2015 Sports Spotlight Pigskin Preview by Sports Spotlight USA, Inc

PIGSKIN PREVIEW 32 Pages of District Outlooks /// Preseason All-State Teams /// Spotlight Features /// Photos

August 2015

PELLA LITTLE DUTCH

DOME DUALITY

Pella stars bring balance to title-caliber squad. BY TORK MASON â&#x201D;&#x201A; P. 32

Rundown The

August 2015

Volume 4, Iss. 1

SPLIT PERSONALITY Pella boasts an interesting dynamic in its two offensive stars, Noah Clayberg (3) and Nathan Henry (25), and it’s got the Dutch poised for another state title run .

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

16 Ready to Pounce

▶Valley is poised to return to the top of Class 4A, thanks to a trio of offensive stars

24 Who’s it Gonna Be? ▶Dowling Catholic has big shoes to fill under center this fall, and four players are competing for the job

46 Stoake-ing the Fire

▶Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s Eric Stoakes powered the Rebels to a Class A runner-up finish in 2014. Now he’s ready to take them to a title

54 Ace of All Trades

▶Glidden-Ralston’s Christopher Brown is a do-it-all star, and he’s a big reason the Wildcats are one of the Class 8-Player championship contenders

Staff and Contacts Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight

Departments Warming Up

President...........................Rush Nigut (rush@sportsspotlight.com) Business Ops.....................John Streets (john@sportsspotlight.com) Programming Director.....Tony Atzeni (tony@sportsspotlight.com) Editor-in-Chief.................Tork Mason (editor@sportsspotlight.com)

5 6 8

10 Sports Spotlight, U.S.A. Inc. 1063 14th Pl Suite C Des Moines, IA 50314 515.244.1118

11 62

Be a Sport ▶Weight control in youth sports Mic’d Up ▶SE Polk baseball coach Scott Belger Spotlight Performers of the Month GTSB Student Athlete of the Month ▶Logan Ryan, Johnston The Bullpen

▶Be aware of heat injury

The Month Ahead Where are They Now? ▶Kyle McCann, former Hawkeye quarterback August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 3

Warming Up

Be a Sport

Weight Control an Issue for Youth Athletes | By Nancy Justis When you think of weight control for amateur athletes you might first reflect on the sport of wrestling, known for its dramatic efforts to lose pounds to meet weight requirements before competition. Or football, where a prospective lineman needs to put on the pounds via drinking ice cream shakes. Any youth athlete in any sport can struggle with weight concerns -- most often being overweight but also weighing not enough. Playing sports does not guarantee a healthy relationship between the athlete and food. The National Alliance for Youth Sports reports that on average in the United States, “one in three children and teens are overweight. Among youth athletes, studies have shown that 26 percent of males and 27 percent of females are overweight.” Overall, research shows that athletes eat more and healthier than their non-athlete peers. However, if not participating in a high energy-burning sport (i.e. swimming and soccer), eating more can lead to gaining weight because most calories in this population come from sweetened beverages, like soda, sports drinks, and juice; and fast food. In addition, many youth athletes spend time on the sidelines and bench, not seeing an appreciative amount of activity. So how does a parent or coach determine that it is okay for an overweight child to lose weight and what is the best procedure to accomplish this goal? Jill Castle, co-author of “Fearless Feeding” and a contributor to the Alliance, gives these pointers. *Have a team snack policy in place. “Fruit and water is best for most kids and teens playing sports. Some just need a regularly scheduled meal”. We all know how difficult that can be for most families. *Let regular meals and snacks provide most calories. “No need to get fancy with pre- and post-exercise snacks unless you’ve got a serious teen or elite athlete.” *Don’t fall prey to concessions and food as rewards following competition. “...or the sports drink hype -- these will almost always counter-balance any good accomplished by physical activity.” According to an article in the Miami Herald, an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement says that “losing or gaining more than roughly one or two pounds weekly is dangerous. “Weight loss accompanied by over-exercising, using rubber suits, steam baths, or saunas” should be prohibited for all youth athletes. As should diet pills, nutritional supplements and diuretics. No weight-loss plan for athletic reasons should ever be used before the ninth grade. The policy applies to youth in the sports where leanness or strength is emphasized, such as bodybuilding, gymnastics, figure skating, football and cheerleading. Dr. Karen Reznik Dolins, a nutrition consultant for USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming, the U.S. Tennis Association, the New York Knicks and the WNBA, said in a blog that “weight loss should always be undertaken during the off-season...the degree of calorie restriction should be minimized and the nutrient mix optimized. “...eating too few carbohydrate-containing foods translates to inadequate energy for working muscles. This forces the body to divert protein from muscle to the liver, where it

Playing sports does not guarantee a healthy relationship between the athlete and food.

4 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

will be converted into sugar to maintain blood glucose levels...when calories and carbohydrates are reduced, protein needs actually increase, so including a variety of lean protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and low-fat dairy foods is important.” She also states that fat is an “essential nutrient...Moderating the amount of fats consumed will effectively cut calories...” Dr. Dolins lists the following recommendations. *An athlete’s diet should emphasize whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables... Include at least three servings of fruit and at least one cup of raw or cooked vegetables daily. *Reduce fat intake by avoiding fried and sauteed foods. *Watch out for super-sized sweetened drinks, whether soda, fruit drinks, etc. *Include low-fat dairy for a source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. *Include lean meat, poultry and fish while avoiding ribs, burgers, bacon and sausages. Beans can be substituted. *Always include breakfast. “Going without food in the morning starts the day with an energy deficit that will result in an unfavorable hormonal response.” *Limit the amount of time between meals and snacks. Carry “homemade trail mix of dry cereal, fruit, and nuts”. *Fuel workouts by including pre-workout and recovery meals or snacks. Of course, none of the experts give advice on how to get your kids to eat healthy but if they are serious about their athletic endeavors, the suggestions given above should be accepted without much fight. Let us know what you think by emailing njustis@cfu.net. Nancy Justis is a former competitive swimmer, youth coach and collegiate sports information director. She currently is a partner with Justis Creative Communications and a Champion for Positive Coaching Alliance in Iowa.

Mic’d Up With Tony Atzeni

The Interview

SCOTT BELGER

SOUTHEAST POLK BASEBALL Southeast Polk won the Class 4A state title, but the Rams graduated a lot of talent and had a young team this summer. That didn’t stop them from getting back to Principal Park to defend their title. *This interview originally aired on the Sports Spotlight Radio Show on July 25.

Sam Taylor/Impact Imagery (mug); Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (cutout)

TONY ATZENI: They are the the ones with the

targets on their back and the defending state champions in Class 4A, the Southeast Polk Rams, and head coach Scott Belger joins us. Again, Coach, congratulations on another state tournament bid. SCOTT BELGER: You bet, Tony, I appreciate you having me on the air this morning. TA: So last year, you were maybe more of the hunter; this year, you’re the hunted. So Scott, how different does that feel? SB: First of all, we lost 13 guys from last year’s team, and I don’t think our opponents really cared. We were still the defending state champions, so we had that target on our back. It feels like this year, we saw more of teams’ No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers than we had in quite some time. To be honest with you, I think that helped us, seeing their 1’s and 2’s only made us better, having such a young team. It really played into our hands, to be honest with you. MARK AMADEO: This is a team, Scott, that got a lot better late in the year. You won your last seven straight games, including the two substate games against Des Moines Hoover, 7-0, and knocking off Dowling [Catholic] 2-1 in the substate final. So you look at those numbers, your pitching really came around. I know Zach Hamilton and Thomas McLaughlin lead the way, but you got an all-out effort from your pitching staff. SB: Our pitching has been tremendous. You trace it back to last year and our postseason run, we gave up only two runs in three state tournament games. So far this year, we’ve done a good job. Our first two games, our pitchers threw shutouts, and then the other night we win 2-1 on the road against a very good Dowling team. Our pitching and defense have been tremendous in the postseason the past couple years.

TA: As far as your offensive skills go, you’ve got a pretty balanced lineup. You look up and down

Warming Up

See what some of the state’s top coaches and athletes have to say, though the filter of Hall of Fame broadcaster Tony Atzeni. it, and on any given night, someone’s going to step up for you. SB: Well that’s the thing. If you look at our team

batting average compared to the other 47 schools in Class 4A, ironically, we rank 30th, which is nowhere near the top. But that just show that our kids do a good job when we get guys on base. We’re a team that strives to get quality at-bats, not necessarily getting base hits, and being productive when we have guys on base. So the batting average is not the only thing that matters, when you’re productive with guys on base. TA: I know you’re involved with what you’re team’s doing pitch by pitch and game by game, but looking at Iowa high school softball and baseball this year, I thought it was one of the most balanced years I’ve ever seen. And you look at the state tournament matchups and the teams that qualified, and there are some that aren’t surprises, but there are a few surprises, as well. SB: This year, there were a lot of teams that didn’t make it to the state tournament. Just looking at us, for example, we played 20 games within two runs. We were able to be 12-8 in those close ball games, and

that helps us out a lot. The strength of our schedule was great, and that makes us a stronger team. MA: It certainly did, and you look back through the year, playing that tough competition. But you mentioned earlier, you lost 13 players from last year’s team. So my question is who were the returning players who led this year’s team? SB: You lose 13 guys, and people are asking you, ‘How do you replace those guys?’ What I tell them is that in 2013, we lost 13 guys. So they were asking this question last year. Our kids have developed a culture that breeds success. TA: You’ve got a pretty good group of pitchers, obviously we talked about Zach Hamilton and Thomas McLaughlin, but Brayden Shepherd has pitched some quality innings for you, Alex Pierce. You’ve got some quality depth there in that pitching staff. SB: Other than Zach, Cole Hauser threw a few innings for us last year, but other than Zach, we didn’t have anybody coming back with many innings on the mound. We do have some depth, we have a lot of guys that throw strikes, guys who keep the ball down in the zone and we rely a lot on our defense. MA: Coach Belger, what’s surprised you the most with this year’s group, coming off a state title and going through all that euphoria, what surprised you most about this year’s club? SB: Probably the way they competed right away. I think those kids knew they weren’t supposed to be as good. I don’t think these kids cared that we lost so many guys. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was surprising, but it was rewarding to see those guys be as tough as they’ve been so far. TA: Well Coach Belger, congratulations again. You get to defend that Class 4A title; you’ll begin on Wednesday in the quarterfinal rounds, taking on the Sioux City East Black Raiders, who come in at 33-9. You are 30-13; records can be deceiving, never pay attention to those too much in baseball. Right now, you’re 0-0, looking to get to 3-0, that’s what I always say. SB: Exactly, it’s a new season.

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 5

Rachel Lowary | DC-G | Softball Lowary took the reins from her older sister, Paige Lowary, in the circle this summer. While not as dominant as her sister was, Lowary led the Fillies to another Class 4A state title and allowed just five runs in three state tournament contests while striking out 15.

Otis Roby | Twin Cedars | Baseball Roby’s stellar prep career ended with a loss, but not for lack of effort on Roby’s part. The senior went six innings with 14 strikeouts in a 2-1 loss to eventual Class 1A runner-up Pleasantville in district finals. Both runs allowed were unearned and didn’t cross the plate until the sixth inning, as Roby gave up just three hits and a pair of walks in the contest.

Spotlight Performers of the Month Recognizing our athletes of the week from the past month.

Taylor Nearad | Solon | Softball

Chino Alcala | DSM East | Baseball Alcala, one of Class 4A’s top hitters this season, came up big in the clutch as the Scarlets upset third-ranked Johnston in the Class 4A substate finals on July 22. Alcala went 2-for-4 with a homerun and an RBI double, driving in three runs in a 4-1 upset victory.

Des Moines Register (Alcala); Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (3)

Nearad was the driving force behind a dominant Spartan lineup, and nowhere was that more clear than at the Class 3A state tournament. Nearad went 7-for-9 with 9 RBI in three games at the plate, as the senior blasted a home run in each of the Spartans’ victories on the way to a state title.

OUR CHOICE IS YOUR BEST CHOICE.

Student

Athlete

of the

MONTH

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

CLICK IT OR TICKET Logan’s Q & A

What’s your favorite sport to play? Why? Baseball What’s your favorite sports memory? Winning the 2013 state baseball championship. Do you have any fun pre-game “rituals” that prepare you for an event? I always eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch in the mornings on game days. What’s your favorite subject in school and why? Business. That’s what I enjoy and I plan on majoring in it in college. Who inspires you? Why? Derek Jeter. He played the same position as I do and I admire his leadership skills. What is your dream job? Coaching or owning a Major League Baseball team.

Achievements Sports: Baseball Academic Achievements/Honors: Honor Roll, Academic Awards (2012-14) College or post-high school plans: Attend Concordia University Athletic Achievements/Honors: Honorable Mention All-Conference, CIML Western Conference (2014)

Logan Ryan

Volume 3 Issue 4

SportsSpotlight.com Johnston

High School, Class of 2015, 3.6 GPA

Photo courtesy of The Des Moines Register

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Warming Up

The Bullpen

Sponsored content that offers fresh perspectives, from sports training to injury treatment and prevention.

Be Aware of Heat Injury By Barron R.B. Bremner D.O.

Now that temperatures are soaring, and football practice is right around the corner, preventing heat injury should be on the minds of all athletes, coaches, and parents. Heat injury is a spectrum from simple heat cramps, to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Prevention and treatment of heat injuries may be intuitive; however there continue to be fatalities from this each year. Normally, the body cools itself by the evaporation of sweat from the skin. As the water evaporates, the heat energy from the body is released to the environment. There are individual and environmental factors that may predispose one to overheating. Factors predisposing one to heat injury Overweight and large athletes Age over 40 Poor fitness Prior recent heat exposure Dark clothing Thick padding and helmets Recent alcohol use Caffeine Over the counter and prescription medicine use (TCAs, diuretics, beta blockers, antihistamines and decongestants) Dehydration prior to activity Of course, environmental factors play the largest role in injury, and high heat, humidity greater than 60%, and direct sun exposure should alert one to the risk of heat injury. Heat cramps commonly occur in the legs, stomach and arms, and are treated with rest in the shade, hydration with water and sports drinks, and stretching. Sports drinks contain carbohydrates and sodium, which are needed

10 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

to replaces the losses from prolonged exercise. Heat syncope (fainting) and heat exhaustion are also from extreme water and/or salt loss during prolonged exercise. This is more common early in training season before athletes become acclimated. Signs may be altered mental status, core body temperature up to 104 degrees F (normal 98.6 degrees F), nausea, vomiting, cramping. Treatment should include rest in a shaded area, fans, ice towels, ice baths, and plenty of rest and water/sports drinks. Heat stroke is defined as a body temperature greater than 104 degrees F and is an emergency. Nausea and vomiting, confusion, and seizures may occur. One should call 911 and institute the same treatment measures as for heat exhaustion. An IV will be started and ice packs should be placed around the groin, armpits, and hand and neck. Immediate transport to the hospital is indicated. Of course, prevention is the most important part to avoid heat illness, and most coaches and trainers are familiar with these strategies. Prevention of Heat Injury Consume 24‐26 oz water before exercise. Take 8 oz water right before practice and then every 20 minutes Practice in the coolest part of the day, early mornings and evenings Athletes should began exercise in the heat for 7‐14 days prior to practice to acclimate to the heat Use light colored clothing, and avoid full pads on hot days Avoid caffeine and alcohol, and

check with your doctor about prescription drug use Monitor urine color – it should be nearly clear Use sunscreen References: James York MD, Talk entitled, “Heat Injury – Prevention and Management”. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “Heat Injury and Heat Exhaustion” Dr. Bremner’s practice encompasses all areas of orthopaedics. He has special interests in sports medicine, joint replacement, arthroscopic surgery, and trauma. Dr. Bremner office is located at DMOS – East, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 213, Des Moines, IA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bremner, please call 515‐299‐6363.

Warming Up

Month Ahead

What to watch and watch for this month Friday 8/28 Football: Dowling Catholic at Cedar Rapids Xavier This much-hyped matchup ended in a Maroon rout in 2014, but this year Cole Deskin (right) and Co. will have to travel to the Saints’ home field. We’ll also get our first look at the post-Ryan-Boyle era for Dowling (see P. 24). Friday 9/11 Football: G-T/R-A at M-M-C This Class 8-Player District 2 matchup pits two of the district’s best runners, Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire’s Michael Girres and Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn’s Derek Erdman (left). The Eagles won this closely-contest game, 45-30 in 2014. Friday 9/18 Football: Gladbrook-Reinbeck at Denver Get ready for an action-packed slugfest between these district rivals and 2014 Class A semifinalists. Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s Eric Stoakes (right) leads the Rebels against the Cyclones for what could be another opening act for a postseason meeting for these teams.

Friday 8/28

2015 Football: Week 1

It’s finally football season again, and there are some great matchups on tap for the season’s opening week. Iowa City Regina will play host to rival Solon, who snapped the Regals’ state-record 56-game winning streak in the 2014 edition of this rivalry.

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 11

FEATURES Ready to pounce P. 16 Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it gonna be? P. 24 split personality P. 32 Stoake-ing the FIre p. 46 Ace of all trades p. 54

2015

PIGSKI

Cedar Rapids Washington WR Isaiah Nimmers

Pre

DISTRICT PREVIEWS CLASS 4A P.20

CLASS 1A P.42

CLASS 3A P. 28

CLASS A P. 50

CLASS 2A P. 36

CLASS 8P P. 58

Preseason All-State P. 40

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T I G ER S R E A DY TO P OUNC E

Ready to Pounce Valley’s 2014 season ended just short of the UNIDome, but the Tigers are poised to make a trip to Cedar Falls this November.

BY TORK MASON Photograph by Tork Mason

alley hasn’t been to the Class 4A state championship game since winning the 2011 state title, but the Tigers are poised to make a triumphant return as they enter the 2015 season as the early favorite, thanks to a trio of offensive stars. Quarterback Rocky Lombardi, offensive tackle John Raridon and tailback Jevon Mason are all at different stages of stardom. Lombardi, the second-year starter ready to assume a leadership role; Raridon, the elite Division-I recruit; and Mason, the sophomore poised to become the next big thing in the Des Moines metro. Together, they give head coach Gary Swenson a lethal offensive combination that will be tough to stop this fall. “To have a good running game in a passing offensive — nobody’s going to win state just by passing the ball,” Lombardi said. “You’ve got to have a running game. I’m really lucky to have a guy like John, who one of the best, if not the best in the entire country. And Jevon is a great little back who’ll be able to help us a lot this year.” Lombardi took over the starting quarterback gig just a year after transferring to Valley from Cedar Rapids Washington and showcased considerable aptitude and plenty of talent. Swenson said the coaching staff was confident that Lombardi could handle all of the physical elements of the position; the ability to make all the throws

16 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

and pick up yardage on the ground. But he expects to see more from Lombardi this fall. “We got what we wanted on the field from him, with his ability to produce,” Swenson said. “That was all there. But I think he was still a little, from a maturity standpoint, he has some growth area there now that he’s got all that experience and confidence, knowing that he can do the job. “One of the areas of growth that we’re asking of him is in the ability to command the huddle and command the line of scrimmage, based on his preparation and BIG GUNS Lombardi’s arm gives the Tigers

plenty of firepower, while Raridon uses his strength to pave the road and keep his quarterback upright.

VA LL E Y R E A DY TO P OUNCE his ability to do what a quarterback has to do. And I think he’ll be fine with that.” On Lombardi’s ability to step into the huddle and command respect from upperclassmen as a sophomore, Raridon said the biggest thing he and his older teammates took notice of was their quarterback’s composure. “His attitude never falters. You can never tell what’s going through his head; he just always seems positive,” Raridon said. “That was a big thing for us. If something’s not going well, Rocky’s not going to show it. “It’s incredible. I know when I was that

never actually thought I would be blessed with the opportunity to play varsity football [so soon].” Mason, like his older brother and some other of Valley’s best tailbacks over the years, towers over no man at 5-foot-8, and there is often concerns about toughness and durability for smaller backs. But Swenson said there’s a confidence that players with elite ability that helps them deal with consistently taking hits from bigger players. “I’m not real concerned about his ability to handle the contact; he will fit that bill

“He is definitely the leader of the team,” Lombardi said. “Leadership is huge in football; you’ve got someone to lean on, someone to look to. And John’s a guy that, if someone’s slacking off, he’s going to straighten them out.” Swenson called Raridon the hardest worker on the team, and the senior said he’s not about to let his previous successes affect his work ethic this fall. “I just don’t want to let my team down,” Raridon said. “I’ve seen guys come through before who were All-State as a junior, and then their senior year they just

young, I was nervous before a lot of games

for us,” Swenson said. “As for durability

kind of take a break. That didn’t really sit

and didn’t have the kind of composure that he has. It’s something special.” Mason — the younger brother of 2013 All-State back Tyus Mason — ran for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns in reserve duty as a freshman in 2014 and is set to take the reins at tailback, putting him in the rarified air of being one of Valley’s few tailbacks to start as sophomores. He clearly demonstrated last fall that he has the ability to excel, but he was surprised he got the chance to show it off at the varsity level so soon and be in position to start in just his second year. “I honestly can say no to that; I never thought I would be in this position,” Mason said. “I hoped I would be, but I

and the ability to handle 15-20 carries a game, sometimes that goes with [physical] maturity, and sometimes you just get lucky. Injuries can happen at any time, any position. And at the tailback spot, you’re going to take more physical punishment than any other position on the field, so you just hope those kids can hold up.” Lombardi and Mason will be the ones putting points on the board, but the Tigers’ brightest star does his work in the trenches. Raridon assumed a starting role midway through his freshman season, and has since developed into one of the nation’s elite offensive line prospects. He’s also the Tigers’ unquestioned leader on and off the field.

well with me, and I don’t want to be that kind of senior for the younger guys.” No team wins a state title with just three players, but Swenson knows what he’s got in these three and knows that while they can’t do it alone, they will play central roles to what they hope is a return to the top of Class 4A. “If all three can stay healthy, they’re all going to be the guys we look to in order to have a good football team, offensively. All three of them are critical to our chances of ☐ being successful.”

18 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

Des Moines Register (2)

“If all three can stay healthy, they’re all going to be the guys we look to,” Swenson said. “ALL THREE OF THEM ARE CRITICAL.”

INTRODUCING AN ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINER FOR KIDS AND TEENS

teams:

Ames

Ankeny CB Jefferson DSM East SC North Southeast Polk

It looks like the usual suspects in this district will be battling for the district crown, with Ames, Ankeny and Southeast Polk all set for playoff runs yet again. The Little Cyclones have developed into one of Class 4A’s consistent offensive juggernauts and bring back one of the best pitch and catch duos in the state. Quarterback Michael Frankl threw for 2,351 yards and 21 touchdowns against just 4 interceptions a year ago, and top target Colby Shane is back after hauling in 85 receptions for 1,006 yards and 6 scores. Frankl is also no slouch on the ground, as he chipped in 569 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014. Michael Agbaje finished second on the team with 46.5 tackles and had a team-best 2 interceptions, but he’ll be surrounded by a largely new group of defenders. Ankeny had a bounce-back season in 2014 powered by a strong ground game and stout defense, and the Hawks will look to their defense to carry the bulk of the load this fall. Ethan Hanna and Brandt Butler are the top returning tacklers after tallying 32.5 and 31.5 stops, respectively. Cole Otto, Michael Davis and Alec Shaubhut add leadership on defense, and Schaubhut was the most disurptive returner, as he put up 5 tackles for loss in 2014. Taylor Parrish is a weapon in the place kicking game, but the Hawks will need to find a way to replace departed tailback By the Numbers Riley Newborg and quarterback Cole Whitaker, who both topped Top Returnees the 1,000-yard mark on the ground last season and accounted for 77 percent of the team’s total offense in 2014. Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Thomas McLaughlin will once again lead the offense at Southeast Michael Frankl 318 204 64.2 2,351 21 Colby Shane Sr, Ames Polk. The senior quarterback passed for 1,800-plus yards last season, Ames good for tenth in Class 4A, and 15 touchdowns. Eric Pingel was Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Michael Frankl second in tackles last season for the Rams with 48 stops, including 7 132 569 4.3 10 30 Sr, Ames for losses, and was tied for third in Class 4A with 4 fumble recoveries. Des Moines East returns Jaron Turner, who tallied 1,200-plus yards of total offense last season. Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG Brandon Trotter also returns to the backfield. Rory Walling led the team in tackles as a sophomore will be Colby Shane 85 1,006 11.8 6 56 Sr, Ames important to help improve the defense.

District

Tackling Rory Walling Jr, DSM East

TACK TFL SK FR 58.5 6.5 3 1

teams:

playoff picks: 1. Ankeny 2. ames 3. southeast polk 4. Des Moines East DSM North

dsm roosevelt dowling catholic lewis central SC North

johnston

A year ago, no one could have faulted you for picking Dowling Catholic to repeat as state champions. But the Maroons will have some big shoes to fill all over the depth chart, but none will be bigger than the void left by twotime Gatorade Player of the Year Ryan Boyle under center. Four players will battle it out to win the quarterback job (see P. 24), but tailback Cole Deskin (511 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) gained valuable experience in the backfield last season and is set to take over as the key in the ground game behind a dependable offensive line. Eric Fardal pulled down 45 receptions for nearly 750 yards and 8 touchdowns and will be a solid target for the next in line at quarterback. Ross Otte and Michael Zachary will lead the new faces on defense. The duo combined for 75 stops last season. Lewis Central made the move from Class 3A to 4A in style last season, posting a 9-2 overall record. To repeat that will require replacing some solid skill position players and counting on the defense to keep things steady while the new faces on offense gain experience. Ryan Scheidle is back after leading the team in tackles but the Titans return four other leaders including Logan Redeker, Mac Southard and Mitchell Brinkman. Caleb By the Numbers also Shudak will anchor the place kicking game. Top Returnees Johnston will once again look for a team effort to continue to battle for a playoff spot. Eric Siedenburg Passing 2014 Stats is back to lead on defense with his 55 stops along with Karl Rasmussen, Jackson Clausen and Boris ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Noah Lane 76 36 47.4 416 2 Petrusic who combined for 100 tackles last season. Sr, DSM North If Sioux City East finds a signal caller, then he will have two at the ready on the receiving end Rushing in Dom and Taylor Flemister who combined for 52 catches for 600-plus yards. Ross Godfrey, ATT YDS YPC TD LG Cole Deskin 80 511 6.4 8 47 Albert Saul and Keaton Lewis combined for 120 tackles return to lead the defense. Jr, Dowling Catholic

District

Receiving

Eric Fardal Sr, Dowling Catholic

REC YDS YPC TD LG 45 739 16.4 8 68

Tackling

Ryan Scheidle Jr, Lewis Central

TACK TFL SK INT 73 9.5 0 0

20 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. Dowling Catholic 2. Lewis Central 3. Johnston 4. Sioux City East

Eric Fardal Dowling Catholic

teams:

The Des Moines Register (2)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S 4 A

Ankeny Cent.

CB lincoln DSM hoover SC West wdm valley

dsm lincoln

It’s been a few years since Valley last played for a state title, but the Tigers look like a safe bet to pencil in for a trip to Cedar Falls just before Thanksgiving in 2015. They boast an offense with juggernaut potential, with junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi back under center after throwing for nearly 2,100 yards and 21 touchdowns a year ago and sophomore tailback Jevon Mason poised for a breakout season after putting up 404 yards and 4 touchdowns in reserve duty as a freshman. Paving the way up front is All-State tackle and Nebraska commit John Raridon. The Tigers’ defense should also be solid, with their top three tacklers (Ben Campos, Nick Yencer and Turner Scott) all returning to headline a unit has some holes to fill up front. If Swenson finds the right mix of players, this is a defense with high potential. Centennial will count on Hunter Pinegar and Ethan Babcock to lead the Jaguar rushing attack after the duo combined for 860 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014. The Jaguars also return five of their top seven tacklers on defense, led by Mitchell Allenback (76 tackles in 2014). Nate Williams, Garrett Nichols, Connor Cullen and Riley Larson are also key returners. By the Numbers The rest of the district is up in the air with Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln Top Returnees leaning on quarterback Josh Krabbe’s arm to lead their offense after passing for 2014 Stats nearly 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago. Des Moines Lincoln will have Passing COMP PCT YDS TD a new coaching staff and will look for Will McElvain to lead under center after Rocky Lombardi ATT 211 122 57.8 2,097 21 Jr, Valley a promising freshman campaign, and Logan Garrels (67 receptions, 891 yards, Rushing 6 touchdowns) is a solid target on the outside. Des Moines Hoover returns ATT YDS YPC TD LG Hunter Pinegar 87 539 6.2 6 33 star receiver Dom Marschel (51 receptions, 1,140 yards, 18 touchdowns), but Jr, Ankeny Cent. after losing quarterback Brock Larsen to graduation, the question is who will Receiving be throwing to him this season. Sioux City West has some quality pieces on REC YDS YPC TD LG Dom Marschel 51 1,140 22.4 18 95 offense but still needs to improve on both sides of the ball to compete for a Sr, DSM Hoover playoff spot.

District

Tackling playoff picks: 1. WDM Valley 2. ankeny Centennial Mitchell Allenbach 3. CB Lincoln 4. DSM Lincoln Sr, Ankeny Cent. Fort Dodge indianola marshalltown Mason City Urbandale waukee

SOLO TFL SK 76 7 1

INT 2

teams:

Waukee did about everything expected of them last season unless you are a Warrior fan who had hopes of winning Class 4A. Ben Ferkin (1,809 yards, 27 touchdowns) returns at quarterback after his breakout season in 2014 and he’ll have his best big-play target, Adam Rose (19.0 YPC, 9 touchdowns), back in the fold, too. Tailback Daniel Ray will be tasked with replacing All-State workhorse Trevor Allen after rushing for 454 yards as a junior. Brett Hauck and Cedric Dobbins will lead the defense after combining for 80 tackles in 2014, but there are a lot of holes to fill from the dominant, senior-laden group of a year ago. With Waukee likely to take a step back from the Class 4A elite and Fort Dodge bringing back a strong core from a 6-4 squad in 2014, the Dodgers may be a ready and willing challenger this season. Tailback Sam Cook was Class 4A’s fourth-leading rusher last year with 1,400-plus yards and 16 touchdowns. Johnny Bice (1,217 yards, 13 touchdowns) looks to improve at quarterback and Sam Kolacia (524 yards, 7 touchdowns) is back as his favorite target. Three of the Dodgers’ top four tacklers on defense return, as well, led by Cainen Hiracheta (52 tackles, 10 TFL). Kolacia and Kayden Preston each had five interceptions in the secondary, as well, giving the Dodgers a solid cover By the Numbers tandem. Top Returnees Urbandale will look to run with tailback Alex Newberg (779 yards, 8 touchdowns), while Cody Pearson (46 tackles) will lead on defense for the Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD J-Hawks. Indianola will leon on Schaefer Orwig and Jimmy Aiello defensively, Ben Ferkin 240 138 57.5 1,809 27 but the Indians have to break in a lot of new faces on offense. Marshalltown and Sr, Waukee Mason City each won one game last season and both will hope that some of the Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Sam Cook underclassmen that gained experience last season can help them to improve. 225 1,436 6.4 16 67 Sr, Fort Dodge The Bobcats return their top defender in Sam Rogers (47 tackles) while the Mohawks return Mac Spotts (51 tackles). Receiving

District

playoff picks: 1. Waukee 2. fort dodge 3. urbandale 4. indianola

Sam Kolacia Sr, Fort Dodge

REC YDS YPC TD LG 32 524 16.4 7 48

Tackling

Cainen Hiracheta Sr, Fort Dodge

TACK TFL SK FR 52 10 1 1

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 21

cedar falls CR Jefferson CR Kennedy Linn-Mar Waterloo East Waterloo West

teams:

Tavian Patrick Cedar Falls returns some solid skill position players who will once again CR Washington place them among the district title contenders. The Tigers will have experience District 6 under center with Taylen Alexander (846 yards, 7 touchdowns) and on the outside with receivers Tra’Von Fagan (303 yards, 4 touchdowns) and Javon Middleton (287 yards, 1 touchdown) back, as well. The ground game wasn’t as productive as Tigers fans are used to, but there is a trio back with potential. Denison Harrington (394 yards, 5 touchdowns), Rodney Hinton (371 yards, 3 touchdowns) and Adrian Diaz (282 yards, 1 touchdown) shared the carries last year and should improve their production this fall. Linn-Mar went from 2-7 in 2013 to 9-2 last season, but repeating that effort will take a big effort from a lot of new faces on both sides of the ball. Samuel Bries (33 tackles, 9 TFL) is the only returning starter on defense, while the Lions have to replace quarterback Ryan Schmidt, tailback Perrion Scott and receiver Trevor Noble, who accounted for the bulk of the offensive production in 2014. Waterloo West will be aiming to pull off a similar turnaround this fall. The Wahawks have some key pieces back, including Devon Moore (1,344 yards, 8 touchdowns) By the Numbers at quarterback and his favorite target, Trey Burt (621 yards, 4 touchdowns). Tailback Josh Draine (862 yards, 6 touchdowns) brings Top Returnees balance to the offense and rounds out a very potent Wahawk attack. Passing 2014 Stats Devon Conkling and Cody Heiselman combined for over 100 tackles ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Devon Moore 194 114 58.8 1,344 8 are back to lead what they hope is an improved defense. Jr, Waterloo West Cedar Rapids Jefferson returns Tavian Rashed (660 rushing yards, Rushing 11 touchdowns) in the backfield and Alex Fernandez (52 tackles, ATT YDS YPC TD LG Tyler Dralle 202 915 4.5 8 18 18 TFL) on defense as the J-Hawks look to build on a 4-5 2014 campaign. Cedar Rapids Kennedy had Sr, CR Kennedy a rough 0-6 start last season but finished by going 3-2. Back is running back Tyler Dralle (915 yards, 8 Receiving touchdowns) and a trio of receivers, led by Shaun Beyer, who combined for 80 receptions for nearly 1,000 REC YDS YPC TD LG Trey Burt 58 621 10.7 4 34 yards and 13 touchdowns. Beyer also led the team in tackles. Waterloo East will need to improve its depth Sr, Waterloo West if it hopes to compete for a playoff berth.

District

Tackling

Shaun Beyer Sr, CR Kennedy

TACK TFL SK INT 73 2 0 1

playoff picks: 1. Cedar falls 2. waterloo west 3. linn-mar 4. CR kennedy

teams: Burlington

CR Prairie

CR Washington

Iowa City High

Muscatine

Ottumwa

Cedar Rapids Washington was the clear powerhouse on the eastern side of the state in 2014, as the Warriors dominated all comers on their way to a runner-up finish at the UNI-Dome. If they hope to make another run this year, it will start in the backfield with the return of tailbacks Tavian Patrick (1,191 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) and Johnny Dobbs (838 yards, 17 touchdowns). That one-two combo is arguably the best in the state, but it will once again need a strong effort from the offensive line in order to duplicate last season’s performance. That’s especially true with the Warriors breaking in a new quarterback this season. O’Rien Vance (78 tackles, 15 TFL) is back to lead the defense, but the team could afford to develop some depth here, as several starters played both ways for the Warriors last season. Iowa City High had a tough 2-7 campaign, but with Nate Wieland (1,083 passing yards, 5 touchdowns; 753 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns) back for his junior year under center, there is reason to expect improvement. If the offense takes a step forward, the Little Hawks could be back in the postseason. Erick Fletcher (63.5 tackles) and By the Numbers Charles Johnson (8.5 TFL) are back to lead the defense. Top Returnees Ottumwa tailback Isaiah Cox had a disappointing junior campaign, as he saw his production dip from over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2013 to just 688 yards and 6 scores a year ago, Passing 2014 Stats but the Bulldogs can still lean on the running game this season with Cox and Isaiah Hutchinson (412 ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Nate Wieland 201 104 51.7 1,093 5 Jr, Iowa City High yards, 4 touchdowns) back in the fold. Sam Moreland (67.5 tackles, 7.5 TFL) headlines the defense along with Cox (48 tackles, 11.5 TFL), Osha Wylie (25.5 TFL) and Matthew Moreland (45 Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG tackles), giving the Bulldogs a solid core. Tavian Patrick 146 1,191 8.2 8 73 Sr, CR Washington Burlington, Cedar Rapids Prairie and Muscatine will all be counting on newcomers to be part of the playoff picture out of this district. Receiving

District

Isaiah Nimmers, Sr, CR Washington

REC YDS YPC TD LG 21 409 19.5 3 61

Tackling

O’Rien Vance Jr, CR Washington

SOLO TFL SK FR 78 18.5 8.5 3

22 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. CR Washington 2. Iowa City High 3. Ottumwa 4. CR prairie

teams:

Photo courtesy of Source Group0 Media (Dralle); Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (Lane)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S 4 A Suni Lane Bettendorf

Dav. Central Dav. North Dubuque Hempstead Iowa city west pleasant valley

Pleasant Valley won the district title last season but after losing every offensive skill position player of note, the Spartans will have to lean heavily on their defense as they completely rebuild the offense. Fortunately, the top four tacklers from last year’s squad are back, led by Ben Slavens (79.5 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and David Carr (46.5 tackles, 7.5 TFL). Alex Syverud (42.5 tackles, 5 INT) and Shamar Butler (36.5 tackles, 7 TFL) should also provide leadership for what should be a solid unit. But the big question marks remain: Who will handle the scoring? CJ Carter (229 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns) and Michael Berger (147 rushing yards, 1 touchdown) are the only returning players who had more than 10 carries last fall, which is concerning for a team that typically relies on its ground game for success. Quarterback Chase Kipper also graduated, and he was the only player to attempt even a single pass in 2014. Iowa City West is a historically solid program that will look for more in the ground game with Yeshuwa Hicks (544 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns). The Trojans will be breaking in a new quarterback, but he’ll have Oliver Martin (759 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns) By the Numbers and Alex Henderson (351 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns) and their defense Top Returnees with four players led by Donovan Doyle and Mason Koch who combined for 73 Passing 2014 Stats tackles back. Martin was solid in the secondary with five interceptions. ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Kaleb Schultz 70 33 47.1 674 7 Sr, Dav. Central Dubuque Hempstead and Davenport Central will look to improve on their four-win seasons but both have a large number of starters to replace. Davenport Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Yeshuwa Hicks North may have the fewest number of players with experience to replace but 137 544 4.0 6 15 Sr, Iowa City West with only one win, will have to improve, especially on defense. Kaleb Schultz (674 passing yards, 7 touchdowns) is the only starting quarterback returning in Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG the district. Oliver Martin 61 759 12.4 5 30

District

playoff picks: 1. Iowa city west 2. pleasant valley 3. dubuque hempstead 4. davenport central

teams: Bettendorf

Clinton

Dav. West

Jr, Iowa City West

Tackling

Ben Slavens Sr, Pleasant Valley

Dubuque Senior

TACK TFL SK INT 79.5 5.5 1 0

North Scott

Bettendorf has consistently been among the state’s elite and, despite having some big holes to fill offensively, it’s unwise to bet against head coach Aaron Wiley’s program. But it’s also fair to note there is no great team on paper in this district. The Bulldogs will once again be tough on defense, thanks in part to Keegan Glaus (78 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3 INT). Replacing a number of dominant players along the front line will be a challenge, but Glaus, Dalton McLaughlin (54 tackles), Jack Wells (40 tackles, 4 INT) and Xavier Holley (11 TFL) give the Bulldogs a solid core to build around. Offensively, finding replacements for quarterback Cyle Cox and All-State tailback Justice O’Connor will be the biggest priorities. Wideout Suni Lane (29 receptions, 435 yards) should give the new signal-caller a reliable target downfield, but there are a lot of question marks after that. North Scott is another team facing uncertainty on offense after losing its top passer, rusher and receiver from 2014. The Lancers also lost most of their defense to graduation, returning just C.J. Guffey (49.5 tackles, 4 TFL), Killian Gard (42.5 tackles, 8 TFL, 6 sacks) and Kier Brown (22 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 INT) from their top 11 defenders. By the Numbers Dubuque Senior would like to be part of the postseason picture and will Top Returnees look for Lee Bonifas (2,072 yards of total offense, 19 total touchdowns) to lead Passing 2014 Stats the way from under center. Enough pieces are back on defense, led by Jacob ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Lee Bonifas Osterberger (39.5 tackles) and Jacob Nolan (34.5 tackles, 6 TFL) to make the 156 87 55.8 1,134 9 Sr, Dubuque Senior Rams competitive in most games. Rushing Clinton will be hoping quarterback Jonny Sullivan (477 passing yards, 6 ATT YDS YPC TD LG Lee Bonifas 165 938 5.7 10 55 touchdowns) can take a step forward in his junior season, with help from top Sr, Dubuque Senior receiver Theo Harris (18 receptions, 282 yards). But until that happens, the Receiving River Kings will lean on Luke Larkin (49.5 tackles), Marquis Robinson (31 REC YDS YPC TD LG Suni Lane tackles, 1 INT) and Justin Guilliams (27.5 tackles, 11 TFL) on defense to stay 29 435 15.0 2 49 Jr, Bettendorf competitive and get into the playoffs.

District

playoff picks: 1. Bettendorf 2. north scott 3. dubuque senior 4. Clinton

Tackling

Keegan Glaus Jr, Bettendorf

TACK TFL SK INT 78 9.5 2 3

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 23

DOW L IN G ’ S N EXT MA N IN

Who’s it Gonna Be? Dowling Catholic is coming off back-to-back state championships, but there’s a big question mark looming over the Maroons entering this season: Who will replace Ryan Boyle? BY TORK MASON Photographs by Tork Mason

owling Catholic is coming off back-to-back Class 4A state championships, but the Maroons will face a major change and begin a new era this fall. After establishing himself as the singular most dominant player in the state in 2013 and 2014, Maroon quarterback Ryan Boyle has moved on to the college ranks, leaving a massive void under center. And as head coach Tom Wilson prepares his team for the 2015 campaign, the question on many fans’ minds is: Who’s it gonna be? That’s a difficult question to answer at this point, as there are four players — seniors J.T. Brown and Kurt Walding, and junior Ben Wilson and Charlie Reding — who are vying for the opportunity to step into Boyle’s shoes. But Wilson said it’s critical that everyone — including the players competing for the job — let these four young men play their own game. “The biggest thing, no matter who the quarterback is, is for them to be themselves,” Wilson said. “We can’t expect them — I’ve been doing this for quite awhile, and I’d never had a Ryan Boyle until Ryan Boyle came along. We just have to be realistic and get them to understand we don’t want them to try and be Superman.” While Wilson said it was too soon

24 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

to name a starter, he highlighted each of the prospective signalcallers’ strengths and weaknesses, based on their 2014 performances. Brown was Boyle’s backup prior to breaking his collarbone late in the season, and both he and Walding were described as having a similar playing style as Boyle’s, even if they won’t likely be as effective at it as

their predecessor. There is even less information for the coaching staff to go on when it comes to the two juniors, Wilson and Reding. Ben Wilson — Tom Wilson’s son — quarterbacked Dowling’s sophomore team to an undefeated record in 2014. His READY TO GO The four competing to win the job: Ben Wilson (15), Kurt Walding (13), J.T. Brown (8) and Charlie Reding (11).

DOW L IN G ’ S N EXT MA N IN father said he is another player who can any experience in those situations. Brown college camps over the summer, and use his legs to beat the defense, but he’s said serving as an understudy to the best Walding said he expects that to benefit him also smaller in stature, standing just 5-feet- player in the state wasn’t the worst way to if he ultimately wins the job. 8 tall. Reding is the least experienced of prepare for this competition. “We’ve all worked really hard this the quartet and is more pocket passer than “If I were to be behind anyone, I would offseason and I’ve been through a bunch of scrambler. camps,” Walding If there’s a said. “I think FOUR-HORSE RACE Wilson wasn’t ready to commit to naming a starter, and the race is between four player who has players with varying skills. Ben Wilson, the small but skilled passer; Walding, the player with all the tools; Brown, that’s really going a clear edge over the 2014 No. 2 coming back from injury; and Reding, the pocket passer with the least experience. to help when the the others in any game’s close; I’m area, it’s Walding sure I’ll have to and hi arm go back to the strength. Wilson basics.” said Walding Wilson said he possessed the expects to name strongest arm on a starter by the the team in 2014, start game week and that included practice on Aug. Boyle, who now 24, but that his plays quarterback decision isn’t at The University set in stone for of Iowa. the rest of the “We wanted season. to work on “Obviously, [Brown’s] we don’t want throwing motion musical chairs a little; we or anyone thought we could looking over make his release their shoulder, quicker, and he’s but they’re also certainly worked going to have on that,” Wilson to perform said. “With Kurt, when given the it was a matter opportunity after of putting all they’ve won that the pieces of the job,” he said. “I puzzle together. don’t want to He’s got all the play more than physical tools, one if I don’t the size. He has have to. all the tools to “But again,

“We’re just trying to get a solid quarterback to move the program forward,” Wilson said. “I THINK WE HAVE THAT; WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE SOME DECISIONS.” make it work. Now can he make it work when we’re in crunch time? We’ll never know that until crunch time gets here.” Performance in the late stages of close ball games was something Wilson stressed repeatedly, but no one on the roster has 26 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

want to be behind Boyle,” Brown said. “Just watching him last year in practice, watching how he does things, how he reads defenses; it really helped me a lot and expand as a player.” Walding and Brown have both attended

we’re not going to get Ryan Boyle, Part Two. We’re just trying to get a solid quarterback who can move the program forward. I think we have that in the guys competing for the job; we just have to make some decisions.”

☐

teams:

Boyden-hull/rock valley denison-schleswig Le mars SC Heelan Sergeant bluff-luton spencer storm lake

Much like Bettendorf in Class 4A, it’s easy to place Bishop Heelan among the top state championship contenders. But also like the Bulldogs, they will have to replace nearly every skill position player of note to repeat that success. Saybein and Odessa Clark will try to fill the void in the ground game left by Tony Tobin after combining for 362 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns in reserve duty last year. But former quarterback Nick McCann attempted all but one of the Crusaders’ passes in 2014 and a once-loaded receiving corps is severely depleted after losing four players with at least 35 receptions and 418 yards a year ago. Defensively, the Crusaders will have to reload along the front line, but it will be impossible to fully replace the production provided by former star Joe Kayl, who tallied an absurd 47 tackles for loss in 2014. Odessa Clark (41 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 INT), Jake Noel (40 tackles, 8 TFL), Luke Hurlburt (12.5 TFL) and Branden Hohenstein (8.5 TFL) will be counted on to lead the defense as returning starters. Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley could be in position to battle for the top of the district after a .500 season in which it hung tough in most of its five losses. Brady Post (1,729 passing yards, 18 touchdowns) is back at quarterback and still has his top target, Kobe Lutjens (37 491 yards), to work with on the outside. The Nighthawks By the Numbers receptions, have a solid core back on defense, as well, with Kyle Van Ginkel (71 Top Returnees tackles, 10 TFL) headlining a group that returns six of its top 11 Passing 2014 Stats defenders. ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Brady Post Sergeant Bluff-Luton boasts one of the state’s best tailbacks in 226 113 50.0 1,729 18 Sr, B-H/RV Saybein Clark senior Matt George (2,233 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns), but Bishop Heelan Rushing big questions face a defense that must improve against quality ATT YDS YPC TD LG Matt George 258 2,233 8.7 25 80 competition for the Warriors to be legitimate contenders. Sr, Sergeant Bluff-Luton LeMars has the pieces in key spots to become a contender for at least a playoff spot led by linebacker Receiving Tyler Pauley and quarterback Koster Buss. Spencer is a consistent playoff qualifier but has numerous holes REC YDS YPC TD LG Kobe Lutjens 37 491 13.3 2 10 to fill on both sides of the ball. Without question, this district will be decided by a number of new faces.

District

Jr, B-H/RV

Tackling

Kyle Van Ginkel Sr, B-H/RV

TACK TFL SK FR 71 10 1 1

teams:

playoff picks: 1. SC Heelan 2. Sergeant bluff-luton 3. boyden-hull/rock valley 4. spencer algona boone carroll greene county humboldt perry webster city

This district is as up in the air as any entering the season. Carroll and Humboldt were the clear heavy hitters a year ago, but both squads lost a lot of key contributors to graduation. Webster City took third place in the district a year ago but look like the top contender on paper, thanks to workhorse tailback Gavin Dinsdale (1,665 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns) and a defense that returns eight starters. That unit is headlined by junior Drew Fielder (40 tackles) and brings back a strong cover tandem in Shawn Vogelbacher and Alec Fuhs (3 INT each). Carroll won the district title last season, but losing quarterback Addison Ross and receiver Eli Cleveland to graduation hurts the offense in a big way. Ross accounted for 2,905 yards of total offense and 28 touchdowns, and Cleveland was his favorite target. How well the Tigers replace them will be a determining factor in how successful this season is. Tailback Matt Pauk (1,070 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns) give the offense a potent weapon, though. By the Numbers The defense also faces a lot of uncertainty after graduating all but two starters. Top Returnees Pauk is the top returning defender after posting 70 stops last season. Drew Thomas (1,624 passing yards, 19 touchdowns) is back at quarterback for Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Humboldt, but he’ll be without top target Jaxon Heinz this fall. The Wildcats do Drew Thomas 207 119 57.5 1,624 19 Jr, Humboldt return running backs Kyle McBeth and Tony Nielsen, who combined for 836 yards and 8 touchdowns a year ago. Nielsen is also the Wildcats leading returning tackler Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Gavin Dinsdale 294 1,665 5.7 26 73 on a defense that lost seven starters. Sr, Webster City Boone looks to improve from a 1-8 campaign last season and can start with junior quarterback Tanner Schminke (1,997 yards of total offense, 16 touchdowns) Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG and wideout Danny Anderson (539 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns). Danny Anderson 38 539 14.2 6 72

District

Sr, Boone

Tackling Matt Pauk Sr, Carroll

SOLO TFL SK INT 70 6 1.5 0

28 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. webster city 2. carroll 3. humboldt 4. boone

teams:

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (2)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S 3 A Nick Stark Cedar Rapids Xavier

charles city crestwood decorah independence vinton-shellsburg waverly-shell rock west delaware

West Delaware dealt with some injury issues last season, and lost star tailback Coy Roussell (1,220 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns) to illness for four games. But Roussell is back for his senior campaign and gives the Hawks the best offensive weapon in the district, if not the state. There will be a new signal-caller now that Brent Lammers has graduated, but whoever takes over will have a pair of dependable targets in John Nagel (15 receptions, 394 receiving yards) and Max Ridenour (22 receptions, 390 receiving yards). The defense also brings back a trio of key pieces in Colin Weber, Bennett Cole and Ridenour who combined for 235 tackles, including 30.5 stops for loss. Waverly-Shell Rock won the district title last season and the Go-Hawks will lean on their running game as they look to defend their crown. Tailbacks Ryan Sprain and Riley Steckelberg combined for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago, although replacing Jake Velky under center will be a top priority. Andrew Epley (103.5 tackles) is the top player back on a defense that returns six of its top 11 tacklers, and Sprain (53 tackles, 4 INT) gives the Go-Hawks a reliable cover man in the By the Numbers secondary. Top Returnees Decorah has struggled to maintain its typical level of success since reaching Passing 2014 Stats the 2012 state title game, and the Vikings don’t appear poised to change that ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Nicholas Holt 188 72 38.3 832 9 this season. Cole Stefren is back at quarterback and Garrett Wise is back to lead Sr, Independence the defense, and they should lead the Vikings to the playoffs, but a trip to Cedar Rushing Falls appears unlikely. ATT YDS YPC TD LG Coy Roussell 185 1,220 6.6 16 54 Independence had a solid 6-4 season in 2014 and bring back the majority of Sr, West Delaware its key contributors, so expect the Mustangs to return to the postseason. They’ll Receiving primarily rely on a defense led by Matt McMillan (54 tackles, 4 sacks) and REC YDS YPC TD LG Shane Feller 32 541 16.9 5 44 Drew Davis (51 tackles, 5 INT). Sr, Charles City

District

playoff picks: 1. west delaware 2. waverly-shell rock 3. decorah 4. independence

teams:

Tackling

Andrew Epley Sr, Waverly-Shell Rock

TACK TFL SK INT 103.5 6 0 0

central clinton CR Xavier Dubuque Wahlert maquoketa marion solon western dubuque

There’s plenty of history at the top of this district and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Cedar Rapids Xavier and Solon reload at key positions to stay among the state’s best. Xavier won the district title last season and quarterback Bryce Schulte (1,151 passing yards, 14 touchdowns) will be back to lead the way for the Saints after a solid sophomore campaign. He’ll also have Nick Stark (26 receptions, 423 receiving yards) back on the outside, and Sean Murphy (479 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns) is ready to step in at tailback. Defense is the staple of Xavier’s success over the years but the core of the last year’s unit graduated, so it will be up to new players to be next men in. Solon returns dual threat Brandon Childs at quarterback and he will be counted on to lead a unit that lost star running back Brandon Kramer and speedster Connor Ham to graduation. Childs tallied 1,422 yards of total offense and accounted for 17 touchdowns. Spencer Lawson will lead the defense. Western Dubuque posted a 6-4 record last season, which included a 7-6 upset over Xavier, and the Bobcats will hope to build on that as they enter this season. That could prove challenging, though, as they lost several key players from an offense that wasn’t prolific in 2014 and many starters from a defense that held opponents to 14 By the Numbers points or fewer in six contests. Filling those holes defensively Top Returnees will be the biggest priority for the Bobcats this season. Passing 2014 Stats Marion lost a lot defensively, but the Indians do bring Bryce Schulte ATT COMP PCT YDS TD 169 84 49.7 1,151 14 back tailback Kory Walsh (755 rushing Jr, CR Xavier yards, 7 touchdowns), who Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG powered the offense a year Kory Walsh 167 755 4.5 7 N/A Sr, Marion ago and should be able to lead the Indians to the playoffs in 2015. Receiving

District

playoff picks: 1. CR Xavier 2. solon 3. W Dubuque 4. Marion

Nick Stark Sr, CR Xavier

REC YDS YPC TD LG 26 423 16.3 2 N/A

Tackling

Mason Flynn Sr, Dubuque Wahlert

TACK TFL SK FR 75 2 0 2

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 29

teams:

clear creek-amana davenport assumption fairfIeld keokuk mount pleasant washington

fort madison

Joe Argo Davenport Assumption returns quarterback Joe Argo, who put up over Davenport Assumption 1,500 yards of total offense and accounted for 16 touchdowns. Wideout Will Ontiveros (414 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns) is also back, which gives the Knights a solid foundation on offense. They’ll need to find a new tailback to provide balance to the offense, though. Carter Kilfoy (57 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and Daniel Tjaden (33.5 tackles, 7 TFL, 6 sacks) will lead the defense. Fairfield will lean on a potent passing attack to challenge for a district crown. Quarterback Cameron Baumann tossed for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore last season, which could spell trouble for the rest of the district if he takes a step forward. His top two targets, Jordan Reid (517 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns) and Alex Crile (437 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns), are both back, giving the Trojans the best aerial attack in the district. If the defense can fill some holes, the Trojans could take the top seed out of this district. Washington won a tight district race last year but will have to replace one of the state’s top athletes in Dayrn Sebelius to repeat that effort this season. The new signal-caller will have a pair of reliable receivers to work with in Dakota Suchan (29 receptions, 482 By the Numbers receiving yards) and Jack Giardino (30 receptions, 376 receiving yards). After that, though, the offense has a lot of question marks. Top Returnees The defense isn’t any more settled after losing a bevy of talent from a Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD senior-laden group. The Demons should still qualify for the playoffs, Joseph Hess 163 96 58.9 1,543 15 Sr, Mount Pleasant but a district title seems unrealistic. Mount Pleasant was young in some key positions last season and, Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Kameron Cooper 225 1,286 5.7 12 89 led by quarterback Joseph Hess (1,543 yards, 15 touchdowns), could take a step forward this year. Fort Sr, Fort Madison Madison won only one game last season but could be a sleeper to steal a playoff spot, with a number of players back. Quarterback Kameron Cooper and tailback Austin Brune combined for 2,151 rushing yards Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG and 22 touchdowns last season, so the Bloodhounds can score, but the defense needs to improve. Kolton Marlin 34 772 22.7 9 79

District

Sr, Keokuk

Tackling

Jack Giardino Sr, Washington

TACK TFL SK FR 63 4 1 3

teams:

playoff picks: 1. davenport assumption 2. fairfIeld 3. mount pleasant 4. washington ballard

bondurant-farrar benton community grinnell nevada newton

gilbert

This district was the toughest in Class 3A in 2014, with Ballard, Gilbert, Grinnell, Newton and Bondurant-Farrar each winning at least six games. It’s unlikely that the district will have the same level of quality depth this season, but it won’t be a cakewalk. Gilbert might have been left wondering what might have been after last season, when star quarterback and linebacker Jared Gescheidler went down midseason with a torn ACL. But Cole Drzycimski filled in admirably, accounting for over 1,400 yards of total offense, and can use that experience as a springboard into this season. Tailback Cody Dvorak (1,101 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns) is also back, giving the Tigers a formidable 1-2 punch in the ground game. The biggest issue will be filling the holes left by a strong senior class on defense. Grinnell returns Kade McKnight (1,100 passing yards, 9 touchdowns) at quarterback, but he’ll need to quickly develop a rapport with a totally new receiving corps, as no returning receiver had more than a pair of catches in 2014. Jake Simon (513 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns) returns in the backfield, so McKnight will have a little help while getting on the By the Numbers same page as his receivers. Tanner Hoffstetter and Jason Brau are the only key contributors back on defense, but both were disruptive (19.5 combined TFL). Top Returnees Ballard will need to lean on its defense as the offense finds out how to replace the slew of Passing 2014 Stats skill position players lost to graduation, and that will be on the backs of Cade Wilson and ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Kade McKnight 147 73 49.7 1,100 9 Jr, Grinnell Kenton Brekke (101 combined tackles). Bondurant-Farrar brings back quarterback Dylan Story (975 passing yards, 10 touchdowns), but departed tailback Grant Petersen was the Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG driving force behind the offense in 2014. Cody Dvorak 146 1,101 7.5 18 75 Jr, Gilbert For many years, you needed to see who would be running the ball for Newton. But these days in Newton, you have to know who’s throwing the ball and that’s a question Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG mark. Joseph Banfield ran for 519 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2014, but he will be Jarrid Clark 6 262 43.7 3 78 Sr, Bondurant-Farrar asked for more after working in a three-man platoon a year ago.

District

Tackling

Cole Schlenker Sr, Bondurant-Farrar

TACK TFL SK FR 69 31 13 1

30 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. Gilbert 2. grinnell 3. newton 4. bondurant-farrar

Noah Clayberg Pella

teams:

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (Clayberg); Mike Ruefer (Argo)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S s 3 A

carlisle chariton knoxville norwalk oskaloosa pella saydel

This district was solid in 2014 and boasts arguably the two best quarterbacks in the state in Pella’s Noah Clayberg and Norwalk’s Brady Brandsfield. Clayberg led the Little Dutch to a state championship last season and, with the weapons returning on offense and the key contributors back on defense, they look poised to repeat. Clayberg passed for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns and ran for another 1,637 yards and 21 touchdowns, and will still have Will Warner (42 receptions, 652 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns) to work with on the outside. Add Nathan Henry (1,017 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns) in the backfield, and it’s easy to see why the Little Dutch will be favored this season. Clayberg also is a factor at safety and, along with Austin Schulte (53.5 tackles, 15.5 TFL) and Warner (5 INT), should help make the defense a salty unit once again. It’s not common for a junior to have already established himself as one of the state’s best passers. But Brandsfield (2,106 passing yards, 22 touchdowns) fits that description and is By the Numbers the biggest reason the Warriors will be competitive this fall. He also led the Top Returnees team with 574 rushing yards and 9 scores on the ground. Receivers Justin South and Devin Pirkle need to step up after posting solid numbers a year ago Passing 2014 Stats COMP PCT YDS TD to fill the void left by Luke Greenslade, Brandsfield’s favorite target last season. Brady Brandsfield ATT 288 162 56.3 2,106 22 Jr, Norwalk Carlisle brings back quarterback Jordan Pierce (1,181 passing yards, 10 touchdowns), but will have to replace a very productive 1-2 punch at tailback Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Noah Clayberg following the graduation of Kincanh McMullen and Tyrell Erb (2,017 172 1,637 9.5 21 88 Sr, Pella combined rushing yards, 24 touchdowns). The Wildcats do bring back the majority of their defense, headlined by Joe Crowley (77.5 tackles, 6 TFL), so the Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG T.J. Hockenson offense won’t be under too much pressure to light up the scoreboard. 73 1,116 15.3 18 86

District

Sr, Chariton

playoff picks: 1. pella 2. carlisle 3. norwalk 4. knoxville

teams:

A-D-M adel

Atlantic glenwood

Tackling

Bradly Krutsinger Sr, Chariton

SOLO TFL FR TD 85 0 3 1

Creston Dallas center-grimes harlan winterset

Dallas Center-Grimes won the district title last season and will look to a dynamic duo in the backfield to repeat that performance. Austin Kloewer (1,415 passing yards, 994 rushing yards, 32 total touchdowns) is back at quarterback, and tailback Nathan Brown chipped in over 650 yards on the ground with 10 scores. The Mustangs’ defense also returns its top two in tackles with Nate Osborn and Logan Buck, who combined for 161.5 stops with 7 for a loss, and defensive back Trey Washington led the district with six interceptions. Harlan missed the playoffs last fall for the first time since 1994, but the Cyclones have the horses returning to make a return trip in 2015. Quarterback Kyle Juhl and tailback Nick Tarney (905 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) headline the offense, and the defense brings back eight of its top 11 tacklers. Creston lost a regular season meeting with the Mustangs but rebounded for a win in the playoffs to reach the UNI-Dome. The Panthers will be counting on junior tailback Chase Shiltz (1,250 rushing yards, 24 touchdowns) to lead the way again this fall. Seth Maitlen (114 tackles, 9.5 TFL) will lead the defense after setting the high mark for tackles in the district last season. A-D-M has become known for prolific passing attacks over the years and By the Numbers quarterback Frank Weiland (2,515 passing yards, 19 touchdowns) is back to Top Returnees once again lead that attack, although he’ll have to cut down on his interceptions Passing 2014 Stats (18) and break in a new set of receivers. The defense will have some holes to ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Frank Weiland 330 190 57.6 2,515 19 fill, but leading tackler Jacob Hardy (64.5 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks) returns. Sr, A-D-M Creston and Dallas Center-Grimes were head and shoulders above the rest Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Chase Shiltz of the district a year ago, but if Harlan can come even close to returning to 222 1,250 5.6 24 N/A Jr, Creston form, this race could get a lot more interesting.

District

Receiving

playoff picks: 1. dallas center-grimes 2. harlan 3. creston 4. A-D-M

Chase Shiltz Jr, Creston

REC YDS YPC TD LG 31 518 16.7 6 N/A

Tackling

Seth Maitlen Sr, Creston

SOLO TFL FR INT 114 9.5 1 1

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 31

P EL LA’ S S P L IT P E R S ONAL IT Y

Split Personality Pella showcased a combination of speed and power on its way to a state title last fall. The hybrid demeanor of the Little Dutch’s two stars has the program poised to repeat. BY TORK MASON Photographs by Tork Mason

ella showcased several dualities on its way to a Class 3A state championship. Speed and power. Electrifying offense and smash-mouth defense. There’s another combination that’s much more subtle, but ultimately just as important as the Little Dutch take aim at repeating. Talk to quarterback Nathan Clayberg about football, and to a stranger he comes off as the stereotypical quarterback. He’s all business between the lines, prefers to lead by example and sticks to the cards in interviews. Spend a few minutes with tailback Nathan Henry, and it’s apparent that he’s not shy. An active member in speech and drama, Henry isn’t a braggadocio but he’s comfortable being in the spotlight. He’s also one of the team’s biggest jokers and likes keeping the atmosphere light. That mixture of dedicated focus and lighthearted fun gives the Little Dutch the best of both worlds as they face the inevitable expectations that come with returning the bulk of a dominant state championship team. They’re prepared to put in all the necessary work, and then some, but they also don’t take themselves too seriously. Clayberg, who passed for 1,256 yards and ran for another

32 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

1,637 while accounting for 35 touchdowns, said that’s a great way to approach this season. “That’s definitely key; it shows the underclassmen that work can be fun,” Clayberg said. “When you have guys who make you look at things through different perspectives, it makes the atmosphere RELAXED FOCUS Henry (left) uses his laid-back demeanor to the team’s advantage, while Clayberg provides the focus and keeps the team in line.

P EL LA’ S S P L IT P E R S ONAL IT Y

more fun to be around. Nathan’s a really lighthearted guy; he gets along with everybody and we enjoy having him around. We’ve got guys who bring both perspectives, so we can put in the work, but at the same time, have fun while we’re doing it.” Henry, who put up 1,017 rushing yards and scored 20 touchdowns in 2014, has always been a guy people can count on to create a little laughter and remind them

weight room and they certainly respect that. People want to be around him when he does that. Noah really has that presence about him; the kids really look to him.” McKinstrey added, however, that while Clayberg is much more reserved than his backfield mate, but there’s more to his quarterback than meets the eye. “[On the field,] he’s pretty down to business,” McKinstrey said. “If you became a really good friend of his, you’d see he can

sacrificing the jokes here and there. When it gets to crunch time, he’s ready, and it’s nice to know he’s got the same mindset as everybody else on the team.” That focus was evident during last year’s state championship game against Bishop Heelan. The Little Dutch committed several costly turnovers in the first half and needed a last-minute score before halftime to pull within 17-14, and Henry broke the game open with a 72-yard scoring burst

DANGEROUS COMBINATION Their personalities help the team throughout the season, both on and off the field, but Henry and Clayberg ultimately have to also perform between the lines. And neither disappointed in 2014. Clayberg put up 2,893 yards of total offense and accounted for 35 offensive touchdowns, while Henry tallied 1,017 rushing yards and scored 20 times, including a critical 72-yard dash in the state championship game (left).

“We’ve got guys who bring [focused and laid-back] perspectives,” Clayberg said. “So we can put in the work, but at he same time

HAVE FUN WHILE WE’RE DOING IT.”

that it’s okay to let loose every now and then. “I was always the funny guy in our group of friends,” Henry said. “Everybody is sometimes a little too serious and they need to lighten up. So I just like to lighten things up for everyone.” Pella head coach Jay McKinstrey said if there’s one player on the team the others look to for leadership, especially in the weight room, it’s Clayberg. “People look at Noah, they know what he’s done and seen his work ethic,” McKinstrey said. “They’ve seen his play on the field, but they’ve seen his effort in the

34 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

really be very funny. He’s very improv-ish with his humor. He just doesn’t necessarily show it very much.” And where Clayberg has a more colorful personality off the field, Henry knows when it’s time for the jokes to stop and get serious about the game. He’s ready to provide the team whatever it needs at a given moment, Clayberg said. “It shows that he really does care about this team and that he’s willing to put himself out there for the sake of the team,” Clayberg said. “But he’s going to zone in and focus on what he’s doing for the benefit of the team, even if it means

late in the third quarter to give his team a two-possession lead that they never relinquished in a 38-17 victory. Now that Clayberg and Henry, along with 23 other players, enter their final season together, McKinstrey said he’s excited to watch them grow take on even more responsibility as role models for the entire team. “It’s hard to believe they’re going to be seniors; you forget that part,” McKinstrey said. “It seems like just yesterday, they were freshmen starters. It’s going to be fun to see them assume senior leadership roles.” ☐

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central lyon/george-little rock cherokee moc-fLoyd valley okoboji sheldon sioux center spirit lake

teams:

Ko Kieft This district boasted two elite teams in 2014, but the team that took third place a year ago might work its way into contention. Central Lyon/GeorgeSioux Center Little Rock lost four games a year ago, all to teams that reached at least the state quarterfinals in Classes 2A and 3A. But with Spirit Lake and Sioux Center having to replace a lot of key pieces, the Lions could be poised to use a strong core to make their own deep run this season. Spirit Lake lost a lot from a prolific offense, but the defense will be salty and should keep the Indians on top in this district. Six starters are back, including Dallas Pook and Logan Backhaus, who tallied 173 tackles and 31 stops for loss a year ago. The secondary also boasts a pair of elite cover men in Cory Meschede (7 INT) and Billy Brown (6 INT). Elite defense is what got district rival Sioux Center to last year’s state championship game, and it could be what takes the Indians there this fall. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock quarterback Pete Menage (1,703 passing yards, 17 touchdowns) and tailback CJ Roths combined for 1,327 rushing yards and By the Numbers 19 touchdowns, but the Lions will have to break in some new receivers. Defensively, only three starters return, headlined by Top Returnees Roths (61 tackles, 5 INT). Passing 2014 Stats More will be asked of Ko Keift in Sioux Center at quarterback ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Pete Menage 199 110 55.3 1,703 17 this season. Kieft (907 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) was the Sr, CL/G-LR starter for most of 2014 before surrendering the job to Chris Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Borchers for the playoff run. He’ll also be working without the great supporting cast he had a year ago. C.J. Roths 176 826 4.7 13 20 Sr, CL/G-LR Keift (72 tackles, 14.5 TFL) will also be the leader on defense, but Blake Kamerman (5 INT) is the only other major contributor returning. is back after making five interceptions last season. Receiving MOC-Floyd Valley will count on quarterback Brady Schutt (801 passing yards, 633 rushing yards, 13 REC YDS YPC TD LG Jake Dodge 28 432 15.4 2 40 Sr, Okoboji total touchdowns to lead the team to the playoffs. He also led the team with 59 tackles.

District

Tackling

Dallas Poock Sr, Spirit Lake

TACK TFL SK INT 103.5 16 5 2

teams:

playoff picks: 1. Spirit Lake 2. central lyon/G-LR 3. sioux center 4. MOC-Floyd Valley

clarion-goldfIeld clear lake estherville lincoln central forest city garner-hayfIeld/ventura hampton-dumont osage

Clear Lake won the district title last season, but the Lions face the daunting task of having to reload at nearly every position without long-time head coach Fred Wieck, who was 223-65 in his tenure at Clear Lake. Hampton-Dumont looks poised to fill the void at the top of the district, with running backs Isaiah Noelck and Bailey Miller retuning after combining for 1,634 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2014. Miller was also a reliable target out of the backfield, catching 11 passes for 283 yards and a pair of scores. Defensively, Josh Knipfel (49 tackles, 12.5 TFL) and Evan Koenen (41.5 tackles, 7 INT) lead a unit that does have a few holes to fill, but has potential. Clarion-Goldfield will be looking to make an impression this season and will lean on tailback Zach Pogge (819 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) to do so. The Cowboys will need to replace Trenton Sann and Joel Haberman, though, after those two rounded out a solid ground game as seniors in 2014. The Cowboys biggest concern, however, is replacing virtually the entire defense. Pogge is the top returning tackler with just 20.5 stops a year ago. Central will look to challenge with its defense, which brings back Mark Paulson By the Numbers (96Estherville-Lincoln tackles, 19 TFL, 7 sacks) and Sergio Osornio (77 tackles, 12 TFL, 4 sacks). Robert Sheriden (562 Top Returnees rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) and Dan Christensen (363 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns) are the only Passing 2014 Stats proven players on offense, but that should be enough to snag a playoff berth. ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Collin Havel 211 122 57.8 2,097 21 Osage has a pair of solid playmakers in the backfield with quarterback Collin Havel (1,125 Sr, Osage yards of total offense, 14 total touchdowns) and tailback Ben Mallinger (513 rushing yards, 2 Rushing touchdowns). Garner-Hayfield/Ventura will count on tailback Conner Shaw, who ran for 714 ATT YDS YPC TD LG Isaiah Noelck 87 539 6.2 6 33 yards as a sophomore, while Forest City returns the district’s top receiver in Tyler Anderson Sr, Hampton-Dumont with 26 receptions for 541 yards and 4 touchdowns. All three teams will simply be Receiving Tyler Hirsch looking to improve and maybe play spoiler. REC YDS YPC TD LG Tyler Anderson Dyersville Beckman 51 1,140 22.4 18 95

District

Sr, Forest City

Tackling

Mark Paulson Sr, Estherville-LC

SOLO TFL SK 76 7 1

36 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

INT 2

playoff picks: 1. Hampton-dumont 2. clear lake 3. clarion-goldfIeld 4. e’ville-lincoln central

teams:

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (2)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S 2 A

dyersville beckman center point-urbana columbus catholic new hampton north fayette valley oelwein waukon

This district was perhaps the strongest in the state, regardless of class, last fall. North Fayette Valley won the state title after beating Dyersville Beckman in a Class 2A semifinal rematch, while New Hampton and Center Point-Urbana were no pushovers, either. This season, it’ll likely be a two-team race between North Fayette Valley and Beckman. The Blazers will have to reload at quarterback and receiver, but tailback Tyler Hirsch (1,452 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns) will be the one the offense depends on to keep the ball moving. Hirsch is particularly important because the Blazers will have a strong defense, so being about to grind it out and focus on ball possession will be key. Hirsch (84 tackles, 16 TFL) also leads the defense, but he’ll be joined by a host of other returning starters. That group includes Nick Fallon (14 TFL), Luke Funke (15.5 TFL), Sam Stelken (4 INT), Jake Grover and Bret Kluesner (3 INT each). The Tigerhawks lost the heart of their dominant ground attack to graduation, and the defense was seniorladen. But junior Juan Harris, a 350-pound force with a serious motor who is one of the nation’s elite defensive tackle recruits, will be in the lineup from Day One this season after having to wait until the semifinals before becoming eligible after transferring to North Fayette Valley in 2014. Word coming out of eastern Iowa also suggested that the Tigerhawks had a bevy of talent stuck behind last year’s seniors who are ready to make the leap to the varsity level. New Hampton will have to count on quarterback Alex Troyna (1,197 By the Numbers passing yards, 13 touchdowns), but he won’t have the help of graduated Top Returnees tailbacks Connor Frerichs and Anthony Sweitzer (1,676 combined rushing yards, 16 total touchdowns) or wideout Tucker Tenge (538 receiving yards, 7 Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD touchdowns). The defense has some serious reloading to do, as well. Peyton Hesse 211 122 57.8 2,097 21 Sr, Waukon Center Point-Urbana will rely primarily on its defense, which returns seven of its top 11 tacklers, including Marshall Zittergruen (80.5 tackles, 18.5 TFL). Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Tyler Hirsch But the Stormin’ Pointers will also need quarterback Clayton Kramer to be 87 539 6.2 6 33 Sr, Dyersville Beckman more efficient and cut down on the interceptions (17 INT in 2014) in order to give the defense some rest. Don’t count out Peyton Hesse (1,505 passing yards, Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG Wyatt Willie 19 touchdowns) and Waukon for the fourth seed, either. 51 1,140 22.4 18 95

District

playoff picks: 1. D’ville Beckman 2. N Fayette Valley 3. New Hampton 4. center point-urbana

teams:

Waukon

Tackling

Tyler Hirsch Sr, Dyersville Beckman

SOLO TFL SK 76 7 1

INT 2

anamosa camanche cascade monticello mount vernon northeast community tipton

Cascade cruised to a district title last season, but the Cougars have major holes to fill on offense, which gives Mount Vernon and Anamosa a window to claim the crown. The Mustangs platooned Jack Cochrane and Drew Adams under center, where they combined for 1,150 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. The duo will need to do a better job of protecting the ball, though (14 INT). Tailback Mickey Hines (645 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) is also back with receiver Connor Herrmann (567 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns) to give the signal-callers some solid support. Blue Raider quarterback Kolin Schulte (589 passing yards, 10 touchdowns), along with tailbacks Trevor Wehling and Daniel Husmann (1,320 combined rushing yards, 18 touchdowns), gives the Blue Raiders a solid core of skill position By the Numbers players. The defense brings back several starters, headlined by Tyler Top Returnees Zumbach (38.5 tackles, 10.5 TFL) and Schulte (5 INT). Passing 2014 Stats Cascade has no proven skill position players returning from a 9-2 Will Hasken ATT COMP PCT YDS TD 282 154 54.6 1,749 12 squad, and Kurt Trumm (55 tackles, 12 TFL) and Logan Smith (47.5 Sr., Northeast tackles, 13 TFL) are the only key contributors back for the defense. Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Monticello relied heavily on quarterback David Gray (1,414 passing Trevor Wehling 161 847 5.3 12 77 Sr., Anamosa yards, 14 touchdowns) in 2014, and the Panthers will do the same again this fall. Jesse Iben (324 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns) will have to Receiving step up to replace Jarrett Easton. Defensively, the Panthers bring back REC YDS YPC TD LG Connor Herrmann 41 567 13.8 8 66 Marcus Norton and Iben, who combined for 21.5 TFL. Sr., Mount Vernon

District

playoff picks: 1. mount vernon 2. anamosa 3. cascade 4. monticello

Tackling

Marcus Norton Sr., Monticello

SOLO TFL SK 51 14 3

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 37

teams:

central lee louisa-muscatine mediapolis mid-prairie west burlington/notre dame west liberty williamsburg

Arthur Brown Williamsburg had little trouble winning this district in 2014, cruising Mediapolis to an 11-0 record before losing in the state quarterfinals, and the Raiders look poised to defend their crown this fall. They’ll depend mostly on their defense, led by Derek Greiner (128.5 tackles, 11 TFL), Vic Malloy (73.5 tackles, 12.5 TFL) and Noah Heitshusen (43 tackles, 8 INT). The offense won’t be punchless, though. Tailbacks Alyn Francis (539 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns) and Blake Hughes (441 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns) were solid behind Mitchell Stahl a year ago and will be asked for more as the featured backs this year. Mediapolis should be right behind the Raiders with the return of Arthur Brown (1,040 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) at quarterback and four of the top six tacklers on defense. That defensive core is led by Ethan Timmerman (35 tackles, 1 INT) and Brayden Crew (32 tackles, 12 TFL). Replacing two-way stars Steven Holloway and Cole Erickson will be critical if the Bulldogs are to seriously challenge Williamsburg for the district title. Central Lee will once again pound the football with tailback Ethan Barnett (750 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns) and Garrett Holtkamp (337 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns). The defense will rely on Rick Galle (57.5 tackles, 7.5 TFL), Barnett (50 tackles), Brandon By the Numbers Doyle (44 tackles, 4.5 TFL), Colton Vandenburg and Dakota Top Returnees Oberman (23 combined TFL). West Burlington has plenty of speed to burn and will have the district’s top receiver back in Xavier Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Williams (746 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns), but who will be throwing the passes is the big question. Cooper Koenig 234 93 39.7 1,169 10 Sr., West Liberty Isaiah Trousil (241 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns) was the team’s third option on the ground, but the 2015 state champion sprinter is ready to take on a heavier workload as a junior. He was also second to Greiner Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Ethan Barnett 156 750 4.8 9 25 in the district with 108 tackles, including 23 stops for losses. Williams also had four interceptions for the Sr., Central Lee Falcons’ defense and was a dangerous kick returner. Louisa-Muscatine, Mid-Prairie and West Liberty will all be hoping to improve from disappointing 2014 Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG Xavior Williams campaigns, and they each bring back at least a few key contributors to provide some optimism. 51 874 14.6 6 60

District

Sr., West Burlington

Tackling

Derek Greiner Jr., Williamsburg

SOLO TFL SK INT 97 11 1 2

teams:

playoff picks: 1. williamsburg 2. mediapolis 3. central lee 4. west burlington aplington-parkersburg east marshall iowa falls-alden roland-story south hardin south tama union

Aplington-Parkersburg has been through a bit of a down cycle over the past few years, but this looks as though it could be the year the Falcons rejoin the state’s best. Running backs Tyler Duster (1,352 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns) and Isaac Ubben (1,037 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) are the backbone of the offense, and a defense led by Duster (84.5 tackles, 12 TFL), Shane Poppens (62.5 tackles) and Zac Benning (55 tackles, 4 INT) should also be salty. Union won this district in 2014 and should be a contender once again, thanks to junior tailback Isaiah Vaughn (1,341 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns) and quarterback John Boisen (989 passing yards, 11 touchdowns). The Knights will have to work new receivers into the fold, though, after losing every pass-catcher of note to graduation. Defensively, Brock Hadachek and Michael Ahrendsen are the only key contributors returning, but they were both disruptive at times, tallying 16.5 tackles for loss. South Tama will lean hard on tailback Jerry Lowe (1,197 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns) By the Numbers again this season, and a receiving corps headlined by Darius Lasley-Shields (377 receiving Top Returnees yards, 26.9 YPC, 3 touchdowns) should help the Trojans’ new quarterback settle into Passing 2014 Stats the job. The defense also returns everyone but Ian Slagle, including Peyton Rutledge ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Brett Staton 141 61 43.3 1,016 6 (68 tackles, 11 TFL) and Justin Suchanek (46.5 tackles, 5 TFL, 4 INT). That should be Jr., Roland-Story enough to put the Trojan back into the playoffs this fall. Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG South Hardin has quite a few holes to fill on defense, but tailback Jordan Wilkie (752 Tyler Duster 241 1,352 5.6 23 78 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns) will give the Tigers a chance to compete on most nights. Sr., Aplington-P’burg Roland-Story and East Marshall have nowhere to go but up after disappointing 1-8 Receiving Darius Lasley-Shields REC YDS YPC TD LG seasons a year ago.

District

Sr., South Tama

377 26.9 3 72

Tackling

Tyler Duster Sr., Aplington-P’burg

SOLO TFL SK INT 46 12 2 1

38 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. aplington-parkersburg 2. union 3. south tama 4. south Hardin

Carter Isley Albia

teams:

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (Isley); Danny Davis/Mediapolis News (Brown)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S s 2 A

albia centerville clarke c-m/b baxter davis county north polk p-C-M Monroe

This was a top-heavy district a year ago with Collins-Maxwell/Baxter winning the crown at 9-0 in the regular season and Albia rebounding from a loss to the Raiders to reach the state semifinals for the second-straight year. The Blue Devils should be considered the favorites to win the district’s top seed this season, with the return of tailback-slash-Mack truck Carter Isley in the backfield. Isley plowed for 2,327 yards and 33 touchdowns as a junior, and he’ll be the driving force behind the Blue Devils’ offense again this year. They’ll need to find a new quarterback and replace Matt Baker at receiver, but as long as Isley stays healthy, the offense will be tough to stop. And if there’s one thing Albia never seems to run out of, its Leshens. Bryce (65 tackles, 20.5 TFL, 2 INT) and Tony Leshen (43.5 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 3 INT) help bolster what should be a very strong defense, along with Blake Bayer (71 tackles, 10 TFL, 11 INT), Blake Lawless (63.5 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks), Hunter Weldon (7 INT) and Brenden Bassett (12.5 TFL). Collins-Maxwell/Baxter brings back signal-callers Hunter McWhirter and Nate Bishop, who both took plenty of snaps and combined for 2,482 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. All-State wideout Bryce Kemp is gone, but Brady Stover (63 receptions, 902 By the Numbers receiving yards, 8 touchdowns) was no slouch, himself, and Blake Coughenour Top Returnees and Hunter Gunderson (533 combined receiving yards, 3 touchdowns) are Passing 2014 Stats ready for more prominent roles. The defense will have to reload, but Charles ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Logan Gilman 293 166 56.7 2,518 21 Robertson (50.5 tackles, 11 TFL) and Stover (32 tackles, 4 TFL, 10 INT) give Sr., P-C-M Monroe the Raiders a good start. PCM will hope to ride quarterback Logan Gilman’s arm to the playoffs again Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Carter Isley 350 2,327 6.6 33 46 this season. As a junior, Gilman tossed for 2,518 yards and 21 touchdowns Sr., Albia while completing roughly 57 percent of his passes. Ricky Reeve, his favorite Receiving target, may be gone, but Luke Greiner hauled in 45 passes for 671 yards and 6 REC YDS YPC TD LG Matt Cox 53 1,288 24.3 17 75 scores as a sophomore. That’ll be a aerial duo to rival the McWhirter/Bishop/ Sr., North Polk Stover combo just up the road.

District

playoff picks: 1. albia 2. collins-maxwell/baxter 3. p-c-m monroe 4. north polk

teams:

Tackling Blake Bayer Sr., Albia

SOLO TFL FR INT 52 10 2 11

clarinda east sac county kuemper catholic red oak shenandoah west central valley southeast valley

Clarinda won the district title last year in an average district, and the Cardinals lost some key pieces to challenge again this season. East Sac took second and looks like the early favorite this fall. The Raiders bring back tailback Nick Snyder (1,116 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns), but he’ll have a new quarterback and green receivers on the outside, so defenses will place nearly all of their focus on him. Chris Conderino (59.5 tackles, 13 TFL), Carter Chedester (59 tackles, 8.5 TFL), and Austin Brown and Snyder (9 combined INT) headline the Raider defense. Kuemper Catholic took a predictable step back after losing a loaded senior class following its 2013 state championship, but the Knights will hope to start rebounding this fall. They’ll have to lean primarily on their defense, as few offensive players made much of an impact. Trevor Feilmeier and Brett Sibbel are the top returning defenders after combining for 84 tackles and 10 stops for loss. Clarinda rode its ground game to the district crown last year and will hope to do so again despite losing Jett Kettwick and By the Numbers Luke Strong to graduation. Quarterback Jacob DeGase and Top Returnees tailback JJ Clark combined for 1,168 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on just 166 carries, so there is reason Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Myles Davis for optimism there. Clark (44 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks) 141 71 50.4 977 8 Jr., Southeast Valley and Jacob Carlson (33.5 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3 INT) will be tasked Rushing with leading the defense. ATT YDS YPC TD LG Brock Isaacson 228 1,421 6.2 9 33 Southeast Valley played break-even football and return Myles Davis (977 Sr., Red Oak passing yards, 8 touchdowns) at quarterback and junior tailbacks Aaron Receiving Swieter (516 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) and Tristan Ewing (250 rushing REC YDS YPC TD LG yards, 3 touchdowns). Red Oak will have at least a puncher’s chance each week Jordan Miller 18 404 22.4 4 67 Jr., Shenandoah with Brock Isaacson (1,421 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns) in the backfield.

District

playoff picks: 1. East Sac County 2. kuemper catholic 3. clarinda 4. southeast valley

Tackling

Chris Conderino Sr., East Sac County

SOLO TFL SK FR 33 13 2 1

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 39

Class 4A

Hightate School Preseason All-S Offense

Defense

QB-Michael Frankl, Sr., Ames QB-Rocky Lombardi, Jr., WDM Valley RB-Cole Deskin, Jr., Dowling Catholic RB-Sam Cook, Sr., Fort Dodge RB-Jevon Mason, So., WDM Valley RB-Tavian Patrick, Sr., CR Washington WR-Colby Shane, Sr., Ames WR-Dom Marschel, Sr., DSM Hoover OL-Shaun Beyer, Sr., CR Kennedy OL-Jake Heinrich, Sr., Urbandale OL-John Raridon, Sr., WDM Valley OL-Eric McDonald, Sr., Iowa City High OL-Spencer Williams, Sr., Cedar Falls K-Matt Perk, Sr., Bettendorf

DL-Mitchell Brinkman, Sr., Lewis Central DL-Mitchell Allenback, Sr., Ankeny Centennial DL-Ryan Scheidle, Sr., Lewis Central DL-Nick Yencer, Sr. WDM Valley LB-Keegan Glaus, Jr., Bettendorf LB-Ben Slavens, Sr., Pleasant Valley LB-O’Rien Vance, Jr., CR Washington DB-Sam Kolacia, Sr., Fort Dodge DB-Oliver Martin, Jr., Iowa City West DB-Michael Zachary, Sr., Dowling Catholic P-Nick Ebbers, Sr., Ankeny

Offense

Defense

QB-Brady Brandsfield, Jr., Norwalk QB-Noah Clayberg, Sr., Pella RB-Matt George, Jr., Sergeant Bluff-Luton RB-Coy Roussell, Sr., West Delaware RB-Cody Dvorak, Jr., Gilbert RB-Chase Shiltz, Jr., Creston WR-Colton Marlin, Sr., Keokuk WR-T.J. Hockenson, Jr., Chariton OL-Brandon Bahlmann, Sr., Waverly-Shell Rock OL-Colin Brown, Sr., West Delaware OL-Garrett Gibson, Sr., Dallas Center-Grimes OL-Austin Schulte, Sr., Pella OL-Zach Vande Weerd, Sr., Pella K-Jason Sloniker, Sr., Bishop Heelan

DL-Cole Banwart, Sr., Algona DL-Gavin Dinsdale, Sr., Webster City DL-Andrew Epley, Sr., Waverly-Shell Rock DL-Cole Schlenker, Sr., Bondurant-Farrar DL-Colin Weber, Sr., West Delaware LB-Matt Baur, Sr., Winterset LB-Seth Maitlen, Sr., Creston LB-Joe Crowley, Sr., Carlisle DB-Kyle Van Ginkel, Sr., Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley DB-Austin Kloewer, Jr., Dallas Center-Grimes DB-Will Warner, Sr., Pella P-Tucker Schroeder, Sr., Benton Community

Offense

Defense

QB-Logan Gilman, Sr., P-C-M QB-Pete Menage, Sr., Central Lyon/G-LR RB-Jerry Lowe, Sr., South Tama RB-Carter Isley, Sr., Albia RB-Tyler Duster, Sr., Aplington-Parkersburg RB-Isaiah Vaughn, Jr., Union WR-Matt Cox, Sr., North Polk WR-Xavior Williams, Sr., West Burlington/ND OL-Juan Harris, Jr., North Fayette Valley OL-Ethan Lape, Jr., North Fayette Valley OL-Harold O’Brien, Sr., Louisa-Muscatine OL-Sergio Osornio, Sr., Estherville-Lincoln Central OL-Nick Yarkosky, Jr., Albia K-Jake Dodge, Sr., Okoboji

DL-Luke Funke, Jr., Dyersville Beckman DL-Ben Kincart, Sr., Davis County DL-Logan Backhaus, Sr., Spirit Lake DL-Marshall Zittergruen, Sr., Center Point-Urbana LB-Peyton Rutledge, Sr., South Tama LB-C.J. Roths, Sr., Central Lyon/G-LR LB-Tyler Hirsch, Sr., Dyersville Beckman LB-Ko Kieft, Sr., Sioux Center DB-Blake Bayer, Sr., Albia DB-Brady Stover, Sr., Collins-Maxwell-Baxter DB-Noah Heitshusen, Sr., Williamsburg P-Zach Wemark, Jr., New Hampton

Preseason Player of the Year: John Raridon, Sr., WDM Valley

Tavian Patrick CR Washington

Class 3A

Preseason Player of the Year: Noah Clayberg, Sr., Pella

Coy Roussell

Class 2A

Carter Isley Albia

Preseason Player of the Year: Juan Harris, Jr., North Fayette Valley

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (4); The Glidden Graphic (Brown); Janette Voss (Roussell)

west delaware

Preseason All-State Offense

Defense

QB-Derrick Henkenius, Sr., South Central Calhoun QB-Jordan Japenga, Sr., Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn RB-Trent Johnson, Jr., Dike-New Hartford RB-Luke Lenoch, Jr., West Branch RB-Austin Lentz, Sr., Ogden RB-Michael Santi, Jr., Madrid WR-Nathan Stenger, Sr., Iowa City Regina WR-Ian Malaby, Sr., North Cedar OL-Drew Finnegan, Sr., West Branch OL-Burke Prins, Sr., Hinton OL-Jared Brinkman, Jr., Iowa City Regina OL-Dustin Brown, Sr., West Lyon K-Joey Phillip, Sr., Alburnett

DL-Kullen Brossard, Sr., Saint Ansgar DL-Tim Butcher, Sr., Manson-NW Webster DL-Landers Kuboushek, Sr., South Winneshiek DL-Rylan Richardson, Sr., South Central Calhoun LB-Gavin Blake, Sr., Durant LB-Justin Hunter, Sr., Iowa City Regina LB-David Kacmarynski, Sr., Pella Christian LB-T.J. O’Tool, Sr., St. Edmond DB-Cole Ashman, Sr., Woodward-Granger DB-Taylor Miedema, Sr., Western Christian DB-Connor Neuroth, Sr., Dike-New Hartford P-Chase Rath, Jr., Highland

Class 1A

Preseason Player of the Year: T.J. O’Tool, Sr., St. Edmond

Nathan Stenger Iowa City Regina

Offense

Defense

QB-Jared Meyers, Sr., Colfax-Mingo QB-Trever Northup, Jr., Pekin RB-Chase Copeland, Sr., Pekin RB-Korby Sander, Sr., Belmond-Klemme RB-Eric Stoakes, Sr., Gladbrook-Reinbeck RB-Levi Stockdale, Sr., A-G-W-S-R WR-Will Mertens, Sr., Van Buren Community WR-Dylan Irizarry, Jr., Akron-Westfield OL- Anthony Lappe, Sr., Griswold OL-Shane Slaymaker, Sr., B-G-M OL-Luke Worden, Sr., Belmond-Klemme OL-Dalton Schwartz, Sr., Gladbrook-Reinbeck K-Mason Lorber, Sr., Danville

DL- Cooper Puls, Sr., B-G-M DL-Jacob Lietz, Sr., Colfax-Mingo DL-Izaak Shedenhelm, Sr., Denver DL-Mitch Siech, Sr., Denver LB-Bryce Ehlers, Sr., Gladbrook-Reinbeck LB-Jacob Lietz, Sr., Colfax-Mingo LB-Colton Massengale, Sr., B-G-M LB-Matthew Smith-Peterson, Sr., Audubon DB- Zach Allen, Sr., Westwood DB-Jackson Lamb, Sr., Nodaway Valley DB-Michael Sparkman, Sr., Denver P-Kolton Jackson, Sr., Danville

Class A

Preseason Player of the Year: Eric Stoakes, Sr., Gladbrook-Reinbeck

Michael Sparkman Denver

Offense

Defense

QB-Noah Dodd, Sr., Janesville QB- Derek Ehrhardt, Jr., Central Elkader RB-Christopher Brown, Sr., Glidden-Ralston RB-Michael Girres, Sr., G-T/R-A RB-Travis Fehr, Sr., West Bend-Mallard WR-Trace Embray, Jr., Twin Cedars WR-Brady Johnson, Sr., Stanton OL-Noah Borkowski, Sr., Glidden-Ralston OL-Payton Crilly, Sr., Newell-Fonda OL-Tom Yezek, Sr., Northwood-Kensett OL-Dalton Smith, Sr., Don Bosco K-Dahlton Burdorf, Sr., Harris-Lake Park

DL-Nolan Grimm, Sr., West Bend-Mallard DL-Alex Paulsen, Sr., North Iowa DL-Cole Wise, Sr., Newell-Fonda LB-Nate VanBuren, Sr., H-L-V LB-Terrell Grant, Sr., Meswaki Settlement LB-Alex Becthold, Sr., Stanton LB-Sam Obert, Jr., Coon Rapids-Bayard DB-Spencer Bruess, Sr., Don Bosco DB-Austin Tull, Sr., Lamoni DB-Connor Wolterman, Sr., Newell-Fonda P-Nolan Robert Dahlhauser, Sr., West Bend-Mallard

8-Player

Preseason Player of the Year: Austin Tull, Sr., Lamoni

Christopher Brown Glidden-Ralston

teams:

A-H-S-T-W IKM-Manning Missouri Valley OA-BCIG Treynor Underwood west monona

IKM-Manning had no trouble winning this district in 2014, and the Wolves do return quarterback Kyle Wagner (1,298 passing yards, 15 touchdowns), but they lost a lot to graduation. Among the departed was tailback Sam Wegner, who led the team with 1,727 rushing yards and 566 receiving yards, as well as the Wolves’ next two leading rushers. Defensively, Austin Dahlgren (57.5 tackles, 7 TFL) and Jacob Thraen (51.5 tackles, 5 TFL) lead the way. A-H-S-T-W had a solid year after bumping up to Class 1A in 2014 and will certainly challenge IKM-Manning for the district title. The Vikings bring back quarterback Nate Herbst (897 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) and their top three rushers, Dustin Engel (815 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns), Herbst (626 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns) and Terry Shannon (453 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns). Shannon also led the team with 437 receiving yards and 7 scores on just 15 catches. The Vikings’ defense should be salty with nine returning starters, including Engel (66 tackles, 12 TFL), Tameron McGurren (54 tackles, 17.5 TFL) and Adam Kiesel (12.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks). Odebolt-Arthur/Battle Creek-Ida Grove made the playoffs as the district’s third seed last year, but to repeat that feat, the Falcons will By the Numbers have to replace tailback Cash Wilcke, who ran for over 1,100 yards and Top Returnees 23 touchdowns a year ago. Miles Gebel averaged 8.6 yards per carry Passing 2014 Stats while running for 582 yards and 4 scores behind Wilcke, so he can ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Nick Pedersen 232 106 45.7 1,393 10 expect a much heavier workload this fall. The Falcons’ defense returns Nate Herbst Sr, Underwood several starters, including leading tackler Adam Grote (58.5 tackles) A-H-S-T-W Rushing and Elliot Bengford (51 tackles). ATT YDS YPC TD LG Dustin Engel 138 815 5.9 12 30 Underwood will look to quarterback Nick Pedersen (1,393 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) to lead the Sr, A-H-S-T-W way to the postseason, but he’ll need to be more careful with the football and get more support from Receiving tailbacks John Schnack and Isiah Humphrey, who combined for 931 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. REC YDS YPC TD LG Tyler Conn 52 817 15.7 7 77 Wideout Tyler Conn (817 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns) is also back. The defense should also be in good Sr, Underwood hands, with Schnack, Jarrett Waters and Jared Martin (31 combined TFL, 6 combined INT) all back.

District

Tackling

John Schnack Sr, Underwood

TACK TFL SK INT 67.5 12 0.5 2

teams:

playoff picks: 1. IKM-Manning 2. a-h-s-t-w 3. oa-bcig 4. underwood Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Unity Christian

Hinton Ridge View Sibley-Ocheyedan Western Christian West Lyon

West Lyon made a run to the UNI-Dome in their first year back in Class 1A after winning the 2013 Class A state title, and the Wildcats will have to depend on a lot of new faces if they want to repeat that performance. The only returning skill position player with a proven track record is tailback Dylan Huyser, who ran for 656 yards and 11 touchdowns as the third option last fall. Defensively, Trevor Rozeboom led the team with 64 tackles last fall, and Colin Snyder tallied 35 stops with a district-best 7 interceptions. There are a lot of question marks, but if there’s a program that knows how to reload, it’s West Lyon. Hinton sits ready to challenge and might even be the favorite with Jay Small (1,803 passing yards, 16 touchdowns) back at quarterback. Small will have his favorite target back in Terrill Henrich (646 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns), but the Blackhawks will need to develop a tailback to give the offense some balance. The defense is in great shape with a bevy of returning starters, including leading tackler Daniel Bishop (114 tackles, 3 TFL) and an opportunistic quintet of cover men who combined for 15 interceptions in 2014. Western Christian should also be a factor on the gridiron, thanks to Tyson Kooima (1,806 passing By the Numbers yards, 18 touchdowns), the district’s top returning passer. Tailback Ben Granstra (510 rushing yards, Top Returnees 5 touchdowns) gives the Wolfpack a threat on the ground, and Taylor Miedema (624 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns) is a reliable downfield target. The defense has some reloading to do, but leading tackler Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Austin Van Zee (96.5 tackles) and Miedema (25 tackles, 6 INT) are back. Tyson Kooima 240 130 54.2 1,806 18 Jr, Western Christian Hartley-Melvin Sanborn return quarterback Jordan Japenga (1,690 passing yards, 17 touchdowns) and wideout David Van Dyke (426 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns), but the Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG ground game needs an upgrade, as Japenga led the team with 346 rushing yards and 10 Levi Schoonhoven 156 685 4.4 1 5 Sr, Unity Christian touchdowns despite having Brett Waechter, who now plays at the University of Iowa, up front. The defense has a few pieces coming back, but they’ll need to fill some holes in Receiving Logan Schweinefus REC YDS YPC TD LG order to compete consistently. The Hawks were more competitive last season than Terrill Henrich South Winneshiek 33 646 19.6 2 12 Sr, Hinton their 3-6 record showed, and they should get into the playoffs this fall.

District

Tackling

Daniel Bishop Jr, Hinton

TACK TFL SK 114 3 2

42 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. hinton 2. west lyon 3. western christian 4. hartley-melvin-sanborn

teams:

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (Schweinefus); A-H-S-T-W High School (Herbst)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S 1 A

Central Springs Eagle Grove Emmetsburg lake mills Pocahontas Area saint ansgar West Fork

Saint Ansgar won this district in 2014 with a potent rushing attack, but the bulk of that production graduated, setting up a wide-open race for this year’s crown. The Saints only bring back Parker Hendrickson (435 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns) and Kullen Broussard (248 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns) on offense, but they were just the fourth and sixth options a year ago. Defensively, Jacob Hyde (58 tackles, 1 INT), Broussard (39.5 tackles, 18 TFL, 3 sacks), Sawyer Hulshizer (31 tackles, 8 TFL) and Ben Boerjan (4 INT) give the Saints a defense that should compete for another district championship. Emmetsburg will count on Thomas (603 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) and Wesley Schultes (266 rushing yards, 9.9 YPC, 4 touchdowns) on both sides of the ball. They combined for 93.5 tackles, with 11 stops for loss and 5 sacks, and Grant Deitering (25 tackles, 4 INT) gives the E-Hawks a solid man in coverage. Pocahontas Area will rely on tailback Tyler Case (983 rushing yards, 8 By the Numbers touchdowns) on offense and bring back the majority of the defense’s impact Top Returnees players. That unit is led by Danny Sommerlot (114 tackles, 4.5 TFL) and Ben Passing 2014 Stats Olson (95 tackles, 4 INT). ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Granger Kingland 104 59 56.7 757 6 Lake Mills looks like the best of the rest, with quarterback Granger Kingland Sr, Lake Mills (757 passing yards, 6 touchdowns) and Max Bergo (48 tackles, 3.5 TFL) back Rushing in the fold. West Fork brings back tailback Tyson Pillard (560 rushing yards, ATT YDS YPC TD LG Tyler Case 200 983 4.9 8 96 Sr, Pocahontas Area 6 touchdowns) and Cole Hall (56.5 tackles), while running back Dalton Wyborny (592 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns) hopes to get Central Springs into Receiving the postseason. Eagle Grove has nowhere to go but up after going winless last REC YDS YPC TD LG Reese Halloran 17 292 17.2 3 78 fall. Sr, West Fork

District

playoff picks: 1. saint ansgar 2. emmetsburg 3. pocahontas area 4. lake mills

teams:

Tackling

Danny Sommerlot Sr, Pocahontas Area

TACK TFL FR 114 4.5 1

clayton ridge dike-new hartford Hudson jesup mfL marmac south winneshiek sumner-fredericksburg

South Winneshiek (Calmar) won the district title last year and will try to continue with that success with Logan Schweinefus (1,208 passing yards, 15 touchdowns), but he won’t have star receiver Jordan Rommes at his disposal anymore. Treyton Jacobsen (449 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns) and Schweinefus (419 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns) will carry much more of the load in the running game. The Warriors have quite a few defensive holes to fill but have a very productive core returning in Landers Kuboushek, Cole Schmitt, Carson Lensing and Ben Meyer. Each member of that group tallied at least 47.5 stops and the combined for 71 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks. Jacobsen, Schweinefus and Meyer all pulled down a trio of interceptions, as well. Dike-New Hartford is always a factor in the playoff race, and the Wolverines should expect nothing less than to compete for another district title. They return quarterback Jacob Moore (640 passing yards, 7 touchdowns) and one of the state’s elite tailbacks in junior Trent Johnson (2,099 rushing yards, 29 touchdowns). Wideout Connor Neuroth was a consistent downfield target a year ago, as well (38 receptions, 533 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns). Teams looking to pass against the Wolverines would also be best served by steering clear of Neuroth, who picked off eight passes in 2014. Blaine Becker, Neuroth and DJ Ackerson combined for 122.5 tackles and 12 TFL.. By the Numbers Sumner-Fredricksburg’s Tyler Schmitz, Nolan Nolte and James Kime Top Returnees combined for 1,157 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, giving the Cougars Passing 2014 Stats some punch offensively as they seek another playoff berth. They return six on Logan Schweinefus ATT COMP PCT YDS TD 117 62 53.0 1,208 15 defense, led by Ty Bergmann (39 tackles, 9.5 TFL), Bodie Garnier (37.5 tackles) Sr, South Winn and Schmitz (36.5 tackles, 2 INT). That should be enough to secure a spot in Rushing the postseason. ATT YDS YPC TD LG Trent Johnson 233 2,099 9.0 29 80 Jr, Dike-New Hartford It’ll be a wild race between Hudson, Jesup and Clayton Ridge to claim the district’s fourth and final playoff berth. Hudson will lean on its Receiving defense, while Jesup relies on Brendan Murray (1,245 rushing yards, 11 REC YDS YPC TD LG Connor Neuroth touchdowns) and Clayton Ridge will hope for quarterback Jace Moore to Sr, Dike-New Hartford 38 533 14.0 4 37 progress.

District

playoff picks: 1. South Winn 2. dike-new hartford 3. sumner-fredricksburg 4. clayton ridge

Tackling Noah Huber Sr, Hudson

TACK TFL SK INT 103 16 3 1

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 43

Alburnett Bellevue durant north cedar wapello west branch wilton

teams:

Luke Lenoch West Branch won took the district’s top seed last year and will be the West Branch heavy favorite to do so again, as the Bears look like possible state title contenders. They bring back a strong backfield tandem in Luke Lenoch (2,105 rushing yards, 30 touchdowns) and Devin Kindon (459 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns), and while there will be a new quarterback this year, he will have a pair of dependable receivers in Matt Shawver (557 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns) and Kindon (519 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns). Defensively, Kindon (55.5 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 INT), Drew Finnegan (44 tackles, 12.5 TFL) and Shawver (33 tackles, 3 TFL, 3 INT) lead the way. Alburnett played .500 football last season, but with quarterback Dillon Caves (1,195 passing yards, 17 touchdowns), running back Connor Shulista (498 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns) and receivers Jordan Stewart and Bryce Paul (704 combined receiving yards, 11 touchdowns) all back, that record should to improve. Shulista (59 tackles, 4 TFL) and Kyle Kristianson (43.5 tackles, 7.5 TFL) headline the defense. Durant and Wilton both missed the playoffs in 2014, but both By the Numbers should be in the mix this fall. The Wildcats will rely on Brandon Top Returnees Dykes (594 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns; 52.5 tackles, 6 TFL) and Passing 2014 Stats Gavin Blake (464 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns; 106.5 tackles, 12 ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Will Bentley 201 111 55.2 1,208 7 TFL) on both sides of the ball. The Beavers will focus more on Sr, Durant beating teams with their defense, as their top five tacklers from a Rushing young unit return this fall, led by Bryce Oveson (75.5 tackles, 8 TFL, 4 sacks). ATT YDS YPC TD LG Luke Lenoch 235 2,105 9.0 30 94 North Cedar (Stanwood) will have to reload offensively but has a few pieces back on defense, led by Jr, West Branch Jacob Holst, who led the district with 5 interceptions, and Kaleb Galloway (64.5 tackles, 10 TFL). Bellevue Receiving had a solid season but also will need to reload and look to Lucas Anderson to carry the load on the REC YDS YPC TD LG Ian Malaby 101 1,488 14.7 22 65 ground after gaining 672 yards last year. Ty Oster and Tyler Peters combined for 110 tackles, 21 for losses Sr, North Cedar will key the defense.

District

Tackling Gavin Blake Sr, Durant

TACK TFL SK INT 106.5 12 12 4

teams:

playoff picks: 1. west branch 2. alburnett 3. durant 4. wilton columbus community eddyville-blakesburg-fremont highland pella christian IC Regina sigourney-keota west marshall

No program in Iowa history has accomplished what Iowa City Regina has over the past five years, and until someone knocks them off, the Regals have to be considered the favorites to win their sixth-straight state championship. There are certainly holes to fill, particularly under center, where Drew Cook accounted for 6,327 yards of total offense and 78 total touchdowns in his two years at the helm. But this is hardly the first time head coach Marv Cook has had to count on a lot of new faces, and there are plenty of key contributors still in the program. Those include slot back Nick Phillips, who ran for 412 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground and and tallied 650 receiving yards and 8 scores through the air. All-State wideout Nate Stenger (801 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns) is also back, so the new signal-caller will have a solid supporting cast. The Regals’ defense is led by senior Justin Hunter (70.5 tackles, 1 INT), and while no other returner boast flashy statistics, strong team defense is a constant for Regina. The district was average at best last season, so now the question is whether any team can step up to challenge Regina at all. Pella Christian stands the best chance with the return of David Kacmarynski who passed for 2,123 yards By the Numbers and 17 touchdowns, but did throw 13 picks. Kacmarynski also led the team with 531 yards on the Top Returnees ground and 102 tackles on defense (21 stops for loss). Wideout Levi Jungling led the district in receptions with 58 for 1,008 yards and 8 touchdowns, third-best in Class 1A. Passing 2014 Stats Nearly every team will return their quarterback from last season including Highland (Jake Wood), ATT COMP PCT YDS TD David Kacmarynski 274 143 52.2 2,123 17 Jr, Pella Christian Columbus (Carter Colby) and Sigourney-Keota (Blaine Gretter). Wood passed for 1,200-plus yards and 14 touchdowns. Three 1,000 yard rushers are also back led by district leader Rushing T.J. O’Tool ATT YDS YPC TD LG Peyton Crawford from Sigourney-Keota (1,708 yards and 22 touchdowns). Treg Van Dorin Peyton Crawford 181 1,708 9.4 22 89 St. Edmond Sr, Sigourney-Keota is back for Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (1,461 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns) and Maurico Ramirez for Columbus (1,263 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns), so there will Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG be plenty of great tailback matchups this fall. Levi Jungling 58 1,008 17.4 8 72

District

Jr, Pella Christian

Tackling

Jared Johnson Sr, West Marshall

TACK TFL 106 6.5

44 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. Iowa City Regina 2. pella christian 3. sigourney-keota 4. columbus

manson-NW Webster ogden south central calhoun teams: madridsouth hamilton st. edmond woodward academy

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (O’Tool); The West Branch Times/www.westbranchtimes.com (Lenoch)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S 1 A

St. Edmond won another district title last season under the legendary guidance of Dick Tighe, the all-time winningest coach in Iowa high school football history with a record of 425-156-8. The Gaels love to run the football, and they’ll have the best two-way player in the state back in their backfield for one finals season. T.J. O’Tool led the state while turning in one of the most dominant rushing performances in state history (2,590 rushing yards, 47 touchdowns). He also piled up 87 tackles on defense with 5 stops for loss. The Gaels will have quite a few shoes to fill on both sides of the ball, but few defenses have shown the ability to slow down O’Tool, so expect St. Edmond to right back in the thick of the race again this fall. This was a very tough district a year ago, thanks to a bevy of elite running backs, and O’Tool isn’t the only one still in action. Ogden will lean on Austin Lentz, who ran for 1,796 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. The Bulldogs will have to replace quarterback Cayce Good and receivers Luke and Jake West, though, which will allow defenses to focus all their attention on Lentz. Madrid is well known for turning out highly productive running backs, but head coach Randy Hinkel hasn’t always had a back as explosive as Michael Santi. Santi led the team with 1,660 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns while boasting an absurd 14.4 yards-perBy the Numbers carry average. With fullback Collen Gibbons lost to graduation, Santi should Top Returnees expect to get considerably more carries than the 115 totes he tallied in 2014, Passing 2014 Stats and that should scare the daylights out of opposing defenses. Derrick Henkenius ATT COMP PCT YDS TD 249 139 55.8 1,997 17 South Central Calhoun is the odd duck in the group of contenders. The Sr, S Central Calhoun Titans were much more pass-oriented offensively last year, and quarterback Rushing Derrick Henkenius (1,997 passing yards, 17 touchdowns) is back with receivers T.J. O’Tool ATT YDS YPC TD LG 380 2,590 6.8 47 64 Cyle King (604 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns) and Kody Case (538 receiving Sr, St. Edmond yards, 3 touchdowns) to air it out for another year. Rylan Richardson (120.5 Receiving tackles, 3 TFL, 1 INT) and Case (35.5 tackles, 5 INT) are back to lead the REC YDS YPC TD LG Cyle King 32 604 18.9 6 70 defense. Sr, S Central Calhoun

District

playoff picks: 1. st. edmond 2. south central calhoun 3. ogden 4. madrid

teams:

Tackling

Rylan Richardson Sr, S Central Calhoun

TACK TFL SK INT 120.5 3 3 1

central decatur des moines christian interstate 35 Panorama sW valley van meter woodward-granger

Panorama won the district title in what was a very balanced district last season. Gabe Richey is back after rushing for 665 yards and 5 touchdowns and led the team in receptions with 35 for nearly 600 yards and 8 more scores. Richey will also be the leader on defense (54.5 tackles, 5 TFL) with help from Trent Sloss (36.5 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 4 sacks), Aaron Klinge (36 tackles, 1 TFL, 4 INT) and Levi Leiferman (9 INT). Van Meter has had a run of success over the past few years, and the Bulldogs will hope to continue that streak with wideout Jake Koch (446 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns) and a defense that brings back the majority of the starting lineup. That defense is led by Brady O’Brien (71 tackles, 7 TFL), Zach Forret (67.5 tackles, 6.5 TFL) and Isaac Benton (60 tackles, 10 TFL). A lot of new faces will make up the skill positions in this district but Interstate 35 could improve on their tough 2014 campaign with Jaylan White back under center after passing and running for a combined 1,282 yards and 12 touchdowns. Woodward-Granger was By the Numbers 5-5 a year ago, and the Hawks only bring back Tanner Vermaas (468 Top Returnees rushing yards, 2 touchdowns) as a proven commodity on offense, so the defense is going to have to reload quickly or others will have to Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD step up offensively for the Hawks to make the playoffs. Jaylan White 106 52 49.1 762 8 Sr, Interstate 35 Central Decatur could have a nice weapon at wide receiver in Peyton Pederson (57 receptions, 932 receiving yards, 10 Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG touchdowns), but his previous experience under center combined Gabe Richey 64 645 10.1 6 33 Sr, Panorama with Trenton Wells’ graduation could spell a position change for the senior. Wells was a force on both sides of the ball, accounting Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG Peyton Pedersen for 3,497 yards of total offense and 41 touchdowns. It’ll take a team 57 932 16.4 10 63 Sr, Central Decatur effort to replace him this fall, and even then, it’s a very tall task.

District

playoff picks: 1. panorama 2. van meter 3. Interstate 35 4. woodward-granger

Tackling

Brady O’Brien Jr, Van Meter

TACK TFL SK 71 7 1.5

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 45

ERIC S TOAK E S

Stoake-ing the Fire Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s Eric Stoakes led the Rebels to a Class A runner-up finish in 2014, and now the senior is set to lead them back to the UNI-Dome. B Y DA R DA N I E LS O N Ph o to gr ap h s b y Tork Mason

ome rare high school athletes are identified as being special as early as junior high school, but for one of the state’s top returning running backs, first caught his coach’s eye in an elementary school game of tag. GladbrookReinbeck football coach John Olson is also a P.E. teacher, and said he could tell right away when he saw Eric Stoakes dodging and eluding classmates in kindergarten that Stoakes was fast. “You just saw him playing tag games and you knew he was pretty special athletically, just gifted early, God gave him some special talents, so you just knew that early,” Olson said. The coach said the speed and athletic ability continued to show as Stoakes worked his way through elementary school and into junior high. The speed remained evident as Stoakes headed into high school and he won a 400 meter hurdle state championship as a sophomore. But it’s not always automatic for speed to translate into the success on the football field. Olson says he wondered if Stoakes had the toughness to go along with the speed and athletic ability. “You know it’s the mental part of it, you have to kind of learn the game,” Olson explains. “His freshman and sophomore year had had some pretty good stats, but he wasn’t the type of person who you could say ‘okay we are going to give you the ball 25 times a game.’ He was still a little thin, still a little young.” Stoakes had a more experienced back ahead of him UNSTOPPABLE FORCE Defenses struggled to even contain or and didn’t get a lot of varsity carries his freshman and slow down Stoakes, much less stop sophomore year, but last season in his junior year the him. Even Logan-Magnolia’s stingy coaches decided to give him the shot to take over. Stoakes defense could only keep him to 177 was up to the challenge, rushing for 2,473 yards and yards and 2 touchdowns. August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 47

E R I C S TOA K E S

36 touchdowns in leading his team to a around, It’s hilarious I think. Usually if you style, it’s based on a desire to get the most runner-up finish in Class A last season. are running 60 yards and get tackled, you out of the game. “I just don’t like to waste “I wouldn’t say he surprised us, because want to walk back to the huddle because any time, and get back to do another run,” we knew he was a good back and he was you’re tired. But he’s like the energizer Stoakes explains. He pauses and can’t really pretty tough. But he surprised us in the bunny, he just keeps running.” come up with any names when asked if he sense that he took a lot of hits and he’d pop While he laughs at Stoakes constant has a running back that he modeled his right back up,” according to Olson. He said movement, Dinsdale said he likes the game after. Stoakes never seems to stop moving on the patience he has to follow blocks. “If I’m Stoakes says he wants to take more of a field and it is “kind of neat” watching him just going to go take a kid out, he can just leadership role in his senior season as the in practices and games as he’d gets tackled, feel it too. We just think alike I guess, team looks to get back to the title game helps the defender up, and this time take EVOLUTION Stoakes was once considered just a speedster, but he’s since developed into a and jogs back to the the championship. physical back with breakaway speed and the power to fight through contact for extra yards. huddle ready for the Something else he is next play. “He’s got a going to try is defense, motor, tons of energy as he only played on and tons of endurance, the offense last season. so he’s a pretty special Coach Olson said player.” Gladbrook-Reinbeck Stoakes was motivated has had the unusual by watching his older fortune for a Class A brother Evan play team to have around football, and decided he 50 guys out for also wanted the chance football, so Stoakes to represent his school didn’t have to play on Friday nights. “When both ways. He expects you get into high school to see Stoakes play at it’s always kind of a like linebacker or defensive dream to play for the back this season. “This high school football year he doesn’t have to team and be the star out play on defense either, there,” Stoakes said. but he’s too good of Teammate Colton a talent, too good Dinsdale plays wide athletically to have receiver and also him sit on the bench.

“He never stops moving; he’s always running around. It’s hilarious, I think,” Dinsdale said. “HE’S LIKE THE ENERGIZER BUNNY, HE JUST KEEPS RUNNING.” fullback, where he blocks for Stoakes. He too thought Stoakes showed potential right away. “We knew he was going to be a huge asset to our team because he was really fast, and he got to the point where he liked to hit people and run low and just run over people,” Dinsdale said. “He’s grown into that running back positon and he’s doing a really good job with it.” He laughs when asked about Stoakes’ hyperactivity in practice and games. “He never stops moving, he’s always running

48 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

whichever way I am going to block, he’s just going the right way…he’ll do spin moves and what not, and keep pushing his legs to keep going and he’s going to get the yards we need,” Dinsdale said. And when Stoakes breaks a big run, it fires up the whole team. “Heck yeah, oh yeah. When he gets those long T-D’s we get pumped on that. Usually when he gets a big break, it’s going to happen more than once in a game,” Dinsdale explains. Stoakes has a simple explanation for his

So, we’ll probably get him in on defense.” Olson admits as the defensive coordinator, he wants Stoakes’ speed on the field, while his offensive coordinator would rather see him sitting on the sideline when the defense is out there. Stoakes said he is looking forward to playing defense, but admits “I’m still trying to find my spot on defense, I’m still a little sketchy with that.” Something tells us he’ll find a spot where ☐ he can make an impact.

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teams:

Audubon

griswold logan-magnolia maple valley-anthon-oto riverside st. albert tri-center westwood

Logan-Magnolia won the district and a state championship in 2014 using Riley Wohlers an explosive running game and a dominant defense. The Panthers will have Logan-Magnola to replace Brady Charboneau in the backfield, but Riley Wohlers (1,013 rushing yards, 9.0 YPC, 18 touchdowns), Austin Haner (691 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and Morgan Melby (420 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) should be more than enough for the Panthers to continue lighting up the scoreboard. Wohlers and Haner will also be counted on to lead the defense after combining for 140.5 total tackles and 23.5 stops for loss. It won’t be the least bit surprising to see Matt Straight’s squad back at the UNI-Dome in November as long as his key guys stay healthy. St. Albert is accustomed to success at its highest levels, but the Falcons have fallen on tougher times since losing in the 2012 Class 1A championship game. They had plenty of reason to want last season back, but the Falcons might have gained some valuable experience for this season’s team because of it. Luke Waters (724 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) played at admirably under center as a freshman, and Glen Bertelson is back to carry the load after running for 872 yards By the Numbers and 10 scores in 2014. This was a running-dominated district a year ago and LoganTop Returnees Magnolia isn’t the only team back with at least one great ball carrier Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD in the backfield returning. In addition to Wohlers, back are fellow Dylan Feller 153 62 40.5 789 9 1,000-yard rushers Marvin Gaines (Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto), who Jr, MV-A-O ran for 1,213 yards and 7 TD’s; and Jake Mulford (Audubon), who Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG tallied 1,152 yards and 15 TD’s. Marvin Gaines 225 1,213 5.4 7 87 Sr, MV-A-O Audubon has Matthew Smith-Petersen, who was second in the district with 106 tackles, including 11 for losses. Westwood, coming Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG off a 7-4 season, will return Brad Steinhoff (511 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) in the running game and Juan Delagarza 30 398 13.3 4 15 Zach Allen (57 tackles, 4 INT), Tony Baker (48 tackles) and Devin Thompson (46 tackles, 7 TFL) on Jr, MV-A-O defense.

District

Tackling

Wyatt Robinette Jr, Griswold

TACK TFL SK 115.5 1 1

teams:

playoff picks: 1. logan-magnolia 2. St. Albert 3. Audubon 4. westwood

akron-westfIeld alta-aurelia gehlen catholic lawton-bronson sioux central south o’brien west sioux woodbury central

Woodbury Central ran away with this district in 2014, whipping South O’Brien and West Sioux by a combined 69-6 margin in back-to-back weeks, but the Wildcats lost both the backfield duo that combined for over 2,600 rushing yards and the Division-I-caliber twins on the offensive line to graduation. That will be too much for the Wildcats to overcome and opens the door for either of last season’s 7-3 squads. South O’Brien tailback Damon Struve took on a heavy workload for the Wolverines, toting the rock 315 times for 1,556 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. He’ll be expected to do the same again this fall for a team that doesn’t return a proven quarterback and has the pieces on defense to make for a very successful ground-and-pound team. Struve (56 tackles, 2 INT) headlines the defense, as well, along with Keaton Rohrbaugh (54 tackles, 3 INT) and Travis Hohbach (54 tackles). West Sioux was right there with South O’Brien last season, losing the first meeting between the two teams, 28-21 and winning the playoff rematch, 17-16. Back for the Falcons is quarterback Porter Hummel (1,655 passing yards, 17 touchdowns; 444 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns), as well as Justin Negaard (395 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns), who is ready to take over the reins at tailback, and wideout Kezden Blankenship (544 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns). Negaard (72.5 By the Numbers tackles, 14.5 TFL) leads the way for a defense that doesn’t bring back many starters, but does have an Top Returnees opportunistic secondary with Blankenship (4 INT) and Hummel (3 INT). Cal Eskra is now a junior and hopes to lead Akron-Westfield into post season contention after Passing 2014 Stats ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Cal Eskra leading the district in passing with 2,144 yards and 21 touchdowns. Eskra used his feet effectively, 334 176 52.7 2,144 21 Jr, Akron-Westfield scrambling for 751 yards on the ground, and will have his receiving corps back, led by Dylan Rushing Irizarry (675 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns) and Aaron Allard (559 receiving yards, 8 ATT YDS YPC TD LG Damon Struve 315 1,556 4.9 15 72 touchdowns). The defense should also improve with the experience brought back by Sr, South O’Brien Spenser Wardrip (62 tackles) and Zach Bosse (48.5 tackles, 5 TFL). Receiving Lawton-Bronson will depend on tailback Anteres Ashley (942 rushing yards, 8 REC YDS YPC TD LG Dylan Irizarry 63 675 10.7 7 N/A touchdowns) and a defense led by Austin Peters (72.5 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 Jr, Akron-Westfield INT), Henri Haafke (69.5 tackles) and Devan Amick (11.5 TFL).

District

Tackling

Austin Peters Sr, Lawton-Bronson

TACK TFL INT 72.5 2 4

50 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. south o’brien 2. akron-westfIeld 3. lawton-bronson 4. west sioux

belmond-klemme bishop garrigan nashua-plainfIeld teams: newman catholic north butler north union west hancock

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (2)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S A

Nashua-Plainfield didn’t have any trouble winning what was an average district last fall, but the Huskies have a lot of new faces breaking into the lineup on both sides of the ball this season. Belmond-Klemme was just 6-4 last fall, but the Broncos bring back a veritable threeheaded monster in the backfield with Korby Sander (1,883 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns), Taylor Meints (878 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and Terrell Buck (548 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns). That trio, combined with a defense that brings back nine of its top 11 tacklers, sets up the Broncos for a district title run in 2015. West Hancock played .500 football a year ago, but the Eagles return a potent rushing attack of their own with Dalton Bates, Jordan Weiland and Francis Colton (2,319 combined rushing yards, 28 touchdowns). Their defense doesn’t bring back as much quality depth as Belmond-Klemme’s, which puts them on the next rung down heading into the season. But Weiland did lead the team with 72 stops and will be expected to carry the torch for the defense again this year. By the Numbers Bishop Garrigan is a traditionally strong program that hasn’t maintained its Top Returnees customary level of success, but the Golden Bears bring back enough that they Passing 2014 Stats should reach the postseason again this year. Cameron Langerman is ready to ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Sonnor Sonius 66 34 51.5 588 5 take on more responsibility in the backfield after running for 461 yards and 8 Sr, West Hancock touchdowns on just 84 carries. That carry total should climb dramatically in his Rushing senior campaign. ATT YDS YPC TD LG Korby Sander The race for the fourth playoff bid should be pretty wide-open, but Newman Sr, Belmond-Klemme 197 1,883 9.6 23 80 Catholic and North Union might have the inside track with the return of Receiving Houston Conway (634 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) for the Knights and REC YDS YPC TD LG Jason Fisher 13 348 26.8 4 48 Braden Ortman (513 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns) for the Warriors. Sr, Nashua-Plainfield

District

playoff picks: 1. belmond-klemme 2. west hancock 3. bishop garrigan 4. newman catholic

teams:

Eric Stoakes Gladbrook-Reinbeck

Tackling

Eythan Blair Jr, North Union

TACK TFL INT 93 1.5 1

A-G-W-S-R B-C-L-U-W denver gladbrook-reinbeck grundy center north tama wapsie valley

This district was excellent at the top, with a pair of teams that reached the UNI-Dome in Gladbrook-Reinbeck and Denver, plus a 9-win squad in A-G-W-S-R, and 2015 should be no different. Gladbrook-Reinbeck rode elite defense and tailback Eric Stoakes (2,473 rushing yards, 9.2 YPC, 36 touchdowns) all the way to the state title game. There are some key contributors that have to be replaced, but there is plenty of reason to believe this team will contend for a state title again. Colton Dinsdale (358 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns) will take on more carries, as head coach John Olson might look to cut back Stoakes’ workload a little and get his athleticism onto the field on defense this season. Denver limped to a 2-4 start last season, but the Cyclones got hot at the right time, knocking off Maquoketa Valley and Nashua-Plainfield during a 6-game winning streak on the way to the UNI-Dome. And with a number of key players returning, the Cyclones should be right back in the mix. Tailbacks Izaak Shedenhelm (1,238 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns) and Mitchel Siech (361 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns) will be the driving force on both sides of the ball. Siech (73 tackles, 4 INT), Shedenhelm (22.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks) and Michael Sparkman (57 tackles, 5 INT) lead the defense. By the Numbers A-G-W-S-R rarely passed the ball and relied heavily on its rushing attack Top Returnees on its way to a 9-2 record. The Cougars will do the same this year, with Levi 2014 Stats Stockdale (1,437 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns) and Josh Balvanz (601 rushing Passing ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Creed Krueger yards, 8 touchdowns) back in action. Stockdale and Caleb Meinders lead the 84 35 41.7 604 6 Sr, Denver defense after combining for 109 stops and 13.5 tackles for loss. Rushing Grundy Center returns a 1,000 yard rusher in Bryce Flater, who moves into ATT YDS YPC TD LG Eric Stoakes 270 2,473 9.2 36 80 his junior year and is also the Spartans’ leader on defense with 71 tackles. Sr, Gladbrook-Reinbeck Wapsie Valley is a proud program that won’t stay down for long, but the Receiving Warriors look like they’re at least another year away from returning to the REC YDS YPC TD LG Riley Rohach 22 368 16.7 6 63 ranks of the state’s elite, even if they have the pieces to challenge for a playoff Sr, North Tama berth this year.

District

playoff picks: 1. gladbrook-reinbeck 2. denver 3. A-g-w-s-r 4. wapsie valley

Tackling

Mitchel Sietch Sr, Denver

TACK TFL SK INT 73 6 1 4

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 51

teams:

east buchanan easton valley maquoketa valley north linn

edgewood-colesburg lisbon postville waco starmont

Maquoketa Valley won the district title going away last season, and quarterback Jeremy Fischer is back after tossing for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns. But the Wildcats will face the impossible task of replacing Ryan Parmely, who fell just 59 yards short of breaking Brandon Wegher’s singleseason rushing record with 3,180 yards and 45 touchdowns. There’s no replacing a once-in-a-generation talent like Parmely, so the Wildcats will make do with what they do have back and they’ll benefit from the fact that this district lacks a top-shelf team. Alec McDowell (61 tackles, 10 TFL) is the top returning defender, and he’ll anchor a unit that doesn’t bring back many starters. North Linn made last year’s playoffs, and the Lynx could be eyeing more than that with Logan Novak (1,191 passing yards, 12 touchdowns) back under center for his junior campaign. He’ll have his top two targets, Brandon Stepanek (450 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns) and Ben Wolff (381 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns), back, as well. The defense returns all of its critical members, including Kyler Schott (45 tackles, 7.5 TFL) and Christian Moore (43 tackles, 12 TFL, 11 sacks). Edgewood-Colesburg will be hoping to get over the hump and By the Numbers turn in a winning record, and the Vikings bring back quarterback Top Returnees Seth Hoeger (930 passing yards, 11 touchdowns) and tailback Jamie Passing 2014 Stats Nefzger (618 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns) to give the offense some ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Jack Butteris Logan Novak 217 110 50.7 1,191 12 punch. Brady Helle leads the defense after tallying 55.5 tackles and 13 Jr, North Linn Lisbon stops for loss last year. Rushing The third and fourth seeds should be hotly contested, as there is plenty of balance among the teams ATT YDS YPC TD LG Austin Jensen 181 757 4.2 4 26 competing for them. Easton Valley has Cam Larson (982 passing yards, 6 touchdowns) and Austin Jenson Sr, Easton Valley (757 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns) at tailback; Lisbon will depend on Jack Butteris (681 rushing yards, 5 Receiving touchdowns) a lot more than the 82 times he toted the ball in 2014. East Buchanan returns an experienced REC YDS YPC TD LG Brandon Stepanek 49 450 9.2 3 20 backfield, as well, with Griffin Cabalka (645 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) leading the way. Sr, North Linn

District

Tackling Austin Burco Sr, Starmont

TACK TFL FR 71.5 4 3

teams:

playoff picks: 1. maquoketa valley 2. north linn 3. edgewood-colesburg 4. east buchanan cardinal danville lone tree new london pekin van buren community winfIeld-Mt. Union

Pekin won the district title last season and shouldn’t see a significant challenge from within the district this year, either. The Panthers bring back a dynamic backfield duo in quarterback Trevor Northup (1,823 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, 1 INT) and tailback Chase Copeland (1,204 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns), and wideout Keaton Winn is also back after putting up 628 receiving yards and 7 scores on just 23 catches. The defense will have to reload after losing its most disruptive defenders to graduation, but Tyler Copeland (60 tackles, 7 TFL) is ready to take on the mantle of leadership his junior campaign. Lone Tree took a step forward in 2014, thanks in large part to tailback Jared Hudson (1,214 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns). Hudson is back for one more year, giving the Lions a big weapon offensively that should keep them competitive on a weekly basis. The defense has work to do if the Lions have any aspirations of challenging Pekin for the district title, though. Only Greg Feldman (48 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3 INT), Hudson (28.5 tackles, 4 TFL) and Jovonte Squiers (3 INT) return from a unit that struggled at times last season. Union quarterback Kolt Rossiter threw for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdown By the Numbers lastWinfield-Mt. season, but he won’t have a proven tailback or his favorite target back. He’ll also have Top Returnees to be more careful with the ball (15 INT) in order to let a defense that brings back five of Passing 2014 Stats its top 11 tacklers to keep the scores close. ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Trevor Northup Van Buren was very dependent on its senior class in 2014, and while wideout Will 118 73 61.9 1,823 20 Jr, Pekin Mertens (880 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns) is back after a stellar junior season, Rushing he doesn’t have Garrett Saunders slinging it from the pocket anymore. Making the ATT YDS YPC TD LG Jared Hudson 208 1,214 5.8 16 69 playoffs is certainly possible, but the Warriors won’t be a lock like last season. Sr, Lone Tree New London was 2-7 a year ago but the Tigers could be poised to claim a playoff Receiving berth if they can develop a quarterback to pair with receivers Austin McBeth (425 REC YDS YPC TD LG Will Mertens 49 880 18.0 10 62 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns) and Jayden Flowers (309 receiving yards, 1 Sr, Van Buren touchdown) and the defense improves a little.

District

Tackling

Sam Jennings Sr, Winfield-Mount Union

TACK TFL INT FR 100 1 1 2

52 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | August 2015

playoff picks: 1. pekin 2. lone tree 3. winfIeld-mount union 4. New London

teams:

Tork Mason/Sports Spotlight (Dolecheck); Lisbon High School (Butteris)

2015 PIGSKIN PREVIEW

C L A S S A

belle plaine b-g-m colfax-mingo g-m-g iowa valley lynnville-sully montezuma north mahaska

Montezuma took the top seed out of this district last season, but B-G-M has been one of the better programs in Class A over the past few years, and the Bears are poised to reclaim their throne atop this district. The Bears bring back a bevy of talent all over the field, but nowhere is that talent more concentrated than in the backfield. Tailbacks Colton Massengale (1,725 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns) and Dalton Jack (620 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns) and quarterback Tanner Jansen (606 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) will power a dominant offense into the postseason again this fall. Jansen also threw for 1,064 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Jayce Knight (559 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns) is back after a breakout sophomore season. And the defense lost only one major contributor, as Shane Slaymaker, Cooper Puls and Massengale combined for 46 tackles for loss and Massengale led the team with four interceptions. Montezuma will still be one of the best teams in the district, even if the Braves don’t have the horses to go toe-to-toe with the Bears. Logan Price was efficient (713 passing yards, 20.4 YPC, 10 touchdowns, 3 INT), if not spectacular, in his first season under By the Numbers center. But he’ll need to be more than just a good game manager this year. Top Returnees Ryan Maschmann (438 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns) is prepared to become Passing 2014 Stats the offense’s feature back. The defense had a lot of youth mixed with senior ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Jared Myers leadership and those former underclassmen, led by Carson Losure (57.5 323 168 52.0 2,506 22 Sr, Colfax-Mingo tackles) and Jon Wedgewood (13.5 TFL, 6 sacks), are set to take the reins. Colfax-Mingo and Lynnville-Sully should duke it out for the final two playoff Rushing ATT YDS YPC TD LG Colton Massengale 262 1,725 6.6 18 92 bids. The Hawks always seem to have at least a few explosive playmakers, and Sr, B-G-M tailback Sage Ehresman (1,047 rushing yards, 8.2 YPC, 14 touchdowns) fits that bill. The Tigerhawks will lean on quarterback Jared Myers (3,184 yards of total Receiving REC YDS YPC TD LG Summy 47 716 15.2 5 82 offense, 28 touchdowns) and a deep receiving corps headlined by Blake Summy Blake Sr, Colfax-Mingo (716 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns).

District

playoff picks: 1. b-g-m 2. montezuma 3. lynnville-sully 4. colfax-mingo

Tackling

Jared Myers Sr, Colfax-Mingo

TACK TFL INT 101.5 3 1

clarinda academy earlham martensdale-st. marys teams: bedford mount ayr nodaway valley pleasantville SE Warren

Kyle Dolecheck Mount Ayr

Mount Ayr coasted to a district title and made it to the state semifinals before seeing its season come to an end, and the Raiders should be among the top contenders to reach the UNI-Dome again this fall. Quarterback Jacob Taylor (1,282 yards of total offense, 19 touchdowns) and a deep stable of backs return to give opponents more of the same headaches. Kyle Dolecheck, Nick Wurster and Cal Daughton were all serious home run hitters as they combined for 1,623 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns at an 8.8-yard clip. Defense is always a staple for the Raiders, and despite losing a pair of All-State performers in Riley Weehler and Joe Ricker, there’s no shortage of talent on that side of the ball. Nodaway Valley will go as far as its backfield tandem of Jackson Lamb (1,095 passing yards, 13 touchdowns) and Brennen Weiland (1,178 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) can take it. The defense returns most of its starters, led by Ryan Jensen (54 tackles, 6 TFL), Sam Marnin (51 tackles, 8 TFL) and Lamb (4 INT), but it’s a unit that wasn’t consistent a year ago. That’ll need to improve if the Wolverines are to put up a fight against Mount Ayr. Bedford knows what it has offensively with Justin Folkerts and Clay Cox By the Numbers in the backfield (1,391 combined rushing yards, 21 touchdowns), and Top Returnees quarterback Hunter Russell (722 passing yards, 12 touchdowns) did Passing 2014 Stats enough to keep defenses honest. ATT COMP PCT YDS TD Jackson Lamb 160 71 44.4 1,095 13 Pleasantville made its first trip to the playoffs since 2008 last fall, mostly Sr, Valley due to the play of quarterback Zeb Adreon (1,663 yards of total offense, Rushing 22 touchdowns). The defense had its moments, most notably holding ATT YDS YPC TD LG Brennen Weiland Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont tailback Treg Van Dorin in check in a 14-0 Sr, Nodaway Valley 173 1,178 6.8 10 67 Week 2 victory, and brings back a solid core of Sawyer Phillips (61.5 Receiving tackles, 7.5 TFL), Gunnar Sampson (59.5 tackles) and Adreon (58 REC YDS YPC TD LG Wyatt Dillon 9 235 26.1 3 58 tackles). But it will need to perform better against playoff-caliber Sr, Bedford offenses.

District

playoff picks: 1. Mount Ayr 2. Nodaway Valley 3. bedford 4. pleasantville

Tackling

Hunter Russell Sr, Bedford

TACK TFL FR 71 4 3

August 2015 | SPORTS SPOTLIGHT | 53

CH RISTO PH ER BROW N

Ace of All Trades Glidden-Ralston’s Christopher Brown wears several hats for his team, and wears them well. And he’s a big reason the Wildcats are one of Class 8-Player’s top championship contenders in 2015. B Y DA R R I N C L I N E Ph o to gr ap h s c ou r t e s y of

THE GLIDDEN GRAPHIC

lidden-Ralston rolled into Coon Rapids as the underdogs last season. By the end of the night, the Wildcats had toppled their arch rivals and a young running back named Christopher Brown made a name for himself in the showdown. “There was one play in the Coon-Rapids Bayard game where he broke three tackles and gained about 30 yards. He followed that up with a huge touchdown run,” says senior quarterback Clayton Christian when asked what best encapsulates his teammate. “Playing Coon Rapids-Bayard at their place was a great game for us. They came in as the favorite, and they are one of our rivals; there were so many fans in attendance and we were so pumped up,” says Brown, who rushed for 148 yards and two touhdowns in the game. Glidden-Ralston battled to a 50-38 win and went on to finish the regular season undefeated. The team made its tenth consecutive playoff appearance, defeating AR-WEVA, Westside in the opening round before falling to Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn. As great as the past success has been for Brown, the upcoming senior season is the culmination of a lifetime of work. His passion was sparked at an early age like most youngsters, by playing in the yard with the neighbors. In the decade or so since, he has trained and developed to become one of the most dangerous running backs in 8-player football. “Christiopher has really matured…he played as a sophomore and that’s not easy. Defensively he has was really good that year. Since then he has gotten a lot stronger and a lot faster. He doesn’t miss a workout. He’s become a RUN FOR DAYLIGHT much more physical runner. He’s a kid with really good Brown was one of Class 8-Player’s vision when he has the ball,” says head coach Kreg most explosive offensive threats in 2014, as he ran for 1,347 yards and 27 Lensch. touchdowns on just 127 carries (10.6 As a freshman, Brown was a quarterback for the yards per carry)

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CHR I S TO P H E R BROWN

Wildcats until the coaches saw his greatest “The biggest strength for me is we have classmates who have been working out potential as a pure runner. Lensch and such a great offensive line. They make it so together. There is a lot of trust between his staff still use a traditional offense, a easy for me; they make a big hole and I just them,” Lensch says. run-heavy attack rooted That camaraderie SLENDER, NOT SOFT Brown stands at 6-feet and weighed in at a lanky 165 pounds, but in I-formation plays that has been steadily and the triple option in which Brown has thrived. “We create one-onone matchups pretty easily. We try to find a weakness in the defense and exploit that,” Lensch says. “We want to physically outmatch every team that we play. Most of the time, the other team knows what’s coming, but we count on working harder,” Christian says. Brown has embraced this mentality, and since his shift to runningback, has altered his style. In his early days as a runner, Brown was a shifty scatback who thrived on making people miss. As he grown stronger, he has developed into a power runner who

he’s not afraid to deliver the blow to defenders. “I like to try and set the tone by hitting a guy early in the game to let them know how tough we are,” Brown says.

building since seventh grade shows itself on the defensive side of the ball, as well. As a unit during the unblemished regular season, the Wildcat defense allowed only 16 points per game; they held offenses to single digits in five outings. Brown swarmed all over the field on the back end of the defense, snagging nine interceptions last season, second most in the class. In spite of his great performance at safety, the coaches have steadily worked to transform Brown into a linebacker. “On the defensive side of the ball we are looking for him to become a playmaker

“He doesn’t miss a workout,” head coach Kreg Lensch said. “He’s become a much more physical runner. He’s a kid with really good vision when he has the ball.” looks for contact. In his first season as the feature back last year Brown collected 1,347 yards and 27 touchdowns, adding 300 receiving yards in the process. He wound up eighth in scoring in all of class 8-Player football. “I like to try and set the tone by hitting a guy early in the game to let them know how tough we are,” Brown says. However, there are not always defenders to hit, thanks largely to the bulldozers clearing the way for Brown.

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have to get through it,” says Brown. They do a great job of adjusting and they learn quickly. It helps that I can run behind allstaters.” Glidden-Ralston returns a slew of talented linemen, anchored by Noah Borkowski. Borkowski earned Class 8-Player First Team All State last season and was selected as the district offensive lineman of the year. “The offensive line gives (Christopher) a lot of confidence. These guys are all

like he is on the offensive side. We want to see him take another step physically and make more plays,” Lensch says. If there has been a common theme for Christopher Brown in his football career, it is the willingness to take another step forward. From the earliest days of backyard football to upsetting longtime Glidden-Ralston rivals, the Wildcat running back is set to leave his footprint ☐ on 8-player football.

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