to the playoffs, you have to win two of the district games. It’s good to get prepared for those games.

Who on this team is ready for a breakout season?

Payton (Hiffernan). And Brandon (Colpitts), I guess. For a lot of us, there’s a chance.

How important would it be for the seniors to go to the playoffs for a fourth time?

It would be awesome. That’s a good goal for us. And then to win a playoff game is, obviously.

In what way did you need to get better in the offseason?

Accuracy. That’s going to be everything for me this year.

What goals do you have for yourself this season?

To be a good leader. And to win a playoff game.

Let’s Go,

LYNX !

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Heartland Christian/Iowa Deaf

8F Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Daily Nonpareil

Eagles to face JV slate Tony Boone

tony.boone@nonpareilonline.com

In hindsight, the Eagles may have tried to fly too soon.

After one season playing football at the varsity level, Heartland Christian is stepping back.

The Eagles will play a junior varsity schedule of four or five games after a coaching change and a pair of transfers left the football team with a new leader and a young group of players.

Heartland Christian athletic director Larry Gray said it was the right way to go.

“Our kids are so young and inexperienced that we have left,” he said. “We left it in the hands of the parents. Basically, they voted unanimously to not play varsity football this year.

“We were in a tough district in the north anyway. The enrollment’s down for the high school boys on the athletic side.

It’s not where it needs to be to be conducive to varsity football.”

Heartland Christian played three varsity games in 2011

when it had only a JV program.

The Eagles then took on a full Eight-Man varsity schedule last season, finishing with an 0-10 mark.

They opened with a victory over Ankeny Christian, but were later forced for forfeit it for using an ineligible player.

Heartland then gave up 50 or more points in eight of its other nine games.

“Two years ago, we were a junior varsity program and the state needed us to take three varsity games. And we jumped in,” Gray said. “We got beat in those three games, but we did score points. And I think that maybe we thought we could do more than we actually could.

“It’s disappointing, but I think it’s better for the program to do this and build it right.”

Justin Steinmetz, who was formerly a teacher and coach at Kirn Middle School, is taking over the football program after the previous coach, Shawn Struck, stepped down. Heartland Christian’s new junior high and high school science

teacher said he wasn’t discouraged to take on a JV schedule.

“I told the players and parents that whatever they needed from me is what I’d provide,” Steinmetz said. “If they wanted a varsity season or if they wanted JV, I’d be here to support them.

“With the number of guys that we have, whether we played varsity or JV, the game plan was going to be the same.”

Heartland will open its junior varsity schedule on Sept.

9 against Woodbine. Steinmetz said he’ll also work to start building the Eagle program from the school’s younger grades.

Gray said the Iowa High School Athletic Association understood Heartland’s situation. He said the organization may ask for a return to varsity ball next year, but he wants his school ready.

“Just looking at what we have, I just don’t foresee it,” he said. “I have to look at it realistically. Hopefully, in two years, we’ll be back to varsity.”

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Mark Murray is playing a numbers game, and it’s not adding up in his favor so far.

The Iowa School for the Deaf coach had to cancel his preseason football camp because only seven of his players could make it to campus. His first game had to be postponed.

The Bobcats now open at home against Kansas Deaf on Sept. 7. At most, they’ll have 14 players.

If that weren’t enough, two would-be starters are ineligible for 30 days for academic reasons.

The veteran coach, therefore, is entering the season with plenty of uncertainty.

“As far the season goes, I have no idea,” he said. “That’s always been a numbers situation at our school. Back in 2000 to 2009, we had plenty of kids and did really well.”

Murray met with his team for the first time this week. He does bring a few players back from last year’s 2-6 team, including senior quarterback and team captain D.J. Meyer, who both ran and threw for more than 100 yards in each

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of Iowa Deaf’s last three games in 2012.

Junior Marcos Ibarra is back and will play both running back and receiver. Senior T.J. Peterson will be counted on to “play all over the field,” Murray said, in a utility role. The availability of Austin Gaines, however, is in question after he had surgery on a foot late in the spring.

Trey Rocco, Kory Wattier, Elias Perez and center Dalton Rosch will anchor the ISD line.

Following the opener, the Bobcats will play host to Arkansas Deaf for Homecoming on Sept.

14. After that, Iowa Deaf has consecutive weekend road games at Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. All three trips will be three-day weekends. The shortest of them is 6 1/2 hours away.

“That’s a lot of driving there,” Murray said.

The Bobcats wrap up the season at home against Missouri Deaf. The status of their postponed game against the Fremont-Mills junior varsity is still up in the air.

“We were only going to have seven games this year instead of eight. And I’m not even sure that’s going to get rescheduled,” Murray said.

“It’s just hard to get these games to fit in.”

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Xxxx Football Preview

The Nonpareil A9 Daily DDate

Sunday, August 25, 2013 9F The Daily Nonpareil

Area teams getting ready for season openers A-H-S-T/WALNUT

Coach: Davis Pattee, 2nd year Class, district: Class A, District 8 Record: 7-4 (lost to Logan-Magnolia 41-14 in second round of Class A playoffs) Top returners: Seniors: Austin Fink, Kyle Bauerkemper, Drew Young, Daulton Maassen, Nathan Bauer.

Juniors: Lee Whyte, Steven Jacobsen, Dylan Robinson, Dalton Thies.

Sophomores: Nathan Herbst, Tameron McGurren, Daniel Schnepel.

The Word: A-H-S-T/Walnut took a big step forward in its first season under coach Davis Pattee, finishing second in the district and upsetting Madrid in the first round of the playoffs.

The Vikings return a solid nucleus in 2013.

Sophomore quarterback Nathan Herbst took over midway through his freshman season and steered the Viking offense to five wins in six games.

Fink A-H-S-T/Walnut did lose fullback Jake Larson but returns senior running backs Austin Fink and Kyle Bauerkemper to flank Herbst.

Pattee said having some experience at the skill positions is important but interior play is vital as well.

“We have the majority of our line back, and that could be a strength for us,” Pattee said. “We need to develop some depth and have some inexperience at linebacker, though.”

Pattee said the district, which went down to the final week for playoff spots last season, will be tough again from top to bottom.

File photo

Logan-Magnolia’s Brady Charbonneau will get more carries this year. The Panthers must replace two backs who rushed for a total of more than 3,300 yards as seniors last year.

BOYER VALLEY

Coach: Jay Petersen, 12th year Class, district: Eight-Man, District 7 2012 record: 5-4 Key returners: Seniors: Nathan Rudd, RB-DB; Pat Garrett, C. Junior: Cody Thoreson, QB. The Word: Boyer Valley enters the season with a new quarterback, but he’ll be surrounded by players with starting experience.

The Bulldogs return six starters on offense and six on defense from last year’s 5-4 team. Junior Cody Thoreson steps in at quarterback, replacing the graduated Michael Hanigan, the Bulldogs’ leading rusher and passer last fall.

“We’ve got a lot of confidence in Cody,” coach Jay Petersen said.

Thoreson will operate an offense that Petersen said will aim for a 50-50 run-pass balance. Among the returning starters are Nathan Rudd, a 5-8, 165-pound senior, who was the secondleading rusher in 2012. They’ll get help up front from Pat Garrett, a 5-9, 233pound third-year starter, at center.

Thirty players are on the roster, including 16 returning letterwinners.

Petersen said depth will be a strength, and the competition will make the players better.

“We’re probably ahead of where we were a year ago.

We have a lot of kids back from last year,” Petersen said. “Practice has gone really well.

They had a good summer in the weight room, and we’re healthy.”

Defensively, he Garrett said the Bulldogs will play a lot of players.

“We keep it pretty simple as far as goals,” he said. “We try to improve and compete every day. If we do that, hopefully other things will follow.”

Petersen said Exira-EHK, which reached the state semifinals last year, is the favorite in the district, but that the Bulldogs look to fight for a playoff spot.

“Our overall strength is that we have several returning players from last year,” coach Andy Irwin said. “Our weakness is that we will not have very much depth.”

Leading rusher Colby Jennings, who finished with over 500 yards on the ground last year, is hoping to add to his overall production. The defense will be anchored by Michael Story, who led the team with 108 tackles a year ago.

Kicker Travis Tupper, also a M. Story dangerous kickoff and punt returner, should play a major role on special teams.

Irwin said he expects Logan-Magnolia and Griswold to finish in the top spots in the district and predicts a top-four finish for his team.

EAST MILLS

FREMONT-MILLS

Coach: Andy Irwin, 5th season Class, district: Class A, District 8 2012 record: 4-5 Key returners: Seniors: Michael Story, LB/RB; Colby Jennings, LB/RB; Travis Tupper, SE/DB; Jud Magers, OL/DL; Lane Stortenbecker, LB/RB. Juniors: Colton Story, OL/DL; Logan Currin, QB/DB. Sophomores: Josh Hopkins, RB/LB; Daniel Smith, OL/DL. The Word: East Mills returns some key players from last year’s squad and hopes to improve on its 4-5 record.

Coach: Jeremy Christiansen, 10th season Class, district: Eight-Man, District 8 2012 record: 8-2 (lost 45-34 to Coon Rapids-Bayard in first round of playoffs) Key returners: Juniors: Spencer Phillips, RB/LB; Mackenzy Lang, LB/K. The Word: Fremont-Mills will rely on returning starters Spencer Phillips and Mackenzy Lang this year.

Phillips, a first-team all-district run-

ning back and linebacker selection, and Lang, a first-team all-district kicker and second-team defensive back, combined for over 900 yards rushing last year.

Phillips was the second-leading scorer for the Knights with 126 points and also finished with 52 tackles and three fumble recoveries.

Lang had 328 kickoff return yards and three interceptions.

Overall depth at most positions and offensive and defensive line experience are concerns Phillips for Christiansen at this stage, but he is optimistic. “We have players, just need to see them at the varsity level,” Christiansen said.

Christiansen said he would like to see the Knights contend for the district title, but they have their work cut out for them. “Sidney, they are the defending champs, so they are the favorite until they are knocked off,” he said.

Key returners: Seniors: Corey Bertini, QB; Spencer Smith, RB/DB; Gage Shatawa, WR; Justin Pachl, OL; Gavin Kruse, LB; Gabe Scarborough, LB; Nolan Eflin, DB; Cob Baker, WR; Drayton Slaughter, OL; Logan McCorkle, WR; Brandon Bichel, WR/K. Juniors: Andrew Tilley, DB; Sterling Stouder, LB; Brogan Weddum, RB; Austin Jarosz, LB; Dru Little, OL. The Word: Coach Cory Faust is hoping to take Glenwood to a higher level of play this year. A strong nucleus of seasoned players is available to help.

“We need to play our best each day and game,” Faust said. “If we do that, the winning will take care of itself.”

The Rams will run a spread option offense and use multiple defensive formations.

Speed should Bertini be an asset this year, Faust said.

Second-team all-district selection Spencer Smith rushed for 537 yards last year and should also play a key defensive role. Quarterback Corey Bertini, who passed for 888 yards last season, also returns.

Faust said the district race is wide open.

“Our schedule is very solid all the way through,” Faust said. “I don’t think there is a clear-cut favorite in the district.

There are several strong teams we have to compete against.”

HARLAN Coach: Curt Bladt, 36th year Class, district: Class 3-A, District 1 Record: 8-2 (lost to Carroll 28-7 in first round of Class 3-A playoffs) Top returners: Seniors: Adam Juhl, Gabe Ferry, Derek Leinen, Trey Lansman, Connor Clayton, Nic Klein,

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Cale Stork, Shawn Schaben, Nathan Cave, Nate Gettys, Jeremiah Bieker.

Junior: Michael Sorfonden. Sophomores: Ethan Knudson, Will Lansman.

The Word: After a 2012 season that ended with Harlan’s only firstround playoff loss under Curt Bladt, the Cyclones return 14 players with starting experience from a squad that won a district title last season.

Quarterback Adam Juhl returns for his senior season after throwing for over 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.

Bladt said Juhl also has some talent around him returning.

“We are blessed with some good height at receiver with both Lansman boys (Will and Trey) and (Gabe) Ferry,” Bladt said. “We have some people back on the line, Juhl and we won’t be big but will be quick; the running back spot is up for grabs, though.”

Bladt said having several players who can play multiple positions and on both sides of the ball is a big positive.

“We aren’t real deep and have a few kids that we can plug in, but have to get some others ready to play,” Bladt said.

“We have nice strength and good quickness overall.”

The Cyclones play a very difficult schedule that features many different styles of teams, he said.

“Everyone brings something different, but we will try to make them adjust to us,” Bladt said. “Lewis Central, Creston and ADM should be strong, so the back half of our schedule will be loaded.”

Good luck this year,

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10F Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Daily Nonpareil

Cyclones eager for breakthrough season Iowa St. will be young, talented at key positions

MOre Iowa State

Cyclone schedule, Page 13F

AMES (AP) — For years, Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads has insisted that the Cyclones are bigger, stronger, faster and more athletic than ever.

This could be the season that the Big 12 learns just how far Iowa State has come under Rhoads.

The program is certainly a lot healthier than it was when Rhoads took over in 2009. The Cyclones have again broken their own record with more than 40,000 season tickets sold, and the $20 million football facility they opened in October should help recruiting.

But the breakthrough many Iowa State fans believe is coming under Rhoads hasn’t arrived yet. The Cyclones have finished 6-7 in each of the past two season and they’ll have to replace 11 starters — more than any other team in the Big 12.

There’s muted optimism that the depth Rhoads has built up during his tenure should keep Iowa State from fall-

ing off the proverbial cliff in 2013. For that to happen, a host of inexperienced, unknown players will have to step up. “Our youth is very apparent right now on the practice field,� Rhoads said. “We have the least amount of returning starters in the Big 12 Conference. I think that’s showing a little bit right now, especially on defense.�

Five things to watch for this season from Iowa State in its fifth season under Rhoads: 1. SAM I AM? The Cyclones aren’t engulfed in a quarterback controversy for the first time in years because sophomore Sam Richardson has a firm grip on the job. Richardson has only started two games in his brief career, and he’s still a bit of an unknown despite throwing eight touchdowns against one interception at the end of 2012. Richardson has shown a lot of promise with his arm and his feet, and he could be the crucial piece the Cyclones need to compete in the quarterback-driven Big 12. But if Richardson gets hurt or simply underperforms, the Cyclones

will probably be in serious trouble.

2. LIFE AFTER KNOTT & KLEIN: For years, Iowa State leaned on linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein to lead their defense. Both have moved on, creating a leadership void on that side of the ball. The Cyclones are high on Jeremiah George and Jevohn Miller, but there will certainly be an adjustment period as the defense adjusts to life without its two cornerstone players.

3. BELL COWS: Iowa State shouldn’t have to worry about the health of its running backs in 2013.

What the Cyclones might have trouble with is keeping all of them happy.

They likely won’t, since they enter the season with six backs capable of seeing the field. Seniors James White and Shontrelle Johnson will likely lead the way, but there’s intriguing depth.

4. DEFENSE: The Cyclones had trouble getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2012, ranking 109th nationally with just 15 sacks. There’s little question that Iowa State needs to make QBs more uncomfortable this season. The Cyclones opened camp with a dozen defensive linemen on the depth chart and might use as many as 10 a game this season.

5. SURVIVING THE SCHEDULE:

Let’s Go,

AP

Coach Paul Rhoads hopes to take Iowa State to the top half of the Big 12 Conference this year. But the Cyclones must overcome youth.

Once again, Iowa State will have one of the nation’s toughest schedules. But it’s also a weird one. The Cyclones have two Saturdays off in September, followed by back-to-back Thursday games against Tulsa and Texas. After that, Iowa State has eight straight

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The Daily Nonpareil Sunday, August 25, 2013 11F Sunday, August 25, 2013 11F

Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz faces intense scrutiny DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz made nearly $1 million a win last season and yet kept his job — likely for years to come, too.

The Hawkeyes have been left to hope that Ferentz can prove he’s worth all the money they owe him.

Iowa is about to enter its 15th season under Ferentz — who is signed through 2020 with a prohibitive buyout at roughly $3 million a year — with nonexistent national expectations. The Hawkeyes collapsed last season, losing their last six games and leaving many fans to grumble that the school couldn’t afford to fire Ferentz even if it wanted to.

Ferentz, however, has the support of the administration and athletic director Gary Barta thanks to a largely successful tenure in Iowa City. He’s also made a number of coaching changes in hopes of reversing a disturbing threeyear slide capped by last season’s 4-8 finish.

Iowa opens the season on Aug. 31 when it hosts defending MAC champion Northern Illinois.

“We’ve got a guy in Kirk Ferentz who has proven himself as a leader and a head coach, not only in college football but right here at Iowa. He’s done it before. He’s a great leader. He’s proven that at Iowa before,” Barta said last week when asked about the criticism of Ferentz’s contract. “While 4-8 was — we were all scratching our heads, we were all upset — I’m ready to go. Let’s go.”

Ferentz has twice dragged the Hawkeyes out of mediocrity and into national prominence.

It’s also easy to forget that Ferentz, predecessor Hayden Fry, Joe Paterno and Bo Schembechler are the only ones to be named Big Ten Coach of the Year three times.

But Ferentz hasn’t faced such doubt and scrutiny.

Here are five storylines to watch as Iowa tries to climb its way back into relevance in the Big Ten. 1. QB TIMES 3: Sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock held the slightest of edges over junior college transfer Cody Sokol and freshman C.J. Beathard for the starting job, but none of them have taken an FBS snap yet. Rudock, who was listed as the backup to James Vandenberg in 2012, has the edge in experience. But Sokol could offer the Hawkeyes the explosiveness and improvisational skill their quarterbacks have lacked for years, and the coaching staff has been intrigued with Beathard’s progress. “Coach (Ferentz) has been really honest from that start. He said ‘when someone emerges, they emerge and we’re going to take him and go with him,’” Rudock said.

2. CALLING ALL RECEIVERS: It won’t

MORE IOWA

Hawkeye schedule, Page 13F

matter who wins the starting quarterback job if the Hawkeyes can’t find anyone to catch their passes. Iowa enters the season painfully thin at wide receiver, with senior Kevonte MartinManley as the only established option. The Hawkeyes are hoping senior Jordan Cotton can finally emerge as a threat and that sophomores Tevaun Smith and Jacob Hillyer will be ready for extended playing time. Iowa can mask some of their issues with their depth at tight end and by getting creative with explosive back Damon Bullock. Junior college transfer Damond Powell could also provide a major boost, but for now Iowa has a ton of uncertainty at wideout.

3. ASSEMBLY LINE: Iowa has a lot of potential playmakers along its defensive line — and just as many question marks. The Hawkeyes are solid at right end with senior Dominic Alvis, of Logan-Magnolia, and junior nose tackle Carl Davis should finally be ready to emerge as a playmaker. Behind those two is a collection of promising but inexperienced players, and it could take weeks for the Hawkeyes to settle on a steady rotation. This unit has the potential be much stronger than it’s been the past few seasons, though. “The good news is we have some candidates, and with all the up-tempo stuff it probably doesn’t hurt to have that. When you have more inexperienced players they’ll probably play a little bit more effectively if we can keep them fresh,” Ferentz said.

4. BACKED UP: For once, Iowa should have enough depth to compensate for any injuries at running back. Converted fullback Mark Weisman is healthy and primed for 20 carries a game, and Bullock gives the Hawkeyes some much-needed versatility as a pass catcher and a traditional tailback. Jordan Canzeri might be the fastest back on the team, and he showed during spring ball that he’s fully recovered from the knee injury that kept him out in 2012.

5. STARTING STRONG: After finishing with six straight losses in 2012, a strong start is imperative for the Hawkeyes. The good news is that each of their first six games appears winnable, and Iowa gets an extra week to prepare for a daunting trip to Ohio State in the middle of October. The Hawkeyes will also get their say in the division race with Northwestern, Wisconsin and Michigan set to visit Kinnick Stadium in the second half of the season.

AP

Iowa linebacker James Morris catches the ball during a drill in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes open their season at home Aug. 31.

Softer schedule should help Huskers in Big Ten LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s initiation to the Big Ten is over and the Cornhuskers, with an assist from the schedule, may be set up to make hay.

Coach Bo Pelini starts his sixth season in Lincoln with one of the nation’s most dynamic offenses and a young defense that will benefit from playing its first five games at home.

After having to cope with rigorous conference schedules their first two years in the Big Ten, the Huskers are set up for success. UCLA is the only real non-conference test. Big Ten favorite Ohio State and three-time defending champion Wisconsin aren’t on the regular-season schedule, replaced

by Illinois and Purdue.

It probably will be November before anyone knows how good the Huskers are, after they play Northwestern at home and Michigan and Penn State on the road.

“It would be really great to go out as a champion,” senior offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles said. “That’s the expectation we have, to win the Big Ten championship. That’s what we came out with last year and that’s what we’re coming out with this year. Win them all the way. That’s the way we’ve set out, to be perfect.”

The Huskers open Aug. 31 at home against Wyoming.

Five things to watch as the

More Nebraska

Husker schedule, Page 13F

AP

Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez, left, carries the ball behind Jeremiah Sirles (71) and Spencer Long (61). All three will return for the Huskers this season.

Huskers bid for their first conference championship since 1999: 1. MARTINEZ MAGIC: Taylor Martinez already has started a quarterback schoolrecord 39 games and has helped lead Nebraska to 29 wins. All that’s missing is a

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championship. Martinez needs 2,409 yards passing and 142 yards rushing to join Colin Kaepernick as the only other player in FBS history to reach career marks of 9,000/3,000.

Martinez’s speed and elusiveness are his calling cards, but he’s an improving passer. His

ers committed 35 turnovers — only Idaho had more — and just two players in the nation had more than Martinez’s 20.

Over the past three seasons, Nebraska is 18-1 in games in which it is plus-turnovers and 11-11 when it is even or minusturnovers. “It’s an astounding stat,” running back Ameer Abdullah said. “You hear that and see how deadly we are when we don’t turn the ball over. It kind of fuels your fire and makes you want to cut down on those turnovers.”

3. ON THE LINE: Nebraska has its most experienced offensive line in a long time and goes two deep at every spot.

Spencer Long is an Outland Trophy candidate after making first-team All-Big Ten and second-team All-American in 2012. Sirles returns at right tackle and has started 28 games. Brent Qvale started 13 times at left tackle last season and has played in 40 games.

Junior-college transfers Matt Finnin and Chongo Kondolo could be factors early.

4. THESE GUYS CAN CATCH: Kenny Bell, Jamal Turner and Quincy Enunwa lead what might rank among the nation’s best receiving corps after combining for 124 catches for 1,750 yards and 12 touchdowns. All eight of Bell’s TDs covered at least 25 yards, and he could make a run at becoming the first Nebraska receiver to go over 1,000 yards in a season.

5. FRONT SEVEN QUESTION: If there’s a major concern, this is it. Defensive end Jason Ankrah is the only returning starter on the line.

Randy Gregory is a celebrated junior-college recruit who figures to start opposite Ankrah.

Gregory was so impressive in early practices that linemate Thad Randle called him “a freak.” Randle is pretty much a lock to start at one tackle spot.

Six young players are vying for the other. David Santos and Zaire Anderson are the most experienced linebackers.

accuracy went from 56 percent to 62 percent.

2. HANG ON TO THAT BALL: Considering Nebraska was 108th nationally in turnover margin last year, it was nothing short of amazing the Huskers had the eighth mostproductive offense. The Husk-

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Football Preview

12F Sunday, August 25, 2013

Abraham Lincoln aims for first playoff victory LYNX/From Page 7F be able to stop people,” he said.

“I think we gave up 35 points (a game) last year. You just can’t do that and win football games.”

Under Kammrad, A.L. has come to expect better.

“Wins and losses, that’s the stat column that I look at,” Colpitts said. “Three wins is not really acceptable to me, personally. It shouldn’t be acceptable to anyone on this team.

“A lot of it came down to us killing ourselves. We weren’t very mentally tough.”

The Lynx hope to change that this season. And, in doing so,

they hope to make history of their own. A.L. is 0-7 all-time in postseason play. Even the 2010 team lost its opening playoff game.

“They want to do something a little bit different than what that class did,” Kammrad said.

“There are a lot of comparisons when you look at the guys and look at positions.

“They talk about being a part of that team. It’s nice that’s what they care about.

They want to do something different. Something different for us would be to win games in the playoffs.”

The Daily Nonpareil

T.J. girds for tough schedule points or more in all five of its divisional games.

“It’s a hard, tough schedule. We’ve just got to keep battling,” Gregory said.

“That’s all we can do, no matter what the scoreboard says.”

to believe early enough, if they get that confidence going, weird things can happen in this game.”

The Jackets will be looking to build that confidence during the first four weeks. Their division is a rugged one. Last season, T.J. gave up 45

JACKETS/From Page 5F they buy in or they won’t,” he said.

“Obviously, you want that as early as possible because that sets you up for success.

“If we get a lot of these young kids

Lewis Central set for early tests

extremely tough. We’re going to come out and work our tails off.

“I’ve told the kids before that it doesn’t matter how you start, it’s how we finish.

That’s all we care about. That’s what they’re interested in.”

squads that were manhandled by the veteran Titans a year ago. Class 4-A Indianola comes third.

“Our first three games are brutal this year again,” Duggan said.

“Those first two games are going to be

TITANS/From Page 4F L.C.’s younger players will be tested right away. The team opens the season with rematches against Abraham Lincoln and St. Albert. Both city foes return experienced seniors from

Senior-laden St. Albert determined to start, finish strong FALCONS/From Page 6F It’s one of the more experienced lines we’ve had. It’s one of the deeper lines we’ve had up here.”

The offensive line returns four starters. Three are back along the defensive front.

“We have a lot of returners from

last year and a lot of kids with experience,” Bowman said. “They’re mostly seniors this year, so we have a lot of chemistry. I feel like we’ll be a good line – a little bit of strength, a little bit of speed.”

Receivers Eric Johnson and Jon Meyerring, also an all-state kicker, return, as does tailback Jake Bend-

gen. Bendgen, however, will miss the first four games for academic reasons.

Tucker Culjat will run St. Albert’s spread offense for the second straight year. He threw for 681 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for 736 yards and 12 scores at quarterback in 2012.

Culjat is also an all-state defensive back and one of seven returning starters on defense.

St. Albert opens at home against Griswold before traveling to Lewis Central. It begins 1-A district play, where it has an incredible 48-game winning streak, at Panorama in week three.

The Falcons are chasing a 17th straight postseason appearance and another UNI-Dome berth.

“We’re St. Albert. We know everyone likes to put a big target on our backs,” Bowman said. “We’ve just got to play every game like it’s a championship game. We can never let off.”

Catching up with ... Eric Johnson Johnson is a multisport athlete who has made an impact on both sides for the ball for the Falcons as a receiver and defensive back.

A state track medalist in the sprint relays, he was St. Albert’s third-leading receiver in 2012 and had 53 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

took a bunch of markers and drew on my face the next day. My parents asked me who did it. And I said, “It must have been Hooch.” Everybody started calling me that. Sometimes, I don’t even know my name’s Eric.

What’s the story behind the nickname “Hooch”?

When I was little, the movie “Turner & Hooch” came out. I watched it when I was like 2 or something. I

What are you most looking forward to this fall?

Playing with these guys one more time should be fun. Hopefully, we get the job done this year. We’ve gotten

Does anyone even call you Eric?

My mom calls me it sometimes. I just kind of look at her like I don’t even know what that is.

close three years in a row. It stinks to do that. Hopefully, that drives us this year to get it done.

Is there a different feeling going into your senior year?

It’s a lot different. It’s more urgent. We’ve got to get in, get it done and accomplish what we have to accomplish.

How long did it take to get over that Regina game?

That was hard. It still stings right now, actually.

What are the chances we’ll see the Falcons back in the Dome?

I think it’s pretty good. You can count on it, hopefully.

Of all the sports you’ve played, what’s been your favorite?

Football by far. There’s nothing like it. Working with these guys every day, and then getting to play with them in the Dome. There’s no other feeling that can compare.

Your siblings were also athletes here. Which of you was the best?

I’m going to go with my brother (Paul). He’s probably the best athlete.

He plays baseball at Northwest Missouri State. And if I don’t say that, he’ll beat me up. He’s bigger than me.

GO FALCONS!

St. Albert

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Coach: Kevin Culjat, 5th year (51-4) 2012 Record: 12-2 (Lost in 1-A championship) Returning Starters: Seniors: Tucker Culjat, Eric Johnson, Justin Butcher, Sam O’Neill, Jacob Bendgen, Trey Bowman, John McGinn, Joe Eickholt. Juniors: Jackson Scott-Brown, Jon Meyerring.

The Word: Coming off back-to-back appearances in the 1-A championship game, the Falcons bring 21 seniors back for what could be a special year. St. Albert’s strength will be along its lines, and it has experience back in key skill positions. A trip to Lewis Central in week two should provide an early test for a team that expects to still be playing well into November.

St. Albert Schedule Aug. 30.................................................................................................. Griswold, 7 p.m.

Sept. 6........................................................................................At Lewis Central, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13..........................................................................................At Panorama, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20...............................................................................West Central Valley, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27............................................................................................... Tri-Center, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4.................................................................................................. At Treynor, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11...................................................................................................Red Oak, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18.................................................................................. At Nodaway Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25.........................................................................................Missouri Valley, 7 p.m.

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A13 DDate The Daily Nonpareil

The Daily Nonpareil Sunday, August 25, 2013 13F

Working out With ... Marco Naughton Naughton is entering his second season as a defensive tackle at Iowa Western. The former City Athlete of the Year in Council Bluffs won state championships in both football and wrestling while at St. Albert. A knee injury cut his freshman season at IWCC short last fall.

How’s the knee feeling right now?

It feels good. It feels a lot better than I expected it to be at this point in time. That’s a pretty good sign. It’s still going to be another year, doctors are saying, until I feel how I did last year. But I feel like it’s good enough right now to be playing to where I should be.

What was the extent of the damage?

I had a fully torn ACL. It blew up. Then I tore my meniscus. It was a partial tear, but it almost

tore through. And then I sprained my MCL. It was a good sprain. I had to wear a brace for a while just on that alone.

most I’ve put on up to that (point). That honestly didn’t feel that difficult. It was just something to test myself a little bit.

How concerned were you that you wouldn’t be ready for the fall?

That was never in my mindset, to be honest. I was hoping I was going to get to play in spring ball originally. They said that I probably could’ve, if I wanted to. But there was really no point.

What have you kind of set as goals for this season?

The first is to start. As of right now, that is attained. The next is to go Division I, which hopefully will happen. If I don’t get the offer that I want, I’m going to end up walking on somewhere. The last one is to win the national championship this year and be a part of it this year.

How tough was it not to play in the championship game?

That was definitely rough. I’ve never had to actually sit out a game before in my life in any sport. It was hard not to be out there with my teammates, being able to contribute.

You’ve got a nice collection of rings going.

What’s the next to add to that?

The next thing is going to be another national championship ring. I have to get one more, one that I actually played in so I feel like I earned it myself. I was a part of the team last year, but I didn’t get to play in that game. I want to get one I know I was a part of.

Are you able to squat like you were?

I’m not up to the 630 (pounds), but this summer I did put up 500 for three reps. That was the

College Schedules Iowa Western begins

AP Top 25 Team Record Points 1. Alabama (58) 0-0 1498 2. Ohio State (1) 0-0 1365 3. Oregon 0-0 1335 4. Stanford 0-0 1294 5. Georgia (1) 0-0 1249 6. South Carolina 0-0 1154 7. Texas A&M 0-0 1104 8. Clemson 0-0 1083 9. Louisville 0-0 1042 10. Florida 0-0 894 11. Florida State 0-0 845 12. LSU 0-0 802 13. Oklahoma State 0-0 755 14. Notre Dame 0-0 748 15. Texas 0-0 677 16.Oklahoma 0-0 579 17. Michigan 0-0 531 18. Nebraska 0-0 382 19. Boise State 0-0 328 20. TCU 0-0 323 21. UCLA 0-0 286 22. Northwestern 0-0 199 23. Wisconsin 0-0 185 24. USC 0-0 134 25. Oregon State 0-0 129

Nebraska Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 29

Others receiving votes: Michigan State 95, Baylor 92, Virginia Tech 86, Miami (FL) 85, Arizona State 53, Kansas State 43, Fresno State 36, Vanderbilt 19, Washington 17, Northern Illinois 16, Ole Miss 11, Utah State 8, Georgia Tech 6, Cincinnati 3, Arizona 3, North Carolina 3, Penn State 2, Brigham Young 1

Wyoming, 7 p.m.

Southern Miss, 5 p.m.

UCLA, 11 a.m.

South Dakota State, TBA Illinois, 11 a.m.

At Purdue, TBA At Minnesota, TBA Northwestern, TBA At Michigan, TBA Michigan State, TBA At Penn State, TBA Iowa, 11 a.m.

Iowa Aug. 31 Sept. 7

Northern Illinois, 2:30 p.m.

Missouri State, 11 a.m.

Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 29

At Iowa State, 5 p.m.

Western Michigan, TBA At Minnesota, 2:30 p.m.

Michigan State, 11 a.m.

At Ohio State, 2:30 p.m.

Northwestern, TBA Wisconsin, TBA At Purdue, TBA Michigan, TBA At Nebraska, 11 a.m.

final season in MFC REIVERS/From Page 3F coming back because it’s a junior college.

Everyone’s in and out of here. We’ve got a lot of fire at a lot of positions. I think we’ll be all right.”

After opening in Texas against Trinity Valley, IWCC will play the

four other teams in the Midwest Football Conference before traveling for two non-league games. The Reivers will then wrap up 2013 by facing the other MFC schools again in the five-team league’s final year in its current format.

Iowa Western be in the hunt for the title again this season. A schedule that includes only one ranked team but seven road games is manageable, and IWCC returns plenty of talented players and has recruited many more. The Reivers open the season ranked fourth in the NJCAA rankings.

Iowa State Aug. 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30

Northern Iowa, 7 p.m.

Iowa, 5 p.m.

At Tulsa, 6:30 p.m.

Texas, 6:30 p.m.

At Texas Tech, TBA At Baylor, TBA Oklahoma State, TBA At Kansas State, TBA TCU, TBA at Oklahoma, TBA Kansas, TBA at West Virginia, TBA

Strohmeier

Schultz

Coach: Scott Strohmeier, 5th year (35-8 at IWCC) 2012 Record: 12-0 (Won NJCAA championship) Returning starters: Sophomores: Geronimo Allison, Landon Schultz, Steve Meyer.

The Word: Only three starters return from the national championship team, but the Reivers could still

Iowa Western Schedule Aug. 24..................................At Trininty Valley, 6 p.m.

Aug. 31................................... Iowa Central, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 7.......................................At Ellsworth, 2:30 p.m.

Sept. 14.........................At North Dakota SCS, 1 p.m.

Sept. 21...............................................DuPage, 1 p.m.

Sept. 28............................At Georgia Military, 12 p.m.

Oct. 5................................At Arkansas Baptist, 1 p.m.

Oct. 12.....................................At Iowa Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19.......................................... Ellsworth, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 26................................North Dakota SCS, 1 p.m.

Nov. 2.............................................. At DuPage, 1 p.m.

Great Plains Athletic Conference Capsules BRIAR CLIFF

Coach: Tom Rethman, 6th year Last year: 1-10, 1-8 GPAC (9th) Starters returning: 16 (9 offense, 7 defense) Fall standout: Senior Alfredo Vizcarra returns to lead a trio of linebackers that combined for nearly 200 tackles.

Outlook: Plenty of starters return, but the Chargers are still young. There are more freshmen (54) on the roster than in the other three classes combined. Quarterbacks P.J. Quiroga and Kevin Van Egdom are both back. Briar Cliff is on its third defensive coordinator in as many seasons. The Chargers will play their home games at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.

CONCORDIA

Last year: 6-4, 5-4 GPAC (tie 4th) Starters returning: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense) Fall standout: Senior quarterback John Bane, who threw for 2,257 yards last season, is Dakota Wesleyan’s career leader in passing yards and total offense.

Outlook: The Tigers have the talent to be one of the top teams in the GPAC. All-American receiver Anthony Muilenburg returns after missing last season with an injury to give Bane another weapon on offense. Receivers Arthur Brown and Michael Brown are also back. Brady Bonte, Anthony Cervantes and Jeff Maassen are among the top linebackers in the league.

Doane

Coach: Vance Winter, 5th year Last year: 5-6, 4-5 GPAC (7th) Starters returning: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense) Fall standout: Senior cornerback Derek Blessing led the Bulldogs with 75 tackles and returned three punts for touchdowns last season.

Outlook: Winter hopes his team shows more consistency this year after dropping five games by 10 points or less. Defense will be a strength. Blessing, who moved from running back in 2012, leads an experienced secondary.

Four-year starter Dylan Heithoff and Langston Jones both return at linebacker. Junior quarterback Von Thomas will again direct the pistol offense.

Coach: Matt Franzen, 7th year Last year: 7-3, 6-3 GPAC (3rd) Starters returning: 14 (7 offense, 7 defense) Fall standout: Senior offensive lineman Dillon Carmichael was an NAIA first-team All-American in 2012.

Outlook: The Tigers, ranked 20th in the nation last season, could be in the hunt for their first playoff berth since 1999. Carmichael is one of three senior starters returning up front for returning quarterback Jeff Weander. Linebacker Jeremy Wallace, who had 16 tackles for losses among his 81 total stops, was a first-team All-GPAC selection last season.

Dakota Wesleyan

Coach: Greg Youngblood, 2nd year Last year: 2-9, 0-9 GPAC (10th)

Coach: Ross Cimpl, 2nd year

Dordt

Starters returning: 16 (8 offense, 8 defense) Fall standout: Linebacker Seth Vande Voort led the GPAC in total tackles in 2012 with 124.

Outlook: Depth continues to be an issue for the Defenders as they enter their sixth season of football. Youngblood’s flexbone offense returns most of its skill players from last year, but lost three starting linemen to graduation.

Micah Applegate, Jonathon Gardner and Vande Voort lead an experience defense. The Defenders haven’t won a GPAC game since 2008.

Hastings

Coach: Tony Harper, 3rd year Last year: 6-4, 5-4 GPAC (tied 4th) Starters returning: 15 (6 offense, 9 defense) Fall standout: Junior offensive tackle Tanner Paxton earned first-team All-GPAC honors last season.

Outlook: The Broncos return four of five starters on the offensive line, but they lost all three of their starters in the backfield. Filling those spots will be a key as Hastings looks for more production and consistency. New defensive coordinator Adam Long has nine starters back on a defense that struggled last season. The Broncos lost four straight after a 6-0 start in 2012.

Midland

Coach: Josh Gehring, 2nd year Last year: 4-6, 3-6 GPAC (8th) Starters returning: 7 (3 offense, 4 defense) Fall standout: Senior quarterback

Mike Karls threw for 932 yards in 2012 and is also the team’s top returning rusher.

Outlook: Gehring said his team is “behind the 8-ball in terms of experience.” The Warriors have only nine seniors this season and more than 70 percent of their roster is from the two recruiting classes he’s brought in during his short stay in Fremont. Junior defensive back Blake Merritt, who had 56 tackles in nine games, will be called upon to lead the defense.

Fall standout: All-GPAC defensive lineman Phil Latimer had 12.5 tackles for losses and seven sacks last season.

Outlook: The Prairie Wolves led the nation in rushing defense in 2012 and return eight starters on that side of the ball. Quarterback Tyler Francis, who went 5-0 as a starter in 2012, is among the nine starters returning on offense.

Wesleyan brings back its entire offensive line, which includes four seniors.

NWU hopes to pick up where it left off, winning its last five games.

Morningside

Northwestern

Coach: Steve Ryan, 11th year Last year: 13-1, 9-0 GPAC (1st) Starters returning: 12 (9 offense, 3 defense) Fall standout: Second-team NAIA All-American Joel McCabe caught 88 passes for 1,284 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2012.

Outlook: The overwhelming favorites to win a third straight GPAC title, the Mustangs return nine starters from an offense that ranked third nationally in yards per game. McCabe, Kyle Schuck and Jake Allen, of Treynor, will give a new quarterback plenty of weapons on offense, including former Heelan standout Brandon Wegher. But Morningside, the 2012 NAIA runner-up, must replace eight starters on a defense that led the nation in fewest points allowed.

Neb. Wesleyan

Coach: Brian Keller, 18th year Last year: 6-4, 5-4 GPAC (tie 4th) Starters returning: 17 (9 offense, 8 defense)

Let’s go,

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Coach: Kyle Achterhoff, 5th year Last year: 9-3, 7-2 GPAC (2nd)

Starters returning: 12 (6 offense, 6 defense) Fall standout: All-GPAC running back Theo Bartman amassed 1,800 total yards from scrimmage in 2012.

Outlook: The Red Raiders may be the biggest threat to Morningside’s GPAC reign, and they have Morningside, Nebraska Wesleyan and Dakota Wesleyan all at home this fall. In addition to Bartman, senior quarterback Davis Bloemendaal is among the returners on offense. The game with Morningside isn’t until week nine, and it may decide the GPAC championship.

– Compiled by Tony Boone

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Football Preview

14F Sunday, August 25, 2013

The Daily Nonpareil

Area football teams eagerly anticipating openers AREA/From Page 9F

LOGAN-MAGNOLIA Coach: Matt Straight, 13th season Class, District: Class A, District 8 Last year: 11-2 (Lost to Hinton 28-21 in Class A semifinals) Key Returners: Seniors: Nick Edney, OL; Tanner Winther, OL/DL. Juniors: Colton Fisher, QB/DB; Tyler Coffin, DL; Jason Yost, DL; Brady Charbonneau, RB/LB; Drake Cohrs, LB/ RB; Jacob Stueve, OL/DL; Dillon Wills, TE/FS. The Word: It’s a whole new feel in preseason practice for the Panthers.

Lo-Ma returned to the UNI-Dome for the first time since 1990 last season. A 28-21 loss to Hinton ended its season, and now Lo-Ma must start over without some key pieces from its 2012 squad, specifically running backs Paul Hutson and Caden McDonald. That senior duo combined for 3,349 yards and 53 touchdowns in 13 games.

While Straight isn’t expecting those kinds of numbers from his new running backs, he does feel he’ll have a talented backfield.

They just need to Charbonneau get accustomed to a larger role, which may include playing on both sides of the ball.

“Any time we lose that quality of kids with Hutson and McDonald in the backfield, you’re trying to get kids not to replace them, but just to get them to understand how to play at that level,” Straight said.

Juniors Brady Charbonneau and Drake Cohrs should shoulder a good portion of the rushing responsibilities and will also play defense.

Straight has yet to name a starting quarterback. Colton Fisher and Brett Greenwood have been battling for the spot.

Straight told his players that his teams have won 31 games the last three seasons, and that’s a tradition he wants to maintain.

“That’s a tall task to think we can do that every single year, but when you get to that point, you don’t want to take a step back,” Straight said.

MISSOURI VALLEY

Coach: Ryan Victor, 4th season 2012 record: 2-7 Class, district: Class 1-A, District 8 Key returners: Seniors: Steven Humphrey, QB/LB; Justin Chapin, OL/

DL; J.R. Olson, OL/DL; Cyan Seamann, RB/FS; Collin Leapley, TE/LB. Juniors: Zane Harvey, WR/LB; Reid Kirlin, OL/ DL. Sophomores: Justin Miller, WR/ FS; Garrett Mace, WR/CB; Cody Weiskircher, OL/DL; Logan King, OL/ DL; Marshall Stirtz, TE/LB; Preston King, OL/DL; Seth Jimmerson, OL/DL. The Word: Missouri Valley will be looking to its senior class to lead the way.

“Our senior class has done a great job of being leaders for our younger kids,” coach Ryan Victor said. “We bring some guys back that played a lot of football for us last year. Our work ethic this summer has been great.”

Second-team all-district quarterback Steven Humphrey, who passed for 1,004 yards last year, will again guide the offense.

Leading receiver Michael West, who had 634 yards, graduated, so Humphrey will be Humphrey looking to others to step it up, including Zane Harvey, an all-district honorable mention selection last year.

Victor said the Big Reds will lack depth, but is optimistic that they can overcome that. He said St. Albert will be the toughest district competitor.

RIVERSIDE Coach: Mitch Rice, 1st season 2012 record: 2-7 Class, district: Class A, District 8 Key returners: Seniors: Garrett Graves, DL/OL; Travis Henningsen, LB; Michael Bertacini, WR/S; Payton Housman, LB/OL. The Word: Mitch Rice, the third coach in three years, takes over for the Bulldogs.

Rice is inheriting a team with only one district win a year ago, but that has a lot of experience.

“We are a veteran team, with 13 seniors,” Rice said. “We have had a lot of young kids the past couple of years, and this year those young kids Graves have earned their stripes.”

Seniors Travis Henningsen, the second-leading rusher and tackler for Riverside last year, and Michael Bertacini, who led the team in punt return

yards, will be looking to increase their numbers this season.

Rice’s main goal is to motivate his team to improve on last year’s overall production.

“We expect to outwork our opponents. We are going to restore the hard-working and hard-hitting traditions of Riverside football,” Rice said.

Rice said Logan-Magnolia will be one of the toughest teams in the district.

TREYNOR

Coach: Steve Owens, 20th season Class, District: Class 1-A, District 8 Last year: 4-5 Key Returners: Seniors: Dane Livengood, Michael Wesley, Zach Saylor, Trevor Calfee. Juniors: Trey Robinson, Michael Godfrey, Trey Snyder.

The Word: There’s even more excitement this fall surrounding Treynor football.

That’s because when the Cardinals open the season at home Aug. 30 against Underwood, they’ll do so in a brand new stadium, complete with FieldTurf.

“We’re biting at the bit waiting for Christmas morning to happen so we can get on the field,” Owens said. “The field is actually done; we’re just waiting for the track surface people to give us the OK to walk across the track.”

Someone who figures to run all over the new field is senior running back Dane LivenLivengood good. He was the district’s offensive player of the year last season after gaining 1,215 yards on the ground with 17 touchdowns and leading Treynor with 105 tackles on defense.

Questions currently surround the quarterback position. Trey Robinson was expected to be the starter, but he broke his ankle during the baseball season and hasn’t yet practiced.

“If he’s healthy, he’ll be the starter, and if not, we’re going to see,” Owens said. “It may be a quarterback by committee.”

Perhaps Owens’ biggest uncertainty is up front. Three starters graduated from the offensive line, and among players vying to earn those spots are seniors Zach Saylor and juniors Michael Godfrey and Trey Snyder.

Defensively, the Cardinals will use multiple sets depending on the situation.

“Because we are small, we’re going to have to rely on a lot of movement from our guys.”

TRI-CENTER Class, district: Class 1-A, District 8 Coach: John Tiarks, 3rd year Record: 7-3 (lost to Ogden 43-34 in first round of Class 1-A playoffs) Top returners: Seniors: Ben Wellman, Collin Alfers, Brady Flemming, Wes Zimmerman, Ty Jarrett, Ethen Christensen, Austin Hoke, Brett Ritchison, John King, Brandon Pacl, Tyler Cox, Austin Goodman. Junior: Nick Schnitker.

The Word: Tri-Center, coming off a playoff season in 2012, will rely on a large senior class led by returning allstate player Ben Wellman.

Wellman ran for just under 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

He also piled up 109 tackles, 26 behind the line of scrimmage.

“He is a part of a complete intact linebacking corps from last season,” Wellman Tiarks said. “Ben is the top senior leader that I have had in my 13 years of coaching.”

That linebacker group includes seniors Ethen Christensen, Ty Jarrett and Wes Zimmerman. Zimmerman may be the leading candidate to replace doeverything quarterback Britton Barrier as well.

Tiarks mentioned St. Albert, Panorama and Treynor as some of the chief competition in the district and thinks the Trojans could be in the mix also.

“We have one of the best returning players in the state, and that is a good start,” Tiarks said.

UNDERWOOD

Coach: Loren Lintner, 5th season Class, district: Class A, District 8 Last year: 4-6 (Lost to WoodwardGranger 38-7 in first round of playoffs) Key returners: Seniors: Cade Bracker, OL/DL; Taylor Caughey, OL/ DL; Mitch Forrester, WR/DB; Preston Jager, RB/FS. Juniors: Cody Kingery, RB/DE. Sophomore: Caleb Anderson, OL. The Word: Lintner has been thrilled with the Eagles’ performance in practice, and it has everything to do with attitude.

“I’ve got a great senior class,” he said. “We had camp two weeks ago, and then we went right into this week, and they have just brought a fantastic attitude. They’re always saying, ‘What can we do, coach? How can we get

better?’”

Lintner has indicated that this fall will be about getting back to basics. He tried tweaking the defense to a 4-4 formation, but he’s gone back to a 5-2. So far, his squad has responded favorably.

“I’ve already had some kids say, ‘Well, at least we know what we’re doing now,’” Lintner said.

Offensively, Lintner will have Colton Bristow back under center. He was slated to be the team’s starting quarterback last fall, but a wrist injury Forrester forced him to miss the season.

Preston Jager and Cody Kingery will be key two-way players. Lintner also praised the performances of linemen Cade Bracker and Taylor Caughey.

WEST HARRISON

Coach: Craig Birdsall, 5th year Class, district: Eight-Man, District 7 2012 record: 5-4 Key returners: Seniors: Tyler Birdsall, RB-LB; Jake Roden, RB-LB; Adriel King, OL-TE; Trey Kirlin, QB; Keenan Nunez, WR-DB; Jordan Neill, WR-DB. Juniors: Dustin Peasley, OL-DL; Cody Niewohner, OL-DL; Sophomores: Trenton Houston, OL-LB; Gavin Armstrong, RB-LB; Dalton Pospisil, RB-LB. The Word: The Hawkeyes, after a 1-4 start, posted a winning record last fall in their return to Eight-Man football.

This year, coach Craig Birdsall said, the goal is higher: a spot in the state playoffs.

“We’re looking to take that next step further, looking to make the playoffs.

We were one game short last year,” he said.

Numbers are on their side: 33 players are out for the team, including six seniors with starting experience.

Among them is T. Birdsall Tyler Birdsall, who racked up 1,545 rushing yards last year and made 120 tackles. The coach’s son has 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, his father said, and has received recruiting interest from Iowa State and Minnesota State. He’s complemented by Jake Roden, another senior who picked up almost 800 rush-

ing yards last fall.

The quarterback also is a senior: Trey Kirlin. On the line, the Hawkeyes have Adriel King, a 220-pound senior, and Dustin Peasley, a 200-pound junior.

Birdsall said Exira-EHK is the favorite in the district but that West Harrison will be a factor.

WOODBINE

Coach: Jason Strong, 8th year Class, district: Eight-Man, District 7 2012 record: 5-5, lost 42-28 to Sidney in first round of Eight-Man playoffs Key returners: Seniors: Malachi Mentink, TE-LB; Keagan Barrett, OL-DL; Craig Royer, RB-DB The Word: Coach Jason Strong is happy with the athletes he has this year at Woodbine.

One problem: There aren’t enough of them.

The Tigers have four returning starters, but only 17 players on the roster.

“Our kids are athletic and very competitive,” he said. “The key is going to be staying healthy. Our top 9 or 10 players need to avoid the injury bug.

“Our strength is just the kids’ pure work ethic.”

Woodbine must replace Kyle Kuhlman, who rushed for 1,600 yards last year and is now playing at Grand View. Senior Craig Royer will be a key part of the Tigers’ option-based attack.

Woodbine will also be counting Mentink on seniors Malachi Mentink and Keagan Barrett. At 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, Barrett has gained a lot of strength in the offseason, his coach said.

The Tigers’ quarterback will be senior Lucas Hedstrom, a backup last year who got some playing time when the starter was hurt.

“I feel good with him at quarterback,” Strong said. “He’s not very tall, but he does a good job running the option, and he’s got a good arm.”

Strong said he expects a competitive district race this season, with Exira-EHK and Glidden-Ralston the favorites.

– Compiled by Pat Donohue, DeAnn Fritsch, Frank Hassler and Matt Gubbels.

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