Sports Spotlight Vol. 2 Iss. 11 by Sports Spotlight USA, Inc

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

WRAP-UP

PIGSKIN

PRESEASON

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

PREVIEW SPECIAL EDITION

5 STAR RECRUIT

PIGSKIN PREVIEW Allen Lazard

Sports Spotlight U.S.A. Inc. Sports Spotlight U.S.A. Inc. 338 SW 6th Street 338 SW 6th Street Des Moines, Ia Ia Des Moines, 515.244.1118 515.244.1118

STAFF STAFF Rush Nigut Rush Nigut President President rush@sportsspotlight.com

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John Streets John Streets Business Operations Business Operations john@sportsspotlight.com john@sportsspotlight.com

Tony Atzeni Tony Atzeni Programming Director Programming Director tony@sportsspotlight.com tony@sportsspotlight.com

Sam Taylor Sam Taylor Art Director Art Director sam@impactimagery.net

sam@impactimagery.net

Tork Mason Tork Mason Editor-in-Chief Editor-In-Chief editor@sportsspotlight.com

editor@sportsspotlight.com

Kari elbert Kari Elbert Sales Director Sales Director kari@sportsspotlight.com

kari@sportsspotlight.com

Brianna Laubach Video Production

CONTRIBUTORS

support@sportsspotlight.com Elizabeth Robinson

Darrin Cline

CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Robinson Darrin Cline

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8-Man Preview FINDING BALANCE

226

Class ASTUDENT-ATHLETE Preview GTSB Class overview, preseason all-state team, in-depth district

368

Class 1A Preview STATE BASEBALL RECAP Class overview, preseason all-state team, in-depth district

Class preseason Teamoverview, competition vs. indi-all-state team, in-depth district and a feature on Fremont-Mills’ Spencer vidual previews development. Phillips, the 2014 8-Man Preseason Player of the Year.

Akron-Westfield’s Kayla Tindall is the GTSB Studentpreviews and a feature on Maquoketa Valley’s Ryan Athlete of the month. Read her Q&A here! Parmely, the 2014 Class A Preseason Player of the Year.

A review stateon baseball previews andofathe feature Iowa City Regina’s Drew Cook, the tournament. 2014 Class 1A Preseason Player of the Year.

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Class 2A Preview SOFTBALL RECAP ClassSTATE overview, preseason all-state team, in-depth dis-

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HY-VEE HORIZON ATHLETES Class 3A Preview Some of the top performers from the

trictApreviews feature Sioux Center’s Christian review ofand the a2014 stateonsoftball tournament. Rozeboom, the 2014 Class 2A Preseason Player of the Year.

Class overview, month of July.preseason all-state team, in-depth district previews and a feature on West Delaware’s Coy Roussell, the 2014 Class 3A Preseason Player of the Year. Editor’s Note: In this issue, we give you a look back at the state softball and baseball tournaments, complete with photos from both events; for

78 Class 4A Preview

Contents

WWW .SPORTSSPOTLIGHT.COM

even more photos, go to sportsspotlight.com or our Facebook page. We also get you set for the 2014 high school football season. Inside, find overviews highlighting some of the top championship contenders in each class, preseason All-State teams, and in-depth profiles of the six 2014 Sports Spotlight Preseason Players of the Year! Special note: Sports Spotlight would like to thank Des Moines East High School for the use of its weight room for this issue’s cover photo and portraits.

Pigskin Class overview, preseason all-state team, in-depth district previews and a feature on Dowling Catholic’s Ryan Boyle, the 2014 Class 4A Preseason Player of the Year.

Preview PG 14

Youth

FINDING THE BALANCE

Competing on Teams vs. Individual Training and Development Brian O’Meara and Chad O’Meara, Ignit Sports & Fitness

Many of us who have played sports over a lifetime realize there can be so many benefits to playing team sports. Nothing feels better than playing and winning a game or a championship. Team play can build trust, leadership and a strong sense of competition. You also need competition to learn the game or sport to its fullest. Competition was the main reason why most of us worked so hard, anyway! Just like everything else in life, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. In our business, Ignit Sports and Fitness, we run into families who say their kids are too busy playing on teams to work on basics — strength, speed, agility & fitness — individually. Typically, these kids are playing multiple sports throughout the entire year. When we encounter this, we often cringe a little, hoping that these kids are only experiencing the good and not the downside of team competition. So what is the downside of overcompeting? Too many teams focus on winning at any cost. We’ve all heard the horror stories of an athlete being hurt from overuse during games. Our bodies need the appropriate amount of recovery and rest. If we overexert as an athlete, it increases the chance

Volume 2 Issue 9

of injuries now or over time. Teams don’t always have the chance to teach the fundamentals of body positioning, running, cutting and other sportsspecific skills. Even if these topics are drilled regularly, athletes all learn, mature and develop differently. An example to bring this to life: We were watching a high school football game on ESPN last year. The game featured two highly-ranked teams with some incredible players. In fact, one team had an individual who played quarterback on most offensive plays; he also occasionally lined up as a wide receiver, kickoff and punt returner, safety and punter. At first, it was awesome watching this player dominate the game, but we noticed his techniques and body position were a little sloppy. By the third quarter, you could tell he was exhausted. He was overextending, leaving himself exposed on many plays. He ended up leaving the game with a severe leg injury. It made us very sad for the athlete and the family. So what can be done? Make sure your kids have a good balance between team competition and individual development programs. A rule of the thumb: The younger the child, the more they would benefit

Brian and Chad O’Meara, Ignit Sports & Fitness

from an individual development program that helps them with mental, physical, sport-specific skills. We recommend a 2:1 ratio of development programs to team competitions prior to and through the junior high years then a 1:1 ratio through the high school years. Only when an athlete fully matures and has mastered development would we recommend spending more time competing and preparing for team competition than a holistic developmental program. Also, the individual focus of the program is important because everyone’s needs

are unique. This approach also requires a long-term focus and dedication for the athletes’ overall development, achievement and enjoyment. After all, scientific research has concluded that it takes 10 years and 10,000 hours of development for a talented athlete to reach truly elite levels, under the right kind of training and coaching (Ericsson & Charness, 1994). In other words, just competing in a sport is not enough to become elite in that sport. This benchmark has also been supported by U.S. Olympic Committee.

SportsSpotlight.com

In the

Spotlight state baseball This page presented to you by:

Each month we publish youth and high school action photos from around the state. We would love to get yours! Send us your photos at support@ sportsspotlight.com All photos taken by Tork Mason

SportsSpotlight.com

Volume 2 Issue 8

Student

2013: Athlete

MONTH AFFAIR

of the

A Star-Studded

Presented by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau- IowaGTSB.org

CLICK IT OR TICKET The 2013 Iowa high school football season is set to kick off with Kayla’s Q & A some of the state’s most talented players in recent years. This seasonWhat’s will provide high school their last looks at several your favorite sport tofans play? Why? seniorSoftball. prep stars, allspending hoping to end their high school careers as I enjoy time with my teammates, and parents. They’re what make softball fun. a statecoaches champion.

receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Joining Lazard as preseason spotlight players are seniors Clayton Plowman, a running back for the Adair-Casey Bombers, fullback Joe Burgmeier from Mason City Newman, quarterback Jay Scheel of Union, La Porte City and quarterback Trent Solsma for the Bishop Heelan Crusaders.

[ ]

your favorite sports As theWhat’s new season approaches, memory? last year’s statethree-straight champions state come to Winning mind. softball Ankeny returns as the championships. Class 4A champion, but questions arise you have any fun pre-game as the Do consolidated school district that prepare youand for an is now“rituals” split between Ankeny event? the new school, Ankeny Centennial. I always wear the same red ribbon Decorah won fifth 3Ain the in my hair,itsand I doClass my hair title, and Spirit Lake was crowned same braided pony-tail for every game. the Class 2A champion, its first in school history. Iowa City Regina What’s your favorite subject in won the Classand 1Awhy? crown after school Math. I like the winning the past two Class 2A challenge. championships, and Wapsie Valley Who inspires (Fairbank) won its you? fifth Why? state title My dad. He’s always encouraging as the Class A champion. Finally, me to do my best at whatever I’m Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn won doing. the school’s first football title when it won the Class 8-Player championship. What is your dream job?

The stakes will be high, the adrenaline will be rushing and football teams across the state of Iowa will bring Friday nights to life.

I want to be an athletic trainer or physical therapist.

The 2013 season brings with it a new batch of teams ready to take the reins. Top-tier players have been preparing for months in an effort to make it to the UNI-Dome to compete for a state title. Sports: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Golf

Achievements

These standout preps hardly represent the only players who will be worth watching this season. Some players are closing in on state records or leading top title contenders, while others will break onto the scene over the next few months.

In this preview we break down each class, highlighting top returning players in our preseason all-state picks and featuring our Sports Spotlight preseason players of the year. This year, for the first time, more information and in-depth coverage of each district can be found on our digital magazine at www.issuu.com/sportsspotlight. There, you can read our season predictions and access exclusive content not found in our magazine.

Like any season, the stakes will be high, adrenaline will be rushing and football teams across the state of Iowa will bring Friday nights to life. From the school and community pride, to Athletic Achievements/Honors: Softball: First team All-Conference (2012-14); All-District Headlining the group is Urbandale senior Allen Lazard, who is the bands and cheer squads, to the unexpected wins and losses First team All-State (2013-14), State Tournament All-Tournament Captain (2013rated(2013-14); one of the best, if not the best, wide receiver in the nation throughout the season, the 2013 Iowa high school football 14); Class 1A Pitcher of the Year (2013); 2014 Iowa Softball All-Star Team. Golf: First team Allthis year. Last season, Lazard earned first team all-state honors season is sure to be star-studded and spectacular. Conference (2013-14); State meet, 11th place (2014). Basketball: Second team All-Conference as a defensive (2013-14). back and had a breakout year offensively with 928 Academic Achievements/Honors: Class Valedictorian, National Honor Society, Ameican Legion Citizenship Award, War Eagle Conference All-Academic Award

Pigskin College or post-high school plans: Attend Northwestern College (Orange City, IA) to play softball.

Kayla Tindall

SportsSpotlight.com Akron-Westfield

High School, Class of 2014, 4.00 GPA

Photo by Tork Mason

In the

Spotlight State softball This page presented to you by:

Each month we publish youth and high school action photos from around the state. We would love to get yours! Send us your photos at support@sportsspotlight.com All photos taken by Tork Mason

Preview

High School

STATE BASEBALL RECAP Tork Mason | Editor-in-Chief

The 2014 state baseball tournament provided plenty of thrills for fans in attendance and saw new champions crowned in all four classes. There were great rematches, dominating performances and stunning upsets along the way, and even the weather cooperated to produce a great week of baseball. Class 1A Many felt that last season’s semifinal matchup between Twin Cedars and Newman Catholic (Mason City), in reality, served as the state championship game. And this season, fans got the rematch they’d been hoping for. Twin Cedars dominated opponents throughout the regular season with a stellar pitching staff and a potent lineup, and that didn’t change at Principal Park. The Sabers rode the right arms of Otis Roby and Coy Moore to the first state championship, in any sport, in school history. They were in complete control of every game almost from the first pitch, as they outscored their three state tournament opponents, 262, including an 8-2 win over Newman Catholic in the championship game. The victory capped a perfect 36-0 season for head coach Matt Miller and the Sabers, and wasn’t lacking a powerful emotional moment. Senior Dylan Springer, whose teammate and twin brother Derek was killed in a car accident during the 2013 season, wore his brother’s No. 22 for the championship game and entered the contest as a pinch runner in the late innings.

Class 2A North Polk and head coach Dave Middleton have long been near the top of Class 2A, but only ever near it. The Comets had played in four state championship games prior to this season, including three in the last eight years, but always played the bridesmaid. This season, that script was finally rewritten. The Comets opened the tournament with an outstanding performance on the mound from senior Cole Jackson. Jackson threw a complete game no-hitter and struck out 15 in a 7-1 win over Maple ValleyAnthon-Oto. The lone Rams runner to score — Derrik Kerns — reached base on a defensive error. In the semifinals, North Polk was matched up against a Heart of Iowa Conference rival in Roland-Story. The Comets jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings and let Grant Lang and Zach Brecht take care of the rest on the mound in a 6-2 win, setting up a third-straight championship date with Beckman Catholic (Dyersville). Bad luck struck the Comets in the 2013 championship game, when thenstar pitcher Jacob Hadaway broke his leg on a play at second base. But nothing was going to stop Jackson as he went the distance for the second time in three games, scattering four hits and striking out 10 in a 2-0 win to give the Comets their first state title in school history and finally ending their title game woes. Class 3A Davenport Assumption didn’t enter the state tournament as the favorite,

Twin Cedars (Bussey) celebrates after winning its first-ever state championship. The Sabers defeated Newman Catholic (Mason City), 8-2. (Photo by Tork Mason)

Volume 2 Issue 10

T.J. Fetters and Southeast Polk celebrate after beating Iowa City West, 2-0, in the Class 4A state championship game. (Photo by Tork Mason)

but the Knights proved that one can never count out a program that simply knows how to win on the big stage. And they came through, even if they provided more than their share of drama along the way. In a minor upset of Harlan in the quarterfinals, Assumption held a 7-1 lead going into the bottom of the sixth inning. But the Cyclones plated 6 runs in their final two innings and had the tying run thrown out at the plate for the final out in an 8-7 Assumption victory. In the semifinals, the Knights took on top-seeded Waverly-Shell Rock and went in to the seventh inning facing a 3-2 deficit. But a 2-out rally fueled by four hit batsmen and a pair of walks left the Go-Hawks trying to recover from a 6-run barrage in the bottom half of the frame. WaverlyShell Rock scored a pair of runs in the seventh inning, but couldn’t muster more than that as they fell, 8-5. And in the Class 3A title game, the Knights took on Dallas CenterGrimes and star pitcher Cole Baker, who threw a 9-inning shutout in the quarterfinals and was dominant for most of the championship game. But another rally brought in Sam Bennett for the game’s only run in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving the Knights a 1-0 victory and their ninth summer state baseball championship — tying them with Kee (Lansing) for the most all-time. Pitcher Jay Campbell was effective, if not spectacular, in the victory, going the distance and scattering five Mustang hits.

Class 4A The Class 4A tournament was topsy-turvy from the beginning, as Johnston upset top-seeded Waukee in the quarterfinals with an 8-3 victory. But the Dragons’ Cinderella dreams ended with a semifinal collapse against Iowa City West. Johnston held a 6-1 lead going into the bottom of the seventh and watched it all slip away in a 6-run Trojan rally. On the other side of the bracket, Southeast Polk pulled two major upsets on their road to the championship game. First, the Rams took down third-seeded Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 1-0, thanks to a 7-inning, 7-strikeout effort by Nick Arnold on the mound. Then, they followed that up with a 5-2 win over second-seeded Dubuque Hempstead. The Rams had five different players drive in a run during the contest, and Garrett Grove held the Mustangs scoreless after the second inning. In the championship game, the Rams and T.J. Fetters edged the Trojans and Tyus Adkins in a pitcher’s duel. Southeast Polk scored a pair of runs in the first inning and the pitching for both teams took over from there. Fetters struck out 6 batters and held a potent Trojan offense to just a trio of hits, while Adkins gave his team a chance by holding the Rams scoreless over the final six innings. But the Rams never gave up the early lead and got a 2-0 win and their first state title.

SportsSpotlight.com

all-state

Baseball

Class 4A C-Devin Raffensperger, Senior, Iowa City West C-J.T. Sole, Senior, Cedar Falls P-Colby Carmichael, Senior, Des Moines East P-Sammy Lizarraga, Junior, Cedar Rapids Kennedy P-Matt Mullenbach, Junior, Waukee P-Ben Nelson, Senior, Dowling Catholic P-Nicky Nelson, Senior, West Des Moines Valley INF-Joe Bappe, Senior, Ames INF-Zach Daniels, Junior, Cedar Rapids Kennedy INF-Matt Hoeg, Senior, Waukee INF-Derek Jacobus, Senior, Cedar Rapids Kennedy INF-Lake Rosson, Senior, Burlington INF-Anthony Schneider, Senior, Southeast Polk OF-Colin Kreiter, Junior, North Scott (Eldridge) OL-Daniel Tillo, Junior, Sioux City North OF-Malique Ziegler, Senior, Des Moines East UTL-Logan Augustine, Senior, Urbandale UTL-Robert Hansen, Senior, Des Moines East UTL-Robert Neustrom, Junior, Sioux City North Player of the Year: Malique Ziegler, Senior, Des Moines East Pitcher of the Year: Sammy Lizarraga, Junior, Cedar Rapids Kennedy Coach of the Year: Michael Barta, Johnston Class 3A C-Tyler Cropley, Senior, Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) C-Zach Adrian, Senior, Davenport Assumption P-Cole Baker, Junior, Dallas Center-Grimes P-Joseph Hietpas, Senior, Fairfield P-Brandon Hodges, Senior, Saydel P-Cody Selig, Senior, Sergeant Bluff-Luton P-Jake Voss, Senior, West Delaware (Manchester) INF-Corey Bertini, Senior, Glenwood INF-Tyler Frideres, Senior, Algona INF-Pete Swenson, Senior, Clear Lake INF-Trent Solsma, Senior, Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) INF-Eric Willis, Senior, Waverly-Shell Rock OF-Jake Gervase, Senior, Davenport Assumption OF-Brett Slight, Senior, Boone OF-Sky Holmgren, Senior, Waverly-Shell Rock UTL-Brock Adams, Junior, Clear Lake UTL-Sean Westendorf, Senior, Waverly-Shell Rock UTL-Austin Gridley, Senior, Fairfield Player of the Year: Jake Gervase, Senior, Davenport Assumption Pitcher of the Year: Joseph Hietpas, Senior, Fairfield Coach of the Year: Casey Klunder, Waverly-Shell Rock SportsSpotlight.com

Class 2A C-Tanner Felton, Senior, Monticello C-Christian Rozeboom, Junior, Sioux Center P-Zach Hovick, Senior, Roland-Story P-Cole Jackson, Senior, North Polk P-Blake Kamerman, Sophomore, Sioux Center P-Korey Kuhlmann, Junior, Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto P-Zac Lyon, Senior, Beckman (Dyersville) INF-Brandon Brittain, Senior, Van Meter INF-Riley Dixon, Senior, Iowa City Regina INF-Trevor Jameson, Senior, Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) INF-Jordan Rommes, Junior, South Winneshiek (Calmar) INF-Trey Ryan, Senior, Mount Vernon OF-Jake Brinkman, Junior, Iowa City Regina OF-Reed Smith, Senior, North Polk OF-Mitch Steger, Senior, Beckman (Dyersville) UTL-Spencer Halloran, Senior, West Fork UTL-Javin Drake, Sophomore, Wilton UTL-Grant Lang, Senior, North Polk Player of the Year: Brandon Brittain, Senior, Van Meter Pitcher of the Year: Cole Jackson, Senior, North Polk Coach of the Year: Ryan Bomgaars, Sioux Center Class 1A C-Luke Anctil, Senior, Martensdale-St. Marys C-Hunter Embray, Senior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) P-Zeb Adreon, Sophomore, Pleasantville P-Otis Roby, Junior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) P-Kaden Wadle, Junior, Newman Catholic (Mason City) P-Matt Wesselmann, Senior, St. Marys (Remsen) P-Blake Wiltgen, Senior, Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) INF-Joe Burgmeier, Senior, Newman Catholic (Mason City) INF-Corey Harrell, Senior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) INF-Patrick Sheehey, Senior, Pleasantville INF-Jack Kline, Senior, B-G-M (Brooklyn) INF-Garrett Saunders, Junior, Van Buren (Keosauqua) OF-Caylor Deeth, Senior, Coon Rapids-Bayard OF-Kyle Gritsch, Senior, B-G-M (Brooklyn) OF-Eddy Kraber, Senior, Martensdale-St. Marys UTL-Drew Carlson, Senior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) UTL-Jack Fitzgerald, Senior, Newman Catholic (Mason City) UTL-Coy Moore, Senior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) Player of the Year: Garrett Saunders, Junior, Van Buren (Keosauqua) Pitcher of the Year: Otis Roby, Junior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) Coach of the Year: Kevin Kelderman, North Mahaska (New Sharon)

Volume 2 Issue 10

High School

STATE SOFTBALL RECAP Tork Mason | Editor-in-Chief

Akron-Westfield celebrates after winning their second-straight Class 1A title and fourth championship in five years. The Westerners defeated upstart Kee (Lansing), 12-1. (Photo by Tork Mason)

The 2014 state softball tournament saw two teams defend their crowns from 2013, as well as its fair share of surprises. The weather didn’t always cooperate, as teams in the Class 3A semifinals had to deal with a lengthy rain delay that pushed the start of the final game to 11:15 p.m., but fans still got their fill of thrills. Class 1A Akron-Westfield has made a habit of winning Class 1A softball championships, and the Westerners successfully defended their 2013 title. But that’s not to say the Westerners didn’t work up a little sweat. In their quarterfinal bout against unranked Glidden-Ralston, the Westerners struggled to score off of Wildcats ace Lauren Mahlberg. Mahlberg held Akron-Westfield to just 1 run through the first five innings, giving her team a chance to score a big upset. But the Westerners eventually broke out with 4 runs over the final two innings and walked away with a deceiving 5-1 victory. In the semifinals, Akron-Westfield took on perennial power MartensdaleSt. Marys. It was a hotly-contested game throughout, but the Westerners pulled out a close one, advancing to the finals with a 3-2 victory. Even in the championship game, the Westerners took awhile before allowing themselves breathing room. In a surprise matchup against tournament upstart Kee (Lansing), the Westerners faced a 1-0 deficit after three innings. But a 4-run fourth inning sparked a steady onslaught over the game’s final four frames, and Akron-Westfield cruised to a 12-1 victory and a second-straight title.

Volume 2 Issue 10

Senior pitcher Kayla Tindall was named the captain of the alltournament team after giving up just 1 earned run and striking out 17 in during the tournament. Class 2A None of the 2013 tournament qualifiers in Class 2A made a return trip this year, which gave the tournament the feel of a free-for-all, and it lived up to that billing. Earlham handled North Butler in the quarterfinals, 3-0, after scoring all of its runs in the first inning and letting pitcher Kaylie Brindley and solid defense take care of the rest. Meanwhile, Eddyville-BlakesburgFremont cruised past Alburnett, 5-1, thanks to a strong performance by senior Nataliah Hopkins. Hopkins tallied 7 strikeouts in the win and also went 2-for-4 with an RBI at the plate. In the semifinals, the Rockets upset top-seeded Highland (Riverside) with surprising ease, 6-2. Rachel Maloy and McKinley Moore teamed up to drive in 4 runs for the Rockets, and Hopkins was efficient in holding down a strong Husky lineup. Earlham advanced to the finals with a 3-2 win over Woodbury Central (Moville), in which the Cardinals withstood a seventh-inning rally that nearly saw the Wildcats close the gap. Brindley was efficient, if not spectacular, and held the Wildcats to just one hit on the night. In the finals, Earlham slowly built a 4-0 lead through four innings, but the Rockets weren’t about to go quietly. They scored a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth innings, giving themselves a chance in the late innings. But the Cardinals tacked on a

pair of insurance runs and came away with a 6-4 victory. Class 3A Clarke (Osceola) was a team on a mission after taking runner-up honors a year ago, and the Indians capped a great tournament run with a state championship. The Indians rolled through Spirit Lake in three innings, 13-0, thanks in part to pitcher Libby Bemis’ perfect game. In the semifinals, the Indians handled Greene County, 4-1, setting up a rematch from the 2013 championship game with BondurantFarrar. The title tilt was an instant classic. Clarke held a 6-1 lead after four innings, but the Lady Jays rallied to score 5 runs over the final three innings to tie it all up. BondurantFarrar was down to its final strike in three-straight at bats in the top of the seventh inning, only to get a base hit each time. The game appeared destined to go to extra innings and the Lady Jays owned all of the momentum. But Clarke’s Carley Robins stepped into the box to lead off the bottom half of the seventh and launched a no-doubt home run over the left field fence to win the game, 7-6. Bemis was named the alltournament team captain after a dominant state tournament performance. The senior recorded 23 strikeouts in just 17 innings of work. Class 4A Dallas Center-Grimes entered the Class 4A tournament as the heavy favorite and, as the defending champs

with pitcher Paige Lowary back in the circle, the Fillies didn’t disappoint. The Fillies dominated all comers, earning three victories by a combined score of 26-2. Both of those runs allowed came in a 12-2 quarterfinal win over Le Mars. Neither Norwalk nor Solon’s potent lineup could muster a single run against Lowary. During the tournament, Lowary struck out 20 batters and surrended just 10 hits — including just one hit against Solon’s loaded offense — in 19 innings of work. But in the championship game against the Spartans, the 5-0 score was slightly misleading. The score stood at 1-0 going into the fifth inning, but the Fillies hit a solo home run in threestraight innings to pull away for good measure. Class 5A The CIML typically performs very well in the state tournament, and the conference acquitted itself very well this summer. The final four teams all hailed from central Iowa, and the top-seeded Johnston Dragons came out on top. The semifinal game were both thoroughly entertaining games in their own rights. Defending champion Dowling Catholic and pitcher Claudia Farrell dueled with Southeast Polk and Cassady Knudsen for six innings, and the game was still scoreless as the teams entered the seventh inning. The Maroons scored a go-ahead run in the top half, but the Rams answered with a pair of runs in the final frame, plating the winning run on a ball hit up the middle by Katie Burdick and coming away with a thrilling 2-1 victory. Johnston had to contend with Valley, and the game wasn’t decided until freshman Brooke Wilmes came home in the bottom of the eighth inning to push the Dragons past the Tigers, 6-5. Johnston had little trouble in the championship game against the Rams, though. They cruised to a 10-2 victory as sophomore Haylee Towers scattered four hits and Wilmes clubbed a grand slam. In one of the most dominant hitting performances at the state tournament in recent memory, Wilmes was named the all-tournament team captain after going 7-for-9 with 4 doubles and a home run, 8 runs scored, 8 RBI and 5 walks. SportsSpotlight.com

all-state Class 5A C-Maddie Hansen, Junior, Cedar Rapids Jefferson C-Kendyl Lindaman, Sophomore, Ankeny Centennial P-Claudia Farrell, Senior, Dowling Catholic P-Jessie Harder, Sophomore, Iowa City West P-Anna Manjoine, Senior, Muscatine P-Alyssa Olson, Junior, Cedar Rapids Jefferson P-Haylee Towers, Sophomore, Johnston INF-Adara Opiola, Sophomore, Iowa City West INF-Emily Clemens, Senior, Muscatine INF-DoniRae Mayhew, Sophomore, Bettendorf INF-Katie Sommer, Senior, Linn-Mar (Marion) INF-Brooke Wilmes, Freshman, Johnston OF-Skyler Shellmyer, Pre-Freshman, Urbandale OF-Katie Shoultz, Senior, Muscatine OF-Emilee Meyer, Junior, Muscatine UTL-Cassady Knudsen, Senior, Southeast Polk UTL-Lauren Nahnsen, Junior, Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln UTL-Hannah Parker, Senior, Southeast Polk Player of the Year: Kendyl Lindaman, Sophomore, Ankeny Centennial Co-Pitchers of the Year: Claudia Farrell, Senior, Dowling Catholic; Alyssa Olson, Junior, Cedar Rapids Jefferson Coach of the Year: Matt Murillo, Dowling Catholic Class 4A C-Clair Bird, Senior, Davenport Assumption C-Ali Herdliska, Junior, Solon P-Hannah Cole, Senior, West Delaware (Manchester) P-Taylor Goode, Sophomore, Norwalk P-Emily Ira, Junior, Solon P-Paige Lowary, Senior, Dallas Center-Grimes P-Gabby Schnathorst, Sophomore, Carlisle INF-Taylor Davis, Senior, Carlisle INF-Mara Forsyth, Senior, Charles City INF-Mallory Madsen, Senior, Solon INF-Allison O’Brien, Junior, Dallas CenterGrimes INF-Molly Villhauer, Senior, Clear CreekAmana OF-Lexi Astor, Senior, Fort Dodge OF-Taylor Nearad, Junior, Solon OF-Shyanne Dubois, Junior, Carlisle UTL-Erin Drahozal, Junior, Cedar Rapids Xavier UTL-Kenzie Ihle, Senior, Ballard (Huxley) UTL-Mallory Kilian, Junior, Fort Dodge Player of the Year: Taylor Nearad, Junior, SportsSpotlight.com

Softball

Solon Pitcher of the Year: Paige Lowary, Senior, Dallas Center-Grimes Coach of the Year: Jay Harms, Oskaloosa

Class 3A C-Audra Bridenstine, Sophomore, West Liberty C-Megan Gavin, Sophomore, North Fayette Valley P-Libby Bemis, Senior, Clarke (Osceola) P-Brooke Craig, Junior, Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) P-Amber Fiser, Sophomore, Benton Community (Van Horne) P-Mariah Fritz, Junior, East Marshall (LeGrand) P-CJ Van Der Zwaag, Junior, Boyden-Hull/ Rock Valley INF-Lea Brunssen, Sophomore, Benton Community (Van Horne) INF-Riley Hale, Junior, West Burlington/Notre Dame INF-Amber Kral, Sophomore, Mid-Prairie (Wellman) INF-Aleenah Marcucci, Sophomore, Northeast (Goose Lake) INF-Taylor Fricke, Junior, East Marshall (LeGrand) INF-Alyssa Wiebel, Sophomore, Benton Community (Van Horne) OF-Courtney Coffin, Junior, West Burlington/ Notre Dame OF-Kensy Vande Hoef, Senior, Boyden-Hull/ Rock Valley OF-Sydney Weldon, Senior, Albia UTL-Miles Ludwigs, Senior, Sergeant BluffLuton UTL-Kori Mesecher, Junior, West Burlington/ Notre Dame UTL-Emily Wilson, Junior, Bondurant-Farrar Player of the Year: Alyssa Wiebel, Sophomore, Benton Community (Van Horne) Pitcher of the Year: Libby Bemis, Senior, Clarke (Osceola) Coach of the Year: Rick Dillinger, A-D-M (Adel) Class 2A C-Maggie Harvey, Freshman, St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) C-Bailey Richards, Sophomore, Van Meter P-Kaylie Brindley, Senior, Earlham P-Nataliah Hopkins, Senior, EddyvilleBlakesburg-Fremont P-Alexis Korte, Senior, Central Springs (Manly) P-Katie Springer, Junior, Highland (Riverside) P-Jayden Wolter, Sophomore, Denver

INF-Tasha Alexander, Senior, EddyvilleBlakesburg-Fremont INF-Cheyann Adamson, Sophomore, Highland (Riverside) INF-Anna Bentley, Senior, Durant-Bennett INF-Morgan Craig, Sophomore, Highland (Riverside) INF-Shannon Laing, Senior, West Branch OF-Lexi Roeding, Senior, Denver OF-Brianna Schaefer, Senior, Denver OF-Christia Stuerman, Sophomore, Hinton UTL-Dalaney Bice, Sophomore, WoodwardGranger UTL-Amanda Lansman, Junior, St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) UTL-Abbey Murphy, Senior, Earlham Player of the Year: Cheyann Adamson, Sophomore, Highland (Riverside) Pitcher of the Year: Alexis Korte, Senior, Central Springs (Manly) Coach of the Year: Chris Caskey, Earlham Class 1A C-Bella Berthel, Junior, Marquette Catholic (Bellevue) C-Emily Parks, Junior, New London P-Morgan Christner, Sophomore, New London P-Madison Rasmusson, Junior, Lynnville-Sully P-Ashley Sicard, Junior, AGWSR (Ackley) P-Rachel Smith, Junior, Exira/Elk HornKimballton P-Kayla Tindall, Senior, Akron-Westfield INF-Shelby Davis, Junior, Lynnville-Sully INF-Jamie Jordan, Sophomore, MartensdaleSt. Marys INF-Renee Maneman, Senior, Newell-Fonda INF-Kerrigan Riley, Senior, Springville INF-Nicole Shutt, Junior, Martensdale-St. Marys OF-Abby Dobernecker, Senior, Charter OakUte OF-Sami Koontz, Senior, New London OF-Brittney Roby, Senior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) UTL-Kendra Cooper, Pre-Freshman, Kee (Lansing) UTL-Breanna Fortune, Senior, Wayne (Corydon) UTL-Morgan Frost, Junior, Don Bosco (Gilbertville) Co-Players of the Year: Renee Maneman, Senior, Newell-Fonda; Brittney Roby, Senior, Twin Cedars (Bussey) Pitcher of the Year: Kayla Tindall, Senior, Akron-Westfield Coach of the Year: Melissa Sturm, Marquette Catholic (Bellevue) Volume 2 Issue 10

Photo courtesy of Danish Villages Voice

Smith was one of the state’s most dominant pitchers. The junior finished second in the state, regardless of class, with 319 strikeouts, and she tallied a 22-2 record with a microscopic 0.14 ERA. She also hit .507 with 20 RBI.

Zach Daniels Photo by Tork Mason

Daniels was an all-around threat for his team as the Cougars reached the state tournament this summer. The junior went 8-1 with a 1.02 ERA on the mound, and he led the team with a .471 batting average. He also scored 37 runs and stole 22 bases.

Saunders posted elite numbers across the board for the Warriors. The junior hit .504 with 8 home runs, 16 doubles, 64 runs scored and 47 RBI at the plate. He also stole 52 bases. Saunders also posted a 4-2 record on the mound with a 1.15 ERA and 38 punchouts in just over 30 innings of work.

Junior | Urbandale

Rachel Smith

Junior | Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Hodges was dazzling on the bump for the Eagles. The senior posted a perfect 9-0 record and was among state leaders with 106 strikeouts and a 0.59 ERA in 70.2 innings of work. Opponents also hit just .109 against Hodges this season.

Photo courtesy of Dave Barnes/Van Buren County Register

Junior | Exira/EHK

Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register

Garrett Saunders

Neustrom was stellar for the Stars all Ihle provided plenty of power in the season. The junior hit .540 with 46 RBI Bombers’ lineup. The senior hit .485 and 41 runs scored, and was also one for the season while slugging out 8 of his team’s best hurlers. Neustrom home runs and driving in 45 runs. went 5-1 on the mound while striking She also held opponents’ offenses in check, owning a 26-7 record out a team-best 54 batters and and boasting a 1.10 ERA and 181 posting a 1.07 ERA in 46 innings of strikeouts in 203.2 innings of work. work.

Senior | Saydel

Brandon Hodges

Kenzie Ihle

Photo courtesy of Gene Knudsen

Junior | Van Buren (Keosauqua)

Robert Neustrom

Senior | Ballard

Lowary capped a stellar prep career with another Class 4A championship. The senior went 21-1 in the circle for the Fillies, and struck out 264 batters while posting a 0.18 ERA. Lowary also hit .455 with 5 home runs and 13 doubles as the Fillies’ leadoff hitter.

Junior |Sioux City North

Photo by Tork Mason

Senior | Dallas Center-Grimes

Paige Lowary

Lexus Lovan Lovan had a good showing at the state track meet, but that event didn’t mark the end of her competition this year. At the AAU Regional meet in Minneapolis in June, the junior made a leap of 19-10.25 feet in the long jump, which is five inches better than the state’s all-time mark.

2014 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

Pictured are the 2014 Sports Spotlight Preseason Players of the Year. Back (L to R): Christian Rozeboom (Sioux Center, Class 2A), Ryan Parmely (Maquoketa Valley, Class A), Drew Cook (Iowa City Regina, Class 1A), Coy Roussell (West Delaware, Class 3A) and Spencer Phillips (Fremont-Mills, 8-Player). Front: Ryan Boyle (Dowling Catholic, Class 4A)

It’s finally time to turn on the Friday night lights kick off another great season of high school football. Time to paint the lines and dash to the endzone. Many of the faces may have changed across the state, but fans looking for heart-pounding action are never disappointed when fall arrives. And this season has its own unique flavors to offer. This season, we see Class 4A shift to a district format across the state, which will bring a number of unprecedented non-district matchups to fruition during the regular season. Defending state champion Dowling Catholic will square off against 2013 runner-up Cedar Rapids Xavier, which will compete in Class 3A this fall. We also unveil a new crop of Preseason Players of the Year. Gone are last season’s record-breaking stars like Adair-Casey’s Clayton Plowman and Bishop Heelan’s Trent Solsma. In their places are standouts like Iowa City Regina’s Drew Cook and Dowling Catholic’s Ryan Boyle. Inside, find overviews for all six classes that highlight some of the state’s top championship contenders, preseason All-State teams, and indepth profiles on each of our six Preseason Players of the Year. For even more content, go to issuu.com/ sportsspotlight and check out our extended edition, which includes previews for every district and more photos!

Spencer

phillips

senior, fremont-mills (tabor) 8-Man Preseason Player of the Year

Action photos used with permission from The Valley News By Darrin Cline

An athletic youngster born on a small farm; a sports fanatic who spends his time away from school hunting or working 40-hour weeks in the summer—before and after football practice. That narrative could apply to any number of Iowa teenagers, but in this instance, it happens to apply to one of 8-man football’s most talented two-way players. Spencer Phillips’ performance as a linebacker and running back has helped FremontMills maintain its position as one of Iowa’s top 8-man programs and earned him 2013 All-State honors. When he’s not on the football fields, Phillips is making state appearances in other sports, too. He has competed at the state wrestling tournament, qualified for state in shot put and placed fifth in discus at this spring’s state track meet. But the gridiron remains his favorite environment. Over the years, Phillips has bounced around the field, trying to find his niche. “I’ve played just about every position,” Phillips said. “I was bigger as a kid so I was a lineman, but as I got older, I got faster and moved to the backfield. On the defensive side, I’ve played everything but safety.” The coaches have rotated Phillips from nose tackle to defensive end to middle linebacker, but it’s the latter position that has proven to be his best. “He’s big and physical — and he’s smart,” Knights head coach Jeremy Christiansen said. “He’s the quarterback on defense; he understands what needs to happen on each play.”

SportsSpotlight.com

Phillips became a starter for the defense as a sophomore. In his first season as a full-time varsity starter, Phillips collected 73 tackles, while his older brother, Seth, led the team in stops. The following season, Seth Phillips and the teams’ two other leading tacklers were gone, leaving Spencer as a leader of the defense. He stood near the top of the 8-man standings for the season; his 143 tackles were 9th in the class, and his 22 tackles for loss were fourth-best in the state. He’s also become the workhorse in the offensive backfield. Phillips produced an impressive stat line in the smash mouth, run-first Fremont-Mills offense last season: 188 carries, 1,687 yards, a 9.0-yardper-carry average, and 17 touchdowns as a junior. One look at the senior-to-be tells much of the story behind those numbers. Standing 6-3 and tipping the scales at nearly 235 pounds, Phillips is an imposing figure as a Iowa high school running back. “I’m the biggest lineman on the team, and I’m only 6-2 and 230 pounds,” said senior lineman Bret Blackburn, who has played alongside Phillips since they were in elementary school. “He has strength that most other guys don’t have, and he knows it; he uses that really well.” His two-way prowess evokes memories of another Fremont Mills standout who plowed through opponents during Phillips’ freshman year — current University of Iowa defensive end Nate Meier, who led the Knights to the 2011 state title while running for 2,494 yards and 57 touchdowns on just 176 carries. And Phillips isn’t intimidated by

Meier’s legacy. “My goal is to hit people like he did and intimidate them so I can win that battle,” says Phillips, who readily admits to mimicking Meier’s style and trying to follow in his large footsteps. Christiansen allows sees a great deal of similarity between his former and current behemoth running backs. “If you look at them side-by-side, Spencer now compared to Nate as a high schooler, you probably couldn’t tell a difference,” Christiansen says. “However, they each have their own playing style. Nate would run across you; Spencer is going to try and do anything he can to try and get over or around you.” With his high school football career behind him, Meier caught the eyes of University of Iowa scouts and signed on to play for the Hawkeyes. Much like Meier, Phillips is being looked at as a defensive end on the next level. Schools including Iowa State, twotime defending NCAA FCS National Champions North Dakota State and the University of South Dakota have expressed interest in Phillips. The recruiting process has helped motivate Phillips and keep his eyes on his goals, which should benefit his team, too. “It shows that the door is never closed,” Phillips said. “There’s always someone watching and you always have to go 100 percent; you have to do that extra to make them look toward you.”

Volume 2 Issue 10

CLASS 8P TEAM All-State

Overview

PRESEASON

Offense Pos QB RB RB RB WR WR OL OL OL K

Name

Cody Thoreson Clayton Kiefer Nathan Fitzgerald Tanner Strudthoff Elliott Conover Zach Hickson Payton Crilly Brandon French Zach Kliefoth Emmitt Wheatley

School Boyer Valley Wayne Central Elkader HLV, Victor St. Mary’s Don Bosco Newell-Fonda Don Bosco Exira/EHK Adair-Casey

Yr SR SR SR SR SR SR JR SR SR SR

DEfense Pos DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB P

Name

School

Cole Banwart W Bend-Mallard T.J. Even Don Bosco Jake Kraft Riceville Jimmy Cockburn River Valley Sam Meyne Janesville Spencer Phillips Fremont-Mills Charlie Terry Adair-Casey Drew Peppers Exira/EHK Trevor Fenneman Clarksville Caleb Lange Lenox

Yr JR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR

Last season ended with an instant classic, as two of the best 8-man squads in recent memory went head-to-head in a defensive slugfest. But this year, both Don Bosco and Exira/Elk HornKimballton have a lot of holes to fill, which leaves room for another team to emerge as a serious championship contender. Fremont-Mills is just a few years removed from their dominant title run in 2011, and the Knights appear poised to contend again this year. There were no seniors on last year’s team, so the Knights have a bevy of experience to utilize this fall. They’ll also have perhaps the state’s best player, tailback and linebacker Spencer Phillips, leading the way. Phillips, the Sports Spotlight 8-Man Preseason Player of the Year, ran for 1,687 yards and 17 touchdowns last fall, and he also piled up 143 tackles — including 26.5 tackles for loss — on defense. Fans shouldn’t count out either of last year’s championship game participants, though. Exira’s defense was the backbone of last year’s squad, and many of those players are gone, but as long as quarterback Drew Peppers — who also excels as a defensive back — stays healthy, the Spartans will have a chance to beat nearly anyone. Peppers ran for over 2,000 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior, and he also picked off seven passes in the secondary. For Don Bosco, replacing do-it-all quarterback Jake Hogan will likely be an impossible task. Hogan was one of the best 8-man players in recent memory who willed his team to a state championship a year ago, and the chances of finding another like him for this season appear very slim. But the Dons do still have several of their key contributors back,

including tailback Mason Svoboda, wideout Zach Hickson and linebacker T.J. Even. The Dons will also have to battle with HLV (Victor), which brings back the majority of its talent from last season, highlighted by tailback Tanner Strudthoff and defensive end Louis Kriegel. Strudthoff only ran for 769 yards last season, but he scored 17 touchdowns and should see a sharp increase from the 127 carries he received a year ago. Kriegel has been one of the state’s best defensive linemen for years, and he’s back for one more go-around after piling up 23 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks as a junior. From the northwest, only Marcus-MeridenCleghorn looks prepared to be a contender following heavy graduation losses at NewellFonda, West Bend-Mallard and River Valley. The Eagles return a very strong core in Derek Erdman, Conner Holmes and Isaiah Peterson, and that should be enough to emerge from the northwest region and possibly challenge for even more. Another team in District 8 that could be a major force is East Mills. The Wolverines are coming off of an 8-3 season in Class A, and bring back enough to make noise in their new class. Junior tailback Josh Hopkins is set to have a breakout season in his first year as the primary back following the graduation of Colby Jennings. There are a lot of possibilities in this class, with no clear-cut favorites like Don Bosco and Exira/EHK were last season. However it shakes out, it promises to be an explosive show. Stay tuned to all the action as it unfolds this fall with Sports Spotlight!

Get more Pigskin Preview. Download the extended online verison at issuu.com/sportsspotlight or scan the QR code to see district prooles and predictions for all classes and even more photos!

Derek Erdman Volume 1 Issue 12

Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn Photo Courtesy of Roy Tucker Photo, Remsen

SportsSpotlight.com

class 8P

District Teams

Ar-We-Va (Westside) (1-8) Nickname: Rockets Head Coach: Chris Petersen

Top Returning Players: Jake Danner (So.); Derek Schurke (So.); Austin Stoelk (Sr.)

Boyer Valley (Dunlap) (7-4) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Jay Petersen Top Returning Players: Reed Block (Sr.); Cody

Thoreson (Sr.); Calvin Wood (Sr.)

Exira/Elk HornKimballton (12-1) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Tom Petersen Top Returning Players: Zach Kliefoth (Sr.);

Austin Moeller (Sr.); Drew Peppers (Sr.)

Kingsley-Pierson (3-7) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Brent Koedam Top Returning Players: Jacob Harvey (Jr.); Austin Neumann (Sr.); Scotty Plendl (Jr.)

Newell-Fonda (12-1) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Brian Wilken Top Returning Players: Payton Crilly (Jr.); Dustin Johnson (Jr.); Connor Wolterman (Jr.)

River Valley (Correctionville) (8-2) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Bradley Gralheer

District 1

Outlook District 1 could prove to be one of the best in the state this fall. In the bi-annual redistricting, two teams that met in last year’s state semifinals — Newell-Fonda and Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton — will now square off in district play. Both teams have plenty of talent to replace from last year’s elite squads, but both should reach the playoffs again this season. For Exira, scoring shouldn’t be a problem, as long as senior quarterback Drew Peppers stays healthy. Peppers threw for 1,223 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, but he was one of the state’s best on the ground. He ran for 2,143 yards and 42 scores while averaging 8.5 yards per carry; all of those marks were among the best in the state. Defensively, though, there are a few question marks. The Spartans boasted a dominant defense last fall, but lost numerous starters to graduation. Pepper, Austin Moeller and Martin Olsen are all back and give the Spartans a solid core to work with, though. Moeller and Olsen combined for 133 tackles and 10 stops for loss a year ago, while Peppers tallied 128 tackles and made 7 interceptions. After the top spot, it could get interesting. Boyer Valley, on paper, looks like the top challenger. The Bulldogs bring back a strong passing game on offense, as well as several key players on defense. Senior quarterback Cody Thoreson threw for 1,482 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago, and his two favorite targets — senior wideouts Calvin Wood and Reed Block — are back after combining for 80 receptions, 1,306 yards and 17

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Exira/EHK Spartans 2) Boyer Valley Bulldogs 3) Newell-Fonda Mustangs 4) Kingsley-Pierson Panthers

Top Returning Players: Sam Briese (Sr.); Jimmy Cockburn (Sr.); Kaleb O’Donnell (Sr.)

West Harrison (Mondamin) (5-4) Nickname: Hawkeyes Head Coach: Craig Birdsall Top Returning Players: Gavin Armstrong (Jr.); Cody Niewohner (Sr.); Dustin Peasley (Sr.)

Woodbine (0-9) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Dustin Crook Top Returning Players: Kevin Lee (Jr.); Gabe

Shafer (Sr.)

Drew Peppers Volume 1 Issue 12

scores last fall. Throreson also ran for 527 yards and 9 touchdowns. Defensively, Thoreson, Block, Wood and senior defensive lineman Christian Klein are the heart of what could be a strong unit. The former three players all tallied over 100 stops and 4 or more interceptions last season, while Klein made 81 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Newell-Fonda has to replace more than Exira, and the Mustangs return few proven contributors, but it’s a program that has won at least 9 games in each of the last four seasons, so it’s difficult to count the Mustangs out at this point. Junior Cole Wise is the team’s top returning rusher after running for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns a year ago. He averaged nearly 11 yards per carry, though, and could be poised for a breakout season now that Brady Bohe and Gabe Podraza have graduated. Kingsley-Pierson missed the playoffs after going 4-5 last season, but the Panthers look set to change that this season. Senior quarterback Austin Neumann is back after throwing for 469 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, and he added 613 yards and 8 scores on the ground. Junior running back Jacob Harvey was second on the team with 743 yards and 9 touchdowns a year ago, so the Panthers could have a very solid ground game.

Exira/EHK Photo by Tork Mason

District 2

Outlook If you’re trying to find the deepest district in the state this fall, Districts 2 and 7 are the only ones that should be in the conversation. This district probably doesn’t a true state title contender, but there are seven teams with a realistic chance of making a playoff appearance. Harris-Lake Park and Marcus-MeridenCleghorn will likely duke it out for the district’s top two seeds. The Wolves boast a two-headed monster under center; senior Brady Van Iperen threw for 880 yards and 16 touchdowns while splitting time with junior Dahlton Burdorf, who threw for 624 yards and 5 scores. Both completed at least 56 percent of their passes, and Van Iperen added 997 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. Also back is senior Skylar Cudmore, the team’s top returning receiver, who tallied 303 receiving yards and one score last fall. Defensively, Cudmore, Van Iperen and senior Javier Tapia form the core of what should be a strong unit. Cudmore led the team with 134 stops last year, followed by Van Iperen (96 tackles) and Tapia (82 tackles, 10 TFL, 10 sacks). Ran Gembler shores up the back end of the defense; he made 65 tackles and pulled down 3 interceptions a year ago. The Eagles will have a host of new faces in the lineup, but they have a solid core of players who know a thing or two about competing at a high level. Conner Holmes and Derek Erdman anchor a great rushing attack and should power M-M-C to another high playoff seed. Holmes ran for 1,138 yards and Erdman racked up 1,049 yards, and they scored 23 total rushing touchdowns.

Those two, along with senior Isaiah Peterson, form the heart of the team’s receiving corps, as well. The trio combined for 992 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, but they’ll have a new quarterback this season. Holmes, Erdman and Peterson also serve as the backbone for the Eagles’ defense. Peterson brings the heat up front, as he made 111 tackles, including 15.5 stops for loss and 8.5 sacks, last year. Holmes and Erdman roam the field behind him, and they racked up 139 total stops and 3 interceptions between them. The fight for the last two playoff bids could get very interesting. Remsen is home for the two teams most likely to take those spots, and it’ll be a great head-to-head matchup under center. For Remsen-Union, senior quarterback Nick Schroeder threw for 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 687 yards and 13 scores on the ground, earning All-State honors in the process. He won’t have any of his favorite targets from last season back, but he’s still a dangerous dual-threat weapon. For St. Mary’s, junior signal-caller Brady Harpenau threw for 1,110 yards and 17 scores, and wideout Elliott Conover will still line up outside this fall. Conover is one of the state’s top receivers and put up 836 yards and 15 touchdowns to earn AllState honors. Those look like the most likely teams to make the playoffs, but keep an eye out for GraettingerTerril/Ruthven-Ayrshire, West Bend-Mallard and Laurens-Marathon, as they could all play the role of spoiler or even challenge for a playoff bid.

class 8P Teams

Clay Central-Everly (1-8) Nickname: Mavericks Head Coach: Dan Heissel Top Returning Players: Daniel Borkowski (Sr.);

Skylar Iske (Sr.); Jamie Panko (So.)

Graettinger-Terril/ Ruthven-Ayrshire (7-4) Nickname: Titans Head Coach: Todd Hough Top Returning Players: Marcus Girres (Sr.);

Alex Hoffman (Jr.); Mason McGrauth (Sr.)

Harris-Lake Park (4-5) Nickname: Wolves Head Coach: Lane Gunderson Top Returning Players: Skylar Cudmore (Sr.);

Brady Van Iperen (Sr.); Javier Tapia (Sr.)

Laurens-Marathon (3-6) Nickname: Chargers Head Coach: Clyde Johnson Top Returning Players: Jordan Gunnarson

(Sr.); Keegan Jamison (Sr.); Tre Seiler (Sr.)

Marcus-MeridenCleghorn (10-2)

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) M-M-C Eagles 2) Harris-Lake Park Wolves 3) remsen-union rockets 4) St. marys Hawks

District

Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Kyle Oswald Top Returning Players: Derek Erdman (Sr.);

Conner Holmes (Sr.); Isaiah Petersen (Sr.)

Remsen-Union (5-5) Nickname: Rockets Head Coach: Colin Youde Top Returning Players: Nick Schroeder (Sr.);

Logan Sparr (Sr.); Chance Sudtelgte (Sr.)

St. Mary’s (Remsen) (4-6) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Marcus Mai Top Returning Players: Elliott Conover (Sr.);

Brady Harpenau (Sr.); Collin Schroeder (So.)

West Bend-Mallard (10-2) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Paul Kapustynski Top Returning Players: Cole Banwart (Sr.);

Jack Fehr (Sr.); Carson Wirtz (Sr.)

brady van iperen harris-lake park Photo courtesy of Harris-Lake Park High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 8P

District Teams CAL (Latimer) (0-9) Nickname: Cadets Head Coach: Scott Striegel

Top Returning Players: Kainen Braun (So.);

Miguel Calles (Sr.); Juan Trinidad (Sr.)

Clarksville (5-4) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Chris Arians Top Returning Players: Dylan Ciavarelli (Sr.); Trevor Fenneman (Sr.); Zack Sommerfelt (Jr.)

Janesville (8-2) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Dale Eastman Top Returning Players: Chris Grimeli (Sr.);

Sam Meyne (Sr.); Caleb Rieken (Sr.)

North Iowa (Buffalo Center) (5-4) Nickname: Bison Head Coach: Don Anderson Top Returning Players: Josh Mathahs (Sr.);

Austin Paden (Sr.); Alex Paulsen (Jr.)

Northwood-Kensett (7-4) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: David Capitani Top Returning Players: Coleby Batrud (Sr.); Josh Einertson (Jr.); Nick Lombard (Sr.)

Riceville (4-5) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Warren Haacke Top Returning Players: Luke Harken (Jr.); Jake

Kraft (Sr.); Nate Miller (Sr.);

Rockford (3-6) Nickname: Warriors

District 3

Outlook After a great 2013 season, District 3 should again be one of the state’s toughest districts, even with defending state champion Don Bosco moving over to District 5. Janesville has been a consistent playoff team for years, and that shouldn’t change this fall. The Wildcats bring back a load of talent on both sides of the ball, but their defense will be their strength. They bring back seven starters on defense from a unit that held opponents under 30 points per game last season, including seniors Caleb Reiken and Jonah Reeves and junior Sam Mayne. That trio combined for 277 tackles and 60 stops for loss, including 18 sacks. Offensively, the Wildcats have most of their key skill position players back. Junior quarterback Noah Dodd is set to take the reins after throwing for 351 yards and 8 touchdowns in spot duty last fall. He’ll have top targets Nick Nelson, Jack Thode and Chase Thompson to toss the ball to; those three tallied 1,536 receiving yards and 23 scores a year ago, so Dodd shouldn’t have trouble finding open receivers. On the ground, Reiken and fellow senior Chris Grimelli are both back. They combined for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns, and should keep the offensive attack very balanced. Clarksville and Northwood-Kensett should both battle for the second seed in the district. The Indians also boast a strong defensive unit, and they’ll lean on that as they try to gel on offense. They bring back 5 starters on defense, including a strong front line. Seniors Dylan Ciavarelli, Carter Kelm and Skyler Gilbert practically lived in opposing backfields last fall and tallied 30.5 tackles for loss as a group. Behind them, junior Zack Sommerfelt and senior Trevor

Fenneman were ball hawks, pulling down 5 and 3 interceptions, respectively, and sure tacklers. Offensively, Fenneman and Sommerfelt are the only key skill position players back, and they ran for 1,302 yards and 19 scores. Fenneman also threw for 450 yards and 5 touchdowns. That could be enough, when combined with the strength of the defense, to take second place, but the Indians could challenge for the district title if a couple players step up. Northwood-Kensett brings back several key players from last year’s playoff squad, and the Vikings should be playing in late October again this fall. Junior signal-caller Josh Einertson threw for 710 yards and ran for 673 more while accounting for 23 total touchdowns. He’ll be joined in the backfield by senior Coleby Bratrud, who ran for 815 yards and 15 scores. Bratrud is also the Vikings’ star on defense, as he made 115 stops and pulled down 3 interceptions to tie with Einertson for the team lead in that category. Also back are Nick Lombardi and Tom Yezek, who combined for 114 tackles. North Iowa will lean on the ground and pound duo of Alex Paulson and Austin Paden. They totaled 1,485 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago. They also return Josh Mathahs and Hunter Gelhaus on defense and, together with Paulson and Paden, form a solid core on that side of the ball and help get the Bison to the playoffs. Also, keep an eye on Riceville, as they’ve got a pair of players — defensive end Jake Kraft and quarterback Nate Miller — who are worth the price of admission to see. The Wildcats might not make the playoffs, but they can definitely play spoiler and could battle for that fourth spot.

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) janesville wildcats 2) clarksville indians 3) northwood-kensett vikings 4) north iowa bison

Head Coach: Nick Johnson Top Returning Players: Remington Sliger (Jr.);

AJ Staudt (Sr.); Brice Wust (Sr.)

Tripoli (4-6) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Tom Nuss Top Returning Players: Dylan Meister (Sr.); Conner Mueller (Sr.); Nick Shinstine (Sr.)

josh einertson

Volume 1 Issue 12

northwood-kensett Photo courtesy of Northwood-Kensett High School

District 4

Outlook This district won’t have the same kind of firepower at the top it boasted a year ago, when Springville rode a dominant ground game to an undefeated regular season record and a trip to the state quarterfinals. But there should still be several salty squads this fall. Central took the fourth seed in last year’s playoffs at 6-4, but the Warriors look poised to take a big step forward this fall. Derek Ehrhardt is back under center after throwing for 786 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman, and he’ll have plenty of help from his ground game. Senior tailback Nate Fitzgerald ran for 1,236 yards and 25 touchdowns a year ago; junior Aaron Hoth and senior Neil Kelly are also back after running for 744 combined yards and 7 touchdowns. Senior Shawn Fults returns as the team’s top receiver, having pulled in 19 receptions for 374 yards and 7 scores last fall. The Warriors also return most of their defense, even if there’s no single star player. Kennie Orr is the top returning tackler after tallying 61 stops, and Kelly led the team with 4 interceptions a year ago. It might not be an elite defense, but it could be solid enough to win the district crown. Springville won’t have Elias Nissen, who is now playing at UNI, but the Orioles’ ground attack could still finish among the state’s best and should put the team in the hunt for one of the top two seeds. Senior tailbacks Cody Blake and Tyler McDowell ran for 651 and 424 yards, respectively, and 16 touchdowns. They’ll both take on bigger roles and, if their 9.0- and 7.7 yards-per-carry averages are any indication, they shouldn’t have any trouble handling the load. Defensively, the Orioles only have a few key pieces back, but Blake and senior Trevor Hulett

should provide a solid front. The duo racked up 27 tackles for loss, including 13.5 sacks, last season. McDowell also chipped in 44 stops and an interception. Kee and Midland should battle for the third seed in this district, and both will rely heavily on their defenses. For the Hawks, five starters are back on defense, including seniors Andrew Weber and Ryan Kuhn; they tallied 169 total tackles, including 14.5 stops for loss and 8 sacks, and will be the heart of the defense. Fellow seniors Marquise Phillips and Dylon Peterson are also back after piling up 78 and 72 tackles, respectively, and Peterson led the team with 3 picks. Offensively, Kee will have to find a way to replace Jameson Peterson at tailback. Dylon Peterson is the top returning rusher after running for 468 yards and 9 touchdowns, and he threw for 686 yards and another 9 scores. Sophomore Clay Olson will step in at tailback after running for 209 yards and 3 touchdowns last fall. Midland brings back none of its top offensive players, but the Eagles’ defense is loaded with experience. Six starters return, including senior linebacker Grant Miller, who tallied 100 stops and 4.5 tackles for loss a year ago. The Eagles’ front line could be very stout. Seniors Alex Franzen, Levi Dosland and Colton Dirks are all back after frequently visiting opposing backfields and racking up 33 tackles for loss as a group. Also look out for West Central; with senior James Niemann in the backfield and a few good breaks, the Blue Devils could challenge for the district’s final playoff bid.

class 8P Teams

Cedar Valley Christian (0-8)

Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Ed Betsworth Top Returning Players: Apollo Betsworth

(So.); Eric Gustafson (Sr.); Kenan Ulmer (Sr.)

Central City (1-8) Nickname:

Wildcats

Head Coach: Brian Deal Top Returning Players: Korey Boots (Sr.); Seth

Schlotterbeck (Sr.); Ashton Vanalst (Sr.)

Central (Elkader) (6-5) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tom Wilwert Top Returning Players: Derek Ehrhardt (So.);

Nathan Fitzgerald (Sr.); Aaron Hoth (Jr.)

Kee (Lansing) (6-4) Nickname: Kee Hawks Head Coach: Chad Winters Top Returning Players: Ryan Kuhn (Sr.);

Dylon Peterson (Sr.); Marquise Phillips (Sr.)

Midland (Wyoming) (3-6) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Casey Hack Top Returning Players: Levi Dosland (Sr.);

Alex Franzen (Sr.); Grant Miller (Sr.)

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) central warriors 2) springville orioles 3) kee Kee hawks 4) Midland Eagles

District

Springville (11-1) Nickname: Orioles Head Coach:

Joe Martin

Top Returning Players: Cody Blake (Sr.);

Trevor Hulett (Sr.); Tyler McDowell (Sr.)

Turkey Valley (Jackson Junction) (7-4) (A) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Mark Scott Top Returning Players: Levi Klimesh (Sr.);

Tyler Sawyer (Sr.)

West Central (Maynard) (3-6) Nickname: Blue Devils Head Coach: Steve Milder Top Returning Players: Tyson Decker (So.);

James Niemann (Sr.); Andrew Squiers (Jr.)

cody blake Springville

Photo courtesy of Springville High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 8P

District Teams Colo-Nesco (2-7) Nickname: Royals Head Coach: Josh Nessa

Top Returning Players: Clayton Bryan (Sr.);

Grant Tiarks (Jr.); Dacian Wilson (Jr.)

Don Bosco (Gilbertville) (14-0) Nickname: Dons Head Coach: Colby Yoder Top Returning Players: T. J. Even (Sr.); Zach

Hickson (Sr.); Mason Svoboda (Sr.)

Dunkerton (1-8) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Jon Steffen Top Returning Players: Gage Brandt (Sr.);

Lane Johnson (Sr.); Bryce Rigdon (Sr.)

English Valleys (North English) (1-9) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: Bronson McCulley Top Returning Players: Colton Miller (Sr.); Brennen Grimm (Sr.); Sam Schauer (Sr.)

Grand view Christian (Des Moines) (3-7) Nickname: Thunder Head Coach: John Safford Top Returning Players: Noah Burt (Sr.); Grant

Rasmussen (Sr.); Ben Thompson (Sr.)

H-L-V (Victor) (9-3) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Kevin Smith Top Returning Players: Louis Kriegel (Sr.); Tanner Strudthoff (Sr.); Nate Van Buren (Jr.)

District 5

Outlook There won’t be a whole lot of drama at the top of this district until Oct. 3. That’s when defending state champion Don Bosco plays host to HLV, and the winner will almost certainly take home the district title. The Dons and Warriors look to be clearly separated from the rest of the district, as both teams return many key contributors from playoff squads last season. HLV is the prohibitive favorite, if only because the Warriors — unlike the Dons — don’t have to replace a player like Jake Hogan. The Warriors bring back their entire starting backfield, including senior tailback Tanner Strudthoff, who ran for 769 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago and should be counted on to carry a bigger load this season. He’s joined by junior Nate Van Buren, who racked up 448 rushing yards and 8 scores, and junior quarterback Dalton Kriegel. Krielgel threw for 898 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 333 yards and 7 scores on the ground. Van Buren and senior defensive end Louis Kriegel are the heart of the Warriors’ defense. Van Buren led the team last fall with 100 tackles, including 13.5 stops for loss, while Kriegel piled up 23 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. Strudthoff is also one of the most dangerous return men in the state; he scored 5 touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns last year, and teams would be foolish to kick to him again this year. The Dons will be without Hogan but they still have more than enough to contend for a district title and make a deep playoff run. Senior Mason Svoboda ran for 991 yards

and 21 touchdowns while averaging 8.1 yards per carry, but he might be an option under center in an offense that requires a mobile quarterback. Senior wideout Zach Hickson is back after putting up 529 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns last fall, so whoever takes the reins will have at least one reliable target downfield. The Dons’ defense should also be salty. Svoboda is the top returning tackler after recording 67 stops, 7.5 of which came behind the line. Senior T.J. Even put up 11.5 tackles for loss, including 6.5 sacks, earning him All-State honors on the defensive line. Juniors Brady Thome and Spencer Bruess tallied 57 and 55 stops, respectively, and Hickson tallied 6.5 tackles for loss. There’s a sharp drop-off after the top two, but English Valleys should secure a spot in the playoffs, thanks to senior running back Brennen Grimm. Grimm ran for 1,057 yards and 6 touchdowns last fall, and the Bears also return 4 starters on defense. Grand View Christian (formerly Grandview Park Baptist) and Meskwaki Settlement will likely battle for the final spot in the postseason. The Thunder should edge out the Warriors by riding the arm of senior quarterback Ben Thompson. Thompson threw for 1,494 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, and he chipped in 407 yards and 9 scores on the ground. He’ll also have junior wideout Noah Burt, who put up 479 receiving yards and caught a touchdown pass as Thompson’s second option. Stay tuned to all the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) hlv Warriors 2) Don Bosco dons 3) english valley bears 4) Grand View Christian Thunder

Meskwaki Settlement (Tama) (5-5) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Michael Kauzlarich Top Returning Players: Terrell Grant (Jr.); Royce Timberwolf (Sr.); Allis Tahahwa (Jr.)

Tri-County (Thornburg) (3-7) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Scott Edmundson Top Returning Players: Benjamin Edmundson (Jr.); Josh Edmundson (Sr.); Jacob Weber (Sr.)

mason svoboda

Volume 1 Issue 12

don bosco (gilbertville) Photo by Tork Mason

District 6

Outlook A lot has changed for District 6 this year. Gone are former heavyweights Adair-Casey and Murray, and now the district consists of mainly teams that were in District 5 a year ago, with only Lamoni and Mormon Trail left behind. But there should still be plenty of high-pitched action on the field this fall. Melcher-Dallas should boast the most explosive offense of any team in the district, as the Saints bring back quarterback Alex Mitchell, running back Jacob Hoch and wideout Chase Wetterling after going 5-4 and reaching the postseason last fall. Mitchell threw for 1,147 yards and 18 touchdowns last fall, and Wetterling was his goto target. Wetterling pulled in 32 receptions for 665 yards and 13 scores as a junior, and he also chipped in 351 yards and 6 touchdowns on just 25 carries. Hoch, meanwhile, provided balance on the ground with 801 yards and 8 touchdowns. No other team in the district can match the Saints in terms of firepower, but it’s their defense that might be the strongest unit. Hoch, Ty Schneider and Bock Breese form a dominant front, and they piled up 39.5 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks last season. Teams looking to run through this group will likely find the going very tough. The top challenger appears to be Wayne, which went 8-4 last year. The Falcons have plenty of holes to fill but return enough to make the playoffs for a third straight season, at least. The Falcons are powered by senior tailback Clayton Kiefer, who led the district with 1,601 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground in 2013.

Kiefer is one of the best home run hitters in the state, as he averaged 7.9 yards per carry last season, and also caught 15 passes for 290 yards and 5 scores. Defensively, the Falcons bring back a few more pieces. Kiefer was the team’s leading tackler with 124 stops a year ago, and he’ll have his younger brother, Carson, as well as senior Tate Van Dyne and junior Blayde Baker, helping cover the field. Baker and Van Dyne combined to make 20 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, while Carson Kiefer tallied 74 tackles, 6 of which were for loss. Lamoni also has plenty of major contributors to replace, but the Demons should make the playoffs once again. Senior Colton Ranney did it all on offense, running for 737 yards and 15 scores while also spending some time under center and throwing for 640 yards and 11 touchdowns. He and senior defensive end William Ansong will team up on defense and give the Demons a solid front line. The duo combined for 15 tackles for loss a year ago. Twin Cedars (Bussey) had one of the most explosive passing games in the entire state last year, but the Sabers lost nearly all of their stars to graduation. The only key contributor to return is senior wide receiver and defensive back Otis Roby, who caught 24 passes for 625 yards and 14 scores, and tallied 77 tackles and 5 interceptions last season.

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Melcher-Dallas Saints 2) wayne falcons 3) lamoni demons 4) twin cedars sabers

class 8P

District Teams

Harmony (Farmington) (N/A) Rockets Randy Cochran Top Returning Players: N/A Nickname:

Head Coach:

Lamoni (8-3) Demons Bryan Nowlin Top Returning Players: William Ansong (Sr.); Colton Ranney (Sr.); Bryce Swigart (Sr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Melcher-Dallas ( 5-4) Nickname:

Saints

Head Coach: Mike Horstman

Jacob Hoch (Sr.); Alex Mitchell (Sr.); Chase Wetterling (Sr.)

Top Returning Players:

Moravia (1-9) Mohawks Denny Whitlow Top Returning Players: Scott Close (Sr.); Blair Cochran (Jr.); Gunner Miller (Sr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Mormon Trail (Garden Grove) (4-5) Saints Travis Johnson Top Returning Players: Jakob Horton (Sr.); Kale Horton (So.,); Brett Leer (Jr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Seymour (0-9) Warriors Steve Farrell Top Returning Players: Travis Enright (So.); Luke Merritt (Jr.); Logan Mitchell (So.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Twin Cedars (Bussey) (10-2) Nickname:

Sabers

Head Coach: Aaron Allspach Top Returning Players: Jake Crozier (So.);

Otis Roby (Sr.)

Wayne (Corydon) (8-4) Falcons Bart Elliott Top Returning Players: Carson Kiefer (Jr.); Clayton Kiefer (Sr.); Tate Van Dyne (Sr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

clayton kiefer wayne (corydon) Photo courtesy of Kathy Schick

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 8P

District Teams Adair-Casey (12-1) Nickname: Bombers Head Coach: Chris Bireline

Top Returning Players: Cole Reha (Sr.);

Charlie Terry (Sr.); Emmitt Wheatley (Sr.)

Ankeny Christian (0-9) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Fred Buell Top Returning Players: Isaiah Stielow (Sr.);

Noah Szymanski (Sr.); Marcus Wilson (Jr.)

Coon Rapids-Bayard (8-4) Nickname: Crusaders Head Coach: John

Kesserlring

Top Returning Players: Zach Evans (Jr.); Sam

Halverson (Sr.); Juan Trevino (Jr.)

East Union (Afton) (3-7) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: James Hardy Top Returning Players: Cole Cambell (Sr.);

Mike Ward (Jr.); Brandon Wittstock (Sr.)

Glidden-Ralston (10-2) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Kreg Lensch Top Returning Players: Christopher Brown

(Jr.); Oliver Conner (Jr.); Wesley Reever (Sr.)

Guthrie Center (4-6) (A) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Bob Bolton Top Returning Players: Cale Crowder (Sr.);

Austin Laabs (Sr.); Cade Suhr (Sr.)

Murray (8-3) Nickname:

Mustangs Taylor Fulton

District 7

Outlook Fans can expect to gear up for a slew of great contests this fall in District 7. While there might not be a truly elite title contender in the group, this is possibly the deepest district in the state. Redistricting put four of the state’s better programs — Adair-Casey, Coon Rapids-Bayard, Glidden-Ralston and Murray — together for the next two years, and while some of those schools won’t have quite the same firepower they’ve had recently, they’ll still have solid teams and should reach the playoffs. Coon Rapids-Bayard no longer has the pitchand-catch duo of Brett Carstens and Caylor Deeth, but the Crusaders were already making the transition to being more of a ground and pound offense last year, anyway. And junior tailback Zach Evans is back after rushing for 1,453 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first year as a starter. The Crusaders also have sophomore Sam Obert, who ran for 244 yards and 6 scores last season. Defensively, the Crusaders bring back 5 players who recorded at least 49 tackles last season, including Evans and senior Sam Halverson, who combined to tally 25 stops for loss and 10 sacks. Leading tackler Juan Trevino is also back after making 106 tackles a year ago. Guthrie Center makes the drop from Class A after going 8-3 last fall. The Tigers have to replace some solid players, but they still have tailbacks Austin Laabs and Cale Crowder, who combined for 1,165 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns in 2013, as what could be a solid defense. The Tigers only return four starters on defense, but there appear to be several capable players ready to step

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) CR-B Crusaders 2) Guthrie Center Tigers 3) Glidden-Ralston Wildcats 4) adair-casey bombers

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

Matthew Barnes (Sr.);

Scott Funke (Sr.); Jack Jones (So.)

Northeast Hamilton (6-4) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: John Seiser Top Returning Players: Nick Jeffers (Sr.);

Andy Pate (Sr.); Kyler Rapp (Sr.)

charlie terry

Volume 1 Issue 12

in this fall. If the players can quickly get a feel for the 8-man game, the Tigers could be a strong contender for the district title. Glidden-Ralston will lean heavily on its defense, but that should be a solid strategy. The Wildcats return many key contributors, even after losing Dan Ertz and Adam Ewoldt to graduation. Senior Wesley Reever is the group’s top returning tackler after recording 101 stops and 6.5 tackles for loss last year. He’ll be joined by juniors Chris Brown and Oliver Conner, and senior Jason Gray. That trio combined for 172 tackles, and Gray tallied 14 stops for loss and 6.5 sacks. The Wildcats face several question marks offensively, but their defense should give them time to sort things out on that side of the ball. Adair-Casey won’t boast the same sort of firepower fans have grown accustomed to seeing, but the Bombers should still qualify for the postseason. The Bombers lost a lot from last year’s semifinal squad, including Iowa’s all-time leading rusher in Clayton Plowman. But with seniors Charlie Terry and Emmitt Wheatley still in the fold, the Bombers shouldn’t be at risk of missing the playoffs this fall. Terry ran for 541 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 11 yards per carry last year, and he and Wheatley combined 1,090 receiving yards and 19 scores in the passing game. Wheatley is small but has plenty of speed to burn and should provide the Bombers’ new quarterback a reliable deep threat. Defensively, Terry and Cole Reha are the lone returning standouts after piling up 127 total stops and 17 tackles for loss.

adair-casey Photo by Tork Mason

District 8

Outlook District 8 was shut out in last year’s playoffs, but fans can expect that to change this season, as at least one team will almost certainly keep the district from wearing an 0-for-4 collar again. Fremont-Mills is as experienced as a coach could hope for. The Knights didn’t have a single senior on last year’s roster, so literally everyone is back with another year of experience under their belts. They should be one of the top contenders for this year’s state title, thanks to a balanced offense and a stout defense. Leading the way is senior tailback and 2014 Preseason Player of the Year Spencer Phillips, who ran for 1,687 yards and 17 touchdowns last year. Fellow senior Mackenzy Lang added 338 rushing yards and is also one of the team’s top returning receivers, along with senior Brandon Meston, after catching 9 touchdown passes last fall. Junior quarterback Jason Rusten could be primed to take a step forward after throwing for 1,008 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore. Rusten also takes great care of the ball, as he threw just 2 interceptions last season. Phillips is also the backbone for the Knights’ defense. He piled up 143 tackles, including 26.5 stops for loss, in his junior season. Lang tallied 89 tackles and 2 picks. The front line should be stout, with Haydyn Meier and Sam Phillips back after recording 25.5 tackles for loss as a duo. The rest of the district could be fairly wideopen. East Mills, which drops down from Class A this year, looks like the best bet to take second, due to the Wolverines’ defense and the backfield duo of Logan Currin and Josh Hopkins. Hopkins and Colton Story are both dominant

defensive forces, and they’ll anchor what should be a strong defense this fall. Together, they racked up 42 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Daniel Smith also spent time in opposing backfields, as he tallied 8 stops behind the line. On the back end, senior Gabe Barney was a ball hawk, pulling down 7 interceptions. Offensively, Currin threw for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Hopkins ran for 581 yards and 6 touchdowns. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry and should take on a heavier load this season. Lenox has been arguably the best 8-man program of the past decade and while the Tigers won’t have an elite team this fall, they should make the playoffs yet again. Senior running back Dustyn Rauch leads the way after running for 905 yards and 16 touchdowns; he also scored four times on kick returns. On defense, Caleb Lange and Spencer Brown are back after piling up 152 tackles, 20 stops for loss and 16 sacks. CAM has some holes to fill, but return quarterback Trace Ticknor and enough on defense that the Cougars should make the playoffs. Ticknor threw for 1,850 yards and 22 touchdowns while running for 674 yards and 17 scores. He’s also one of five returning starters for the defense, which is anchored by Austin Williamson (105 tackles) and Keagan Hosfelt (75 tackles, 9.0 TFL). Nishnabotna isn’t likely to grab a playoff berth, but take the chance to watch Andrew Welch when you get it. The senior is a two-way star for the Blue Devils; he ran for 1,271 yards and 17 touchdowns, and racked up 117 tackles with 5.5 stops for loss and a pair of picks on defense.

class 8P

District Teams

CAM (Anita) (4-6)

Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Joe Wollum Top Returning Players: Keagan Hosfelt (Jr.);

Trace Ticknor (Sr.); Austin Williamson (Sr.)

East Mills (8-3) (A) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Andy Irwin Top Returning Players: Logan Currin (Sr.);

Josh Hopkins (Jr.); Colton Story (Sr.)

Essex (0-9) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Joe Denton Top Returning Players: Cody Davis (So.,); Ian

Isaacson (Jr.); Austin Woods (Sr.)

Fremont-Mills (Tabor) (7-3) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Jeremy Christiansen Top Returning Players: Haydn Meier (Sr.);

Spencer Phillips (Sr.); Jason Rusten (Sr.)

Lenox (4-5) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Allen Dukes Top Returning Players: Spencer Brown (Jr.);

Caleb Lange (Sr.); Dustyn Rauch

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) fremont-mills knights 2) East mills wolverines 3) lenox tigers 4) cam cougars

Nishnabotna (1-8) Nickname: Blue Devils Head Coach: Blair Holman Top Returning Players: Josh Haning (Jr.);

Carter Jennings (So.); Welch (Sr.)

Sidney (8-2) Nickname: Cowboys Head Coach: Donnie Sears Top Returning Players: Michael Coates (Sr.);

Blane Moreland (Sr.); Erick Rodriguez (Sr.)

Stanton (3-6) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Jeff Grebin Top Returning Players: Alex Becthold (Jr.);

Kyle Peterson (Sr.); David Sorenson (Jr.)

dustyn rauch lenox

Photo courtesy of Lenox High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

ryan

parmely

senior, maquoketa valley (delhI) Class A Preseason Player of the Year

Action photos courtesy of Maquoketa Valley High School By Elizabeth Robinson

The fate of Maquoketa Valley’s season rested on the outcome of the game. After falling to Iowa City Regina in the quarterfinals in 2012, the Wildcats were back with a vengeance. The plan was to give the Regals a good game, come out with a win and advance to the UNI-Dome. Both teams were undefeated. But four quarters came and went and the Wildcats’ hopes of going on to the UNI-Dome were shattered. Despite an upsetting ending to his junior season, linebacker and running back Ryan Parmely stood up among his teammates. “We say a prayer before our game and it says, ‘If we shall lose, we’ll stand by the road and cheer as the winners go by,’” Parmely said. “So I kind of just remembered that, and I said, ‘Hey guys, let’s stand up and clap for them.’” With Parmely’s encouragement, the Wildcats and their fans stood and applauded the Regals. For Parmely, that’s what it’s about; a balance between competitiveness and sportsmanship. And due to the success he’s had on the field, it seems as if the balance has worked in his favor. Last year, Parmely was a dominant defensive player and also led class 1A in rushing yards. His natural athletic abilities have carried him a long way, but the work he puts in year-round has shown. Before last season, Parmely knew he had room to improve. If he wanted to make big plays on the field, he would have to make major progress in the weight room. “I knew I wasn’t in the best shape, so I had to improve,” Parmely said. “I knew that I just had to keep working hard in practices and getting in better shape every week. I would volunteer myself for drills at practice and we’d do running stuff as a team. By the last week we played, I was probably in the best shape of my life.”

SportsSpotlight.com

And it showed. Over the course of the season, Parmely racked up 2,544 rushing yards, 139 total tackles and 170 total points. He could sprint past his opponents into the end zone, then would turn around and slam them to the turf at the turn of the ball. But with each big play he made and each sign of improvement, Parmely demonstrated the importance of respect and sportsmanship. “Ryan’s the kind of kid that he’ll run you over and knock you down but he’ll turn around and give you a hand and pick you back up,” said Parmely’s father, Matt Parmely. “That’s just what he does. That’s just the kind of the kid he is.” Parmely knows the importance of respect on and off the field – respecting the rules, his teammates, his coaches, his competition – and he expects others to do the same. As a leader for the Wildcats, Parmely encourages his teammates to show good sportsmanship and respect their opponents. But through his actions, Parmely encourages them to respect themselves as well. Respect themselves enough to work to reach their own potential. Respect themselves enough to shake off a bad play and try again. Respect themselves enough to strive for greatness. “He’s one of those kids that’s determined – and this has sort of spread to his teammates – he’s very determined to excel and do whatever it takes to be the best he can be,” Matt Parmely said. “He’s really good at helping some of these kids understand that part of it and digging in and becoming better.” For Parmely, that’s a continuous process. Even after his successful season last year, Parmely went on to work harder than ever before to stay in shape, strive for success and prepare for the upcoming season. In the off-season, Parmely made his third appearance at the state wrestling tournament and took the state title at 220 pounds. As a result,

he’s ranked seventh in the nation in his weight class. Even throughout the summer, Parmely has continued to dedicate himself to improving. In the month of June alone, Parmely attended a football camp every weekend. “He wants people to respect him for how hard he’s worked and how much time he’s put in, not just his God-given talent,” Wildcats head coach Wes Wilson said. “He’s worked so hard in the offseason. He’s spent a lot of time to try to get better. It says a lot about him. He’s done an unbelievable job of being a good leader and earning that respect from people.” But Parmely’s not done yet. His goal this season: lead the state in rushing. Not just his class, but the entire state. And he’s bound and determined to make that goal a reality. This year won’t be like past seasons, though. Due to changes among classes, Maquoketa Valley will drop down to play in Class A this year. This may bring on new teams and new challenges, but Parmely isn’t fazed by the change. “I’m not sure if it’ll help us, but I think you have to go out and play football no matter what class you’re in,” Parmely said. And that’s just what he’ll do. With his senior season dawning, Parmely is hoping all of his hard work will pay off and help advance the Wildcats to the UNI-Dome after falling short two years in a row. But whether or not that happens, Parmely will help lead his team toward success while constantly exhibiting respect and good sportsmanship along the way. “I think that’s a testament to our school and our kids and they way they were raised and just the way they hold themselves in the community and during the game,” Coach Wilson said. “I’m proud to be a coach when those things are happening, because it’s bigger than football.”

Volume 2 Issue 10

All-State

CLASS A TEAM

Overview

PRESEASON

Offense Pos QB QB RB RB RB WR WR OL OL OL OL OL K

Name Bryan ConnorKriegel Dunn Brock Rohler Cody Wood JakeBurgmeier Butler Joe Devin Tripp Chase Clark Max KasapClary Kenneth

School

Yr SR Highland Grundy Center SR Newman Catholic SR Starmont Gladbrook-Reinbeck SR Sioux Central Griswold SR Earlham Vance SR ChanceBohlen Hoffman Belle Akron-Westfield Plaine Bryce Newcomb Marshall Nieland GMG, Woodward-Granger Garwin SR CodyPaulsen Levi Icenogle Woodbury Lone TreeCentral SR Jeff Kuhens Landon Paulsen Woodbury Starmont Central SR Cooper SR MichaelPuls Story BGM, East Mills Brooklyn JR SR Matt Wieland Shane Slaymaker BGM, Lone Tree Brooklyn JR Keegan Trittle BJ Weepie Wapsie Valley SR Lisbon Brock Rohler Kyle Gritsch B-G-M Center SR Grundy B-G-M Marys Mart.-St.

DEfense Pos DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB DB P

Name Adam Hawkins Devan Amick Brady Hook Zach Pierce Levi Paulsen Joe Ricker Bailee CooperSamson Puls Kaleb NathanHeyer Yeager Clay Meinders Stone Kane Ryan Parmely Logan Rickard Ben VaskeStory Michael

School

Yr SR Grundy Center SR Gladbrook-Reinbeck Woodbury Mount Ayr Central JR Lynnville-Sully BGM, Brooklyn SR West Lyon SR Cardinal Wapsie Valley AGWSR, Ackley SR Lisbon Maquoketa Valley SR East Mills Algona Garrigan SR Garrett Saunders Van T.J. Cunningham SR Lynnville-Sully Buren Kyle Dolecheck Brock Givens Mount Lisbon Ayr SR Trevor Smith Jack Kline B-G-M SR Audubon Nathan Karsjens AGWSR, Kane Barker Montezuma Ackley SR B-G-M Lawton-Bronson

In the wake of re-districting in the offseason, there isn’t a lot that will look the same at the top of Class A this fall. Gone are defending state champion West Lyon (Inwood) and semifinalist A-H-S-T (Avoca), as both schools move up to Class 1A this season, and 2013 runner-up BGM (Brooklyn) is faced with having to replace a starstudded senior class. But Maquoketa Valley and perennial power St. Albert (Council Bluffs) both drop down from Class 1A and both look like strong title contenders in their new class. For Maquoketa Valley, it all starts with Class A Preseason Player of the Year Ryan Parmely. Parmely was one of the most dominant tailbacks in the state, regardless of class, a year ago, and he’s ready to build on a stellar junior campaign and lead his team to a state championship. The Wildcats have some holes of their own to fill, but Parmely will give them a chance to beat anyone. The Falcons lost a large and talented senior class, but this is a program that’s made a habit of playing in the UNI-Dome over the last 15 years, and they’ll still have tailback Elijah Finn to lead the charge. Finn ran for 841 yards and averaged 6.2 yards per carry as a freshman last fall, so he could be poised to really break out as

a sophomore. If that happens, expect St. Albert to make a serious push for a return trip to Cedar Falls. Despite losing a strong senior class, it’s always difficult to write off Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) in the preseason. The Warriors always find a way to reload, and seniors Caleb Knipp and Jake Goeller appear to be the heirs to departed tailbacks Ethan Kleitsch and Stone Kane. The duo tallied over 700 combined yards and scored 9 touchdowns as the third and fourth backs in the Warrior offense in 2013. Those numbers should increase dramatically as Knipp and Goeller take on bigger roles this fall. BGM and Mount Ayr both have a lot to replace from last season, but both teams will play in districts that, on paper, lack much competition. That could put the Bears and Raiders in position to make a run to the UNI-Dome with an upset in the postseason. This class is typically difficult to predict, and this year is no exception. All of the usual contenders, and even the presumed favorites coming down from Class 1A, have several question marks. Follow along as each of these teams search for answers and the playoff picture takes shape with Sports Spotlight!

[ ] All the usual contenders, and even the presumed favorites coming down from Class 1A, have question marks.

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kaleb Jake Goeller heyer west lyon wapsie valley (inwood) Photo by courtesy Tork Mason of The N’West Iowa REVIEW

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class A

District Teams Audubon (9-3) Nickname: Wheelers Co-Head Coaches: Sean Birks and Dustin

Christensen Top Returning Players: Jake Mulford (Jr.);

Trevor Smith (Sr.); Matthew Smith-Petersen (Jr.)

Griswold (4-5) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Andy Everett Top Returning Players: Derek Kirchhoff (Sr.);

Caleb Schaaf (Sr.); Jordan Vetter (Sr.)

Logan-Magnolia (5-4) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Matt Straight Top Returning Players: Brady Charbonneau (Sr.); Drake Cohrs (Sr.); Riley Wohlers (Jr.)

Maple Valley-AnthonOto (2-7) Nickname:

Rams

Head Coach: Dave Kuhl Top Returning Players: Shawn Flanigan (Sr.);

Marvin Gaines (Jr.); Dillion Rosener (Jr.)

Riverside (Oakland) (5-5) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Mitchell Rice Top Returning Players: Brock Bentley (Jr.); Tucker Bluml (Sr.); Dylan McClain (Sr.)

St. Albert (Council Bluffs) (10-1) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Kevin Culjat Top Returning Players: Gage Bowman (Sr.);

Elijah Finn (So.); Travis Miller (Jr.)

Tri-Center (Neola) (3-6)

District 1

Outlook There’s a new bully on the playground in District 1. Council Bluffs St. Albert has long been a powerhouse program, and the Falcons are making the drop to Class A this fall. The Falcons have their share of holes to fill with the departure of last year’s senior class, but they’ve built a program that finds a way to reload every year. Last season was the first time they failed to reach the quarterfinals since 1997, and the Falcons have been to the UNI-Dome nine times in the last 15 years. Leading the way will be sophomore tailback Elijah Finn, who led the team with 841 rushing yards last fall. He only scored three times as a freshman, but that could change if he becomes more of a focal point for the offense this season. Junior Glen Bertlesen also returns to the backfield after running for 426 yards and 7 touchdowns a year ago. Junior quarterback Travis Miller threw 8 touchdown passes last season, but he also tossed 7 interceptions — including three costly ones in the Falcons’ 12-10 loss to Ogden in the second round of last year’s playoffs. If he can be more efficient, it could be what St. Albert needs to get back to the Dome. Westwood and Logan-Magnolia should battle it out for second and third place in the district. The Panthers bring back almost their entire rushing attack, which was both balanced and effective in 2013. Senior Brady Charbonneau was the team’s leading rusher last year, running for 651 yards and 9 touchdowns, and he’ll be joined by six other players who ran for at least 100 yards and piled up 1,524 combined yards and 19 scores. The Panthers also return 9 starters on defense, including leading tackler Drake Cohrs, who tallied 95 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss.

Westwood also brings back most of its defense this fall, even if the Rebels’ two leading tacklers from last season have since graduated. The Rebels made a habit of being in opposing backfields, and that shouldn’t change this year, with three returning players who recorded at least 6 solo stops for loss in 2013. Offensively, the Rebels will lean on the duo of quarterback Hunter East and tailback Tanner DeVries. East threw for 554 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2013, but he’ll need to cut down his interceptions this year. He also led the team with 867 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while DeVries added 539 yards and 6 scores on the ground. As for the final playoff spot, look for Audubon to claim a postseason berth. The Wheelers lost star running back Riley Jones to graduation, but junior Jake Mulford and senior quarterback Trevor Smith should fill that gap just fine. The two ran for just over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago, and both will see their carries increase in Jones’ absence. Smith also tossed for over 1,000 yards and 10 scores, and the Wheeler offense could be dangerous if he can take better care of the ball; he threw 15 picks last fall. Audubon has to replace six defensive starters, but a solid core built around Matthew SmithPetersen and Derek Nielsen — who combined for 20.5 tackles for loss — should be enough to get the Wheelers to the playoffs. Follow all the action this season with Sports Spotlight, and see how the playoff picture shakes out in District 1!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) st. albert falcons 2) logan-magnolia panthers 3) westwood rebels 4) audubon wheelers

Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: John Tiarks Top Returning Players: Brandon Huebner (So.); Dillion Manhart (Jr.); Nick Schnitker (Sr.)

Westwood (Sloan) (6-4) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Cass Burkhart Top Returning Players: Tanner DeVries (Sr.);

Hunter East (Sr.); Brad Steinhoff (Jr.)

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audubon

Photo courtesy of Caleb Nelson/Audubon County Advocate Journal

District 2

Outlook There’s been a lot of shakeup in this district, with three teams — Gehlen Catholic (LeMars), Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) and South O’Brien (Paulina) — all dropping down from Class 1A this fall. Not all of those teams will necessarily figure into the playoff picture, but their presence adds a fresh flavor in a district with no clear favorites. Lawton-Bronson brings back a solid group led by junior running back Anteres Ashley, who ran for 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns last fall. Ashley averaged 7.1 yards per carry and should see his workload increase following the graduation of Brandon Thompson and Blake Sappingfield. Junior Devan Amick is the team’s top returning tackler after recording 72 stops last year, including 8 tackles for loss. He’ll be joined by four other players — Colton Clark, Austin Peters, Henri Haafke and AJ Nitzschke — who made at least 50 stops in 2013. South O’Brien won 10 games a year ago and have a solid program, but the Wolverines will have to replace most of their top talent from last season. Still, it would be unwise to count out a program that has reached the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. Sioux Central will certainly be a factor in the district race and, with tailback Devin Tripp, could challenge for one of the top two seeds. Tripp ran for 1,630 yards and 16 touchdowns last fall against a schedule that featured four teams that won at least 8 games. Fans can also expect to see West Sioux

(Hawarden) make a run for the playoffs. The Falcons return a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield in running backs Justin Negaard and Mario Topete. The duo ran for 1,336 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2013, and both will be even more prominent fixtures in the offense now that Jesus Rivera has graduated. Negaard and Topete are also the leaders of the Falcons’ defense. Negaard piled up 111 tackles with 9 stops for loss, while Topete tallied 55 tackles and 8 tackles for loss. Other teams that could challenge for a playoff berth include Gehlen Catholic, Alta/Aurelia and Woodbury Central (Moville). The Jays have to find an offensive identity beyond now-graduated quarterback Blake Wiltgen; the Warriors can lean on junior tailback Bryce Radke, who ran for 642 yards last fall, and a defense that brings back 7 starters; and anytime a team has a pair of road graders like Levi and Landon Paulsen on the offensive line, there’s a chance for the ground game to emerge as a force. This is one of the most wide-open districts in the state this season, with no clear favorite and as many as seven teams that could challenge for one of the four playoff berths. Follow all the action as the standings shake out this fall with Sports Spotlight!

class A

District Teams

Akron-WestfIeld (4-5)

Nickname: Westerners Head Coach: Eric Walkingstick Top Returning Players: Kevin Carlson (Sr.);

Caleb Colt (Jr.); Devon Myers (Sr.)

Alta/Aurelia (3-6) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Kevin Hammer Top Returning Players: Zach Lukkes (Sr.);

Conner Napierala (Sr.); Bryce Radke (Jr.)

Gehlen Catholic (LeMars) (4-5) Nickname: Jays Head Coach: Tony Gunter Top Returning Players: Solomon Freking (Sr.);

Lucas Hunt (Sr.); Brock Nohava (Sr.)

Lawton-Bronson (7-4) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Chad Moseman Top Returning Players: Devan Amick (Jr.);

Anteres Ashley (Jr.); Colton Clark (Sr.)

Sioux Central (Sioux Rapids) (5-5) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Brandon Goodchild Top Returning Players: Chance Johansen (Sr.);

Tavian Prichard (Sr.); Devin Tripp (Sr.)

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Lawton-Bronson Eagles 2) Sioux Central Rebels 3) West Sioux Falcons 4) South O’Brien Wolverines

South O’Brien (Paulina) (10-2) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Mark Fuhrman Top Returning Players: Victor Irwin (Sr.);

Gunner Klinker (Sr.); Duncan Schwebach (Sr.)

West Sioux (Hawarden) (4-6) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Ryan Schwiesow Top Returning Players: Porter Hummel (Jr.);

Justin Negaard (Jr.); Mario Topete (Sr.)

Woodbury Central (Moville) (2-7) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Kelly Manker Top Returning Players: Lane Nichols (Sr.);

Landon Paulsen (Sr.); Levi Paulsen (Sr.)

devin tripp

sioux central (sioux rapids) Photo courtesy of The Storm Lake Times

Volume 1 Issue 12

class A

District Teams

Belmond-Klemme (5-4) Nickname: Broncos Head Coach: Xavier Leonard

Top Returning Players: Taylor Meints (Jr.);

Korby Sander (Jr.); Luke Worden (Jr.)

Bishop Garrigan (Algona) (9-3) Nickname: Golden Bears Head Coach: Marty Wadle Top Returning Players: Cameron Langerman

(Jr.); Ben Vaske (Sr.); Reece Wadle (Sr.)

Nashua-PlainfIeld (7-5) Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Troy Tysdahl Top Returning Players: Jason Fisher (Jr.); Jordan Klingman (Sr.); Reece Reams (Sr.)

Newman Catholic (Mason City) (4-6) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Mike Dirksen Top Returning Players: Colton Hansen (Jr.);

Kaden Wadle (Jr.); Spencer Whilm (Sr.)

North Butler (Greene) (3-6) Nickname: Bearcats Head Coach: Mark Rusch Top Returning Players: Reed Christensen (Jr.);

Todd Dolan (Jr.); Reid Lammers (Jr.)

North Union (2-7) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tommy Elliott Top Returning Players: Eythan Blair (So.); Jacob Govern (Sr.); Braden Ortman (Jr.)

District 3

Outlook This district has the potential to be solid from top to bottom, but the addition of NashuaPlainfield from Class 1A gives District 3 a clear favorite and maybe even a sleeper state title contender. The Huskies boast a dominant ground game, as they bring back Reece Reams (734 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns), Jason Fisher (701 yards, 6 touchdowns), Zade McCall (700 yards, 9 touchdowns) and Brandon Marks (449 yards, 3 touchdowns). Throw in quarterback Jordan Klingman, who threw for 1,025 yards and 9 scores, and there’s a potential offensive juggernaut in the west this season. The Huskies’ defense should be strong, too, with 8 starters returning. Klingman was second on the team with 85 tackles last year, and he, McCall, Marks and Tyler Larson all posted at least 6 solo tackles for loss in 2013. Belmond-Klemme and Bishop Garrigan should both be in the running for the district’s second seed. The Broncos have to find a new quarterback, but tailbacks Korby Sander and Taylor Meints will give head coach Xavier Leonard time to sort out that problem. Sander and Meints ran for 1,179 total yards and 19 touchdowns last fall, and they’ll both get an increased workload now that former quarterback Elijah Kinseth has graduated. Sander was also the team’s leading receiver last year, hauling in 24 receptions for 327 yards and 3 scores. Defensively, the Broncos bring back 6 starters. That includes Meints, who led the team with 96

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) nashua-plainfIeld huskies 2) belmond-klemme broncos 3) bishop garrigan golden bears 4) newman catholic knights

West Hancock (Britt) (0-9) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Bob Sanger Top Returning Players: Dalton Bates (Jr.);

Trevor Nalan (Sr.); Jordan Weiland (So.)

jordan klingman Volume 1 Issue 12

tackles a year ago, and three other players who made at least 32 stops. The Golden Bears will have to find a way to replace six starters from what was a great defense last season, but the five players still in the lineup give head coach Marty Wadle a good core to build around. Leading tackler Ben Vaske headlines the group after piling up 118 stops a year ago; Reece Wadle, Cameron Langerman, Zac Kibby and Andrew Miller all made at least 47 tackles in 2013. Offensively, the focus will be on Wadle and Vaske. Wadle threw for 531 yards and 6 touchdowns, while also running for 548 yards and 9 scores. Vaske ran for 443 yards and 6 touchdowns as the team’s fourth option on the ground. He averaged nearly 7 yards per carry, so he could be a breakout star with more carries this season. After the top three teams, it’s a wide-open race for the fourth seed. Newman Catholic will have to replace Joe Burgmeier at tailback, which will be a tall task. Burgmeier ran for 1,426 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2013, and no returning player ran for more than 110 yards. North Butler and North Union face a similar challenge. Newman has tradition on its side, and the Knights seem the most likely of the three teams to fill the gaps and reach the postseason. This district has a little of everything; top-flight play among the top three teams, plus plenty of drama surrounding the last playoff bid. See how it all shakes out with Sports Spotlight!

nashua-plainfIeld Photo courtesy of Nashua-Plainfield High School

District 4

Outlook Fans looking for the toughest district in Class A should look no further than District 4. Not only does it claim perennial power Wapsie Valley, but three other teams that won at least 7 games last season. The Warriors should be the big favorite, even after heavy losses to graduation following a 12-1 2013 season. They always plug in new players and keep rolling, and there is no reason to expect otherwise this year. Gone are Ethan Kleitsch and Stone Kane, who totaled more than 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns, but Caleb Knipp and Jake Goeller are ready to step up after running for over 700 yards at a 7.1-yard clip. Expect their numbers to rise dramatically with more carries this season. Defensively, the Warriors only bring back two starters — Goeller and Cole Mather. But again, this is a program that perpetually reloads and nearly always boasts a salty defense. Expect Gladbrook-Reinbeck to be the Warriors’ stiffest test within the district, even as the Rebels try to replace star tailback Chase Clark. Junior Eric Stoakes is set to take on a bigger role after running for 423 yards and 6 scores last year, and quarterback Cam Kickbush threw for 845 yards and 9 scores in 2013. The defense will be the Rebels’ backbone. They bring back six starters, including top tackler Bryce Ehlers and a host of disruptive forces up front. Ehlers tallied 113 tackles and made 9 stops behind the line, while Colton Dinsdale, Zach Pierce and Ty Eiffler combined to make

25.5 tackles for loss. Defensive back Phillip Zimmerman made 5 interceptions and took one of those back for a touchdown last fall. AGWSR (Ackley) went 9-2 in 2013, and the Cougars will compete for a high playoff seed with running backs Clay Meinders and Levi Stockdale back in the fold. They tallied 1,454 yards and 20 touchdowns last fall, and quarterback Cody Williams chipped in 302 yards and 7 scores. Stockdale and Meinders also lead the defense. Stockdale led the team with 73 tackles as a sophomore, and Meinders was right behind him with 69 stops. Sully Hofmeister didn’t fill up the tackle chart, but he was a ball hawk in the secondary and pulled down 4 interceptions. Grundy Center had a powerful ground game in 2013, but the Spartans lost three of their top four rushers from a year ago. Sophomore Bryce Flater is back after running for 547 yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging 9.6 yards per carry. Quarterback Brock Rohler threw for nearly 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns last year and his best target, Jordan Stoner, is back after racking up 439 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 12 catches. The Spartans also still have their top four tacklers from a year ago, headlined by Sam Thompson, who racked up 90 total stops. Stoner gives the Spartans a solid push up front; he made 9 tackles for loss in 2013, including 4.5 sacks. No other district can claim this much strength at the top, and while Wapsie Valley is the likely favorite, this race could get wild. Stay up to date on all the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) wapsie valley warriors 2) AGWSR cougars 3) grundy center spartans 4) gladbrook-reinbeck rebels

class A

District Teams

AGWSR (Ackley) (9-2)

Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Skip Echhardt Top Returning Players: Sully Hofmeister (Sr.);

Clay Meinders (Sr.); Levi Stockdale (Jr.)

BCLUW (Conrad) (5-5) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Anthony Jahr Top Returning Players: Luke Asche (Sr.);

Blake Cooper (Sr.); Ty Runge (Sr.)

Denver (3-7) Nickname: Cyclones Head Coach: Rhett Barrett Top Returning Players: Isaac Barrett (Sr.);

Mitchel Siech (Jr.); Michael Sparkman (Jr.)

Gladbrook-Reinbeck (9-3) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: John

Olson

Top Returning Players: Bryce Ehlers (Sr.);

Cam Kickbush (Sr.); Zach Pierce (Sr.);

Grundy Center (7-4) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Brent Thoren Top Returning Players: Bryce Flater (So.);

Brock Rohler (Sr.); Sam Thompson (Sr.)

North Tama (Traer) (1-8) Nickname: Redhawks Head Coach: Dan Oltman Top Returning Players: Zac Ameling (Jr.);

Brody Hulme (Sr.); Kyle Isenhower (Jr.)

Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) (12-1) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tony Foster Top Returning Players: Jake Goeller (Sr.);

Caleb Knipp (Sr.); Cole Mather (Sr.)

luke asche

bcluw (conrad) Photo courtesy of BCLUW High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

class A

District Teams East Buchanan (Winthrop) (1-8) Nickname: Buccaneers Head Coach: Jerry Alden

Top Returning Players: Griffin Cabalka (Jr.); Jacob Schmitt (Jr.); Hunter Schulte (Jr.)

Easton Valley (6-4) Nickname: River Hawks Head Coach: Kevin Behr Top Returning Players: Grant Hinerichsen (Sr.); Zach Peiffer (Sr.); Blaine Volquardsen (Sr.)

Edgewood-Colesburg (2-7) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: James Rochford Top Returning Players: Sawyer Amling (Sr.); Clayton Braden (Sr.); Jamie Nefzger (Jr.)

Lisbon (8-3) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Kent Allison Top Returning Players: Benton Frey (Sr.); Keegan Tritle (Sr.); Connor Woodward (Sr.)

Maquoketa Valley (Dehli) (11-1) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Wes Wilson Top Returning Players: Steve Huber (Sr.);

Trevor Koopmann (Sr.); Ryan Parmely (Sr.)

North Linn (Troy Mills) (1-8) Nickname: Lynx Head Coach: Jared Collum

District 5

Outlook This district will feature a pair of solid battles for playoff seeding: one for the number one seed and the other for the third seed. After the top four, there’s a sharp drop-off, but this district has a pair of contenders at the top. Maquoketa Valley drops down after reaching the Class 1A quarterfinals in 2013. Some of the Wildcats’ top contributors are gone, but their rock, 2014 Class A Preseason Player of the Year Ryan Parmely, is back to carry his team into state championship contention. Parmely ran for 2,544 yards and 24 touchdowns last year, all at a 7.5yard clip. He’s set forth a goal to lead all players, regardless of class, on the ground this season; if he succeeds, the Wildcats may just hoist a championship trophy in November. Parmely is also a force on defense and led the team with 139 tackles and 15.5 tackles for loss a year ago. Steve Huber, Trevor Kopman and Zach Salow are also back after combining for 193 tackles and 10 stops for loss. Salow also led the team with 4 picks. So expect the Wildcats to give up points very reluctantly this fall. Lisbon has annually been a factor in the title race, and the Lions will ride what should be a solid defense until fresh faces on offense settle into new roles. Connor Woodward, Benton Frey, Keegan Tritle and Dylan Clarke all made at least 55 tackles a year ago, and Tritle and Frey combined to make 21 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2013. Offensively, Woodward and Frey will be the primary ballcarriers after running for 534 yards

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) maquoketa valley wildcats 2) lisbon lions 3) starmont stars 4) easton valley river hawks

Top Returning Players: Clint Prier (Sr.); Jacob

Rawson (Sr.); Logan Bates (Jr.)

Postville (4-6) Nickname: Pirates Head Coach: Luke Steege Top Returning Players: Max Hughes (Sr.); Ty

Mielke (Sr.); Greg Steva (Sr.)

Starmont (Arlington) (5-5) Nickname: Stars Head Coach: Matt Lee Top Returning Players: Jake Butler (Sr.); Jason

Lowery (Sr.); Zach Steger (Sr.)

jake butler

Volume 1 Issue 12

and 6 touchdowns. Both were efficient with their carries last year, so they should flourish with a heavier workload. Starmont and Easton Valley, which bumps up from 8-man this fall, will duke it out for the third seed. Starmont looks to have the edge in that matchup, thanks to tailback Jake Butler, who ran for 1,026 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. Quarterback Jason Lowery is also back after chucking for 489 yards and 3 scores. Defensively, Butler, Zach Steger and Devin Baumgartner led a relatively inexperienced unit after combining for 98 tackles; Butler also picked off a pair of passes. The River Hawks should have a solid defense, but all of their offensive skill position stars from last season have graduated. Filling those voids while competing up a class could make it difficult for them to finish any higher than third. Leading tackler Grant Hinerichsen is back after piling up 89 stops and 6 tackles for loss, and he’ll be joined by five other experienced players on defense. That group includes Zach Peiffer, Blaine Volquardsen and Kobe Henson, who made 134 tackles and 13 tackles for loss and 5 interceptions combined. The big games in this district come in back-toback weeks, so keep an eye on District 5 on Sept. 19, when Easton Valley travels to Starmont, and Sept. 26, when Lisbon plays host to Maquoketa Valley. Those two games will factor heavily into how the playoff seeding shakes out in late October. Tune into all the action this year with Sports Spotlight!

starmont Photo courtesy of Jeff Barker

District 6

Outlook District 6 is a running back’s district. Three teams feature a returning 1,000-yard rusher, and there are several other backs who put up solid totals under that threshold, too. The best 1-2 punch at tailback comes in the form of WACO’s Tucker Janacek (1,230 yards, 15 touchdowns, 7.8 yards per carry) and Bryce Achen (898 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5.9 yards per carry), but the Warriors don’t return enough on defense to be considered the favorite over Pekin. The Panthers feature Chase Copeland and Tanner Adam in the backfield, and they combined to run for 1,549 yards and 21 touchdowns last fall. Copeland was the workhorse and averaged 6.5 yards per carry in a four-pronged rushing attack, and Adam was the home run hitter with a 13.1 ypc average. Defensively, the Panthers bring back Cole Reighard, who was second on the team with 97 stops a year ago. He’ll lead an experienced and opportunistic defense. As a unit, the defense picked off 18 passes in 2013, and 11 of those picks were made by players who return this season. The Warriors defense doesn’t have as much experience, but Janacek gives the team a cornerstone to build around. He led the team with 86 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss, and he pulled down a pair of picks. Brett Hesseltine and Achen combined to make 75 stops in 2013. Lone Tree and Van Buren could both challenge WACO for the district’s second seed, and both are good bets to secure postseason bids. The Lions’ offense is headlined by tailback Jared

Hudson, who put up 1,026 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns at a 4.7-yard clip, as well as quarterback Nick Viner. Viner passed for 700 yards and 8 touchdowns, and added 306 rushing yards and 6 scores. The defense will form the Lions’ backbone, as they bring back six of their top defenders, including a solid defensive line. Alex Yedlik, Matt Wieland and Travis Gillham combined to make 179 tackles, including 34.5 stops for loss and 12 sacks. Hudson and Ty Schillerstrom took advantage of that pass rush to pick off 4 passes in 2013. Van Buren is headlined by do-it-all star Garrett Saunders. Saunders threw for 974 yards and 5 touchdowns, ran for 605 yards and 3 scores, and was also the Warriors’ best defensive player. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Vaughn Helling, who put up 549 yards and 4 scores a year ago, and his top two targets, Brayden Starnes and Brandon Plecker, are both back. Saunders led the team with 79 tackles and 6 interceptions, and the Warriors bring back three other players who made at least 58 stops in 2013. This defense was full of ball hawks a year ago, as Starnes, Plecker and Dakota LaRue combined to snag 8 interceptions. Fans will be hard-pressed to find a week in this district where there aren’t either a pair of good running backs or defenses going head-to-head. It sets up what should be a district title race full of twists and turns. Keep up with the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Pekin Panthers 2) WACO Warriors 3) Lone tree Lions 4) van buren warriors

class A

District Teams

Cardinal (Eldon) (1-8)

Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Adam Hadenfeldt Top Returning Players: Tyler Albert (Sr.);

Brandon Potts (Sr.); Nathan Yeager (Sr.)

Danville (2-7) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: John Stirn Top Returning Players: Nick Fencl (Sr.);

Connor Hoelzen (Sr.); Grant Samples (Jr.)

Lone Tree (6-4) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Chad Shield Top Returning Players: Jared Hudson (Jr.);

Nick Viner (Sr.); Alex Yedlik (Sr.)

New London (2-7) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Brad Helmerson Top Returning Players: Tristan Kadel (Sr.);

Quincy Porter (Sr.); Tyler Stevenson (So.)

Pekin (9-3) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Joe Donovan Top Returning Players: Tanner Adam (Sr.);

Chase Copeland (Jr.); Cole Reighard (Sr.)

Van Buren (Keosauqua) (5-5) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Mike Hurley Top Returning Players: Hunter Coffman (Sr.);

Vaughn Helling (Sr.); Garrett Saunders (Sr.)

WACO (Wayland) (5-5) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Chad Edeker Top Returning Players: Bryce Achen (Jr.);

Brett Hesseltine (Sr.); Tucker Janecek (Sr.)

WinfIeld-Mount Union (3-6) Nickname: Wolves Head Coach: Scott McCarty Top Returning Players: Kyle Davis (Sr.); Sam

Jennings (Jr.); Thayne McElhinney (Sr.)

Jared Hudson lone tree

Photo courtesy of Lone Tree High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

class A

District Teams Belle Plaine (4-6) Nickname: Plainsman Head Coach: Todd Bohlen

Top Returning Players: Vance Bohlen (Sr.);

Zac Slaymaker (Jr.); Trey Squiers (Sr.)

B-G-M (Brooklyn) (13-1) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: Jerod Burns Top Returning Players: Cooper Puls (Jr.); Mason Sherwood (Sr.); Shane Slaymaker (Jr.)

Colfax-Mingo (2-7) Nickname: Tigerhawks Head Coach: Jeff Lietz Top Returning Players: Jake Lietz (Jr.); Jared Myers (Jr.); Sam Smith (Sr.); Blake Summy (Jr.)

GMG (Garwin) (4-5) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Michael Spurlin Top Returning Players: Alerc Bovenmyer (Sr.); Bridger Claassen (Sr.); Bryce Newcomb (Sr.)

Iowa Valley (Marengo) (1-8) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Dan Sovers Top Returning Players: Austin Carney (Sr.);

Bennett Goettsch (So.); Austin Schlabach (Sr.)

Lynnville-Sully (6-5) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Mike Parkinson Top Returning Players: Sage Ehresman (Jr.);

District 7

Outlook BGM (Brooklyn) made it to the UNI-Dome in each of the past two seasons and took runnerup honors last fall. The Bears’ grip on their district doesn’t appear ready to loosen, even after graduating a talent-laden senior class. This is one of the weaker districts in Class A, but the battle for playoff berths should be competitive. The Bears lost Jack Kline and Kyle Gritsch to graduation after they ran for nearly 3,000 combined yards and 54 touchdowns. But with Cooper Puls and Shane Slaymaker still on the offensive line, Colton Massengale and Dalton Jack should be able to find plenty of holes this season. They only ran for 292 total yards, but they averaged 5.4 and 6.8 yards per carry, respectively. Scoring on the Bears has been tough in recent years, and that’ll be the case in 2014, as well. Puls and Slaymaker are the team’s top returning tacklers after combining for 110 stops, including 37.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. Defensive back Mayson Sherwood tallied 31 tackles and tied for the team lead with 5 interceptions. That defensive core should be strong enough to secure the top playoff seed. After the Bears, each of the three remaining playoff seeds look to be up for grabs. GMG (Garwin), Belle Plaine and Colfax-Mingo will all jockey for position throughout the season. Colfax-Mingo looks like the best bet to finish second. Quarterback Jared Myers is back after throwing for 1,192 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore last season. Jake Lietz also returns; he

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) bgm bears 2) gmg wolverines 3) colfax-mingo Tigerhawks 4) belle plaine plainsmen

Blake Wehrle (Sr.); Noah Zylstra (Sr.)

Montezuma (6-4) Nickname: Braves Head Coach: Tyler Baethke Top Returning Players: Seth Fahlenkamp (Sr.); Jake Hasley (Sr.); Mitch Stevens (Sr.)

North Mahaska (New Sharon) (3-7) Nickname: Warhawks Head Coach:

Steve Ehret

Top Returning Players: Jakob Bortell (Jr.); A.J.

Hibler (Sr.); Karrson Stodghill (Sr.)

mayson sherwood

Volume 1 Issue 12

ran for 362 yards and 4 scores in 2013. The Tigerhawk defense might be the secondbest in the district behind BGM. Lietz led the team with 126 tackles last year, including 7.5 stops for loss. Four other players — Jake Buehrer, Alan Wheeler, Sam Smith and Myers — all tallied at least 31 tackles last fall. Smith and Myers also pulled down 3 picks. GMG’s defense only boasts Alex Bovenmyer as a standout, as he made 92 tackles, including 3 behind the line and a pair of sacks. But the pitch-and-catch duo of Bridger Claassen and Bryce Newcomb should be enough to keep the Wolverines competitive on most nights. Claassen threw for 1,118 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2013 while comleteing 55.8 percent of his throws. Newcomb was his favorite target, hauling in 29 receptions for 574 yards and 3 scores. Belle Plaine offense isn’t going to wow anyone, but the Plainsmen defense should keep them in enough games that the team should reach the playoffs. There are no individual standouts, but seven starters return. Offensively, quarterback Trey Squiers and running back Vance Bohlen will carry the load. Squiers threw for 659 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Bohlen ran for 264 yards and caught 28 passes for 381 yards and 3 scores. Those final three playoff seeds could end up shuffled up before it’s all said and done. Not much separates the three teams. But this is BGM’s district to lose. Follow all the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

BGM (brooklyn) Photo by Tork Mason

District 8

Outlook Mount Ayr was a regular district title contender in Class 1A, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change now that the Raiders have dropped to Class A. Even without do-itall star Jake Sobotka, the Raiders bring back a stout defense that should smother the rest of the district to submission. But the battle for the other three playoff berths could get interesting. The Raiders offense will have to retool in the wake of Sobotka’s graduation, but they’ll at least have Riley Weehler set to shoulder the load on the ground after running for 261 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2013, and wideout Kyle Dolecheck caught 32 passes for 426 yards and 4 scores. The defense, on the other hand, is loaded. Eight starters return, led by Weehler, who piled up 105 tackles, including 15 stops for loss and 3 sacks. The front line will be as nasty as any in the state, with Tucker Winemiller and Joe and Jake Ricker teaming up after combining for 41 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. That pressure up front let the secondary run roughshod over quarterbacks who made mistakes, as Dolecheck picked off 9 passes and Jacob Taylor pulled down 4 interceptions. Points will be very difficult to come by against the Raiders, to say the least. The rest of the district is largely wide open, but Martensdale-St. Marys and Earlham look like solid bets to reach the playoffs in 2014. The Blue Devils feature All-State quarterback Connor Dunn, who threw for 1,579 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago; he’ll need to cut down on

his interceptions, though. Alex Kim is also back in the fold after rushing for 523 yards and 1 score. The Blue Devil defense brings back a decent amount of experience. Kim led the way with 90 stops last year, followed by Dunn and his 60 tackles. Up front, Lane Gehringer, Jared Winter and Connor Olson combined to make 20 tackles for loss. Earlham’s offense last year mainly consisted of getting the ball to tailback Max Kasap, and that’ll hold true again in 2014. Kasap ran for 1,442 yards and 17 touchdowns at a 6.1-yard clip and he gives the Cardinals an edge over the other teams that will be battling for a playoff bid. Pleasantville and Nodaway Valley will fight for the final spot, but the edge goes to the Trojans. Nodaway Valley quarterback Jackson Lamb threw for over 1,200 yards in 2013, but his entire receiving corps — as well as star tailback Zach Brewer — was lost to graduation. The Trojans finished 2013 strong, winning their final three games, and while quarterback Zeb Adreon also lost most of his receivers, tailback Brock Busick gives his team a leg up on the Wolverines. He ran for 588 yards and 7 scores a year ago. The top spot is essentially locked up already, but the next four teams in the district are all fairly evenly-matched. That will set the table for a competitive district schedule, even if Mount Ayr is the only team with the potential to reach the UNI-Dome. Follow all the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION

class A

District Teams

Bedford (1-8)

Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Bob McCoy Top Returning Players: Noah Thornton (Sr.);

Isaac Weed (Sr.); Seth Willets (Sr.)

Clarinda Academy (0-9) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Shon Wells Top Returning Players: N/A

Earlham (3-6) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Chris Caskey Top Returning Players: Derek Hensley (Sr.),

Max Kasap (Sr.); Zack Schrek (Sr.)

Martensdale-St. Marys (2-7) Nickname: Blue Devils Head Coach: Brent Parrott Top Returning Players: Connor Dunn (Sr.);

Lane Gehringer (Jr.); Alex Kim (Sr.)

Mount Ayr (8-3) Nickname: Raiders Co-Head Coaches: Delwyn Showalter and

Derek Lambert Top Returning Players: Kyle Dolecheck (Sr.);

Joe Ricker (Sr.); Riley Wheeler (Sr.)

1) mount ayr raiders 2) martensdale-st. marys blue devils 3) Earlham cardinals 4) pleasantville trojans

Nodaway Valley (Greenfield) (5-5) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Steve Shantz Top Returning Players: Tanner Armstrong

(Sr.); Jackson Lamb (Jr.); Brennen Weiland (Jr.)

Pleasantville (4-5) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Gabe Bakker Top Returning Players: Zeb Adreon (Jr,);

Brock Busick (Jr.); Joseph Kauffman (Sr.)

Southeast Warren (Liberty Center) (0-9) Nickname: Warhawks Head Coach: Joe Salazar Top Returning Players: Zack Baker (Sr.);

Keetan Lawler (Sr.); Justus Sherman (Sr.)

Riley Weehler Mount Ayr

Photo courtesy of Creston News Advertisor

Volume 1 Issue 12

Drew

cook

senior, iowa city regina Class 1A Preseason player of the year

Action photos by Tork Mason By Tork Mason

A year ago, there was a lot weighing on Iowa City Regina quarterback Drew Cook. As a first-year starter under center, he was tasked with taking the reins to a team that had already won three-straight state championships and was riding a 42-game winning streak. No one was entirely sure how he would handle having to step into such a prominent role — not even his father, Regina head coach Marv Cook. “The position is pretty dynamic, and we require a lot of [the person who plays it],” Marv Cook said. “We weren’t sure coming in; we knew he was a good athlete and he’d had a lot of success at the freshman and sophomore level. And we played a pretty tough schedule; we played Solon, and our district was tough. As a coach, you think you have an idea of what you’re going to get, but until a kid gets in there and you see how he reacts when the lights are on, [expectations and reality] are two different things.” Drew said he definitely felt a certain level of pressure, being a new starter and following in the footsteps of some good quarterbacks who won championships at Regina, such as Mark Ward and Nate Streb. He felt as though he had to match their accomplishments and win a state title of his own, and he said dealing with that pressure was his biggest challenge. Ultimately, it all panned out for Drew and the Regals. He helped lead them to yet another championship and in the process, the team broke a state record by winning its 56th-straight game in the Class 1A title game. He threw for over 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing more than 68

percent of his passes, which established him as one of the state’s elite passers. Now, the focus is on continued evolution under center. There is no room for Drew or his teammates to stand pat on what they achieved last year, even with a returning starter at quarterback for the first time in four years. “We’re constantly stressing guys in practice every day, whether it’s the quarterback position, another skill position or on the line,” Marv said. “We want to create an environment where they’re stressed, where they’re forced to expand their game and get better.” For Drew, that’s meant a dedication to the fundamentals and all the minutiae of his position. Because he’s far from a finished product and — even with a year of experience under his belt — he had many games where his night was over before the fourth quarter, there is plenty of room for improvement, he said. “I’ve played 14 varsity games and I feel like, right now, I’m just working to get better,” Drew said. “I’m working with [former University of Iowa quarterback and 1985 Heisman Trophy runnerup] Chuck Long, and every time I work with him, I’m learning something. I’m just trying learn the quarterback position and all the details that go along with that. I’m still really raw [as a quarterback].” One of the biggest areas Cook is focusing on is his footwork. He’s going through drills every day to improve his footwork and quicken his release, because “your feet are what really throws the ball.” That work could benefit Cook beyond just making him a better high school quarterback. He

recently committed to play for the Hawkeyes and will at least get an opportunity to prove himself as a passer at the next level. Many fans predict Drew will follow in his father’s footsteps from high school quarterback to college tight end, but he’s not so quick to give up his dream of lining up under center for the Black and Gold. “I feel like if I get more experience this year and keep working like I am, I can become a better quarterback,” he said. “I feel like I am a quarterback and I’ll keep working at that until I can’t anymore.” Perhaps Drew’s best asset is his temperament. His father said he keeps an even keel and never lets himself get rattled. Drew said it’s critical for a quarterback to always keep the end game in sight. “If you make a mistake, you have to have a short memory at quarterback,” Drew said. “You can’t let that affect how you play the rest of the game. That’s where you need to see the bigger picture and realize, ‘The game’s not over. I need to get my head back in the game, correct my mistake and focus on winning the ballgame.’” Any time the phrases “bigger picture” and “Regina football” are discussed together, talk of the Regals’ winning streak inevitably makes its way into the conversation. But now that the chase to break the record is over, Drew said the pressure is off. “Last year, the streak was more important because we were going for that record and there was a lot more pressure with that,” he said. “But this year, we just want to add on to that.”

The best a man can get.

SportsSpotlight.com

Volume 2 Issue 10

CLASS 1A TEAM All-State

Overview

PRESEASON

Offense Pos QB QB RB RB RB WR WR OL OL OL OL OL K

Name

Drew Cook Jayden Johnson Cody Blackwell Maurico Ramirez Collen Gibbons Jordan Rommes Luke West Phil Arendt Jacob Giese Jake Newborg Chad Remsburg Noah Sander Jacob Adam

School IC Regina North Cedar Van Meter Columbus Comm.

Madrid S. Winneshiek Ogden IC Regina West Branch West Lyon FD St. Edmond North Cedar IC Regina

Yr SR SR SR JR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR

DEfense Pos DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB DB P

Name

Rylan Richardson Nick Hindt Ryan Moser Adam Poduska Ryan Hageman T.J. O’Tool Jacob Thraen Jared Johnson Nate Herbst Blake Marolf Landon Peed Colten Rastetter

School S Cent. Calhoun FD St. Edmond Clayton Ridge North Cedar S. Winneshiek FD St. Edmond IKM-Manning West Marshall A-H-S-T, Avoca E-B-F, Eddyville FD St. Edmond Clayton Ridge

Yr JR SR SR SR SR JR JR SR JR SR SR SR

It’s been a few years since the Class 1A champion didn’t come from Iowa City, and despite a deep pool of quality teams this season, Iowa City Regina’s vice grip on the crown doesn’t look like it’s about to loosen just yet. The Regals once again have several key contributors to replace, but once again appear to have accomplished players waiting in the wings. Class 1A Preseason Player of the Year Drew Cook gives the Regals a returning starter at quarterback for the first time since 2010, and he looks poised to take another step forward in his development as a passer. Star tailback Riley Dixon may have graduated, but Jake Brinkman is a proven contributor who’s ready to accept a larger role in the offense. And Nick Phillips is more than capable of filling the void left by Bryan Amelon at wideout. Regina would be the odds-on favorite this fall, anyway, but the Regals’ road to the Dome is also a little easier now that Maquoketa Valley and Ryan Parmely have dropped down to Class A. And despite playing in a relatively weak district, the Regals will get out and face plenty of stiff competition in preparation for the postseason. They open the season with a road trip to Class 3A powerhouse Solon and a home bout against Class 2A contender Cascade (Western Dubuque), and travel to play Cedar Rapids Xavier in Week 8. So Regina’s record winning streak may come to an end at some point this season, but few teams will be as battle-tested come November. St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) head coach Dick

Get more Pigskin Preview. Download the extended online verison at issuu.com/sportsspotlight or scan the QR code to see district prooles and predictions for all classes and even more photos!

JAKE brinkman Iowa City Regina

Volume 1 Issue 12

Photo by Tork Mason

Tighe was expected to retire after leading the Gaels to state championship game last fall but had a change of heart and will once again rom the sidelines. The Gaels boast a very strong core on both sides of the ball and could punch another ticket to the championship game come November. Quarterback Matt Bocken, tailback T.J. O’Tool and wideout Landon Peed are all back, and they should emerge from perhaps the state’s toughest district and contend for a state title. Speaking of District 7, Madrid and MansonNW Webster could both challenge the Gaels for the top spot in the district. Both schools return a lot of offensive firepower, highlighted by Madrid tailback Collen Gibbons and MansonNW Webster’s Alex Bush and Coy Snell. West Branch has consistently had a solid team under head coach Butch Pederson, and the Bears are a team to keep an eye on this year now that they’re out of Regina’s district. They bring back quarterback Lucas Lamont, who threw for 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2013, and a reportedly strong group of underclassmen from last year that is ready to step up. The Bears also picked up All-State lineman Jacob Giese, who moved into the school district from Wilton over the summer. Even with Regina’s stranglehold on this class seemingly secure for at least one more year, this class has a lot of interesting storylines to follow. Stay up to date on all of them with Sports Spotlight!

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class 1a

District Teams

A-H-S-T-w (Avoca) (12-1) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Davis Pattee Top Returning Players: Nate Herbst (Jr.); Tameron McGurren (Jr.); Dylan Robinson (Sr.)

IKM-Manning (4-5) Nickname: Wolves Head Coach: Tom Casey Top Returning Players: Cody Eischeid (Sr.);

Jacob Thraen (Jr.); Sam Wegner (Sr.)

Missouri Valley (0-9) Nickname: Big Reds Head Coach: Ryan Victor Top Returning Players: Zane Harvey (Sr.); C.

J. Kyle (Jr.); Justin Miller (Jr.)

Odebolt-Arthur/ Battle Creek-Ida Grove (4-5) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Larry Allen Top Returning Players: Ben Dotzler (Jr.);

Tanner Hemer (Sr.); Cash Wilcke (Sr.)

Treynor (5-5) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Steve Owens Top Returning Players: Mike Godfrey (Sr.);

Trey Robinson (Sr.); Kyle Young (Jr.)

Underwood (2-7) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Nate Mechaelsen Top Returning Players: Cody Kingery (Sr.);

Jarrett Waters (Jr.); Justin Wilkins (Sr.)

District 1

Outlook This district got a fresh face and an instant contender when the state released the 2014-15 classifications. A-H-S-T-W (Avoca) reached the Class A semifinals in 2013, and the Vikings should be in position to make a similar run in Class 1A this fall. The Vikings bring back do-it-all quarterback Nate Herbst, who passed for 896 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for 921 yards and 12 scores as a sophomore last fall. He’ll carry the offense, but he’s also one of the Vikings’ defensive standouts, as well. He tallied 54 tackles and pulled down 5 interceptions, earning All-State honors in the process. The Vikings will have a deep defensive unit, with seven starters returning, including leading tackler Dylan Robinson, who made 114 stops and 7 tackles for loss in 2013. Tameron McGurren is also back on the defensive line after making 65 stops, with 11 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. IKM-Manning projects to be solid on both sides of the ball this season. They return quarterback Kyle Wagner, who threw for 716 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2013, and tailback Sam Wgner, who ran for 1,001 yards and 13 scores while averaging 7.0 yards per carry. Defensively, the Wolves have eight starters back, including Jacob Thraen and Cody Eischeid, who teamed up to make 223 tackles a year ago. Trey Wiese, Nick Peterson, Austin Dahgren and Ridge Muhlbauer combined to make 224 stops and 15 tackles behind the line. OA/BCIG doesn’t bring back a ton of talent across the board, but quarterback Cash

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) A-h-s-t-w vikings 2) ikm-manning wolves 3) oa-bcig falcons 4) underwood eagles

West Monona (Onawa) (1-8) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Drew Potter Top Returning Players: Craig Fox (Sr.); Wade

Martian (Sr.); Austin Reitz (Sr.)

nate herbst Volume 1 Issue 12

Wilcke should be able to get the Falcons to the postseason after going 4-5 in 2013. Wilcke accounted for 1,644 yards of total offense and 17 touchdowns a year ago. He’ll also have tailback Miles Gebel lining up behind him; Gebel ran for 340 yards and 3 scores on just 75 carries, and should see a heavier workload this fall as the Falcons try to take some of the burden off of Wilcke. Defensively, the Falcons bring back a few important pieces. Tanner Hemer is the top returning tackler after making 47 stops last season, and he’ll be joined by Ben Dotzler and Wesley Swanger, who combined to make 69 total tackles. Underwood will like be undermanned when facing competition outside of the district, but the Eagles have enough to clinch a playoff berth. Cody Kingery and Alex Wadeare back in the backfield, and they’ll be the focus of the offense. They ran for 872 yards and 6 touchdowns a year ago. The Eagles’ defense will be led by Justin Wilkins, who tallied 64 stops and 3 tackles for loss, and Jarrtt Waters, who made 41 tackles in 2013. There’s a pretty steep drop-off between the top two seeds and the three and four seeds in this district, but the fight between A-H-S-T-W and IKM should be an interesting contest. Follow along with Sports Spotlight and see how this district shakes out!

a-h-s-t (avoca) Photo courtesy of A-H-S-T High School

District 2

Outlook Just like in District 1, this district picked up a championship contender coming up from Class A for the next two years. West Lyon dominated all comers on its way to a state title in 2013, but the Wildcats will have to replace a loaded senior class if they hope to challenge for the crown in Class 1A this fall. The Wildcats offense suffered the worst of the graduation losses, as all of the team’s top rushers have moved on. Vaugh Moser is the lone skill position player returning who contributed to last year’s championship run; he ran for 264 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging 7 yards per carry, and he’ll be the focal point of the offense this fall. The defense, however, brings back more experience and should be strong enough to push the Wildcats into the top seed come playoff time. Moser headlines the returners after tallying 67 tackles in 2013, including 9 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Chase Grotewold, Jake Newborg and Jed Van’t Hof are also adept and getting into opposing backfields. The trio combined to make 19 tackles for loss a year ago, and they’ll play even more prominent roles this fall. Hinton will lean on its defense and hope that will be enough to propel itself into one of the top seeds in October. Truman Schmitt is the Blackhawks’ top returning tackler after making 69 stops and 5 tackles for loss, and he’ll be joined by four other returning starters. Defensive backs Eric Brown and Colten Schau each picked off three passes last season, so there are a couple ball hawks on the back end of the defense, too. Ridge View won nine games in 2013, but

they’ll likely only be battling for one of the last playoff berths. The Raptors bring back a pair of talented wide receivers in Jogan Richard and John Kofmhal, who combined for more than 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago, but they’ll have a new signal-caller under center this fall. The Raptors defense does bring back Ryan Cougill, who led the team with 113 tackles a year ago, as well as Joe Kenny, who made 73 stops last season. Richard and Kofmhal spent a lot of time on offense with the ball in their hands, and they did the same on defense, as they both made 3 interceptions in the secondary. Western Christian doesn’t return much on either side of the ball, but the Wolfpack more than any of the other teams returning, and they should clinch the district’s fourth seed. Brady Van’t Hul will give a new quarterback a set of reliable hands to throw to; he hauled in 40 receptions for 529 yards and 8 touchdowns a year ago. He and Justin Faber will also be leaders on defense, as the combined to make 126 tackles in 2013. The northwestern corner of the state is typically very strong, but this year looks as though it could be a bit of a down year following the graduation of a lot of talented seniors from most schools, but West Lyon is a clear favorite. Follow along all season with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) west lyon wildcats 2) hinton blackhawks 3) ridge view raptors 4) western christian wolfpack

class 1a

District Teams

Hartley-MelvinSanborn (4-6) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Steve Waechter Top Returning Players: Dakota Drenth (Sr.);

Jordan Japenga (Jr.); Connor Kuchel (Sr.)

Hinton (8-3) Nickname: Blackhawks Co-Head Coaches: Steve Diediker and Bruce Held Top Returning Players: Eric Brown (Sr.);

Logan Jurgensmeier (Sr.); Truman Schmitt (Jr.)

Ridge View (9-2) Nickname: Raptors Head Coach: Jeff DeHaan Top Returning Players: Ryan Cougill (Jr.);

John Kofmhal (Sr.); Logan Richard (Sr.)

Sibley-Ocheyedan (2-7) Nickname: Generals Head Coach: Kyle Ewinger Top Returning Players: Alex Fisher (Sr.);

Ethan Mino (Sr.); Josh Wagenaar (Sr.)

Unity Christian (Orange City) (1-8) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: David Griffith Top Returning Players: Dominic Byl (Sr.);

Tanner Hulstein (Jr.); Travis Viet (Sr.)

Western Christian (Hull) (5-5) Nickname: Wolfpack Head Coach: Travis Kooima Top Returning Players: Zach De Jager (Sr.);

Justin Faber (Sr.); Brady Van’t Hul (Sr.)

West Lyon (Inwood) (14-0) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Jay Rozeboom Top Returning Players: Chase Grotewold (Sr.);

Vaughn Moser (Sr.); Jake Newborg (Sr.)

Jake newborg

west lyon (inwood) Photo courtesy of Jordan Harmelink/Lyon County Reporter

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 1a

District Teams Central Springs (Manly) (1-8) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Bill Shafer

Top Returning Players: Justus King (Jr.); Nick

Miller (Jr.); Levi Nettleton (Sr.);

Eagle Grove (0-9) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Bruce Dahlhauser Top Returning Players: Dylan Huse (Sr.); Kent

Jorgensen (Sr.); Demvon Omvig (Sr.)

Emmetsburg (5-5) Nickname: E-Hawks Head Coach: Mike Dunlap Top Returning Players: Zach Anderson (Sr.); Wesley Schultes (Sr.); Greg Wesley (Sr.)

Lake Mills (3-6) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Bill Byrnes Top Returning Players: Josh Peters (Sr.);

Brady Schmidt (Sr.); Matt Throne (Sr.)

Pocahontas Area (1-8) Nickname: Indians Co-Head Coaches: Roger Sommerlot and Mike Ehn Top Returning Players: Mitch Brinkman (Sr.);

Sam Brinkman (Sr.); Danny Sommerlot (Jr.)

Saint Ansgar (7-3) Nickname: Saints Head Coach: Drew Clevenger Top Returning Players: Jake Krahenbuhl (Sr.); Bobby Patterson (Sr.); Scott Sievert (Sr.)

District 3

Outlook Emmetsburg was once a powerhouse program in the state, but the E-Hawks have been mired in a bit of a lull for the past few years and struggled to middling records. They finished 5-5 in 2013 and, in one of the state’s weaker districts, look like one of few contenders for a top seed in the playoffs. The E-Hawks quarterback Zach Anderson and tailback Greg Wesley, who put up 526 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns as the team’s No. 2 tailback in 2013. Anderson threw for 446 yards and 3 touchdowns, but the E-Hawks have never been much for airing it out. Both Anderson and at least one other back will need to step up and provide some balance in the running game if the team is going to make any noise in the postseason. Defensively, the E-Hawks are led by Wesley, who made 90 tackles in 2013, including 6 for loss. Wesley Schultes, Luke Jackson and Anderson are also back as returning starters. That group made 156 total tackles last season, and Schultes made 7 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Saint Ansgar won seven game a year ago, but the Saints also face an uphill battle in trying to replace many key contributors. Jake Krahenbuhl is the team’s best returning playmaker on offense, and he ran for 424 yards and 4 touchdowns as the Saints’ third option out of the backfield. He’ll see his workload increase, and he could flourish if he maintains his 6.8 yards per carry average this fall. The Saints defense bring back a few key

players, headlined by Scott Sievert and Krahenbuhl. They made 94 and 81 tackles, respectively, last year, and Krahenbuhl tallied 6 tackles for loss. Chas Brumm wasn’t filling up the tackle chart most of the time, but he still managed to rack up 8 stops for loss and 4 sacks in 2013. Lake Mills won just three games last season, but the Bulldogs sneak in this year by riding tailback Josh Peters and a couple defensive playmakers in Matt Throne and Brady Schmidt. Peters ran for 641 yards and 8 touchdowns last fall, all while averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Throne and Schmidt tallied 161 tackles between them, and they’ll be counted on to carry an inexperienced defense this season. Pocahontas Area is another school that didn’t win many games in 2013, but the Indians hope to use a defense that returns six starters to grab ahold of the last seed. Danny Sommerlot and Mitch Brinkman lead the way after collecting 181 combined tackles last fall. Sommerlot also tallied 7 tackles for loss. None of the teams in this district look like serious threats to reach the UNI-Dome, but it could still be a very competitive group of teams that might produce some good games this year. Stay up to date on all the action with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) emmetsburg E-hawks 2) Saint Ansgar saints 3) lake mills bulldogs 4) pocahontas area indians

West Fork (2-7) Nickname: Warhawks Head Coach: Eric Gabe Top Returning Players: Collin Arndt (Sr.); Jacob Kuhlemeier (Sr.); Evan Sprung (Sr.)

danny sommerlot Volume 1 Issue 12

Pocahontas area Photo courtesy of The Pocahontas Record Democrat

District 4

Outlook There is a clear favorite in District 4 this season, but there are several tough defenses in the league that could produce some exciting contests this fall. South Winneshiek won nine games a year ago and look like serious contenders to reach the UNI-Dome this season. The Warriors bring back a bevy of talent on both sides of the ball and won’t see any teams within the district that can match them on a talent-for-talent basis. Logan Schweinefus will take over as the full-time starter at quarterback this year, and he couldn’t ask for a better target to throw to than All-State wideout Jordan Rommes. Rommes caught 52 passes for 1,333 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago, which clearly established him as one of the state’s elite passcatchers. Running backs Ryan Hageman and Kleve Christian are also back after combining for 1,187 yards and 23 scores in 2013. Few offenses in the state can match the kind of firepower the Warriors will boast this season. The defense should also be stingy. Tyler Numedahl and Hageman both put up over 100 tackles a year ago, and the combo of Ben Meyer and Landers Kuboushek up front tallied 119 stops and 21 tackles for loss last season. Clayton Ridge’s offense will look a lot different this fall, as all of the Eagles’ top skill position players graduated. But the defensive core returning should push them into the second seed for the postseason. Ryan Moser put up

100 tackles last year, including 24 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. But he’s not alone in making life in the backfield miserable for opponents. Colten Rastetter, Jared Gerner and Drew Burgin all combined to make 49 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback sacks, giving the Eagles a very fearsome front line. Dike-New Hartford doesn’t have many proven commodities returning, but the Wolverines claim a very strong tradition on the gridiron and should be counted on to make the playoffs again under head coach Don Betts. Connor Ragsdale and Connor McCleeary will lead the defense after tallying 87 combined stops in 2013. Sumner-Fredericksburg went 6-4 last season, and while the offense only counts tailback Derek Kohlmeyer (522 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) among its returning contributors, the Cougars’ defense has a solid group to build around and use to get back to the playoffs. Tyler Schmitz, Mason Schwenke, Kyser Allen, Kohlmeyer and Trevor Pagel all recorded at least 56 tackles a year ago. It’s not likely that any of the teams in this district will be able to stop South Winneshiek from taking the district title, but it will be interesting to see the matchup between the Warriors stellar offense and the Eagles’ dominant defensive core on Oct. 17. The winner of that game will almost certainly win the crown in this district. Stay up to date on that contest and all the other high-pitched action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) South Winneshiek Warriors 2) clayton ridge eagles 3) dike-new hartford wolverines 4) Sumner-fredericksburg cougars

class 1a

District Teams

Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg) (9-2) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Chad Harbaugh Top Returning Players: Jared Gerner (Jr.);

Ryan Moser (Sr.); Colten Rastetter (Sr.)

Dike-New Hartford (10-1) Nickname: Wolverines Head Coach: Don Betts Top Returning Players: Tommy Irvin (Sr.);

Connor McCleeary (Sr.); Connor Ragsdale (Sr.)

Hudson (5-5) Nickname: Pirates Head Coach: Justin Brekke Top Returning Players: Dylan Hassman (Sr.);

Noah Huber (Jr.); Shane Karkosh (Sr.)

Jesup (2-7) Nickname: J-Hawks Head Coach: Jason Sullivan Top Returning Players: Rodney Ciesielski

(Jr.); Ryan Even (Jr.); Riley Murray (Sr.)

MFL, Mar-Mac (Monona) (1-8) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Tom Oppelt Top Returning Players: Austin Schoulte (Sr.);

Chase Strub (Sr.); Andrew Zeeh (Sr.)

South Winneshiek (Calmar) (9-3) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Jason Ohrt Top Returning Players: Ryan Hageman (Sr.);

Landon Kuboushek (Jr.); Jordan Rommes (Sr.)

SumnerFredericksburg (6-4) Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Brad Mohs Top Returning Players: Derek Kohlmeyer

(Sr.); Tyler Schmitz (Jr.); Mason Schwake (Sr.)

Jordan rommes

south winneshiek (calmar) Photo courtesy of South Winneshiek High School

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m. Volume 1 Issue 12

class 1a

District Teams Alburnett (5-4) Nickname: Pirates Head Coach: Chris Evers

Top Returning Players: Austin Hoyle (Sr.); Bryce Paul (Jr.); Kolton Rose (Sr.); Connor Shulista (Jr.)

Bellevue (3-6) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Chet Knake Top Returning Players: Tyler Banowetz (Sr.);

Ty Oster (So.); Keenan Plossel (Sr.)

Durant (0-9) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Greg White Top Returning Players: Brandon Dykes (Jr.);

Conrad Hoover (Sr.); Alik Lorenz (Sr.)

North Cedar (Stanwood) (5-5) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Charles Feller Top Returning Players: Spencer Armstrong

(Sr.); Jayden Johnson (Sr.); Adam Poduska (Sr.)

Wapello (3-6)

District 5

Outlook West Branch has had to play second fiddle to Iowa City Regina the past few years, but the Bears are now outside of the Regals’ district and look ready to make a serious run in the playoffs. The Bears bring back quarterback Lucas Lamont, who threw for 1,517 yards and 13 touchdowns while completing 60 percent of his passes, and he also ran for 335 yards and 6 scores as a junior. He’ll be breaking in a new tailback and receiving corps, but the Bears’ offensive line got a big boost in the form of All-Stater Jacob Giese, who transferred in from Wilton. The defense will also be stout for head coach Butch Pedersen. Six players who made at least 34 stops in 2013 return, and Giese was a defensive force for Wilton in 2013. He made 114 tackles, including 10 stops for los and 4 sacks. Pairing him with Drew Finnegan and Nick Westcott, who tallied 19 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks, and the Bears have a potentially dominant defensive line on their hands. North Cedar will follow a similar blueprint as the Bears, with quarterback Jayden Johnson back in the saddle after throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago. He’s also the team’s top returning rusher, having gone for 664 yards and 7 scores in 2013. The Knights’ defense should be solid, with six starters back and Adam Poduska, Spencer Armstrong and Clayton Juhl leading the charge.

That trio combined to make 37.5 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. Wilton has a lot of holes to fill on offense, both from graduation and Giese’s transfer, but the defense should still be in good hands. The Beavers return five starters, including Javin Drake and Logan Mays, who tallied 98 and 92 tackles last season, respectively. Drake also piled up 10.5 stops for loss and 5 sacks. Logan Reddick made 74 stops and 7.5 tackles for loss, while Zach Keppy had 71 takedowns last fall. Offensively, the Beavers will look to Mays, who ran for 342 yards and 5 touchdowns as a secondary option. Wapello looks like the best bet to claim the final playoff berth in this district. The Indians’ only offensive standout returning is wide receiver Jorge Osornio, who hauled in 40 receptions for 584 yards and 6 touchdowns last fall. But he’ll have a new quarterback this season. Defensively, Chandler Cocklin led the team with 101 tackles in 2013. This district has a potentially interesting race looming among the top three teams. If Wilton can find some new offensive contributors, they could push both West Branch and North Cedar for a higher seed in the playoffs. But right now, the Bears look like the clear favorite. Follow all of this season’s action with Sports Spotlight, and see how it all ends up!

Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Todd Parsons Top Returning Players: Chandler Cocklin (Sr.); Ruger McNeil (Jr.); Jorge Osorino (Sr.)

West Branch (6-4) Nickname: Bears Head Coach: Butch Pedersen Top Returning Players: Drew Finnegan (Jr.);

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) west branch bears 2) north cedar knights 3) wilton beavers 4) wapello indians

Jacob Giese (Sr.); Lucas Lamont (Sr.)

Wilton (9-2) Nickname: Beavers Head Coach: Ryan Hetzler Top Returning Players: Javin Drake (Jr.);

Logan Mays (Sr.); Logan Reddick (Sr.)

Jayden Johnson Volume 1 Issue 12

North Cedar (Stanwood) Photo courtesy of North Cedar High School

District 6

Outlook There is little doubt surrounding the final outcome in District 6. Iowa City Regina is riding a 56-game winning streak and has won state championships in each of the past four seasons, and the Regals are set to dominate the field once again. The Regals feature 2014 Sports Spotlight Class 1A Preseason Player of the Year Drew Cook at quarterback. Cook passed for 2,563 yards and 22 touchdowns while completing 68.5 percent of his passes in his first year as a starter. He also chipped in 440 yards and 5 scores on the ground. But Cook won’t be alone. Tailback Jake Brinkman will take on a bigger role now that Riley Dixon has graduated; Brinkman ran for 536 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior and averaged 8.4 yards per carry. Wideouts Nick Phillips and Conner Brown return after combining for 902 yards and 9 scores in 2013. Defensively, the Regals bring back a host of starters from a dominant unit, including leading tackler Justin Hunter, who put up 92 stops a year ago. Head coach Marv Cook will have to fill a few key holes, but the Regina program has a track record of doing just that. Everyone else is playing for second place. Sigourney-Keota brings back Nate Sieren, Peyton Crawford and Cole Streigle, who will be featured in the Cobras’ dynamic rushing attack. The trio combined for 1,323 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013. Defensively, Streigle and Ben Horras

lead the way after putting up 84 and 75 stops, respectively. The Cobras bring back six players who made at least 30 stops last season. West Marshall with be without a Ferch in the backfield for the first time in a long time, which leaves the offense with a lot of question marks. But the Trojans’ defense should be salty with Jared Johnson and Dale Hilleman leading the way. That duo combined to make 224 tackles, 29 stops for loss and 12 sacks a year ago. Chris Sjoblom, Alex Schaper and Tyler Casady made 20 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a group, as well. Pella Christian lost a lot from last year’s 4-6 team, but the Eagles should be in line to take the final playoff berth. David Kacmarynski leads the way defensively after making 80 stops and 12 tackles for loss last season. The competition within the district isn’t all that tough for the Regals, but they will get out and play a very challenging non-district slate. They’ll take on Class 3A semifinalist Solon and Class 2A title contender Cascade in the season’s first two weeks, then go against last year’s Class 4A runner-up, Cedar Rapids Xavier, in October. So the Regals will be well prepared for another championship push by the time the playoffs come around. Follow all of the action this season with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Iowa City regina regals 2) sigourney-keota cobras 3) pella christian eagles 4) west marshall trojans

class 1a

District Teams

Columbus (Columbus Junction) (1-8) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Jeff Martin Top Returning Players: Chase Finke (Sr.);

Ethan Leyden (Sr.); Maurico Ramirez (Jr.)

Eddyville-BlakesburgFremont (6-4) Nickname: Rockets Head Coach: Russ Bayer Top Returning Players: Jeren Glosser (Sr.);

Hunter Johnston (Sr.); Blake Marolf (Sr.)

Highland (Riverside) (4-5) Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Tony Johnson Top Returning Players: Brian Garcia (Sr.);

Josh Kasparek (Sr.); Nick Sandburg (Jr.)

Iowa City Regina (14-0) Nickname: Regals Head Coach: Marv Cook Top Returning Players: Jake Brinkman (Sr.);

Drew Cook (Sr.); Nick Phillips (Jr.)

Pella Christian (4-6) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Richard Kacmarynski Top Returning Players: Tyler De Bruin (Sr.);

Levi Jungling (So.); David Kacmarynski (So.)

Sigourney-Keota (5-4) Nickname: Cobras Head Coach: Jared Jensen Top Returning Players: Ben Horras (Sr.); Nate

Sieren (Jr.); Nate Sieren (Sr.); Cole Streigle (Sr.)

West Marshall (State Center) (9-2) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Cody Hackett Top Returning Players: Dale Hilleman (Sr.);

Jared Johnson (Jr.); Chris Sjoblom (Sr.)

Nick Phillips Iowa City Regina Photo by Tork Mason

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 1a

District Teams Madrid (8-3) Nickname: Tigers head Coach: Randy Hinkel

Top Returning Players: Collen Gibbons (Sr.);

Jack Schaffer (Jr.); Alex Schieltz (Sr.)

Manson-NW Webster (8-3) Nickname: Cougars head Coach: Jeff Anliker Top Returning Players: Alex Bush (Sr.); Coy

Snell (Sr.); Cal Twait (Sr.)

Ogden (10-2) Nickname: Bulldogs head Coach: Jacob Burger Top Returning Players: Austin Lentz (Jr.); Jake

West (Sr.); Luke West (Sr.)

South Central Calhoun (5-5) Nickname: Titans head Coach: Bryan Case Top Returning Players: Cyle King (Jr.); Jeff

King (Sr.); Rylan Richardson (Jr.)

South Hamilton (Jewell) (6-4) Nickname: Hawks head Coach: TJ Schaefer Top Returning Players: Andy Cook (Sr.);

Trevor Swenson (Sr.); Sam Waid (Sr.)

St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) (13-1)

District 7

Outlook Fans will be hard-pressed to find a tougher district, in any class, than District 7. Only two teams failed to finish above .500 in 2013, and South Central Calhoun went 5-5. Defending state runner-up St. Edmond has the pieces back that, if the Gaels played in another district, would make them heavy favorites to dominate all season long. The Gaels are still the favorite to win the district, but they’ll face some stiff tests along the way. St. Edmond head coach Dick Tighe was expected to retire after taking a team to the UNIDome for the first time in his 60-year career, but he had a change of heart. One look at the roster might give fans an idea why the legend decided to stick around for at least one more year. The Gaels traditional ground-and-pound offense could get a little more explosive this fall, as T.J. O’Tool and Michael Faiferlick absorb departed bruiser Vinnie Harvey’s carries. O’Tool ran for 1,419 yards and 14 touchdowns at an 8.4yard clip and Faiferlick ran for 512 yards while averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The Gaels don’t throw often, but when they do, it’s nearly always to star wideout Landon Peed. Peed caught 21 passes for 568 yards and 7 touchdowns a year ago, and quarterback Matt Bocken completed just two passes to other receivers in 2013. Defensively, O’Tool led the team with 104 tackles a year ago, and six starters are also back from what was a very stout unit in 2013. Four other players made at least 77 stops, and five players — O’Tool, Bocken, Peed, Nick Hindt and

Zach Gailey — combined to make 17 picks. Manson-NW Webster has some holes to fill defensively, but the offensive duo of quarterback Alex Bush and tailback Coy Snell should put the Cougars in a position to succeed on most night. Bush threw for 1,039 yards and 9 touchdowns, while he and Snell combined to run for 1,429 yards and 20 touchdowns. Cal Twait and Tim Butcher are back to lead the defense after posting 121 tackles, with 17 tackles for loss, a year ago. Madrid is a perennial playoff participant, and the Bulldogs will be running their traditional rushing attack to the postseason once again. Collen Gibbons finished second on the team with 1,438 yards and 22 touchdowns a year ago, and he’ll team with Alex Schieltz, who tallied 478 rushing yards and 4 scores, to headline the offense this fall. Defensively, the Bulldogs bring back eight starters, including leading tackler Jack Schaffer, who made 97 stops last season. Ogden is a solid quarterback away from challenging for more than the final couple playoff spots. Tailback Austin Lentz ran for 1,054 yards and 11 touchdowns, and the combo on the outside of Jake and Luke West is back after combining for 112 receptions, 1,495 yards and 11 touchdowns. Nick Ross leads the defense after making 77 tackles in 2013, and the Wests pulled down 5 picks between them. This district will leave its champion battletested once the playoffs roll around. See how it all unfolds this season with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) St. Edmond Gaels 2) manson-Nw webster cougars 3) madrid tigers 4) ogden bulldogs

Nickname: Gaels head Coach: Dick Tighe Top Returning Players: Nick Hindt (Sr.); T.J.

O’Tool (Jr.); Landon Peed (Sr.)

Woodward Academy (1-8) Nickname: Knights head Coach: Lorenzo White Top Returning Players: N/A

T.J. O’Tool

Volume 1 Issue 12

St. Edmond (Fort Dodge) Photo by Tork Mason

District 8

Outlook District 8 should be one of the more balanced districts in the state this season, with no team standing head and shoulders better than the rest, leaving fans with a schedule full of evenlymatched contests. Woodward-Granger lost some important contributors from last year’s 6-4 squad, but the Hawks bring back enough on both sides of the ball to contend for a district title. Michael Connor, Dylan Garland and Cole Ashman will lead the ground game this fall after combining for 1,083 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. Ashman also threw for 1,120 yards and 8 scores while completing just under 60 percent of his passes, although he’ll need to break in some new receivers this season. Defensively, Connor led the team with 102 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss in 2013, and he’ll headline a unit that brings back five other starters. Ashman tallied 62 stops, while Lane Kooiker recorded 49 tackles and 6 tackles for loss a year ago. Race Brant made 3 interceptions, while Connor picked off a pair of passes. Panorama is a postseason fixture, and head coach Lyle Alumbaugh should have another playoff team on his hands this season. The Panthers lost most of their top rushers from 2013, but quarterback Gavin Richey threw for 1,367 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, and Luke Webner is ready to take on a bigger role after running for 274 yards and 5 scores at a 6.1-yard clip. Webner is also the top returning receiver,

having caught 22 passes for 321 yards last year. Defensively, Richey is again the focal point. He made 87 tackles, including 8.5 for loss, in 2013 and also made an interception. His brother, Gabe Richey, made 34 tackles and led the team with 5 picks. Also back are Wilson Solorzano and Marcus Boldy, who combined for 108 stops and 8.5 tackles for loss. The Panthers should challenge Woodward-Granger for the district title and end up with on of the top seeds either way. Van Meter made it to the state semifinals in 2013, but the Bulldogs will be hard-pressed to pull off a repeat performance after losing a great senior class. Tailback Cody Blackwell is the only star from last year’s team to return; he ran for 1,433 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. The Bulldog defense will be led by Zach Forret and Ben Trent; Forret made 48 stops and 3.5 tackles for loss, while Trent made 37 tackles and led the team with 5 picks. Southwest Valley bumps up from 8-man this fall and lost some key seniors from a year ago. But the Timberwolves do bring back running backs Tyler Bissell and Gunnar McCuen, who ran for 1,112 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago. How that will translate to the 11-man game remains to be seen. Central Decatur, led by Peyton Pedersen, Trenton Wells and Peyton Gilbert, could steal the final playoff berth in this district. No team should dominate the district this fall. All of the top teams have question marks. Follow their search for answers with Sports Spotlight!

class 1a Teams

Central Decatur (Leon) (5-4)

Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Jon Pedersen Top Returning Players: Peyton Gilbert (Sr.);

Peyton Pedersen (Sr.); Trenton Wells (Sr.)

Des Moines Christian (2-7) Nickname: Lions head Coach: Craig Carlson Top Returning Players: Zach Carlson (Sr.);

Anthony Muse (Jr.); Jackson Webster (Sr.)

Interstate 35 (Truro) (1-8) Nickname: Roadrunners head Coach: Mike Stuart Top Returning Players: Zach Goering (Sr.)

Daniel Kennedy (Jr.); Jaylan White (Jr.)

Panorama (Panora) (7-3) Nickname: Panthers head Coach: Lyle Alumbaugh Top Returning Players: Marcus Boldy (Sr.);

Gavin Richey (Sr.); Wilson Solorzano (Sr.)

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) woodward-granger hawks 2) Panorama Panthers 3) van meter bulldogs 4) SW Valley Timberwolves

District

Southwest Valley (7-3) Nickname: Timberwolves head Coach: Bob Casagrande Top Returning Players: Tyler Bissell (Sr.);

Gunnar McCuen (Sr.); Scott Vanderhoof (Sr.)

Van Meter (12-1) Nickname: Bulldogs head Coach: Eric Trudo Top Returning Players: Cody Blackwell (Sr.);

Zach Forret (Jr.); Ben Trent (Jr.)

Woodward-Granger (6-4) Nickname: Hawks head Coach: George Ashman Top Returning Players: Cole Ashman (Sr.);

Michael Connor (Sr.); Lane Kooiker (Sr.)

Trenton Wells Central Decatur

Photo courtesy of Corey Lindsey/Leon Journal Reporter

Volume 1 Issue 12

christian

rozeboom

senior, sioux center Class 2A Preseason Player of the Year

Photo by Tork Mason

Photos courtesy of Steve Hoogland/Sioux Center News

By Darrin Cline

Football coaches preach family. They reiterate the importance of 11 individuals working as a unit, the importance of brotherhood. It’s relationships that are forged by sweat and tears on the gridiron, and in some cases, by blood far from the football field. For the Rozeboom family, football has long been a fact of life, and Sioux Center’s Christian Rozeboom is carrying on a tradition set forth by his father and older brothers. Christian’s father, Arlyn, was a Sioux Center graduate and set the Northwestern College career sack record during his career from 1981-1985. He also played for Northwestern’s 1983 NAIA football national championship team. After completing his collegiate career, Arlyn Rozeboom got married and started a family. Then came three sons, each passionate about sports. When other families took summer vacations, the Rozebooms took trips to tournaments. It was their time, their opportunity to bond over something the whole family loved. “We spent a lot of time watching them on the field, no matter what the sport was,” Arlyn Rozeboom said. “It’s been great to have been able to follow them through high school and into college.” The two eldest Rozeboom brothers joined the family legacy at Northwestern. Much like his older siblings, Christian’s athletic prowess goes far beyond the gridiron. He also participates in track, basketball and baseball—leading this year’s team in runs and home runs. While Christian may emulate his father and brothers, Arlyn has seen his youngest son cultivate his own unique playing style. “The difference between Christian and his brothers is that he’s got more of a reckless side to

SportsSpotlight.com

him,” Arlyn said. “He’s not afraid to mix it up with the big guys and stick his head in there and make hard tackles. He’s always been that way, going back to third or fourth grade.” Sioux Center head coach Tim Van Regenmorter said family guidance has been as meaningful to Christian’s success as anything. “Christian’s greatest strength is his brothers,” Van Regenmorter said. “He is very comparable to Austin on the field. Christian looks to him for advice and has set his own bar at a high level, because that’s where Austin was. A kid like Christian only comes along once in a while, and we’re fortunate to have him on our team.” Van Regenmorter has spent the past seven seasons as the Warriors’ head coach and in that time has led the program to four trips to the state playoffs. “We’ve focused a lot on culture; we want to create a fun environment where kids enjoy practice,” Van Regenmorter said. “We practice hard but we still have fun and play a fun style that allows us to capitalize on our athletes.” Rozeboom has thrived in the Warriors’ 3-53 defense. He showed varsity-caliber skills as a sophomore, first taking the field at linebacker. “I’ve moved around between linebacker and strong safety,” Rozeboom said. “My job on the defense is to know where everyone is going on each play and what everybody’s role is.” Van Regenmorter said Rozeboom’s versatility makes him valuable; he can stop the run or drop into a zone defense with equal effectiveness. Braden DeBoer has lined up next to Rozeboom on defense and seen his talents first hand. “He makes sure everybody knows their job, he

leads by influence; what he says, he backs it up,” DeBoer says. DeBoer partnered with Rozeboom to lead an overwhelming defense last year. The Warriors held opponents to 7 points or less during an 8-game winning streak last season, and Rozeboom played a big role in that streak. “If you aren’t ready he will put you on your butt,” DeBoer said. “He’s such a great athlete that he can do whatever he wants on the football field.” The physicality necessary to lead such a stingy defense also helped Rozeboom on offense, where he’s expected to be part of the Warriors’ running back fleet again. The team utilizes a spread pistol offense that utilizes an array of weapons. “We’re a ground and pound team, and we had a lot of guys carry the load last season,” Rozeboom said. “We like to spread the ball around and keep the defense from keying on any one guy.” Sioux Center finished 2013 fourth in rushing and second in rushing touchdowns. While Rozeboom only tallied 623 yards on the ground, he reached paydirt 10 times. He was one of four backs who got 70 or more carries a year ago. With their classic style of football—suffocating defense and straight ahead rushing—the Warriors made it all the way to state semifinals. For Rozeboom and the other returning players, those memories are all the motivation they need for 2014. If they want to reach to keep the ride going, the Warriors have to embrace a concept that Rozeboom knows as well as anyone. “It’s the brotherhood of football,” he said. “You have to have 11 guys, you can’t do it alone; you need that togetherness to succeed.”

Volume 2 Issue 10

CLASS 2A TEAM All-State

Overview

PRESEASON

Offense Pos QB QB RB RB RB WR WR OL OL OL OL OL K

Name

Derek Lieurance Alec Henrickson Brandon Kinsey Josh Mackey Luke Recker Nate Bergfeld Austin Folsom Andy Cooper Patrick Girard Tyler Johansen Steven Kragt Nick Yarkosky Peyton Paddock

School Cascade Spirit Lake CP-Urbana N Fayette Valley Cascade Cascade Spirit Lake Sheldon C-M-B, Baxter N Fayette Valley Sioux Center Albia Monticello

Yr SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR JR SR

DEfense Pos DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB DB P

Name

School

Darin Greenfield Sheldon

Tanner Rentschler New Hampton

Braden DeBoer Kendrick Suntken Daniel Eslick Connor Frerichs Dallas Poock

Sioux Center Hampton-Dumont

Southeast Valley New Hampton Spirit Lake

Christian Rozeboom Sioux Center

Chris Borchers Jett Kettwick Jacob Ronan Brady Schutt

Sioux Center Clarinda Waukon MOC-Floyd Valley

Yr SR SR SR SR SR SR JR SR SR SR SR JR

Class 2A is always one class that has been one of the most competitive over the years. Last season’s championship game is proof of how tough it can be as Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) edged Waukon, 31-28, on a last-second field goal. So who will rise to the top this season? Spirit Lake has built a solid football tradition in recent years and will not only be a favorite in District 1, but should be on the list of Class 2A contenders. Alec Henrickson returns after passing for just over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2013. His top four targets are also back, including wideout Austin Folsom, who hauled in 36 receptions for 846 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago. Clear Lake drops down from Class 3A to Class 2A this season. That alone places the Lions on most short lists of contenders, considering the record they have posted over many years under Fred Wieck who has 213 of his 269 career wins with Clear Lake. The Lions also boast 7 returning starters from what was one of Class 3A’s best defenses, as well as the dynamic offensive duo of quarterback Brock Adams and speedy tailback Chandler Diercks. North Fayette Valley moves up from Class 1A to Class 2A but that should make no difference on how well the TigerHawks will compete in District 3. Josh Mackey and Derrick Kuehner combined for over 3,200 yards on the ground and 44 touchdowns last fall, which should say enough about the strength of the running game for the 2014 Class 1A semifinalists. New Hampton suffered their only loss of 2013 in the post season and return Connor Frerichs in the backfield. Frerichs is one of the state’s top running backs, and after he and fellow senior Anthony Sweitzer combined to run for nearly 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns a year ago, he’ll power a Chickasaw ground game once again.

New Hampton also brings back nine starters from a defense that allowed just 9.5 points per game in 2013. Cascade has Derek Lieurance under center with his 2,200-plus yards, and he’ll have strong weapons around him. Tailback Luke Recker is back after rushing for 1,000 yards and 10 scores, and wideout Nate Bergfeld gives Lieurance an elite pass-catcher. Bergfeld caught 61 passes for more than 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior. Brandon Kinsey hopes that he can help Center Point-Urbana improve after running for nearly 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns. New to the class are Anamosa, AplingtonParkersburg, Centerville, Clear Lake, Iowa FallsAlden, North Fayette Valley, Oelwein, Okoboji (Milford), Southeast Valley — a consolidation between Prairie Valley (Gowrie) and Southeast Webster-Grand — South Tama, Tipton, West Central Valley (Stuart) and Williamsburg. The list of new teams and — in many cases — the completely new look districts makes for new rivalries and new expectations for the next two years. It also brings in the unknown when it comes to play on the field. Many times, we can be fooled by a school dropping down or moving up in class. It doesn’t always mean on-field results will improve for the schools that drop down or get worse for the ones that move up. As the season dawns, Clear Lake, Spirit Lake and the winner of District 3 — whether that turns out to be New Hampton or North Fayette Valley — look like the teams to beat. Others to keep an eye on this fall are Aplington-Parkersburg, Cascade, Mediapolis and Sioux Center. A sleeper or two could be Hampton-Dumont and East Sac County.

Get more Pigskin Preview. Download the extended online verison at issuu.com/sportsspotlight or scan the QR code to see district prooles and predictions for all classes and even more photos!

derek kuehner north fayette valley

Volume 1 Issue 12

Photo by Tork Mason

SportsSpotlight.com

class 2a

District Teams

Central Lyon/GeorgeLittle Rock (7-4) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Toby Lorenzen Top Returning Players: Nic Lutmer (Sr.); Pete

Menage (Jr.); CJ Roths (Sr.)

Cherokee (0-9) Nickname: Braves Head Coach: Travis Schipper Top Returning Players: Jon Anderson (Sr.); Adam Cedar (Jr.); Mason Meitzenheimer (Sr.)

MOC-Floyd Valley (4-6) Nickname: Dutchmen Head Coach: Tom Rupp Top Returning Players: Trever Huss (Sr.);

Stefan Kinsinger (Sr.); Brady Schutt (Jr.)

Okoboji (Milford) (0-9) Nickname: Pioneers Head Coach: Jon Allen Top Returning Players: Noah Bouse (Jr.); Alex

Heller (Jr.); Austin Kolgraf (Sr.)

Sheldon (4-5)

District 1

Outlook This district is rich with tradition, both longterm and recent, and there will be a solid mix of both at the top of the standings in late October. Spirit Lake has been as good as any program over the past three seasons, and this year looks no different for the Indians. Alec Henrickson is back at quarterback after throwing for 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2013. Josh Hofstra, who added 882 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, is also back. And defenses certainly have to respect wideout Austin Folsom, who pulled down 36 receptions for 846 yards and 12 scores as Henrickson’s favorite target. Defensively, the Indians are headlined by Dallas Poock, who tallied 89 tackles and 16 stops for loss. Add Trevor Jensen, Justin Jones and Drew Fowler, who combined for 150 tackles, and you can see why Spirit Lake is the heavy favorite in this district. Sioux Center is coming off a 10-win season and state semifinal appearance, and the Warriors will look toward their defense to lead the way again this season. The Warriors return a strong core of defensive stars, including Christian Rozeboom, Graham Zomermaand and Chris Borchers. Rozeboom made 94 tackles a year ago, including 10.5 for loss, and headlines the defense as the 2014 Sports Spotlight Class 2A Preseason Player of the Year. Zomermaand and Borchers both made over 60 tackles last year, and

Zomermaand piled up 14 tackles for loss. On the other side of the line, Braden DeBoer tallied 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock was solid in 2013 but didn’t play up to its normal standards. The Lions will look to contend with a ton of experience, led by quarterback Pete Menage and running back CJ Roth. Those two combined for over 1,000 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, and Menage also threw for 1,174 yards and 10 scores. The Lions’ defense is led by Nic Lutmer, who piled up 78 tackles a year ago, and returns four other starters. Sheldon will bring back their top-two stoppers on defense in Darin Greenfield and Jacob Andringa. Greenfield made 122 tackles, which included 85 solo stops. Andringa made 64 tackles and 7 stops for loss. If there’s a sleeper playoff team in this district, it’s probably MOC-Floyd Valley. The Dutchmen bring back some experience, but they’ll need to see upperclassmen improve from last year and underclassmen step up if they hope to reach the postseason. This district certainly has a fair amount of tradition, and the race for a district title could get exciting if Sioux Center and Central Lyon/ George-Little Rock can fill a few holes and challenge Spirit Lake for the top playoff seed. Stay up to date on all the action this season with Sports Spotlight!

Nickname: Orabs Head Coach: Matt Meendering Top Returning Players: Jacob Andringa (Sr.); Matt Buenger (Sr.); Darin Greenfield (Sr.)

Sioux Center (10-3) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Tim Van Regenmorter Top Returning Players: Braden DeBoer (Sr.); Abel Duden (Sr.); Christian Rozeboom (Sr.); Graham Zomermaand (Sr.)

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) spirit lake indians 2) sioux center warriors 3) central lyon/G-LR lions 4) sheldon orabs

Spirit Lake (9-2) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Joshua Bolluyt Top Returning Players: Austin Folsom (Sr.); Alec Henrickson (Sr.); Josh Hofstra (Sr.); Dallas Poock (Jr.)

Pete menage Volume 1 Issue 12

central lyon/george-little rock Photo courtesy of Jordan Harmelink/Lyon County Reporter

District 2

Outlook This district would have been respectable enough prior to reclassification, with HamptonDumont, Forest City and Garner-Hayfield/ Ventura all primed for playoff seasons. But with Clear Lake dropping down to Class 2A after reaching the Class 3A semifinals in 2013, District 2 has a legitimate state championship contender. Lions head coach Fred Wieck has plenty of talent to work with this fall, even after some significant losses to graduation. Quarterback Brock Adams returns after putting up more than 2,000 yards of total offense and tallying 21 total touchdowns. He’ll have Chandler Diercks lining up behind him, and Diercks is one of the most electrifying backs in the state. He rushed for 702 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging 8.5 yards per carry, and he should see more carries this fall. MaKean Bang headlines what’s left of last year’s elite defense, and the 2014 version will be no slouch, either. The depth on defense is a big reason why the Lions will be a state title contender, as Zachary Zwiefel, Mitchell Keeran, Diercks and Ernie Miszewski all had over 50 tackles last season. Miszewski and Diercks also pulled down 6 and 4 interceptions, respectively. Hampton-Dumont was young last season and still went 6-4, with a pair of those losses coming by just one point. The Bulldogs could be a sleeper in the Class 2A field if they learn how to win the close games this season. Cole Miller is back

under center after throwing for 870 yards, and the backfield is intact with Isaiah Noelck and Kendrick Suntken. That duo combined for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, and Chace Klein and Bailey Miller chipped in 336 and 292 yards, respectively. The defense also returns nine starters. Forest City returns quarterback Tanner Thompson, who threw for just under 1,400 yards and 7 touchdowns last year, but he will have to cut back on his 13 interceptions if the Indians are going to improve offensively. Tyler Prescott looks to carry a bigger load in the running game after running for 668 yards and 5 scores in 2013. He’ll also, along with leading tackler Beau Sorenson, lead the Indians on defense. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura will have to reload after losing tailback Braden Meints and others to graduation following a 7-3 campaign in 2013. The Cardinals will look for leadership from Logan Miller, who will be asked to step into Meints’ shoes the backfield, and a veteran offensive line led by Gabe Umbarger. The Cardinals bring back a few starters on defense, as well, and should be able to secure the last playoff bid this fall. This district will be interesting to watch, particularly when Clear Lake and HamptonDumont meet on Oct. 17, when the district title will likely be decided. Follow all the drama as it unfolds this season with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) clear lake lions 2) hampton-dumont bulldogs 3) forest city indians 4) garner-hayfIeld cardinals

class 2a

District Teams

Clarion-Goldfield (3-6)

Nickname: Cowboys Head Coach: Paul Hansch Top Returning Players: Elliott Ahrens (Sr.);

Zach Pogge (Sr.); Trenton Sann (Sr.)

Clear Lake (12-1) Nickname: Lions Head Coach: Fred Wieck Top Returning Players: Brock Adams (Sr.);

Chandler Diercks (Sr.); Ernie Meszewski (Sr.)

Estherville-Lincoln Central (2-7) Nickname: Midgets Head Coach: Andy Umthun Top Returning Players: Carsten Bosch (Sr.);

Justin Heinrichs (Sr.); Segio Osornio (Jr.)

Forest City (4-6) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: P.J. Hedrington Top Returning Players: Tyler Prescott (Sr.);

Beau Sorenson (Sr.); Tanner Thompson (Sr.);

Garner-Hayfield/ Ventura (7-3) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Scott Van Dusseldorp Top Returning Players: Corey Hauptmann

(Sr.); Logan Miller (Sr.); Gabe Umbarger (Jr.)

Hampton-Dumont (6-4) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Jerry Shafrath Top Returning Players: Parker Claypool (Sr.);

Dereck Juhl (Jr.); Kendrick Suntken (Sr.)

Osage (3-6) Nickname: Green Devils Head Coach: Lon Lawler Top Returning Players: Thatcher Goodale

(Sr.); Collin Havel (Jr.); Sam McCarty (Sr.)

chandler diercks clear Lake Photo by Tork Mason

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m. Volume 1 Issue 12

class 2a

District Teams Beckman Catholic (Dyersville) (8-3) Nickname: Trailblazers Head Coach: Jim Derr

Top Returning Players: Nick Fallon (Jr.); Tyler

Hirsch (Jr.); Tony Stelken (Sr.)

Center Point-Urbana (5-5) Nickname: Stormin Pointers Head Coach: Dan Burke Top Returning Players: Alec Burke (Sr.);

Brandon Kinsey (Sr.); Wyatt Sadler (Sr.)

Columbus Catholic (Waterloo) (1-8) Nickname: Sailors Head Coach: Brad Schmit Top Returning Players: Lee Hansen (Sr.); Christian Hellman (Sr.); Ethan Smith (Jr.)

New Hampton (11-1) Nickname: Chickasaws Head Coach: Scott Frerichs Top Returning Players: Connor Frerichs (Sr.);

District 3

Outlook Five teams in this district had solid-to-great seasons in 2013. But only four can make it to the playoffs, and that sets up a potentially thrilling district race this fall. New Hampton lost only once last season, and that was to Waukon in the playoffs. Returning quarterback Cole McDonald and the rest of his teammates will likely have that stored in the back of their minds in this year’s regular season meeting. McDonald passed for 1,427 yards and 14 touchdowns last season and, with the backfield headlined by Connor Frerichs and Anthony Sweitzer, it’s all systems go for the Chickasaw offense. Frerichs ran for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns, while Sweitzer added 606 yards and 7 scores last fall. The Chickasaws should also have a salty defense. Frerichs and Alex Lukes combined for 230 tackles to finish 1-2 last year, and New Hampton returns six other starters from a defense that allowed just 9.5 points per game and led the state with 20 interceptions in 2013. North Fayette Valley should also be a factor in the district race with their powerful running game that led Class 1A with 4,604 yards and 64 touchdowns last season. Josh Mackey ran for 1,702 yards and 21 touchdowns and Derrick Kuehner added another 1,552 yards and 23 scores. The TigerHawks also bring back five other players who ran for at least 100 yards a year ago.

The only concern for the offense will come if the TigerHawks ever fall behind by more than a score or two. The defense also returns a ton of talent, led by Tyler Johansen and his 114 tackles. North Fayette Valley was also among state leaders in tackles for loss in 2013, and eight starters are back this fall. Center Point-Urbana has their own weapon in the running game in Brandon Kinsey, who is back after rushing for 1,463 yards and 21 touchdowns. Alec Burke and Wyatt Sadler will lead the defense after combining for nearly 140 tackles in 2013. Waukon was the state runner-up last season but lost most of that team’s key contributors. A district title is a long shot, but the Indians should have enough back to reach the playoffs again. Marshall Lyons will be a key returner on defense for the Indians and Jacob Ronan should have his moments on both sides of the ball, as well as in the return game. No district in Class 2A is as strong as this one. Beckman Catholic could challenge Waukon for the final playoff berth despite also having some major retooling to do. There should be great matchups nearly every week, so follow along all season with Sports Spotlight!

Alex Lukes (Sr.); Cole McDonald (Sr.)

North Fayette Valley (11-2) Nickname: TigerHawks Head Coach: Bob Lape Top Returning Players: Tyler Johansen (Sr.);

Derrick Kuehner (Sr.); Josh Mackey (Sr.)

Oelwein (0-9)

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) new hampton chickasaws 2) n fayette valley Tigerhawks 3) center point-urbana pointers 4) waukon indians

Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Matt Kuempel Top Returning Players: Zach Lamphere (Sr.);

Tanner Reising (Jr.)

Waukon (12-2) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Chad Beerman Top Returning Players: Adam Benzing (Sr.);

Marshall Lyons (Sr.); Jacob Ronan (Sr.)

jacob ronan

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waukon Photo by Tork Mason

District 4

Outlook Everyone is battling for second in this district. Nearly every team either struggled mightily in 2013, or had a solid season and has to replace a lot of key contributors. The one team that doesn’t fit either of those descriptions is the heavy favorite for the district title and could be a sleeper for a state championship. Cascade can provide plenty of thrills with its electrifying offense. The Cougars bring back one of the most dangerous three-headed monsters in any class with quarterback Derek Lieurance, tailback Luke Recker and wideout Nate Bergfeld. Lieurance threw for 2,251 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, and Bergfeld was easily his favorite target. Bergfeld hauled in 61 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 scores; defenses looking to double team Bergfeld on the outside should know, though, that Reis Rausch is also capable of moving the chains. Rausch had 38 receptions and 471 yards as the No. 2 receiver last season. Teams can’t just focus on taking away the passing game from the Cougars, though. Recker rushed for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.8 yards per carry, giving Cascade one of the most balanced offenses in the state. The big question facing the Cougars is whether or not they can get stops defensively. They gave up nearly 22 points per game in 2013, a mark that will likely need to be improved if they hope to be serious championship contenders.

After Cascade, there are a lot of question marks facing playoff hopefuls. Northeast (Goose Lake) returns quarterback Will Hasken, who passed for 1,439 yards and 11 touchdowns, but will need to find a running game to balance out the offense. Josh Soll and Mitch Moehr led the team in tackles last season are also back. Soll totaled 86 stops, including 40 solo tackles, for the Rebels. Mount Vernon has a bit of experience back but will have to improve while also building some depth. Connor Herrman posted 60 tackles last season as a sophomore an d will be counted on to lead the defensive charge, while Tommy Hook hopes that his experience under center will aid in his development this season. Monticello will need to fill some holes left by graduation but do return Trent Aitchson and Peyton Paddock on defense with their combined 130 tackles in 2013. Paddock also anchors the kicking game for the Mustangs. Jarrett Easton pulled down 22 catches for 400-plus yards will be a target for the new quarterback this season. There shouldn’t be much suspense at the top of this district. Barring injuries, it’s Cascade’s to lose. But how the rest of the district shakes out could be an interesting storyline this season. Follow all the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

class 2a

District Teams

Anamosa (0-9)

Nickname: Blue Raiders Head Coach: Ryan Streets Top Returning Players: Tyler Frasher (Sr.);

Jeremiah Jones (Sr.,); Randy Von Behren (Sr.)

Camanche (2-7) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Eric Ridder Top Returning Players: Zach Feller (Sr.); Ryan

Langston (Jr.)

Cascade (Western Dubuque) (8-3) Nickname: Cougars Head Coach: Tim Frake Top Returning Players: Nate Bergfeld (Sr.);

Derek Lieurance (Sr.); Luke Recker (Sr.)

Monticello (6-4) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Jon Kyte Top Returning Players: Trent Aitchison (Sr.);

Jarrett Easton (Sr.); Peyton Paddock (Sr.)

Mount Vernon (4-5) Nickname: Mustangs

PLAYOFF PREDICTION

Head Coach: Lance Pedersen Top Returning Players: Connor Herrmann

(Sr.); Mickey Hines (Jr.); Luke Muller (Sr.)

1) cascade cougars 2) northeast rebels 3) mount vernon mustangs 4) MONTICELLO PANTHERS

Northeast (Goose Lake) (1-8) Nickname: Rebels Head Coach: Jerad Block Top Returning Players: Will Hasken (Jr.);

Mitch Moehr (Sr.); Nick Wall (Sr.)

Tipton (4-6) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Josh Bahr Top Returning Players: Jordan Challis (Jr.);

Mitch Chapman (Sr.); Adam Hermsen (Jr.)

nate bergfeld

Cascade (western dubuque) Photo courtesy of Cascade High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 2a

District Teams Central Lee (Donnellson) (3-6) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Randy Hofman

Top Returning Players: Ethan Barnett (Jr.); Jacob Boeck (Sr.); Adryan St. Clair (Sr.)

Louisa-Muscatine (5-5) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Andrew Genz Top Returning Players: Ian Barnhart (Sr.);

Jake Bloomer (Jr.); Drake Eserhaut (Sr.)

Mediapolis (11-1) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Brian Borrison Top Returning Players: Braydon Crew (Jr.); Cole Erickson (Sr.); Steven Holloway (Sr.)

Mid-Prairie (Wellman) (8-3) Nickname: Golden Hawks Head Coach: Pete Cavanaugh Top Returning Players: Austin Slabaugh (Sr.),

Devon Young (Sr.)

West Burlington/ Notre Dame (3-6) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Nick Breuer Top Returning Players: Jarod Fogle (Sr.); Xavior Williams (Jr.); Brant Wrede (Sr.)

West Liberty (4-6) Nickname: Comets

District 5

Outlook District 5 sees a couple of the state’s strongest programs in recent years paired up. With Williamsburg dropping down from Class 3A this season, it sets up an interesting matchup between the Raiders and the Bulldogs of Mediapolis. Defensively, the Bulldogs will be just fine with the return of a number of their top players led by Cole Erickson. Erickson had 50 solo and 87 total tackles, including 14 for losses. Braden Crew, Josh Osborne, Ethan Timmerman and Steven Holloway all had 60 or more stops, as well. Holloway and Erickson will also be needed on offense, as they combined for nearly 1,000 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. They’ll take on more prominent roles this fall, as both quarterback Drew Foster and tailback Drew Buster graduated following last season. Whoever takes over the reins under center will have a pair of reliable targets downfield, too; seniors Drew Massner and Kelton Gourley combined to make 38 receptions for 768 yards and 6 touchdowns as the second and third options in the passing game last season. Williamsburg will be in a different position, as they will need to reload following some heavy graduation losses at the skill positions. Mitchell Stahl is the top returning player on offense after running for nearly 500 yards and 4 touchdowns. Connor Bodeker, Brady Stewart and Stahl will lead the retooling defense. That trio combined for 136 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. Mid-Prairie (Wellman) is another team with a lot of skill position players to replace this season.

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Mediapolis bulldogs 2) williamsburg raiders 3) mid-prairie golden hawks 4) central lee hawks

Head Coach: Ben Slife Top Returning Players: Raudel Fierro (Sr.);

Sam Weaver (Sr.)

Williamsburg (8-3) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Curt Ritchie Top Returning Players: Connor Bodeker (Sr.); Mitchell Stahl (Sr.); Brady Stewart (Sr.)

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Senior Austin Slabaugh will be asked to shoulder the load in the ground game after running for 350 yards and 5 touchdowns in backup duty. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry, though, so he could emerge as one of the district’s top backs in 2014. Central Lee (Donnellson) was 3-6 last season but hopes to improve with the return of many young but now-experienced players. The entire backfield is back, led by Ethan Barnett. Barnett ran for 615 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2013, and Jacob Boeck and Garrett Holtkamp combined for nearly 900 yards and nine scores last fall. West Burlington is in a similar spot and could challenge for one of the last playoff bids. The Falcons return quarterback Brant Wrede, who passed for 1,137 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago. His favorite target, junior Xavier Williams, is also back after making 43 receptions for 678 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2013. On defense the top four tacklers are back and are led by Jarod Fogle, who made 81 stops last season. Nathan Crooks and Jacob Hostetter combined for over 150 tackles and add depth to the defense, but will still need to improve to challenge for playoff finish. Keep your eyes on Sept. 12, when Williamsburg travels to Mediapolis; and on Oct. 12, when West Burlington plays host to Central Lee. Both games could go a long way toward shaping the postseason picture in this district. Stay up to date on those contests and the rest of the action in District 5 with Sports Spotlight!

mediapolis

Photo courtesy of Danny Davis/Mediapolis News

District 6

Outlook In this district, it’s guaranteed that some teams will see improved records. None of the teams in District 6 finished last season with a winning record, which will naturally change this fall. There is no doubt that Aplington-Parkersburg has the most storied history in this district, and even though the Falcons have fallen from the lofty perch they once held, they look like the top team in the district entering the season. Last season, the Falcons lost star former tailback Brady Frey to injury in Week 1 and never fully recovere as they sputtered to a 4-5 finish. They’ll look for more from of Tyler Duster, who ran for 651 yards last season in Frey’s absence. Duster led the team in tackles, as well, with 97 total stops and 6 tackles for loss. The Falcons return four other starters defensively, including seniors Ross Cooper and Scott Eiklenborg, who combined for 83 tackles a year ago; Cooper also pulled down a pair of interceptions. South Tama returns quarterback Dalton Doyle, who passed for 715 yards but only 2 touchdowns last fall. He’ll need receivers to do a better job of getting open and hopefully lend some balance to an offense that leaned heavily on Jerry Lowe and Bo Blocker, who are both back after running for 1,056 yards and 17 touchdowns last fall. Ian Slagle, who made 68 tackles with 6.5 stops for loss in 2013, will lead a Trojan defense that will be trying to replace five starters this fall. South Hardin returns signal-caller Sam Shindelar who passed for 1,632 yards and 14

touchdowns, as well as all of his favorite targets. The running game needs to improve to help out Shindelar this season, though; Tyson Smith is the team’s top returning rusher after running for 291 yards and 2 touchdowns last fall. On defense, four of the Tigers’ top defenders are back, led by Bryan Ziesneiss and Jordan Wilkie, who tallied 64 and 63 tackles, respectively, in 2013. Roland-Story has legendary coach Kerry Van Winkle on the sidelines once again with his 275 career victories — 243 of which coming with the Norsemen. Josiah Soderstrum will be a factor for the Norsemen after rushing for over 700 yards and 6 touchdowns. Soderstrum will be joined on defense by Sam Mathis, and the two will lead the charge defensively. They combined for 152 tackles in 2013, including 8 tackles for loss. They form the core for a unit that returns just one other starter. Union could challenge for a playoff bid, although it’ll have to retool the offense around the ground game after losing quarterback Jay Scheel to graduation. Jacob Holschlag will carry the bulk of the workload in that department after running for 736 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. Any of these teams could rise to the top this fall, and at least one of them will have to greatly improve if the district is going to see one of its teams go deep into the playoffs. Stay tuned and find out if any of these teams emerge as a playoff threat with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) aplington-parkersburg falcons 2) south tama trojans 3) south hardin tigers 4) roland-story norsemen

class 2a

District Teams

AplingtonParkersburg (4-5) Nickname: Falcons Head Coach: Alex Pollock Top Returning Players: Ross Cooper (Sr.);

Tyler Duster (Jr.); Scott Eiklenborg (Sr.)

East Marshall (LeGrand) (0-10) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Patrick Farley Top Returning Players: Jared Bowman (Sr.);

Nick Long (Jr.); Curt Roseland (Sr.)

Iowa Falls-Alden (1-8) Nickname: Cadets Head Coach: Pat Norem Top Returning Players: Ross Norem (Jr.); Bo

Williams (Sr.)

Roland-Story (2-7) Nickname: Norseman Head Coach: Aaron Stensland Top Returning Players: Sam Mathis (Sr.);

Josiah Soderstrum (Sr.)

South Hardin (Eldora) (2-7) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Barry Scott Top Returning Players: Glendon Mesch (Sr.);

Eric Mulder (Sr.); Sam Shindelar (Sr.)

South Tama (3-6) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Jay Hoskey Top Returning Players: Bo Blocker (Sr.);

Dalton Doyle (Sr.); Jerry Lowe (Jr.)

Union (LaPorte City) (5-5) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Joe Hadachek Top Returning Players: Brady Driscol (Sr.);

Jace Hadachek (Sr.); Jacob Holschlag (Sr.)

sam shindelar

south hardin (eldora) Photo courtesy of the Iowa Falls Times Citizen

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m. Volume 1 Issue 12

class 2a

District Teams Albia (12-1) Nickname: Blue Demons Head Coach: Jerry Staton

Top Returning Players: Blake Bayer (Jr.);

Blake Lawless (Jr.); Bryce Leshen (Jr.)

Centerville (4-6) Nickname: Big Reds Head Coach: Chuck Evans Top Returning Players: Brett Bauman (Sr.);

Michael Cope (Sr.)

Clarke (Osceola) (1-9) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Michael Kline Top Returning Players: Junior Morales (Sr.); Dustin Van Loon (Sr.); Gordon Witt (Sr.)

Collins-MaxwellBaxter (4-5) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Rob Luther Top Returning Players: Bryce Kemp (Sr.);

Nick Littell (Sr.); Clayton Weltha (Sr.)

Davis County (Bloomfield) (5-5) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Joe Rasmussen Top Returning Players: Mac Chilton (Sr.);

Connor Davidson (Sr.); Justin Utt (Sr.)

North Polk (9-2) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Evan Groepper

District 7

Outlook This district will, for the most part, be fairly balanced. But one team, not surprisingly, stands out among the rest. Albia made a thrilling run to last year’s state semifinals and gave Waukon all it could handle, and the Blue Demons should carry the banner for its district once again. The Blue Devils have to replace a lot of the talent that got them that far, but head coach Jerry Staton has a well-established track record of putting together winning teams; he comes into the season with 255 coaching victories. The offense took the brunt of the graduation losses, with new starters stepping in at quarterback, tailback and wide receiver. But Luke Sarver should provide a solid ground game after running for 580 yards and 7 touchdowns as the team’s third back last year. But the true heart of this team will be the defense, which returns seven starters, a dominant group that camped out in opposing backfield all year in 2013. Blake Bayer, Bryce Leshen, Blake Lawless, Sarver, Justin Bossard, Hunter Weldon and Carter Isley combined to make 67 tackles for loss a year ago; Bayer also led the team with 4 interceptions. That core should make it incredibly difficult for any offense to score, which should allow the Blue Devil offense some time to sort itself out without much pressure. Davis County (Bloomfield) may be a sleeper this season after breaking even with a 5-5 record last year. Justin Utt is back under center after passing for just over 1,000 yards and nine

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) albia blue demons 2) davis county mustangs 3) north polk comets 4) c-m-b raiders

Top Returning Players: Blake Brauer (Sr.);

Matt Cox (Sr.); Carter Hartwig (Jr.)

Pcm (monroe) (4-6) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Greg Bonnett Top Returning Players: Logan Gilman (Jr.); Ronnie Marshall (Sr.); Luke Pendroy (Sr.)

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touchdowns in 2013, although he’ll need to develop a rapport with new receivers now that his favorite target, Connor Young, has graduated. Utt also ran for another 655 yards on the ground. The defense returns seven starters, led by Connor Davidson and Mac Chilton. Davidson led the team with 63 tackles and 16 stops for loss. Others who were good at getting penetration were Utt and Ben Kincart, who combined to put up 14.5 tackles behind the line. North Polk comes off a 9-2 season and hopes to be a team that can reload. Tailback Matt Cox gained some of experience last season and returns after running for 600 yards and five touchdowns. The Comets’ biggest problem will be finding answers on defense, where Blake Brauer is the only returning starter. Collins-Maxwell-Baxter lost some solid offensive skill players but can lean its the defense to stay in games as it figures things out offensively. Clayton Weltha led the defense with 85 tackles last season and, with the return of Bryce Kemp, Nick Littell and Brady Stover, the Raiders will have some much-needed experience on defense. This could be one of the more balanced districts in the state, but the Blue Devils of Albia get the edge because of its strong defense. But most district members have to feel they have at least a chance to make the playoffs. See how it all unfolds this season with Sports Spotlight!

albia

Photo by Tork Mason

District 8

Outlook Kuemper Catholic rolled through its district on the way to a state championship last fall, but District 8 could be a different story. The Knights lost an exceptional senior class, the absence of which making a repeat extremely unlikely. And with the whole-grade sharing arrangement between Prairie Valley and Southeast Webster to create Southeast Valley, there could be a legitimate challenger to the Knights’ reign. For Kuemper, Adam Schleisman and Blake Hinners lead the short list of top returners on defense. Schleisman, of course, will always be remembered in Knight Country for kicking the game-winning field goal in the title game. Cody Weitl will get more carries out of the backfield. To repeat even a district title this year, the Knights will have to depend on players making their first appearances under the lights in a varsity game. Southeast Valley represents a near-perfect storm. Prairie Valley went 6-4 in Class 1A last season, but lost leading rushers Austin Promes and Austin Wood, as well as leading tackler Clayton Taylor, to graduation. Enter sophomore tailback Tristan Ewing, who ran for 1,146 yards and 13 touchdowns, and sophomore linebacker Daniel Eslick, who tallied 120 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss while playing for Southeast Webster last fall. Ewing will team up with senior tailback Ryan True, who rushed for 445 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2013. That duo will give the Jaguars a formidable ground game and give head

coach Mike Swieter time to solve seemingly the only problem not solved through the wholegrade share: develop a new quarterback. And on defense, there were seven starters from Prairie Valley’s defense coming back, and Eslick gives the unit a true dominant performer. East Sac County returns quarterback Ty Jacobsen, who passed for nearly 1,200 yards and 14 touchdown passes. Nick Snyder will try to give the ground game a boost, and if he succeeds, the Raiders could turn their 4-5 2013 record into six or seven wins and a run at the district title. Cameron Allen and Damon Cook are the top returners on defense as the duo posted 114 tackles combined. Clarinda will look to Luke Strong and Jett Kettwick in the running game, which is a solid strategy after the pair ran for 1,122 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013. But the Cardinals need to gain some balance through the air this season if they want to challenge for more than just the final playoff berth. The defense should be the strength, with eight starters back from last season, including Trey Stickler, JJ Clark, Jared DeVoe, Kyle Holmes and Kettwick. The first pick to win the district, on the surface, would be Kuemper Catholic. But there are a lot of variables at play, both from the Knights’ perspective and that of the rest of the district. But for now, the crown belongs to Kuemper until the Knights are dethroned. Stay tuned to all of the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) KUEMPER CATHOLIC KNIGHTS 2) east sac county raiders 3) clarinda cardinals 4) southeast valley jaguars

class 2a

District Teams

Clarinda (4-6)

Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Mark Schilb Top Returning Players: JJ Clark (Sr.); Jett

Kettwick (Sr.); Luke Strong (Sr.)

East Sac County (4-5) Nickname: Raiders Head Coach: Eric McCollough Top Returning Players: Cameron Allen (Jr.);

Ty Jacobsen (Sr.); Nick Snyder (Sr.)

Kuemper Catholic (Carroll) (14-0) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Chad Klein Top Returning Players: Blake Hinners (Jr.);

Adam Schleisman (Sr.)

Red Oak (3-7) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Barry Bower Top Returning Players: Colin Bruce (Jr.);

Brock Isaacson (Sr.); Hayden VanMeter (Sr.)

Shenandoah (3-6) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Bryan Diekmann Top Returning Players: Logan Roberts (Sr.);

Taylor Rogers (Jr.); James Valquier (Sr.)

Southeast Valley (Gowrie) (new school) Nickname: Jaguars Head Coach: Mike Swieter Top Returning Players: Daniel Eslick (Sr.);

Tristan Ewing (So.); Ryan True (Sr.)

West Central Valley (Stuart) (3-6) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Tony Hooper Top Returning Players: Alex Coover (Sr.);

Chris Irlmeier (Sr.); Bryce Kearns (Sr.)

Luke Strong Clarinda

Photo courtesy of Clarinda High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

coy

roussell

junior, west delaware (manchester) Class 3A Preseason Player of the Year

Photo courtesy of Janette Voss

Photo courtesy of Doug Winkowitsch

By Elizabeth Robinson

Football isn’t all about touchdowns. It’s not all about tackling, completing a pass or getting a firstdown. It’s about discipline. It’s about hard work. It’s about respect and brotherhood. Success on top of all of that – that’s an added bonus. For West Delaware’s Coy Roussell, the bond he’s created with his teammates has led him to success on the gridiron that’s ranked top in the state. Last year, Roussell had a standout season and finished second in rushing in Class 3A with 1,730 yards. He was only a sophomore. “At the beginning, I was pretty nervous because it was varsity level and I wasn’t quite used to it yet,” Roussell said. “But it helped that I was close to the upperclassmen and we all bonded together and it made it a lot easier for me. It was just making sure all the holes were right and we just kind of worked pretty well together.” Roussell was young and inexperienced. He was quickly moved up to play with the sophomore team as a freshman, but he was still unfamiliar with the speed, intensity and size of the varsity level. But there was something about Roussell – a sort of relentlessness. He knew the stakes were higher, the competition was fiercer and the expectations were greater. With that as motivation, Roussell took off. “Everyone knew he was going to be good, but we didn’t know how good or what he was going to do when he got up to the varsity level,” senior quarterback Brent Lammers said. “It was our Decorah game, no one was really playing well, and in the second half we gave Coy the ball and he showed everyone what he could do with it. He had a hell of a game.” Over the course of the season, Roussell began

to gel with his team. He saw more playing time, adapted to the heightened level of varsity play and formed friendships that benefited him on and off the field. The strength of West Delaware’s offensive line helped propel Roussell to a breakthrough season, and Lammers — a three-year varsity starter — was a threat to any defense. As opponents tried to defend Lammers’ arm and West Delaware’s passing game, Roussell had more opportunities to shine. “That was a big part of Coy last year,” West Delaware head coach Doug Winkowitsch said. “If you want to try to stop Coy then you’re going to have to stop Brent’s arm, and if you want to stop our passing game then Coy’s going to get the ball a lot. I don’t want to call them a dynamic duo, but they’re going to be quite a duo.” It’s not just their exceptional athletic abilities that make Roussell and Lammers work well together, though. A lot of their connections on the field could be attributed to their connection off the field. Both players experienced the leap from freshman-level play to varsity in a short amount of time. Both know the feeling of leaving behind your classmates and joining the upper ranks. Both understand the importance of having your teammate’s back. After Roussell became more active on the varsity team, a friendship formed between the two. Whether they’re in the backfield cracking jokes or strategizing in practice, they’ve helped each other, fed off each other’s success and had fun doing it. “You have to be friends with everyone to be able to want to win and want to succeed,” Roussell said. “It helps me just by being comfortable with everyone. We can still mess around and have fun, but we can get work done when we need to.”

This season, Roussell will be more familiar, more adept and more of a threat. He’ll also be more of a leader. For the first time since eighth grade, Roussell can call his classmates his teammates. He’ll be with players his own age and will be able to form an even stronger bond with his teammates as a result. But he knows the transition they’ll go through as they move to the varsity level. It’s one that he was able to move through and overcome in impeccable fashion. Now, Roussell will be charged with the responsibility to help his classmates adapt to that change and help them bond as a team. “I’m hoping to help everyone on if they need it, and just making sure that they know it’s a bigger step, but it’s still manageable and they all have the ability to do what they need to do,” Roussell said. “I’m just excited to be on the varsity level with all those guys and the grade above us too. Our grades are pretty close and this should be a fun year.” With Roussell’s team-focused attitude and his speed and agility, he’s expected to have another successful season as a player, teammate and leader. Despite his somewhat quiet nature, Roussell’s success on the field speaks volumes about his attitude and work ethic – qualities that will make a big impact on his team, district and the state. “I think the biggest thing that he brings to this team is that relentless attitude,” Coach Winkowitsch said. “He refuses to get tackled. He’s a very strong individual. He’s got a motor that doesn’t stop. I think when his teammates see him running and being that physical and having that relentless attitude it’ll carry over to the other guys.”

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Volume 2 Issue 10

CLASS 3A TEAM All-State

Overview

PRESEASON

Offense Pos QB QB RB RB RB WR WR OL OL OL OL OL K

Name

Brady Brandsfield Jared Gescheidler Noah Clayberg Chase Dobson Coy Roussell Luke Greenslade T.J. Hockenson

School Norwalk Gilbert Pella Nevada West Delaware Norwalk Chariton

Brandon Bahlmann Waverly-Shell Rock

Anthony Clayton Grinnell Tommy Peterson Washington Jacob Sandoz Sgt. Bluff-Luton Logan Linderbaum Solon Karson Olerich Norwalk

Yr SO SR JR SR JR JR JR JR SR SR SR SR SR

DEfense Pos DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB DB P

Name

Garret Jansen Tama Leutele

School Pella Washington

Logan Linderbaum Solon

Julio Sanchez Jeff Knupp Andrew Ragsdale Brady Ross Tyler Smith Jake Hovden Will Whiton Jaxon Heinz Sean Houston

Grinnell Washington Waverly-Shell Rock

Humboldt SC Heelan Decorah Perry Humboldt Denison-Schleswig

Yr SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR

Class 3A will have a whole new look in 2013. Nearly 10 years ago, Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) made the decision to drop to Class 3A instead of playing up a class, and now three more Catholic schools have joined them. Cedar Rapids Xavier, Davenport Assumption and Dubuque Wahlert will make that same change this season, which could have a big impact on the balance of power in Class 3A going forward. The Crusaders won the Class 3A championship in 2013 and usually find a way to make a deep run into the playoffs each season. The Crusaders might not boast the same lethal aerial attack now that quarterback Trent Solsma and wideout Connor Niles have graduated, but they’ll still be a force to be reckoned with in the western half of the state. Tailback Tony Tobin rushed for 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns last fall, and he could see his role become even more prominent if the Crusaders put more focus on the ground game. One district stands out as one of the most difficult in some time and that is District 4. Cedar Rapids Xavier, Central Clinton (DeWitt), Dubuque Wahlert, Maquoketa, Marion, Solon and Western Dubuque (Epworth) make up the district. There have been seasons where all four teams out of a district won their first round playoff games, and fans might see that happen in this case. Even a team that finishes fifth in this district could be good enough to win a playoff game. Harlan has as much tradition as any school in the state and will lead the charge in District 8, but this may not be a typical Cyclone team. Legendary head coach Curt Bladt, who stands at second all-time with 382 wins, has a lot of holes to fill and simply might not have the same horses he’s often had as he enters his 37th season.

Pella will be a major factor in Class 3A this fall. The Little Dutch bring back quarterback Noah Clayberg, who is a double threat with his arm and legs — he accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and 26 touchdowns as a sophomore — and Nathan Henry is back in the backfield after running for 848 yards and 5 scores as a sophomore. The Little Dutch also return 7 starters from a good defense that allowed just 11.2 points per game a year ago. Humboldt might fly under the radar in most of the state, but those in District 2 will surely learn more about them. Brady Ross will lead the Wildcats both sides of the ball and Jaxon Heinz is back under center. That duo, and a solid defense, could be enough for the Wildcats to make a deep postseason run this fall. Class 3A Preseason Player of the Year Coy Roussell and quarterback Brent Lammers could put West Delaware (Manchester) into the mix, as well. Roussell is the top returning rusher in the state, and he’s still got two more years in a Hawks uniform.Norwalk might not challenge for a spot at the UNI-Dome, but the Warriors return a young arm in Brady Brandsfield who, as a freshman, threw for 1,800-plus yards and 20 touchdowns. Coy Roussell of West Delaware led the best of the returning running backs after running for 1,700 yards and 21 scores last season. This is usually a fairly unpredictable class, and with a slew of new potential powerhouses in the east, it just might become even more so. Stay tuned as the season unfolds to see which teams emerge as true contenders this fall with Sports Spotlight!

Get more Pigskin Preview. Download the extended online verison at issuu.com/sportsspotlight or scan the QR code to see district prooles and predictions for all classes and even more photos!

tony tobin

bishop heelan (sioux city) Volume 1 Issue 12 Photo by Tork Mason

class 3a

District Teams

Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) (14-0) Nickname: Crusaders Head Coach: Roger Jansen

Top Returning Players: Tyler Smith (Sr.);

Tucker Spears (Sr.); Tony Tobin (Sr.)

Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley (10-2) Nickname: Nighthawks Head Coach: Cory Brandt Top Returning Players: Ashton Kooiker (Jr.); Omar Mejia (Sr.); Trevor Zuetenhorst (Sr.)

Denison-Schleswig (1-8) Nickname: Monarchs Head Coach: Chad Van Kley Top Returning Players: Sean Houston (Sr.),

Mitch Kinsey (Sr.), Jade Pauley (Sr.)

LeMars (3-7) Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Gabe Tardive Top Returning Players: Tyler Borchers (Sr.);

Beau Ohm (Sr.); Tyler Pauley (Sr.)

Sergeant Bluff-Luton (5-4) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Justin

Smith

Top Returning Players: Taylor Christensen

District 1

Outlook Bishop Heelan has held the western part of the Class 3A in a vice grip for nearly a decade, and that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. Fresh off a state championship, the Crusaders look ready to at least make a push to return to the title bout, even after losing several important contributors from last year’s championship squad. Look for the running game to be a bigger part of the Crusaders’ game plans this season. Senior tailback Tony Tobin ran for 1,218 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, but expect him to be the focal point in 2014. Wideout Tucker Spears is back on the outside, too. Spears pulled in 32 receptions for 527 yards and 5 scores last season. Defensively, Tyler Smith and Joe Kayl will lead the charge. They tallied 80 and 62 tackles, respectively, and Smith recorded 16.5 tackles for loss. In all, the Crusaders bring back five of their top 11 tacklers from 2013. Sergeant Bluff-Luton has experience in the backfield with Matt George and Connor Imming, who combined for nearly 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground last fall. Austin Evans also chipped in 354 rushing yards and 2 scores. Taylor Christensen was second in tackles on the team last season and returns to lead on that side of the ball. He made 78 stops with 4.5 tackles for loss, and he’ll be joined by several returning

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) bishop heelan crusaders 2) sergeant bluff-luton warriors 3) boyden-hull/rv nighthawks 4) spencer tigers

(Sr.); Matt George (Jr.); Connor Imming (Sr.)

Spencer (8-3) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Jim Tighe Top Returning Players: John Greer (Sr.); Trey

Hookfin (Sr.); Reagan Wilson (Sr.)

Storm Lake (2-7) Nickname: Tornadoes Head Coach: Craig Lyon Top Returning Players: Eric Broich (Sr.); Amer Damanhoury (Sr.); Ron Duque (Sr.)

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m.

Volume 1 Issue 12

starters, including Jacob Sandoz. Sandoz led the team with 7 tackles for loss a year ago Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley won a district title in Class 2A last year, and this year take on a new challenge. The Nighthawks will rely on the 1-2 defensive punch of Trevor Zeutenhorst and Ashton Kooiker, who combined for 183 stops last season, as well as four other returning starters. Offensively, Omar Mejia will be counted on more out of the backfield after rushing for nearly 700 yards and 11 scores last season. He’s the only key skill position player back after last season. Spencer lost several big pieces of its running game, but John Greer has one final season left after running for nearly 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns as a junior for the Tigers. Head coach Jim Tighe’s task will be finding another couple threats out of the backfield to make his ground-and-pound offense effective. Reagan Wilson, Trey Hookfin and Jacob Sandvig are the heart of the Tigers’ defense. The trio tallied 167 tackles in 2013. Malik Rasch and Greer also have a nose for the ball in the secondary, as they picked off 7 passes in 2013. This district could be wide-open after the top spot, but the title is Heelan’s to lose at this point. Follow this district race throughout the season with Sports Spotlight!

John greer spencer

Photo courtesy of Spencer High School

District 2

Outlook Looking at what each team did in 2013, this is perhaps the toughest district in Class 3A. Three teams won eight games a year ago, and most of those teams will contend for a playoff bid again this fall, setting up an exciting year in District 2. Humboldt looks primed to at least challenge for a district title, if not a trip to the UNI-Dome, with the return of tailback Brady Ross. Ross ran for 1,248 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, all while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Jaxon Heinz also brings experience at quarterback. The Wildcats’ defense will be very strong, with Ross leading the way, along with Adam Mickelson, Kenny Kuyper, Geoff Bruder who combined for 269 tackles. Nine of the Wildcats’ top 12 tacklers from a year ago will be on the field this fall. Heinz also picked off five passes, giving the Wildcats a ball hawk in the secondary. Carroll has Addison Ross back under center, giving the Tigers one of the district’s best quarterbacks. Ross passed for just over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns a year ago, and two of his favorite targets — Eli Cleveland and Peyton Renning — return, as well. The Tigers need to find a running game, though. Their top three rushers from last year are all gone, leaving a 1,953-yard- and 27-touchdown-sized void in the offense. Finding balance is critical for the Tigers,

because the defense also has a lot of questions marks, even with Ben Wellendorf — who tallied 111 tackles and 13.5 stops for loss in 2013 — back in the fold. Webster City is known for its running game, but there are no proven entities on the roster as the Lynx prepare for this season. All of their top rushers from last season are gone, leaving sophomore Drew Fielder as the top returner, and he ran for just 102 yards as a freshman. If Perry can build around Will Whiton and Nic Wilhelmi, the Bluejays should make the playoffs. Whiton is one of the state’s best playmakers, and he put up 1,906 yards of total offense while accounting for 18 total touchdowns last season. But if the Bluejays are going to improve on their 4-5 record of a year ago, someone will need to take some of the burden off Whiton’s shoulders. Wilhelmi, Blake Jans and Whiton provide the core for what could be an improved defense. Wilhelmi mad 109 stops a year ago, while Jans and Whiton combined to make 104 tackles. Chase Carrick didn’t stuff the tackle chart, but he did make 10 stops for loss and 3 sacks last year. A couple other teams could challenge to make the playoffs, but the top four looks clear, barring injuries and surprise performances. Stay up to date on all of the action with Sports Spotlight!

class 3a Teams

Algona (2-7)

Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Andy Jacobson Top Returning Players: Chandler Holmes

(Sr.), Trevor Loeschen (Sr.)

Boone (8-2) Nickname: Toreadors Head Coach: Mark Camenisch Top Returning Players: Tyler Stotts (Sr.),

Jaymen Tedrow (Sr.),

Carroll (8-3) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Dennis McCartan Top Returning Players: Eli Cleveland (Sr.);

Addison Ross (Sr.); Ben Wellendorf (Sr.)

Greene County (5-5) Nickname: Rams Head Coach: Dean Lansman Top Returning Players: Joe Doran (Sr.); Dylan

Hamilton (Sr.); Daric Whipple (Jr.)

Humboldt (6-4)

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) humboldt wildcats 2) carroll tigers 3) Webster City lynx 4) perry blue jays

District

Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Greg Thomas Top Returning Players: Geoff Bruder (Sr.);

Jaxon Heinz (Sr.); Brady Ross (Sr.)

Perry (4-5) Nickname: Bluejays Head Coach: Jason Olejniczak Top Returning Players: Blake Jans (Sr.); Will

Whiton (Sr.); Nic Wilhelmi (Sr.)

Webster City (8-2) Nickname: Lynx Head Coach: Bob Howard Top Returning Players: Gavin Dinsdale (Sr.),

Drew Fielder (So.), Rylee Lawson (Sr.)

Will Whiton Perry

Photo courtesy of James Kramer/The Des Moines Register

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 3a

District Teams Charles City (2-7) Nickname: Comets Head Coach: Darren Bohlen

Top Returning Players: Brian Foster (Sr.),

Dylan Isakson (Sr.)

Crestwood (Cresco) (5-5) Nickname: Cadets Head Coach: Chris Lentz Top Returning Players: Jared Bergan (Jr.);

Tristen Bohr (Jr.); Tyler Thomas (Sr.)

Decorah (11-1) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Bill Post Top Returning Players: Jake Hovden (Sr.);

Jacob Leeps (Sr.); Eric Syverson (Sr.)

Independence (4-5) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Brandon Krusey Top Returning Players: Colin Butzloff (Jr.);

Nicholas Holt (Jr.); Jake Juel (Jr.)

Vinton-Shellsburg (2-7) Nickname: Vikings Head Coach: Jim Womochil Top Returning Players: Joel Barnes (Jr.); Nick

Hyland (Jr.); Michael Neal (Sr.)

Waverly-Shell Rock (7-4) Nickname: Go-Hawks

District 3

Outlook There’s a fair amount of tradition in District 3, as West Delaware, Decorah and Waverly-Shell Rock are all grouped together for the next two years. That should provide fans with an exciting race for the district title. West Delaware is set to make noise this fall and could be a sleeper state title contender. They bring back plenty of talent, headlined by Sports Spotlight Class 3A Preseason Player of the Year, Coy Roussell. Roussell tore up defenses as a sophomore, to the tune of 1,730 yards and 21 touchdowns; he did all of that while averaging an astounding 9.3 yards per carry, and is just one of three returning players who finished in the top 10 in rushing last fall. But the Hawks aren’t just a one-man show. Quarterback Brent Lammers accounted for 2,128 yards of total offense and 29 touchdowns. He’ll work with new receivers this year, but Lammers remains a threat to any defense. The Hawks return just four of their top 11 tacklers from 2013, but Lammers is a key player on defense, as well. He’s the top returning tackler, with 66 total stops and 12 tackles for loss a year ago, and he also picked off a pair of passes. Austin Bishop and Ryan Solomon are also back after piling up 65 and 59 tackles, respectively. Waverly-Shell Rock could have a very balanced team this fall if a few fresh faces adjust to their new roles quickly. Quarterback Jake Velky will lead the charge for the Go-Hawks. The senior passed for 1,389 yards and 16 touchdowns while

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) west delaware hawks 2) waverly-shell rock go-hawks 3) decorah vikings 4) crestwood cadets

Head Coach: Mark Hubbard Top Returning Players: Brandon Bahlmann (Sr.), Andrew Ragsdale (Sr.), Jake Velky (Sr.)

West Delaware (Manchester) (9-2) Nickname: Hawks Head Coach: Doug Winkowitsch Top Returning Players: Brent Lammers (Sr.);

Coy Roussell (Jr.); Ryan Solomon (Sr.)

Jake Hovden Volume 1 Issue 12

running for 665 yards and another 7 scores. Andrew Ragsdale will be asked do more in the running game after running for 483 yards and 3 scores in backup duty last fall. Ragsdale and Brandon Bahlmann will team up to lead the defense. Ragsdale made an astounding 172 tackles to lead the team in 2013, including 14.5 stops for loss; Bahlman finished second with 93 tackles and made 13.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. Velky made just 9 tackles in 2013, but he pulled down 4 interceptions, taking one of them back for a touchdown. Under head coach Bill Post, Decorah always seems to contend. They’ll have to replace many of their top players from 2013, but Jake Hovden is a solid two-way player. Hovden ran for 440 yards and 8 scores last fall, and he also tallied 47 tackles on defense. Jacob Leeps is the top returning tackler after making 52 stops in 2013. Crestwood hopes to be part of the playoff picture after a 5-5 2013 season, but will have to depend on a crop of underclassmen. Tyler Thomas is the Cadets’ top returning offensive player after running for 345 yards and 5 touchdowns. He averaged 7 yards per carry as the third option, though, so he could be poised for a breakout senior season. There’s not much hope for most of this district. There are three strong programs at the top that will surely be playing in late October, leaving just one spot for the other five teams. Follow all the action with Sports Spotlight!

Decorah

Photo courtesy of Decorah High School

District 4

Outlook This district is the one that will see the most change as a result of the eastern Class 4A private schools electing to drop down to Class 3A — both Cedar Rapids Xavier and Dubuque Wahlert will play in District 4 this fall — and it could represent a major shift in the balance of power in the east. Cedar Rapids Xavier was one of the schools that decided to change classes by choice. They previously chose to play up a class and the Saints had one of the top programs in Class 4A over the past 10 years. The Saints lost the overwhelming majority of their starters from last year’s Class 4A runner-up team, but head coach Duane Schulte always finds a way to put together a strong defense. Nic Ekland returns after leading the team with 60 tackles last season. Solon has been one of the very best programs in Class 2A and Class 3A for nearly a decade, and the Spartans will now face the test of taking on Xavier for the next two seasons. Tailback Brandon Kramer returns after running for 1,175 yards and 8 touchdowns last fall; he should play an even more prominent role now that quarterback Jacob Black has graduated. Defense is always a staple of Solon squads, and Connor Ham and Logan Linderbaum are set to lead that unit after combining to make 92 tackles and 8 stops for loss in 2013. Ham also made 3 interceptions last fall. Central Clinton will lean on its defense, as every major offensive contributor played their

final downs last season. Ryan Burke and Lucas Daniels will lead the defensive charge; the duo posted 105 tackles a year ago, and they’ll be joined by three other returning starters. Marion will count on their strength on the lines both offensively and defensively. The offensive line should be able to open holes for tailback Kory Walsh, who ran for 448 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2013; with more carries, he could emerge as one of the district’s best backs. Deshaun Quinn is back on defense after leading the team with 50 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 6 sacks last season. Even among teams that aren’t likely to make the playoffs, there are few easy outs. Maquoketa won 7 games in 2013 and brings back tailback Jacob Kloft, who ran for 744 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. Western Dubuque has Nolan Baumhover under center; he passed for 1,278 yards and 11 scores, and is one of the best passers in the district. And Dubuque Wahlert boast tailback Riley Hasken, who rushed for 754 yards a year ago. There is no doubt that this district will be competitive, based on the history of the teams over the years, but the question is who will prevail and be able to maintain that tradition in the seasons to come? Find out the answers to those questions and more by following Sports Spotlight this fall!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) cedar rapids xavier saints 2) solon spartanS 3) central clinton Sabers 4) Marion indians

class 3a

District Teams

Cedar Rapids Xavier (12-2)

Nickname: Saints Head Coach: Duane Schulte Top Returning Players: Nik Ekland (Sr.)

Central Clinton (DeWitt) (4-6) Nickname: Sabers Head Coach: Michael Miller Top Returning Players: Ryan Burke (Sr.);

Lucas Daniels (Sr.); Logan Sheppard (Sr.)

Dubuque Wahlert (2-7) Nickname: Golden Eagles Head Coach: Travis Zajac Top Returning Players: Nate Gerlach (Sr.),

Riley Hasken (Sr.),

Maquoketa (7-4) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Kevin Bowman Top Returning Players: Jacob Kloft (Jr.); La

Donta Lewis (Sr.); Evan Sutton (SR)

Marion (4-6) Nickname: Indians Head Coach: Tony Perkins Top Returning Players: Deshaun Quinn (Sr.);

Devin Quinn (Sr.); Kory Walsh (Jr.)

Solon (11-2) Nickname: Spartans Head Coach: Kevin Miller Top Returning Players: Connor Ham (Sr.);

Brandon Kramer (Sr.); Jackson Rushek (Sr.)

Western Dubuque (Epworth) (4-6) Nickname: Bobcats Head Coach: Brian Kuhle Top Returning Players: Nolan Baumhover

(Sr.); Andrew Meyer (Sr.); Luke Pothoff (Sr.)

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m.

Brandon Kramer Solon

Photo by Tork Mason

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 3a

District Teams

Clear Creek-Amana (4-5) Nickname: Clippers Co-Head Coaches:

Matt Hughes and Ronnie Hughes

Top Returning Players: Aaron Akers (Jr.),

Tanner Bandy (Sr.), Stephen Jensen (Sr.)

Davenport Assumption (9-2) Nickname: Knights Head Coach: Wade King Top Returning Players: Joe Argo (Jr.); Chase

Hager (Sr.); Jake Poster (Sr.)

FairfIeld (4-6) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach: Mike Schenck Top Returning Players: Cameron Bauman (So.), Alex Crile (Jr.); Nick Jackson (Sr.)

Fort Madison (2-7) Nickname: Bloodhounds Head Coach: Todd McGhghy Top Returning Players: Kameron Cooper (Jr.)

Keokuk (4-5) Nickname: Chiefs Head Coach: Doug Dodds Top Returning Players: Noah Dunlap (Jr.);

Kolton Marlin (Jr.); Dakota Shaw (Sr.)

Mount Pleasant (0-9) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Shawn Striegel Top Returning Players: Ben Canby (Sr.); Tyler Ruby (Sr.); Austin Smith (Sr.); Spencer White (Sr.)

District 5

Outlook This is another district that will feel the effects of change between Class 3A and Class 4A. Davenport Assumption joins the district after winning nine games in the Mississippi Athletic Conference a year ago, and the Knights look like the clear favorites to win the district in 2014. The Knights have a lot of holes to fill on offense, but their defense is what will win them a lot of games this fall. They bring back six of their top 11 tacklers, including Jake Poster and Chase Hager, who combined to make 172 tackles and 17 tackles for loss a year ago. That should buy head coach Wade King plenty of time to sort the offense out. Washington had an exceptional 2013 season, playing its way all the way to the UNI-Dome and the state championship game. The Demons came off as a workman-like team last year, and that attitude should help them try to overcome the losses of running backs Alex Coker and Tanner Knupp — who was the hero of the Demons’ 14-9 semifinal win over Solon — to graduation. Quarterback Darryn Seibelius will be the feature player offensively after piling up 1,711 yards of total offense and 21 touchdowns. Defensively, Jeff Knupp leads the way after finishing second on the team with 86 tackles. But the defensive line is where the Demons’ strength will truly lie. Tama Leutele, Thomas Bump and Tommy Peterson all return after combining for 37 tackles for loss in 2013. This will be another salty defensive unit, and that will be more than enough

for Washington to reach the playoffs again. It will be interesting to see how the final two spots shake out, as the remaining teams in the district all need to improve from last season’s performances to be viable in the playoffs. Fairfield and Clear Creek-Amana look to be in the best position with some experience returning at key positions. Clear Creek-Amana should improve on defense with their top three tacklers back, led by Stephen Jensen and his 101 tackles, including 52 solo stops, from 2013. The Clippers’ offense will have at least some flash to it, as running back Tanner Bandy and quarterback Nile Rourke both return after combining for 857 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns last fall. Fairfield will be trying to improve on its 4-6 record from last fall, and sophomore signal-caller Cameron Baumann will be a big part of that effort. Baumann passed for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman, and the entire backfield is back as well. If the Trojans improve on defense, they should be competitive. Mount Pleasant, Fort Madison and Keokuk will all be trying to improve, but none are likely to reach the playoffs this season. The upper echelon of this district is clear, and the battle at the top between Washington and Davenport Assumption on Oct. 24 could be a classic. Stay tuned to all the action as it unfolds this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Davenport assumption knights 2) washington demons 3) fairfIeld Trojans 4) clear creek-amana clipperS

Washington (12-1) Nickname: Demons Head Coach: Garrison Carter Top Returning Players: Jeff Knupp (Sr.); Tama

Leutele (Sr.); Daryn Seibelius (Sr.)

Jake Poster Volume 1 Issue 12

Davenport Assumption Photo courtesy of Mike Ruefer

District 6

Outlook This could be a very balanced district, with all but one team posting at least four victories last year and three teams that won eight games. A couple of schools are bumping up from Class 2A, and both should be competitive in one of the state’s toughest districts. Gilbert is one of the teams moving up a class this season, and fans can expect the Tigers to make a run at the district title with Jared Gescheidler under center. Gescheidler passed for 1,362 yards and ran for 1,114 more, while tallying 28 total touchdowns, and gives the Tigers an elite dual-threat option at quarterback. Tailback Zach Becker also ran for 1,000 yards and scored 15 times. And Gescheidler’s top targets, Wyatt Rhoads and Dax Hatfield, are back after combining for 38 receptions, 826 yards and 7 touchdowns. This offense is loaded for bear, and should power the Tigers to a top playoff seed. The Gilbert defense will be stout, as well. Gescheilder led the team with 103 tackles, but six other starters are back this fall, too, all of whom finished with at least 37 stops a year ago. Hatfield led the team with 4 interceptions, followed by Rhoads and Jackson Breen, who both had 3 picks. Grinnell will have to fill some key skill positions, but the Tigers have their top two tacklers back in Kyle Moore and Julio Sanchez, who combined for 293 stops in 2013, and Sanchez made 16 tackles for loss. They’ll lead a defense with eight returning starters, including five other players who made at least 65 tackles a year ago.

There are a lot of question marks on offense for Grinnell, but wideout Luke Honold will give the new quarterback an elite downfield target. He caught 51 passes for 892 yards and 12 touchdowns last fall. Newton has the weapons on offense to improve and reach the playoffs this fall. Quarterback Tyler Wood threw for 1,063 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2013, and he also ran for 504 yards and 5 scores. The Cardinals’ top two running backs, Deonne Harris and Jeff Thongvanh, are both back after running for 1,001 yards and 8 scores. All of Wood’s receivers are back, headlined by Nick Easley, who put up 517 yards and caught 9 touchdown passes last fall. Bondurant-Farrar also moves up from Class 2A this year and return Grant Petersen in the backfield. Petersen ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, and he’ll be the player defenses focus on this year. Cole Schlenker will lead the defense after racking up 68 tackles and 12 tackles for loss last season, which was secondbest on the team. Nevada is another school moving up from Class 2A this season, and the Cubs could challenge for a playoff bid. Tailback Chase Dobson is a force to be reckoned with after running for 2,057 yards and 18 scores last year. This district is as deep as any, and there should be plenty of offensive fireworks this fall. Keep up with all the action this season with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION

class 3a

District Teams

Ballard (Huxley) (5-5)

Nickname: Bombers Head Coach: Al Christian Top Returning Players: Ben Claussen (Sr.);

Isaiah Johnson (Sr.), Marcus Johnson (Sr.)

Benton Community (Van Horne) (2-7) Nickname: Bobcats Head Coach: Kal Goodchild Top Returning Players: Gage Hartl (Jr.); Drew

Kithcart (Sr.), Riley Pfiffner (So.)

Bondurant-Farrar (8-3) Nickname: Blue Jays Head Coach: Brad Kjar Top Returning Players: Jarrid Clark (Jr.);

Grant Petersen (Sr.), Cole Schlenker (Jr.)

Gilbert (8-4) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Scott Auderer Top Returning Players: Zach Becker (Jr.);

Jared Gescheidler (Sr.); Wyatt Rhoads (Sr.)

Grinnell (8-4) Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Jim Dunne Top Returning Players: Luke Honold (Sr.);

1) gilbert tigers 2) grinnell tigers 3) newton cardinals 4) bondurant-farrar blue jays

Kyle Moore (Sr.); Julio Sanchez (Sr.)

Nevada (4-6) Nickname: Cubs Head Coach: John Pelzer Top Returning Players: Chase Dobson (Sr.);

Erik Fevold (Jr.); Traye Pelzer (Sr.)

Newton (4-5) Nickname: Cardinals Head Coach: Ed Ergenbright Top Returning Players: Nick Easley (Sr.);

Deonne Harris (Sr.); Tyler Wood (Sr.)

Jared Gescheidler gilbert

Photo courtesy of Gilbert High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 3a

District Teams Carlisle (4-6) Nickname: Wildcats Head Coach: Mark Hoekstra

Top Returning Players: Tyrell Erb (Sr.);

Kichanh McMullen (Sr.); Chase Shanahan (Sr.)

Chariton (4-5) Nickname: Chargers Head Coach: Curt Smyser Top Returning Players: TJ Hockenson (Jr.);

Derrick Laing (Jr.); Quin Storm (Sr.)

Knoxville (0-9) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Eric Kellar Top Returning Players: Jac Agan (Jr.); Tanner

Dunkin (Sr.); Ryan Morgan (Sr.)

Norwalk (5-5) Nickname: Warriors Head Coach: Paul Patterson Top Returning Players: Brady Brandsfield

(So.); Luke Greenslade (Sr.); Brock Schwechel (Sr.)

Oskaloosa (7-4) Nickname: Indians

District 7

Outlook There’s a very clear favorite in this district, which means Pella will have a very clear target painted on its back this fall. The Little Dutch will ride the arm and legs of quarterback Noah Clayberg, who put up 1,974 yards of total offense and 26 touchdowns for last year’s 11-1 squad. Also returning in the backfield is Nathan Henry, who ran for 848 yards and 5 scores. Senior Quinton Murphy didn’t get many carries in 2013, but he made the ones he did get count in a big way. He averaged 11.6 yards per carry and scored four times to give the Little Dutch a legitimate home run threat. Defensively, the Little Dutch have some retooling to do, but they bring back a good group of defenders to build around. That group is headlined by Mason Van Gorp, who led the team with 74 tackles and racked up 14 tackles for loss, including 5 sacks. Garret Jansen is another defender who made a living in the backfield, as he made 14.5 tackles for loss a year ago. They’ll power what should be a strong unit. Norwalk will be dangerous with the return of sophomore quarterback Brady Brandsfield, who burst on the scene last fall as he passed for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns in his freshman season. He also led the Warriors with 416 yards and a pair of touchdowns. One of his top targets, Luke Greenslade, is also back after after catching 41 balls for 649 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2013. But for the Warriors to take a significant step forward,

they’ll need to develop a ground game to support Brandsfield. Brock Schwechel led the Warriors with 124 tackles last season and will lead a defense that returns four other starters who made at least 50 stops in 2013. Carlisle returns their backfield tandem of Tyler Erb and Kichanh McMullen, who combined for nearly 2,000 yards on the ground and 28 touchdowns, while Caleb Pierce balanced it out with nearly 800 yards through the air. Chase Shanahan totaled 121 tackles and is back for his junior season at the head of the Wildcat defense. Chariton has some big holes to fill if they hope to challenge for an upper division finish and a playoff spot, but will count on Quin Storm and Bradly Krutsinger, who combined for 111 tackles, to lead the defense. Storm is also set to take over the reins at quarterback; he complete nearly 60 percent of his passes in reserve duty last year, and he’ll have All-State wideout T.J. Hockenson to throw to. Hockenson pulled down 60 reception for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall. Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Saydel will all be trying to play the role of spoiler for the upper tier, as none of those teams return enough to seriously challenge for a playoff spot, at least on paper. The big game in this district takes place on Sept. 19, when Pella hosts Norwalk; the winner could be in the driver’s seat to win the district. Follow all of the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

Head Coach: Mike Sterner Top Returning Players: Jimmy Brown

(Sr.); Riley Coniglio (Sr.); Ki-Jana DeJong (Sr.); Matt VanVeldhuizen (Sr.)

Pella (11-1) Nickname: Little Dutch Head CoacH: Jay McKinstrey Top Returning Players: Noah Clayberg (Jr.);

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) pella little dutch 2) norwalk warriors 3) carlisle wildcats 4) chariton chargers

Nathan Henry (Jr.); Mason Van Gorp (Sr.)

Saydel (1-8) Nickname: Eagles Head Coach: Jason Alons Top Returning Players: Dylan Coffin (Jr.);

Grant Sherman (Jr.); Clayton Sommers (Jr.)

Brady BrandsfIeld

Volume 1 Issue 12

Norwalk

Photo courtesy of James Kramer/The Des Moines Register

District 8

Outlook A year ago, this district would have produced a couple legitimate state title contenders. But graduation has depleted the rosters at Harlan, Dallas Center-Grimes and Creston; this district will still be competitive, but it’s unlikely that any of these teams reach the UNI-Dome this November. Perennial power Harlan will be the favorite in this district, led by legendary head coach Curt Blandt, who is second all-time in coaching victories with 382 coming into the season. This may not be your typical Cyclone team, though, which should give hope for everybody else in the district hoping to win a district title this season. The offense lost Adam Juhl and Nate Gettys, who combined to account for 3,252 yards of total offense and 41 touchdowns in 2013, and the Cyclones don’t appear to have the horses necessary to replace them. Michael Sorfonden assisted on 103 of his team-leading 134 tackles last season is back to lead Harlan on defense. After a few down seasons, Dallas CenterGrimes stepped up last season and hopes for a repeat performance this year. The Mustangs return 13 of 22 starters both sides of the football, headlined by Austin Kloewer on defense. He tallied 80 stops and pulled down 5 interceptions as a sophomore last season, and the Mustangs might have a stingy — even if a little undersized — defense again this fall. If the Mustangs can find some answers at the

offensive skill positions, they could very easily win topple Harlan and win this district. Every team after those top two have even more holes to fill, and whichever teams can get the most out of their underclassmen will likely be the ones to take the final two playoff bids. A-D-M brings back none of its offensive stars of a year ago, but do return Zach Ostendorf on defense. Ostendorf is the Tigers’ top returning tackler after piling up 88 stops a year ago, including 3.5 tackles for loss. Winterset will return their starting signalcaller in Jacob Larson, which could give the Huskies an advantage in the playoff race. Larson threw for 1,220 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2013, and his arm could be enough to carry the Huskies into the postseason. Leading tackler Nick Tank is also back; he put up 65 tackles, including 7 stops for loss, last season. Creston, Glenwood and Atlantic will all be playing in hopes of spoiling a special season for one of the top teams, but one of them could steal the last playoff bid with a few fortunate breaks. So will it be business as usual for Harlan or is there a capable team out there to break tradition, at least for a season? Find out as this season unfolds, and stay up to date on all the action with Sports Spotlight!

class 3a

District Teams

A-D-M (Adel) (4-6)

Nickname: Tigers Head Coach: Mike Whisner Top Returning Players: Zach Ostendorf (Sr.);

Logan Wendt (Sr.)

Atlantic (1-8) Nickname: Trojans Head Coach:

Eric Waldstein

Top Returning Players: Brendan Holmes (Jr.);

Brody Peterson (Sr.); Joey Walker (Sr.)

Creston (6 -4) Nickname: Panthers Head Coach: Brian Morrison Top Returning Players: Seth Maitlen (Jr.);

Connor Pals (Sr.); Cory Rathe (Sr.)

Dallas Center-Grimes (9-2) Nickname: Mustangs Head Coach: Scott Heitland Top Returning Players: Doug Heritage (Jr.);

Austin Kloewer (Sr.); Brevin Townsell (Sr.)

Glenwood (5-4) Nickname: Rams

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Harlan Cyclones 2) dallas center-grimeS mustangs 3) A-d-m Tigers 4) winterset huskies

Head Coach: Cory Faust Top Returning Players: Dru Little (Sr.);

Andrew Tilley (Sr.); Carter VonEssen (Sr.)

Harlan (10-2) Nickname: Cyclones Head Coach: Curt Bladt Top Returning Players: Will Lansman (Jr.);

Adam Rasmussen (Sr.); Michael Sorfonden (Sr.)

Winterset (3-6) Nickname: Huskies Head Coach: Zach Sweeney Top Returning Players: Jacob Larson (Sr.);

Brandon Ryerson (Sr.); Nick Tank (Sr.)

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m.

Austin Kloewer

Dallas Center-Grimes Photo courtesy of Dallas Center-Grimes High School

Volume 1 Issue 12

ryan

boyle

senior, dowling catholic Class 4A Preseason Player of the Year

Photo courtesy of James Kramer/The Des Moines Register

Photo by Tork Mason By Tork Mason

Dowling Catholic quarterback Ryan Boyle heard “the pop”. That disheartening sound that every athlete dreads. And Boyle, then an up-and-coming star in the fall of 2012, knew he wasn’t okay. “I knew, immediately, that something bad had happened in my knee,” Boyle said. “I didn’t know exactly what it was in the moment; all I knew was I wanted to get up and walk off the field, but my leg just felt like a noodle and I could barely touch it.” Shortly thereafter, Boyle was told he had torn the ACL in his right knee and his sophomore season was over after less than five games. He spent the rest of the season on the bench, watching his teammates win six-straight games without him before ultimately falling to Southeast Polk in the state quarterfinals. Boyle eventually recovered from the injury and had a breakout season as the Maroons’ signal caller in 2013. He threw for 1,833 yards and 21 touchdowns, and ran for another 1,332 yards and 24 scores while leading Dowling to a Class 4A state championship. Now entering his senior season, he has the Maroons primed for a potential repeat performance this fall. But his road to recovery wasn’t easy, even if he was determined to come back stronger than ever. “It was a gruesome process,” Boyle said. “Just learning how to walk again, squat again and run again. It was tough to do, but I think I grew up to be a better person because of it.” During his recovery, he had the help of his right tackle, Jake Kirvin, who tore an ACL against Southeast Polk a few weeks prior to Boyle’s injury.

The two went through their rehab exercises together and grew to become close friends who could keep each other going on the days where continuing to work felt impossible. Kirvin, who was a senior on last year’s championship team, said having Boyle there with him was certainly a benefit, and he gave his former quarterback a significant portion of credit for his own recovery. “Some days it was really bad, because we were wishing we were on the field,” Kirvin said. “But it was good for me to be with him during that tough time. He pushed me, I pushed him. We grew really close, and I couldn’t have done it without him. I won’t say he couldn’t have done it without me, because I know he could have. But it was a really good fit for me.” Kirvin said Boyle was undaunted in his rehab process. The intensity that Boyle put into his exercises was indicative of his desire to get back on the field and be the best player he could possibly be — it also showed just how frustrating it was for Boyle to be stuck on the sidelines. “I loved football and it was tough on me,” Kirvin said. “But it was 10 notches tougher for Ryan than it was for me.” By the time last August rolled around, Boyle looked better than ever. He admitted that he wasn’t always sure that his speed— which is a crucial aspect of his game— would ever fully return. But Dowling head coach Tom Wilson said he was never worried about that. “An ACL [injury] isn’t what it used to be; people

come back from that all the time,” Wilson said. And Kirvin said once they got back on the field, it was clear that his quarterback was just fine, even if it took a little bit of time to get used to wearing a knee brace. And that was all a result of the hard work Boyle poured into his rehab, Kirvin said. Boyle said he took on the mindset that he needed to work harder than anyone during his rehab. The injury gave him a fresh perspective on the game — and even life, in general — and how he should approach it every day. Kirven said they talked at length about what they wanted to accomplish once they got healthy, and it became a mission for the two of them to win a state championship. Wilson said Boyle and Kirvin were big reasons for the Maroons’ success last season. “I don’t think there’s any question — [Kirvin and Boyle’s desires] had a lot to do with it,” Wilson said. “Obviously, a lot of other people were important, too. But those two were just tremendous leaders for us.” That level of desire was always evident to Wilson, and it was never more apparent than when he went to Cedar Falls in November of 2012 to watch some of the games at the UNI-Dome. Wilson received a text from Boyle and he mentioned to the thensophomore that he was at the UNI-Dome and had to pay to get in. That’s when Boyle made his coach a promise that he’ll try to fulfill this season. “He texted back and told me I would never have to do that again in his career,” Wilson said.

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Volume 2 Issue 10

All-State

CLASS 4A TEAM Overview

PRESEASON

Offense Pos QB QB RB RB RB WR WR OL OL OL OL OL K

Name

Ryan Boyle Daniel Tillo Trevor Allen Sam Cook Matt Zenner Brady Ernst Ricky Grimes Jake Marnin John Raridon Royal Silver Bryce Meeker Elijah Swehla Heath Naylor

School

Yr SR SC North SR SR Waukee JR Fort Dodge Dub. Hempstead SR SR Clinton SR North Scott Southeast Polk SR JR WDM Valley CR Washington SR SR CR Prairie Dowling Catholic SR SR Ankeny Cent. Dowling Catholic

DEfense Pos DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB DB P

Name

School

Nic Ekland CR Xavier Max Morris Dowling Catholic Nick Tweeten Waukee Royal Silver CR Washington Terrance Hall CR Kennedy Deion Mikesell Southeast Polk David Smith Bettendorf Connor Vincent CR Washington Dakota BlatchfordSC East Michael Lintz Bettendorf John Milani Iowa City West Robert Neustrom SC North

Yr SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR

Iowa high school football will have a whole different look this season with the new district alignments, with the biggest change being in Class 4A. For the first time in Iowa high school football history, the class will place district football across the state. Over the years, teams playing in the Mississippi Valley and Mississippi Athletic Conference did not meet each other until the postseason. But now, they’ve mixed and matched into the four new districts. Ottumwa moves away from the CIML schools to go east and Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) moves up from Class 3A to Class 4A this season. The west will have four six-team districts, while the east will have two six-team and two five-team districts. Dowling Catholic will be everyone’s target as the defending state champions, and the Maroons should once again be one of the favorites to make the trip to Cedar Falls from the west. The Maroons return one of the top signal callers in the state in Ryan Boyle, who has committed to play at the University of Iowa next fall. Boyle combined for 3,200 yards of total offense and 45 touchdowns last season, and the Dowling defense should be as stingy as ever, with five starters returning a the promise of more talent sliding in from last year’s junior varsity ranks. But Waukee looks to be a major challenger this season. Ben Ferkin is now a junior quarterback with valuable experience, and the running game will be in great hands with the return of Trevor Allen, who ran for 1,300 yards and 20 scores as a junior. The Warriors also bring back a solid defensive core. The Maroons will be the huge favorite in District 2 while the Warriors will lead the charge

in District 4. Others to watch in the western half of 4A are West Des Moines Valley and Ankeny Centennial in District 3 and Southeast Polk in District 1. Out east, Bettendorf will be one of the favorites with many of their key skill players back in the fold, led by quarterback Cyle Cox and running back John McGlaughlin. A number of teams look ready to make some noise this season with Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Cedar Rapids Washington at the top of that list. The Warriors were very young last season and with a bevy of experience back and some other young talented faces, they shouldn’t be overlooked this season. The Cougars always seem to put together a solid team and they typically finish the season strong. Pleasant Valley, Iowa City West and Iowa City High have had some top-flight teams in recent years, but they all lost a lot of talent and don’t appear to have as many clear answers as they enter this season. Is there a sleeper team this season? There may be, but when it comes to the biggest class in the state this season, there is a clear pair of favorites on both sides of the state. Follow all the action this season and find out if another team rises up with Sports Spotlight!

Get more Pigskin Preview. Download the extended online verison at issuu.com/sportsspotlight or scan the QR code to see district prooles and predictions for all classes and even more photos!

Max Morris dowling catholic

Volume 1 Issue 12

Photo by Tork Mason

SportsSpotlight.com

PIGSKIN PREVIEW DIGITAL EDITION

Hungry for more football insider information? Check out our FREE online edition with bonus material! In addition to the in-depth features and All-State teams, the online edition has highlights of every team, with comprehensive profiles, returning starters and more photos!

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class 4a

District Teams Ames (11-1) Nickname: Little Cyclones Head coach: Bruce Vertanen

Top Returning Players: Chris Halbur (Sr.);

Hank Swalla (Sr.); Chris Woodward (Sr.)

Ankeny (4-6) Nickname:

Hawks Brad Zelenovich

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players: Brandt Butler (Jr.);

Riley Newberg (Sr.); Cole Whitaker (Sr.)

Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson (1-8) Nickname: Yellow Jackets Head coach: Mark Puev Top Returning Players: Alex Powders (Sr.);

Gage Surita (Sr.); Jason Wallace (Sr.)

Des Moines East (2-7) Nickname: Scarlets head coach: Greg Schoon Top Returning Players: Chino Alcala (Sr.);

Alex Contreras (Sr.); Y’vez Quinn (Sr.)

Sioux City North (4-6)

Division 1

Outlook District 1 should feature a familiar face at the top of the standings come playoff time. Southeast Polk has built a pretty solid tradition over the past decade and should be considered a favorite in the new district format. The rest of the district either traditionally struggles or has too many question marks to be considered true contenders this early in the year. Caleb Pavon is back for the Rams and should get a bulk of the carries out of the backfield after running for 900 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He could see much more than the 130 carries he got a year ago now that he won’t be splitting totes with Tate Christensen and Scott Ault. The Rams traditionally boast a strong defense and they return four of their top five tacklers from 2013, led by Deion Mikesell. Mikesell posted 81 total stops in 2013, including 8 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He, along with JJ Cole and Ben Bakeris, will lead the defense this fall. The kicking game is also in good shape with Treye Spencer with the extra points and field goal duties and Zach Hamilton in the punting game. Ames ran a video game offense in 2013 and owned the state’s leading passer, receiver and rusher, but all of those weapons are gone now. The Little Cyclones will look toward the defense which brings back a solid group in order to repeat their success in 2013. Hank Swalla, Chris Halbur

and Josh Engelken return with experience on the defensive side of the ball and combined for 237 tackles a year ago. Sam Rathe was busy with his foot last year kicking extra points. Ankeny was young last year and with the return of that experience, the Hawks should improve on its 4-6 record from last season. Brandt Butler and Derek Hickman combined for over 140 tackles last season and will lead the charge on defense. Cole Whitaker is a dual-threat with his arm and feet as he put up 1,475 yards of total offense and accounted for 16 touchdowns last year. Chino Alcala is another dual threat quarterback at Des Moines East, which will look to find more consistency on both sides of the ball beginning with the play in the trenches. Sioux City North may be the sleeper with a pair of solid quarterbacks in Daniel Tillo and Robert Neustrom. The Stars love to throw but will need to improve on defense if they want to make the playoffs out of this district. Southeast Polk looks like the heavy favorite to win this district, but there are plenty of interesting storylines to follow this year, especially in Ames. Keep up to date with all the latest news and action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

Nickname: Stars head coach: Jon Niemic Top Returning Players: Zachary Kraus (Sr.);

Robert Nuestrom (Sr.); Daniel Tillo (Sr.)

Southeast Polk (7-4) Nickname: Rams head coach: Denny Muller Top Returning Players: JJ Cole (Sr.); Deion

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) southeast polk rams 2) ames little cycloneS 3) ankeny hawkS 4) des moines east scarletS

Mikesell (Sr.); Caleb Pavon (Sr.)

Caleb Pavon Volume 1 Issue 12

Southeast Polk

Photo courtesy of James Kramer/The Des Moines Register

Division 2

Outlook Dowling Catholic is often the favorite in its district, and the defending state champions fit that bill once again in 2014. The Maroons bring back a bevy of talent, headlined by 2014 Class 4A Preseason Player of the Year Ryan Boyle at quarterback, among others, and are legitimate championship contenders again this year. But this district is more than a one-trick pony, with several solid teams that could make a little noise in the postseason. Boyle threw for 1,833 yards and ran for 1,332 more, while tallying 45 total touchdowns, to lead the Maroons to their first state title since 2010. He won’t have star receiver Rico Gafford to throw to this year, but he’ll have a solid offensive line, anchored by Elijah Swehla, to give him time to develop chemistry with a new crop of receivers. The Maroons are also solid on defense and will look to reload around Nick Wilson, Isaiah Patton and Max Morris, who combined for 163 tackles last season. Morris also posted 17.5 tackles for loss, including 10.5 sacks. There is no question about the kicking game with Nick McLellan back to kick the extra points and field goals. He made 8 of his 13 field goal attempts with a long of 38 yards in 2013. Johnston looks like the top challenger within the district, and the Dragons boast a balanced offensive attack. Jordan Weddington is back after running for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013, and even though Reid Sinnett will be in his first year as a starter at quarterback, he’ll

have a very reliable target downfield in Andrew Heuss. Heuss caught 42 passes for 840 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago, and Jared Seay could develop into a good deep threat, as well. That all depends on whether or not Sinnett can bounce back from an elbow injury suffered during baseball season, though. Hezekiah Applegate will lead the charge on defense after posting 75 stops and a team-leading 20 tackles for loss in 2013. Jack Bergstrom, Nolan Wengert and Karl Rasmussen are also back; the trio combined for 175 tackles last year, including 17 tackles for loss. Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) returns signalcaller Austin Simmons, who passed for 1,800plus yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago, and he’ll play a big role in deciding whether or not the Titans’ Class 4A debut season is a good one. The Titans also return four of their top-five stoppers on defense, led by Chris Thomas, who tallied 77 tackles and 10 solo sacks last season. Sioux City East will have to reload after suffering heavy losses from a talented team, especially on offense, if it hopes to contend. As it stands, the Black Raiders should have a good chance of securing a playoff berth. This district has a pair of good teams at the top, but the most interesting games come in non-district play, when Dowling takes on Cedar Rapids Xavier in a championship rematch in Week 1 and Waukee in Week 3. See how it all shakes out this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) dowling catholic maroons 2) johnston dragons 3) sioux city east black raiders 4) lewis central titans

class 4a

District Teams

Des Moines North (0-9) Nickname: Polar Bears head coach: Sean Quinlan Top Returning Players: Imani Kwizera (Sr.);

Caleb Lara (Sr.); Brad Warren (Jr.)

Des Moines Roosevelt (3-6) Nickname: Roughriders head coach: Mike Holland Top Returning Players: Martavian Hall (Sr.);

Prince Krah (Sr.); Michael Settle (Sr.)

Dowling Catholic (West Des Moines) (14-0) Nickname: Maroons head coach: Tom Wilson Top Returning Players: Ryan Boyle (Sr.); Max

Morris (Sr.); Nick Wilson (Sr.)

Johnston (5-5) Nickname: Dragons head coach: Brian Woodley Top Returning Players: Hezekiah Applegate

(Sr.); Andrew Huess (Sr.); Jordan Weddington (Sr.)

Lewis Central (4-6) (3A) Nickname: Titans head coach: Jim Duggan Top Returning Players: Ryan Scheidle (Jr.);

Austin Simmons (Sr.); Chris Thomas (Sr.)

Sioux City East (7-4) Nickname: Black Raiders Head coach: Bob Goodvin Top Returning Players: Austin Ahrendt (Sr.);

Dakota Blatchford (Sr.); Kaleb Hanks (Sr.)

jordan weddington johnston

Photo courtesy of James Kramer/Des Moines Register

Volume 1 Issue 12

class 4a

District Teams

Ankeny Centennial (7-4) Nickname: Jaguars

co-head coaches: Jerry and Ryan Pezzetti Top Returning Players: Cale Anselme (Sr.);

Jordan Fiscus (Sr.); Isaiah Kramme (Sr.)

Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln (5-5) Nickname:Lynx head coach: John Wolfe Top Returning Players: Payton Hiffernan (Sr.);

Harrison Jones (Sr.); Robert Peters (Sr.)

Des Moines Hoover (4-6) Nickname: Huskies head coach: William Siffin Top Returning Players: Brock Larsen (Sr.); Nic

Snider (Sr.); Dejorian Thedford (Jr.)

Des Moines Lincoln (2-7) Nickname: Railsplitters head coach: Andy Campbell Top Returning Players: Evan Ewing (Sr.);

Andre Flatt (Sr.); Logan Gerrels (Jr.)

Sioux City West (2-8) Nickname: Wolverines head coach: Trevor Case Top Returning Players: Colby Hill (Sr.); Noah

Mcwell (Jr.)

West Des Moines Valley (10-3)

Division 3

Outlook Gary Swenson has built one of the strongest football programs in the state so it is no surprise that you begin with the Tigers as the district favorite but as it is for many programs, there are many key positions to fill from last season’s semifinal team. Jerry Pezzetti is another veteran coach who has also understands the winning ways in high school football. Both Pezzetti (378) and Swenson (311) have over 300 career wins and both in the top-ten in the history of Iowa high school football coaches. The Tigers had a question mark last season at quarterback before they settled on the senior, which would have made Taylen Alexander the most likely choice to take over the reins. But Alexander transferred out of the school district, so the Tigers still have to find a new signal-caller. The backfield will also need to fill a big hole left by Tyus Mason, but Trevor Bell and Drew Gray combined for nearly 1,000 yards last season and should be a part of the reloading effort and will benefit from running behind a solid offense line led by John Rairdon. Nick Yencer and Keller Prien will lead the defense after combining for 110 stops last season. Ankeny Centennial returns Isaiah Kramme under center after he passed for 1,500-plus yards and ran for another 774, and accounting for 23 total touchdowns on offense. Jordan Fiscus returns as the Jaguars’ leading tackler after tallying 78 stops last season. Heath Naylor is solid in the extra-point and field goal kicking game,

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Valley Tigers 2) ANKENY CENTENNIAL JAGUARS 3) DES MOINES HOOVER HUSKIES 4) Council bluffs Abe Lincoln lynx

Nickname: Tigers head coach: Gary Swenson Top Returning Players: Trevor Bell (Sr.); Drew

Gray (Sr.); Nick Yencer (Jr.)

Isaiah Kramme Volume 1 Issue 12

which may be the difference in any close game this season. Des Moines Hoover has a really nice player in quarterback Brock Larsen, who many fans don’t know much about because of Hoover’s poor history in football. But if the Huskies can find some pieces to fill that roster, they could be a sleeper as far as gaining a postseason berth in a district that is wide open after the Tigers and Jaguars. Des Moines Lincoln may be a wild card after having to deal with some distractions last season. Evan Ewing passed for 800 yards last year, which flew in the face of the Railsplitters’ traditional ground-and-pound philosophy. New faces will more than likely decide whether the Railsplitters or Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln will earn a playoff spot. The Lynx will count on Payton Hiffernan in the running game after a 900-yard effort last season that included 9 touchdown runs. This district should have two solid tiers among the potential playoff squads. Valley and Ankeny Centennial are clearly separated from the rest of the district, and their matchup on Oct. 17 will likely determine the district champion. But the next tier could have some exciting games, as well, and those contests will also have major playoff implications. Find out which teams rise to the top and follow Sports Spotlight this fall!

Ankeny Centennial Photo courtesy of James Kramer/Des Moines Register

Division 4

Outlook Can this be the breakout season for Waukee? That’s the big question in western half of Class 4A this season. The Warriors nearly got over the hump in 2013, losing to eventual state champion Dowling Catholic, 14-9, in the state quarterfinals. This season, the Warriors have their eyes set on winning a championship of their own. The Warriors can dazzle with their skill position players, most notably tailback Trevor Allen, but it’s in the trenches where the Warriors hope to win to take the step and contend for a championship. Ben Ferkin gained plenty of experience under center last season, and he had a solid sophomore campaign. Ferkin threw for 1,413 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first year as the starter. Allen will get the bulk of the carries after running for 1,326 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2013. Patrick Gray and Kyle Boulanger return to anchor the defense. Urbandale will hope to build around a good group back on the offensive line, which will give a new quarterback time to develop in relative peace. Abdul Mansaray will be counted on with his experience running out of the backfield. Mansaray ran for nearly 700 yards and scored 12 touchdowns last season for the J-Hawks. He’ll take on a larger role now that wideout Allen Lazard has graduated, putting more focus on the ground game. The J-Hawks will be green on defense, though, and might need to put points on the board in bunches to be competitive against top teams.

For the Fort Dodge offense, everything starts and ends with tailback Sam Cook. He ran for 1,608 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2013, all while maintaining an impressive 6.6 yard-per-carry average. The Dodgers also return their top three tacklers on defense in Austin Halligan, Kole Kampen and Cook, who combined for nearly 180 tackles last fall. Indianola will need to completely retool its offensive line but if the Indians succeed, they have experience in the backfield to take advantage of it. Trey Bunting will come back with a year of experience under center and his brother Cameron will lead the way in the running game after rushing for 1,031 yards and eight scores last season. Mason City and Marshalltown will both be trying to gain some positive momentum after disappointing seasons last fall, and neither should be in the playoff hunt. There are several entertaining matchups between tailbacks in this district, as each of the top four teams has a back that can produce at a high level. But Allen and the Warriors should take hold of the top seed early on and never let go. The rest of this district is playing for second. Follow all the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) WAUKEE WARRIORS 2) urbandale j-hawks 3) fort dodge dodgers 4) indianola indians

class 4a Teams

Fort Dodge (3-6) Nickname:

Photo courtesy of James Kramer/Des Moines Register

Dodgers

head coach: Matt Miller

Spencer Barber (Sr.), Sam Cook (Jr.), Austin Halligan (Sr.)

Top Returning Players:

Indianola (6-4) Nickname: Indians head coach: Eric Kluver Top Returning Players: Cameron Bunting

(Sr.); Casey Crawford (Sr.); Cameron Loew (Sr.)

Marshalltown (1-8) Nickname: Bobcats head coach: Aaron Shipley Top Returning Players: Josh Edel (Jr.); Ben

Rebik (Sr.); Blair VanStaalduine (Sr.)

Mason City (2-8) Nickname: Mohawks head coach: Dan Kamm Top Returning Players: Wyatt Cooper (Sr.);

Austin Hemmen (Sr.)

Urbandale (8-3) Nickname: J-Hawks

Sam Anderson Caleb Bright (Jr.); Evan Economos (Sr.); Abdul Mansaray (Sr.) head coach:

Top Returning Players:

Waukee (10-2) Nickname:

Warriors

head coach: Scott Carlson Top Returning Players: Trevor Allen (Sr.);

Kyle Boulanger (Sr.); Patrick Gray (Sr.)

trevor allen waukee

District

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class 4a

District Teams Cedar Falls (7-4) Nickname:

Tigers

Head Coaches:

Brad Remmert

Trey Hansen (Sr.); Dennison Harrington (Sr.); Rayce Willett (Sr.) Top Returning Players:

Cedar Rapids Jefferson (1-8) Nickname: J-Hawks Head Coach:

Brian Webb

Cameron Frazier (Sr.); Luke Sedlacek (Sr.); Mark Schulz (Sr.) Top Returning Players:

Cedar Rapids Kennedy (8-4) Nickname:

Cougars Brian White

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players: Terrance Hall (Sr.);

Logan Wedo (Sr.)

Linn-Mar (Marion) (2-7) Nickname:

Lions Bob Forsyth

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

Logan Benter (Sr.);

Perrion Scott (Sr.); Ryan Schmidt (Sr.)

District 5

Outlook This is the first time-ever that the eastern half of Class 4A will play without conferences. The changes come after three schools dropped from Class 4A to Class 3A after many years of playing up in class with their football programs. That’s shaken things up for many teams, but the teams and coaches in this district won’t feel that change as much as others, since all of them competed in the Mississippi Valley Conference last year. Cedar Falls will be without legendary head coach Pat Mitchell for the first time in a long time, as Mitchell retired in the offseason. But the Tigers should still be one of the top teams in District 5 this fall. They bring back quarterback Trey Hansen, who threw for 799 yards and 6 touchdowns a year ago, and tailback Dennison Harrington, who ran for 580 yards and 4 scores in reserve duty in 2013. He could be set to break out in his junior season, as he averaged 6.1 yards per carry a year ago and should see his workload increase dramatically. Rayce Willett and Jared Halterman will lead an inexperienced defense after combining for 126 tackles and 16 stops for loss in 2013. Linn-Mar had a tough year in 2013, but gained valuable experience that could spark a turnaround this year. Ryan Schmidt will be a major factor as he returns under center; he completed 56 percent of his passes and threw for 1,716 yards and 12 touchdowns last season,

although he’ll have to develop a rapport with new receivers this fall. Logan Benter led the defense in stops last season with 91, including 8 tackles for loss and, along with Logan Nelsen, Trevor Long and Trevor Noble, the Lions look to improve on defense. Cedar Rapids Kennedy is the only other team that had a winning season last year which should put the Cougars in the district title mix. Terrance Hall and Logan Wedo will shoulder the bulk of the load on offense now that Miles Moa and Derek Jacobus have graduated. They combined for 723 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns last fall. Hall is also the top returning tackler after making 75 stops a year ago, including 8.5 tackles for loss. Waterloo West lost a lot of talent from last year’s 4-6 squad, including a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. But the Wahawks should be a virtual lock to finish in the top four, as Waterloo East is coming off an 0-9 season with a defense that struggled to get stops in all of its games. The top four teams in this district look clear, but don’t be afraid to check out Waterloo East’s pitch-and-catch duo of John Magnuson and Javon Middleton. The two connected 45 times for 642 yards and 5 touchdowns last year and should give Trojan fans something to cheer for this fall. Follow all the action this season with Sports Spotlight!

Waterloo East (0-9) Nickname:

Trojans Richard Carter

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players: James Carter (Sr.),

John Magnuson (Sr.), Javon Middleton (Jr.)

Waterloo West (4-6) Nickname:

Wahawks Lonnie Moore

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Cedar Falls tigers 2) linn-mar (marion) lions 3) cedar rapids kennedy cougars 4) waterloo west wahawks

Lincoln Conrey (Sr.);

Zach Thune (Sr.); Edin Tutic (Sr.)

Terrance Hall Volume 1 Issue 12

Cedar Rapids Kennedy Photo courtesy of Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School

District 6

Outlook One of the big changes in the eastern half of Class 4A this year is Ottumwa moving away from its traditional CIML schedule to play against remnants of the MVC and MAC. But that shouldn’t have a big impact on the playoff picture for District 6, which should see traditional eastern schools take all four spots. Cedar Rapids Washington made headlines when former head coach Tony Lombardi resigned prior to last season. But after rebounding from an 0-3 start to finish 6-4 last season, head coach Paul James has the Warriors poised to do big things over the next few years,and his team is a popular pick to reach the UNI-Dome in November. The Warriors will count on quarterback Reid Snitker to carry the offense. Snitker threw for 1,479 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall, and he also led the team with 545 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground. Snitker will still have Iowa State commit Landen Akers to throw to on the outside, too. Akers caught 31 passes for 489 yards and 3 scores in 2013. For the offense to take another step forward, though, someone will need to emerge at tailback. The Warriors’ defense is the big reason why they might contend for more than a district title, though. Connor Vincent will lead the defense after making 13 tackles for loss and 110 total stops last year. Five other players who finished among the top 11 in tackles return, and Michael Lintz and Tristan O’Brein had 7 picks in 2013. Iowa City High will look to some new faces to

fill the many positions left vacant by graduation. The Little Hawks have always put a competitive team on the field, and there is little reason to expect otherwise at this point. Muscatine has some experience back at the skill postions, but the offensive line needs to be revamped. The Muskies return quarterback Clayton Sloan, who threw for 817 yards and 4 touchdowns a year ago; star receiver Spencer Beatty is also back after hauling in 35 receptions for 562 yards and 5 scores in 2013. Defensively, the Muskies will have Talon Burke and Issac Schroeder leading the way after piling up 206 total tackles and 18 stops for loss last fall. Cedar Rapids Prairie hopes to be competitive again after a 5-5 season. The Hawks will hope that the experience gained by quarterback Trey Beckman will help the offense improve. Ben Boldt is back after leading the team with 100 combined tackles last season, and JoJo Simpson returns to give the defense a solid pass rusher; he made 17 tackles for loss last year, including 6 sacks. Ottumwa likely won’t make the playoffs, but be sure to catch Bulldog tailback Isaiah Cox in action. He ran for 1,271 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore last year, and is worth the price of admission to see. This is another district that could be wide open after the top seed. Cedar Rapids Washington is the clear favorite, but the rest of the seeds could play out in any number of ways. Stay dialed in to all the action this fall with Sports Spotlight!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) CR Washington Warriors 2) Iowa City High Little Hawks 3) Muscatine Muskies 4) Cedar Rapids Prairie Hawks

class 4a

District Teams

Burlington (2-7) Nickname: Grayhounds Head Coach: John Flaherty Top Returning Players: Garrett Grimshaw

(Sr.); Kellen Kemp (Sr.); Joe Mack (Sr.)

Cedar Rapids Prairie (5-5) Nickname:

Trey Beckman (Sr.); Ben Boldt (Sr.); Sam Drysdale (Sr.)

Top Returning Players:

Cedar Rapids Washington (6-4) Warriors Paul James Top Returning Players: Landen Akers (Sr.); Reid Snitker (Sr.); Connor Vincent (Sr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Iowa City High (8-3) Nickname: Little Hawks Head Coach: Dan Sabers

Jason Jones (Jr.); DeJuan McKenny (Sr.); Bryson Runge (Sr.)

Top Returning Players:

Muscatine (5-5) Muskies Jacob Mueller Top Returning Players: Spencer Beatty (Sr.); Talon Burke (Sr.); Isaac Schroeder (Sr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Ottumwa (3-6) Nickname: Bulldogs

Zach Pfantz Isaiah Cox (Jr.); Sam Kramer (Sr.); Matthew Moreland (Jr.) Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m.

Isaiah cox ottumwa

Photo courtesy of Lee’s Photography

Hawks

Head Coach: Mike Morrissey

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class 4a

District Teams

Davenport Central (4-6) Nickname:

Blue Devils

Head Coach: Mark Roering Top Returning Players: Rodney Levi (Sr.); Tony Marshall (Sr.); Justin Sanchez (Sr.)

Davenport North (1-8) Nickname:

Wildcats Guy Dierikx

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

Kevin Murphy (Sr.)

Dubuque Hempstead (4-6) Nickname:

Mustangs Bob McIntyre

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

Carter Daack (Sr.);

Bailey Paulsen (Sr.); Matt Zenner (Sr.)

Iowa City West (9-2) Nickname:

Trojans Garrett Hartwig

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

Kevin Dowell (Sr.);

Conner Greene (Sr.); John Milani (Sr.)

Pleasant Valley (11-1) Nickname:

Spartans Rusty VanWetzinga

Head Coach:

Top Returning Players: Brendon Bormann (Sr.); David Carr (Jr.); Chase Kipper (Sr.)

District 7

Outlook This will be one of the more interesting districts to keep an eye on, simply because there is no real standout team on paper going into the season. Iowa City West and Pleasant Valley have both had very strong programs in recent years, but both lost excellent senior classes and the Trojans will have a new head coach this fall. Iowa City West will begin their journey with three new regular season opponents once they get into district action. The Trojans have usually done a good job on reloading and need to do so this season in order to compete at the highest level in the end. While new head coach Garrett Hartwig tries to fill the holes on offense, the Trojans will lean on a defense led by John Milani, Kevin Dowell and Conner Greene. That trio combined for nearly 180 stops last season, and Milani also had 3 interceptions. Connor Gordon will once again have the place-kicking duties. Pleasant Valley has put together some really good seasons and hopes that all the recent success can get the program to point where it reloads, rather than rebuilds. They can do that behind David Carr and Brendon Bormann who combined for nearly 180 stops on defense last season. The offense, though, faces a major challenge. The Spartans have to find a way to replace all of their skill position players from an offense that was dominant on the ground. Chase Kipper is the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top returning rusher after

running for 221 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 23 carries a year ago. Matt Zenner is a player to watch as Dubuque Hempstead hopes to go from average to playoff contender. Zenner ran for 1,200-plus yards last season with 15 touchdowns and a 6.8 yards per carry average. Bailey Paulsen is back at quarterback, as well, and hopes to help balance out the offense with his arm. Carter Daack will lead a defense that returns six starters after putting up a team-best mark of 91 tackles last season. Davenport Central will count on returning running back Tony Marshall who ran for 600plus yards and a team-high nine touchdowns. Brady Cartee, Jacob Houghton and Rodney Levi each had 48 total tackles last season and will be the leaders on defense. No team really jumps out as being great this season, and Hempstead could challenge for one of the top two playoff seeds if the offensive line keeps opening holes for Zenner and Pleasant Valley struggles to replace what was a talentladen senior class. Follow along with Sports Spotlight this season and see how it all shakes out!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION 1) Iowa City West Trojans 2) Pleasant Valley Spartans 3) dubuque hempstead mustangs 4) davenport central blue devils

Tony marshall Volume 1 Issue 12

davenport central Photo courtesy of Mike Ruefer

District 8

Outlook The separation of the MVC and MAC to put all Class 4A teams into district has left Bettendorf with a seemingly easy road. The Bulldogs are traditionally among the best teams in the state every year and they’re coming off a state semifinal appearance in 2013. And no other team in District 8 won more than five games a year ago. The Bulldogs have Cyle Cox back under center, and he put up 1,657 yards of total offense and 24 touchdowns a year ago. Cox will also have backfield mates John McGlaughlin and Gabe Rees to hand the ball off to. McGlaughlin finished sixth in Class 4A with 1,510 yards rushing and 15 scores, while Rees added 502 yards and hit pay dirt five times. Leading receiver Tyler Scheib is also back after hauling in 23 receptions for 424 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2013. Defense is always a Bettendorf staple, and David Smith will lead the way defensively for the Bulldogs. Smith made 140 tackles last season, including 13.5 stops behind the line and 3.5 sacks. He headlines a group of six returning starters, which also includes senior Jack Kallenberger, who made 17 tackles for loss a 4.5 sacks a year ago. North Scott went 5-5 last season, and the Lancers will count on the arm of Matt Sacia again after airing it out for nearly 1,900 yards last season. Sacia’s top target, All-State wideout Ricky Grimes, is also back. Grims caught 54 passes for 800-plus yards and 11 touchdowns in 2013. The Lancers’ ground game should also be in good

hands, as Jacob Ridgeway and Sacia combined to run for 1,593 yards and 14 touchdowns. Defensively, the Lancers bring back six of their top 11 tacklers from last season, including Colin Kreiter, who mad 85 total stops last year, and Brandon Williams, who made 8 tackles for loss in 2013. Dubuque Senior finished strong last season and were in nearly every game, but in order to sustain the progress made last season, it will be dependent on the many new faces in the starting lineup this season. Christian Bahnsen will return for Clinton after making 56 solo and 103 total tackles last year. But the River Kings, who beat the teams they were expected to in 2013, look to improve and pull off an upset or two this season. To do that, they’ll need new starters on both sides of the ball to step up and produce. Davenport West isn’t likely to contend for the playoffs, but tailback Tirael Malone is worth seeing. He ran for 867 yards and 3 touchdowns at a 5.7-yard clip, despite constantly being keyed on by opposing defenses. In the end, Bettendorf may not only be the best in this district, but one of the best in the Class 4A field this season. The battle for second place in this district could get interesting, though, if Dubuque Senior or Clinton can come up with some new contributors. Follow all the action with Sports Spotlight this season!

PLAYOFF PREDICTION

class 4a

District Teams

Bettendorf (10-3)

Bulldogs Aaron Wiley Top Returning Players: Cyle Cox (Sr.); John McLaughlin (Sr.); David Smith (Sr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Clinton (4-6) River Kings Lee Camp Top Returning Players: Kristian Bahnsen (Sr.); Brady Ernst (Sr.); Thomas Smith (Sr.) Nickname:

Head Coach:

Davenport West (0-9) Nickname:

Top Returning Players:

Dubuque Senior (4-5) Nickname:

Lee Bonifas (Jr.); Dan Thoma (Sr.); Brad Ware (Sr.)

Top Returning Players:

North Scott (Eldridge) (5-5) Nickname: Lancers

Kevin Tippet Ricky Grimes (Sr.); Jacob Ridgeway (Sr.); Matt Sacia (Sr.) Head Coach:

Top Returning Players:

Saturdays - 8-10 a.m.

John McLaughlin Photo by Tork Mason

Rams

Head Coach: Dale Ploessl

1) Bettendorf Bulldogs 2) north scott lancerS 3) dubuque senior rams 4) Clinton River Kings

bettendorf

Falcons

Jeremy Mosier Tirael Malone (Sr.); Kyle Verdon (Sr.)

Head Coach:

Volume 1 Issue 12

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