2017 Prep Football Preview

PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 | WCFCOURIER.COM

INSIDE A new year and new stars

Camping out

Teaching tools

Rules changes

Class 4A, District 5

Class 3A, Districts 2, 3

Class 2A, Districts 2,3,4

Run, Rodney, run

Class 1A, Districts 2,3

Class A, Districts 3,4,5

To kick, or not to kick

2

3

4

4

5-6

7-9

9-11

12

13-15

16-19 20

Building a dynasty

8-player, Districts 2-3

21

22-23

2 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New group of stars ready to shine 2016 was a record-setting season around NE Iowa NICK PETAROS

nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com‌

‌P

lenty of stars lit up Northeast Iowa on Friday nights in 2016.

Dike-New Hartford’s Trent Johnson capped his career as the state’s alltime leading rusher, while Iowa State recruit Devon Moore aired the ball out to speedsters Tayshaun Cooper and Carlton Todd as the seniors helped Waterloo West put together its first eight-win season since 1991.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck and Don Bosco added championship trophies to their trophy cases, and Union Community once again made noise inside the UNI-Dome with a run into the 2A finals. In total, 31 area players earned INA first-team allstate honors from their respective classes.

So, what’s in store for 2017?

Look no further than two-time defending state champion Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s quarterback position as a source of strength.

Hunter Lott hadn’t received a single varsity snap until his junior season. He went on to complete 91 passes for 1,771 yards and 18 touchdowns versus four interceptions during Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s undefeated 2016 campaign.

He’s poised to build on that success this fall during his school’s final year of 11-player football.

“For him to start off as strong as he did at the beginning of last year and then also take off from there and get better every single game, that’s a pretty awesome job for a first-year starter,” G-R coach John Olson said. “We put a lot of pressure on him, too. It wasn’t like he was making a lot of easy throws. He played against a lot of good competition.”

While Lott’s 5-foot-10, 165-pound frame may mean a position change at a higher level, the former defensive back and receiver has the football knowledge and athleticism to find success in college.

He’s a clear leader with a calming influence.

“He doesn’t get super excited about a play when it’s a touchdown, he doesn’t get too drawn back when someone screws up,” Olson said. “He’s level headed and can tell some pretty good jokes once in a

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR‌

Gladbrook-Reinbeck quarterback Hunter Lott throws a pass during the first half of the 2016 Class A state title game in the UNI-Dome. while. He’s also pretty serious and really wants to get better. He’s not satisfied with just doing things OK.” Similar to Lott, G-R returns an impact player on the line in Mason Skovgard, who earned first-team all-state honors as a first-time starter last fall.

Nearby, another potential difference-maker in the trenches is Grundy Center’s Jordan Hook, who enters his senior year with offers from multiple FCS schools.

On the defensive side of the ball, Waverly-Shell Rock defensive end Mosai Newsom enters his junior season primed to make a difference with offers from the likes of Minnesota and Iowa in hand.

“He had a good summer and was able to draw the attention of some different colleges,” W-SR coach Mark Hubbard said.

“Now it’s just getting him ready to go and he’s obviously an impact player for us.”

Following the graduation of 2,077yard rusher Isaiah Vaughan, Union has a pair of breakout candidates in its passing game. Troy Hanus threw for 1,798 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago with Koby Alpers on the receiving end for 50 catches and 687 yards with eight touchdowns.

“Sometimes as a quarterback you just have your favorite guy and you find your hero when the pressure is on,” Union coach Joe Hadachek said. “I think they have that unique connection.”

Hadachek realizes the senior year following a strong junior campaign has its own unique challenges.

“It’s hard as a high school coach when a kid has a great junior year and he’s coming back and you’ve got to get that kid bet-

ter,” Hadachek said. “Troy has embraced it. We’ve been doing some x and o stuff where he can understand some things at the next level.”

Building on a strong junior season will also be the objective of Rodney Schwartzhoff of South Winneshiek, who is the state’s top returning rusher after going for 2,036 yards in his breakout campaign.

Other returning first-team all-staters in Class 2A include Union’s Carter Brehm and Josh Fenske of New Hampton.

Denver linebacker Bo McMahon and defensive back Sam Joerger are back as first-team INA all-staters in 1A, while Jake Ohl of East Buchanan and Matt Seres of Hudson return with that accolade in Class A. Defending eight-player champ Don Bosco brings top rusher Austin Svoboda back as a first-team all-stater.

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 3

OFFSEASON ACTIVITIES

Summer work more important than ever Practices, camps go a long way toward success on field JIM NELSON

jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com‌

‌F

rom the time high school football teams begin preseason practice to the time they play their first game is not a big gap.

For many, it can be little more than two weeks.

That is why coaches across the state get creative with the allotted time they get with their student-athletes during the summer. By Iowa High School Athletic Association rules, football coaches were allowed to have organized activities with their team beginning June 1 this summer.

“We use that time in all different kinds of ways,” Waterloo West coach Lonnie Moore says.

Primarily, those organized activities allow coaches to install their systems and give their teams a jump start when preseason practice begins.

“When we’ve already installed our systems on offense and defense, all we have to do is refine what we’ve been doing when we start our preseason,” Cedar Falls head coach Brad Remmert said. “The install puts you miles ahead in the game when preseason practice starts.”

Installing offensive and defensive systems is not the only thing summer organized activities allow high school coaches to get accomplished. Adding strength and better conditioning is done through organized weight training.

Four times a week, Cedar Falls was in the weight room, beginning many of those sessions at 6 a.m.

“We re-emphasized our work in the weight room, made it an emphasis,” Remmert added.

“It’s a balance between all ac-

COURIER FILE PHOTO‌

Cedar Falls football players scrimmage during their 2015 preseason.

“When we’ve already installed our systems on offense and defense, all we have to do is refine what we’ve been doing when we start our preseason. The install puts you miles ahead in the game when preseason practice starts.”

Brad Remmert, Cedar Falls head coach tivities from 7-on-7 camps, team camps, individual college camps and the weight room. This year the emphasis was more toward the weight room, working hard together.”

Remmert’s team participated in several 7-on-7 camps this summer, battling the likes of teams from Ankeny and Waterloo West, which he says is important skill development time, and he had a lot of athletes go to individual college camps.

“It’s good for kids to come together and see that competition,” Remmert said.

Team camaraderie is also an important aspect, according to Moore.

Since taking over the Wahawk program in 2009, Moore has taken his team to numerous 7-on-7 tournaments and team camps from Winona State to Northern Iowa to Southwest Minnesota State and this past summer at the University of South Dakota for three days.

As far as 7-on-7 camps, West has gone as far as Kansas State and Notre Dame.

Moore says there are numerous things that benefit his team

and his individual players.

“They get to compete against elite kids from across the Midwest, test themselves,” Moore said. “It’s easy to test yourself against the best in Waterloo, but when you are seeing the elite kids it really gives our kids an exact read on where they are and where they’ve got to improve to be the best they can be.

“It is also a chance for these kids to hang out in a dorm room, get to know each other and develop team camaraderie, chemistry.”

There is another big reason Moore likes the getaway time and summer activities with his athletes.

“Maybe this shows my age, but when I was younger kids didn’t want to be stuck in the house, we wanted to be outside hanging out playing football or basketball,” Moore said. “For kids now, you want to know what

hanging out is? I call it ‘stupid x-station time.’

“Kids today, hanging out to them is texting each other, watching youtube, playing video games against each other online ... things you don’t have to leave the house to do. So when we have an organized team activity, it is another way to get them out of the house.”

– HUDSON – 319•988•3231 – REINBECK – 319•345•6427

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

4 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

TEACHING SAFER FOOTBALL

Better safe than sorry Coaches finding new ways to teach safer football

Safety behind latest rule changes CLAY CUNNINGHAM

clay.cunningham@wcfcourier.com‌

NICK PETAROS

nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com‌

‌When the head coach of one of the NFL’s top defenses starts teaching it, it certainly has the potential to become a trend.

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll releasing an instructional tackling video back in 2014 that certainly piqued the interest of a variety of colleges and trickled down to the high school level.

Union head football coach Joe Hadachek was drawn to the video’s emphasis on rugby-style tackling. He quickly connected with Bill Reed, a longtime friend he used to play rugby with and a leader within the Iowa Youth Rugby Association, about bringing the sport to his athletes.

Former UNI player DeAndre Moore has run the Wolf Creek Rugby program in La Porte for the past three years. As a result, five of the 11 starters on Union’s Class 2A 2016 state finalist defense also play rugby.

“I think first and foremost the emphasis was on keeping the head out of tackling and the rugby-style tackling has been teaching that since day one,” Hadachek said. “Most of the coaches were looking for something like that, that they could get their hands on and learn from. It’s grown tremendously in the last couple years.”

Since switching up techniques, Hadachek says he’s seen a reduction in the types of head injuries that have raised red flags in recent years.

“You don’t have the blunt force of head to head,” Hadachek said. “When you put your head in front on the tackle, a lot of times you expose your neck area.

The emphasis on the rugby-style tackling has allowed us to still

SAFETY FIRST

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR‌

Mount Vernon’s Max Shady is tackled by Union’s Clay Thiele, left, while Dylan Stech of the Knights leaps over Jared Booth during last last fall’s Class 2A state football semifinal in the UNI-Dome. play fast and still play hard, but I think the kids feel a lot more confident in what they’re doing.”

USA Football’s Heads Up tackling program has also been proactive from the youth through the high school levels. Organizations such as the Iowa High School Athletic Association are making it imperative that coaches demonstrate making initial contact with the shoulder or chest while keeping the head up.

“I believe any head coach that is trying to teach football safer has athletes that are more aware of the rules and all the dynamics that those rules bring about than they would have been when I played high school football in the mid 90s,” AGWSR coach James Koop said. “With all the talk about CTE and concussions, you really have to be.”

Koop oversees an AGWSR program that recently made the transition from 11-player to the 8-player game. Competing on an 80-yard field magnifies the impact of a penalty for violations of hitting a defenseless quar-

terback or receiver at the wrong time.

“A 15-yard penalty when there’s 20-less yards on the field gets to be a big deal,” Koop said.

“If the offense has got the ball on the 15 and we hit a defenseless receiver, they’re basically at midfield.”

With rules that tend to favor offenses and scoring, Hadachek says it’s sometimes tough for defenders to get a feel for the adjustments they need to make until they get into a game environment.

“It’s hard to replicate in practice,” the Union coach said. “The association of Iowa has allowed us to have a scrimmage against somebody other than ourselves.

I honestly wish we had more than one opportunity to do that.

“If you had referees come to your facility and you’re playing another team in a scrimmage, it’s going to allow you to be exposed to flags and penalties where some of these newer rules would be an emphasis and you get to see it in action.”

‌As time passes, the emphasis on player safety continues to grow in the game of football.

With this in mind, the National Federation of State High School Associations has implemented some new rules in the high school game this year that they hope will reduce the risk of player injury.

The biggest change centers around a crackdown on blindside blocking. Defined as “a block against an opponent other than the runner who does not see the blocker approaching,” illegal blindside hits will result in a 15-yard penalty.

The NFHS considers a blindside block a hit that “involves contact by a blocker against an opponent who, because of physical positioning and focus of concentration, is vulnerable to injury.” Unless such a block is initiated with open hands, it will be flagged.

“As has been the case for many years, the NFHS Football Rules Committee continued to place their main emphasis on risk minimization,” Todd Tharp, chair of the rules committee said in a February release. “With this new definition of a blindside block and the penalty to be assessed, the committee stresses the importance of proper coaching techniques under the rules and accurate enforcement by the game officials.”

Also impacting this rule is the committee’s decision to broaden the definition of what a defenseless player is. Some specific examples include a quarterback either in or having just completed the act of throwing a pass, a runner in the grasp whose forward progress has been stopped and a player in the midst of a feet-first slide.

“A great deal of time was spent by the committee creating specific criteria to define exactly what a defenseless player is,” Tharp said. “Coaches can use these examples to focus on the proper mechanics of blocking and tackling.”

Another implemented change was the elimination of the pop-up kick, which is defined as “a free kick in which the kicker drives the ball immediately to the ground, the ball strikes the ground once and goes into the air in the manner of a ball kicked directly off the tee.”

A violation of the rule will result in a dead-ball free-kick infraction.

Though admitting it leads to adjustments every year, area coaches say getting used to modified rules has become part of their yearly routine.

“They’re going to keep coming up. It’s something we’ve adapted to,” Don Bosco Coach Colby Yoder said. “I don’t think it’s really going to change the game much.”

For Union Coach Joe Hadachek, the rule changes are an essential part of the sport’s evolution.

“Safety is the number one priority in football,” Hadachek said. “The rules have been changed to make it so and I 100 percent support that.”

FIRST STATE BANK Wishing You A Winning Season!

1150 W. 1st. St., Sumner

563-578-3312 200 S. Main, Fayette 563-425-3395 Member FDIC www.fsbsumner.com

6 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW CLASS 4A, DISTRICT 5 CAPSULES Cedar Falls Tigers‌

HEAD COACH: Brad Remmert 2016 RECORDS: 4-1 district, 6-3 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (23): Colin Klatt, de, Rhett

Smeins, lb-wr, Luke Gillett, qb-db, Blake Christensen, wr-db, Matthew Cook, pk, Logan Wolf, wr-db, Mason Abbas, qb, Jack Campbell, lb-te, Adam Wilson, ol, Austin Smiley, ol, Tristan Weltruski, c, Steven Eiklenborg, pk, Keegan Larson, dl, Carter Newton, db, Daequan Thomas, rb-db, Jace Rea, fb-lb, Dalton Closson, wr-db, Sam Gary, rb, Ben Gerdes, de-te, Justin Campbell, ol, Tanner Doyle, dt, Jackson Leistikow, ol, Jakob Courbat, wr.

RETURNING STARTERS (15): Austin Smiley, ol, Jackson Leistikow, ol, Justin Campbell, ol, Tristan Weltruski, ol, Luke Gillett, qb, Sam Gary, rb, Blake Christensen, wr, Colin Klatt, dl, Keegan Larson, dl, Ben Gerdes, dl, Jack Campbell, lb, Logan Wolf, db, Carter Newton, db, Steven Eiklenborg, pk, Matthew Cook, pk.

C.R. Jefferson J-Hawks‌

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR‌

Cedar Falls quarterback Luke Gillett, shown here during a game against Ames early last season, is back to lead the Tigers in 2017.

4A-5 From Page 5

a disappointing development for the proud Tiger program and one that will help fuel the returning players who were part of it.

There are a lot of them. Cedar Falls has 23 letterwinners back, including 15 starters.

“We had a good year, but obviously they wanted to get into the playoffs,” says coach Brad Remmert. “I know they want to get back there. They had a great offseason.

“We were a young team last year. The number of juniors and sophomores who started for us was more than normal.

Now we’ve got four offensive linemen coming back, so that’s a good place to start on offense.

On defense, we’ve got three kids back up front so that’s seven of our nine linemen back.”

Cedar Falls also has returning quarterback Luke Gillett, who was slowed by injury last season, veteran receivers Blake Christensen and Logan Wolf and running backs Sam Gary and Daequan Thomas.

All that experience means better competition for playing time.

“They know what it’s going to

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 25—Cedar Rapids Jefferson at Pleasant Valley, Des Moines North at Waterloo East, Fort Dodge at Cedar Falls, Mason City at Clear Lake, Cedar Rapids Prairie at Cedar Rapids Washington, Waterloo West at Dubuque Senior.

AUG. 31—Cedar Rapids Prairie at Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

SEPT. 1—Cedar Falls at Ames, Cedar Rapids Washington at Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Marshalltown at Mason City, Newton at Waterloo East, Waterloo West at Dubuque Hempstead.

SEPT. 8—Bettendorf at Cedar Rapids Washington, Cedar Rapids Jefferson at Linn-Mar, Western Dubuque (Epworth) at Waterloo West, Fort Dodge at Mason City, Iowa City West at Cedar Falls, Waterloo East at Marshalltown.

SEPT. 14—Linn-Mar at Cedar Rapids Washington.

SEPT. 15—Cedar Falls at Western Dubuque (Epworth), Cedar Rapids Kennedy at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Marshalltown at Waterloo West, Mason City at Urbandale, Waterloo East at Dubuque Hempstead.

SEPT. 22—Cedar Rapids Washington at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Mason City at Cedar Falls, Waterloo West at Waterloo East.

SEPT. 29—Cedar Rapids Jefferson at Waterloo West, Cedar Rapids Washington at Cedar Falls, Waterloo East at Mason City.

OCT. 5—Waterloo East at Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

OCT. 6—Cedar Falls at Waterloo West, Mason City at Cedar Rapids Washington.

OCT. 13—Cedar Rapids Jefferson at Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids Washington at Waterloo East, Waterloo West at Mason City.

OCT. 19—Waterloo West at Cedar Rapids Washington.

OCT. 20—Cedar Falls at Waterloo East, Mason City at Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

take after playing last year and gaining that experience,” says Remmert. “They worked hard in the weightroom. We had as good of attendance as we’ve had in the summer.

“We’ve got real good kids throughout the roster, but we’ve got to stay healthy. We’ve got to continue to get better and build a little bit each week.”

Waterloo East simply ran out of players last season, causing

the Trojans to forfeit their final game. And while they won’t have the numbers to play a sophomore schedule this fall, head coach Xavier Leonard is confident he has enough to keep his team on the field this year.

“Right now we are fine,” says Leonard. “We have enough kids to complete the season and we have enough to be successful this season.”

Running back Tyrell Gordon returns for the Trojan offense after racking up 547 rushing yards a year ago. Jacee Clark, Kendall Robinson and Joseph Putnam also started last season and established themselves as playmayers.

District coaches expect Cedar Rapids Washington to field another strong team after a 10-2 season. The Warriors, who ranked eighth in 4A total offense a year ago, return quarterback Bryan Kunde (1,821 passing yards, 19 TDs) and receiver Cade Saylor (12 catches, 230 yards, 19.2 per-catch average, six TDs).

Defensively, Travis Metzger gave opposing offenses fits with his 10 1/2 tackles for loss.

There are 11 starters returning at Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

Joshua Furrow is a key veteran at receiver (17-189) and on defense (50.5 tackles).

HEAD COACH: Brian Webb 2016 RECORDS: 2-3 district, 2-7 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: NA RETURNING STARTERS (11): Kyler Bell, wr-db, Noah Vawter, qb,

Josh Furrow, rb-lb, Matt Moore, rb-db, T.J. Kuennen, te-lb, Kryon Ligon, db, Mitchell Hall, db, Cody Clendenen, lb, Brandon Perez, pk, Kennen Stewart, dl, Jagves Garnett, dl.

C.R. Washington Warriors‌

HEAD COACH: Maurice Blue 2016 RECORDS: 4-1 district, 10-2 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: NA RETURNING STARTERS (9): Andrew Todd, ol, Jared Scherrman,

ol, Nolan Potter, ol, Bryan Kunde, qb, Ty Johnson, db, Brayden Wright, db, Travis Metzger, db, Seth Semrau, lb, Parks McBride, dl.

Mason City Mohawks‌

HEAD COACH: Matt Berkley 2016 RECORDS: 1-4 district, 3-6 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: NA RETURNING STARTERS (8): Danny Kamm III, qb-s, Ben Pappas,

wr-qb, Azik Barragan, wr, Brandon Wilman, wr, Troy Monahan, ol, Noah DeMaris, rb, Jeff Shurtz, ol-dl, Christian Green, rb,

Waterloo East Trojans‌

HEAD COACH: Xavier Leonard 2016 RECORDS: 0-5 district, 0-9 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8): Tyrell Gordon, rb-lb, Joseph

Putman, ol-dl, Jacee Clark, db-wr, Kendall Robinson, lb-rb, Dylan Reyes, qb-db, Scott Bickel, db-wr, Cole Lamprecht, ol-dl, Richard Lowery, ol-dl.

RETURNING STARTERS (4): Jacee Clark, wr, Tyrell Gordon, rb, Joseph Putman, dl, Kendall Robinson, lb-rb.

Waterloo West Wahawks‌

HEAD COACH: Lonnie Moore 2016 RECORDS: 4-1 district, 8-2 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (18): Esidro Stuart, ol, Ross

Brown, ol-dl, Kalen Burt, te-dl, Marrio Wright, db, Caleb Dodd, lb, Noah Susong, lb, Cade Dodd, qb, Adijian Muhamedagic, pk, Devon Jones, wr-db, Even Baker, lb, Richardson Gbeynie, rb-lb, Zac Sanders, wr-db, Kadin Paulus, rb Jacob Mrzlak, ol-dl, Nate Morris, ol-dl, Dallas Jenkins, wr-db, Moses Mendez-Ramon, lb Damon Theis, lb.

RETURNING STARTERS (6): Esidro Stuart, ol, Ross Brown, ol-dl, Kalen Burt, te-dl, Marrio Wright, db, Caleb Dodd, lb, Noah Susong, lb.

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 7

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 2

Speed, quickness are IF-A assets 2016 standings

Webster City Boone D.C.-Grimes Gilbert Ballard Ia. Falls-Alden Greene Co. Perry

Dist. Over.

W L W L 6 1 11 2 6 1 8 3 5 2 6 3 4 3 6 3 4 3 6 3 2 5 4 5 1 6 1 8 0 7 2 7

Players to watch‌ PASSING Damon Clapper, Dallas Cen-

ter-Grimes: 62-147-5, 882 yards, 12 TDs Clint Denhart, Greene Co.: 56-171-7, 786 yards, 6 TDs Alexis Garrido, Perry: 3681-4, 402 yards, 1 TD RUSHING Hunter Wright, Ballard: 191-1,566, 8.2 avg., 20 TDs Tanner Epple, Dallas Center-Grimes: 36-259, 7.2 avg., 2 TDs RECEIVING Mason Hulse, Boone: 32-549, 14.4 avg., 5 TDs Jon Herrick, Boone: 30-503, 16.8 avg., 7 TDs Reece Huen, Ballard: 18-324, 18.0 avg., 5 TDs TACKLES Joe Towers, Green County: 58-20—78, 1 TFL Caleb Olson, Webster City: 63-15—78, 4 TFLs Trent Carpenter, Dallas Center-Grimes: 62-13—75, 5 TFLs INTERCEPTIONS Dylan Steen, Webster City: 5-94, no TDs KICKOFF RETURNS Mason Hulse, Boone: 24-523, 21.8 avg., no TDs Zane Williams, Webster City: 10-353, 35.3 avg., 1 TD

Overall size, depth are concerns for Cadets this season NICK PETAROS

nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com‌

‌Iowa Falls-Alden coach Don Anderson enters his second year at the helm confident his team will be able to run with the competition in Class 3A, District 2.

With an extremely small junior class, however, depth and physicality is a concern in a district that returns 2016’s Class 3A finalist Webster City in addition to a pair of deep teams in Dallas Center-Grimes and Ballard.

“I think we’ve got some decent quickness and some decent speed,” Anderson said. “We’re not

really big and our depth at the varsity level is really poor right now.”

Two physical sophomores projected to make the jump forward for the Cadets are fullback-linebacker Kyler Hadwiger and two-way lineman McCade Eisentrager. Senior Tyjon Rose will move from receiver into the quarterback position.

“He’s got good speed and good quickness so he puts a lot of pressure on the defense and he’s got a pretty good arm, too,” Anderson said.

After finishing 4-5 overall and 2-5 in district play a year ago, Anderson feels his team will remain competitive. He sees the potential for multiple games on the schedule to come down to the wire. Five teams in this challenging district had overall records of

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 18 — Iowa Falls-Alden at South Hardin (ND), AUG. 25 — Carlisle at Ballard (ND), Carroll Kuemper at Greene County (ND), Creston at Boone (ND). Dallas Center-Grimes at ADM (ND), Iowa Falls-Alden at Hampton-Dumont (ND), Perry at North Polk (ND, Roland-Story at Gilbert (ND), Webster City at Humboldt (ND).

SEPT. 1 — ADM at Ballard (ND), Aplington-Parkersburg at Iowa Falls-Alden (ND), Boone at Bondurant-Farrar (ND), Clear Lake at Webster City (ND), Gilbert at Carlisle (ND), Harlan at Greene County (ND), Pella at Dallas Center-Grimes (ND), Perry at Nevada (ND).

SEPT. 8 — Ballard at Perry, Boone at Iowa Falls-Alden, Gilbert at Webster City, Greene County at Dallas Center-Grimes.

SEPT. 15 — Dallas Center-Grimes at Ballard, Iowa Falls-Alden at Gilbert, Perry at Boone, Webster City at Greene County.

SEPT. 22 — Ballard at Webster City, Dallas Center-Grimes at Perry, Gilbert at Boone, Greene County at Iowa Falls-Alden.

SEPT. 29 — Boone at Greene County, Iowa Falls-Alden at Ballard, Perry at Gilbert, Webster City at Dallas Center-Grimes.

OCT. 6 — Ballard at Boone, Dallas Center-Grimes at Iowa Falls-Alden, Greene County at Gilbert, Webster City at Perry.

OCT. 13 – Boone at Dallas Center-Grimes, Gilbert at Ballard, Greene County at Perry, Iowa Falls-Alden at Webster City.

OCT. 20 – Ballad at Greene County, Dallas Center-Grimes at Gilbert, Perry at Iowa Falls-Alden, Webster City at Boone.

6-3 or better last season.

“There’s a lot of teams we can play with and beat,” Anderson said. “We’re going to be in some close games. It comes down to being fundamentally sound in the last quarter and who makes the plays.”

Webster City, a playoff team for each of the past nine years under Bob Howard’s direction, returns

nine starters and nine more letterwinners from its memorable 11-win team. Most coaches in the district project a large Dallas Center-Grimes team and a physical Ballard squad to also be in the chase for a playoff spot.

“Key players return for Bob (at Webster City) and they are tough to defeat,” Dallas Center-Grimes coach Scott Heitland noted.

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 2 CAPSULES Ballard Bombers‌

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 15 HEAD COACH: Al Christian RETURNING STARTERS (15): 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall, Damon Clapper, qb, Tanner Epple, 4-3 district rb, Cade Bertrand, wr, Thomas RETURNING LETTERWINErickson, wr, Miciah Hidlebaugh, NERS: 10 ol, Jacob Comer, ol, Justin Bieg RETURNING STARTERS (10): ger, ol, Coty Lemon, dl, Brady Hunter Wright, rb, Gavin Hobbs, Simmons, dl, Trent Carpenter rb, Trey Drummond, wr, Colin lb, Rowan Collins, lb, Ryne DunAnderson, ol, Tyler Maire, ol, phy, db, Daly Jarnigan, db, Tyler Cody Knutson, ol, Grant Van Cooney, db, Austin James, k.

Zee, ol, Reece Huen, wr, Gannon Manfull, db, Ben Lee, dl.

Gilbert Tigers‌ HEAD COACH: Scott Auderer Boone Toreadors‌ 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall, HEAD COACH: Mark Camenisch 4-3 district 2016 RECORDS: 8-3 overall,

RETURNING LETTERWIN6-1 district NERS: 11 RETURNING LETTERWIN RETURNING STARTERS (11): NERS: 14 Logan Litchfield, te-lb, Ethan RETURNING STARTERS (6): Robey, ol, Connor Olson, ol, Mason Hulse, wr-qb-db, John Keegan Sturdy, wr, Landon Herrick, wr, Colton Anderson, Howard, wr, Ajay Reed, wr, Relol-dl, Trey Smith, ol, Jordan Andon Miller, fb, Eric Swart, rb-s, gle, dl, John Imerman, db.

Noah Ante, de, Matt Harwood, Dallas Center-Grimes dl, Garrisson Holck, s.

Mustangs‌

HEAD COACH: Scott Heitland 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall,

5-2 district

Greene County Rams‌

HEAD COACH: Mitch Moore 2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall, 1-6

district

rb-lb, Ethan McFarland, ol-dl, German Alverenga, k-p.

NERS: 8 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Webster City Lynx‌ Jake Berns, rb-lb, Clint Denn HEAD COACH: Bob Howard hardt, qb, Joe Towers, rb-lb, 2016 RECORDS: 11-2 overall, Trey Hinote, wr-db, Charlie Min6-1 district nehan, ol, Brock Wuebker, ol, RETURNING LETTERWINBryce Hoyle, ol, Kyle Peters, dl.

NERS: 18 Iowa Falls Alden Cadets RETURNING STARTERS (10): Cooper Lawson, g-dt, James HEAD COACH: Don Anderson Cherry, n-g, Kooper Jondal, de, 2016 RECORDS: 4-5, 2-5 Zac Williams, ss, Jordan Tanner, RETURNING LETTERWINe-cb, Hunter Hayes, fb-lb, Caleb NERS: 9 Olson, lb, Dylan Steen, fs, Bryer RETURNING STARTERS (4): McCoy, sr.

Tyjon Rose, wr-db, Devin Sheridan, wr-db, Victor Sanchez, ol-dl, Grayson Cutler, ol-dl.

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

Perry Bluejays‌

CO-HEAD COACH: Matthew

Hardy, Ben Coy

2016 RECORDS: 2-7 overall,

0-7 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 14

RETURNING STARTERS (9):

Manasses Martinez, wr-db, Brandon Kenyon, wr-db, Alexis Garrido, qb, Kaleb Olejniczak, wr-db, Reece Dunlap, wr-db, Donald Chavez, rb-db, Mark Campos,

Locally owned Bertch Cabinetry sold here!

Dike, lowa 319-989-2222 Your complete hardware and building material center.

DESIGN SERVICES Serving the Cedar Valley and the surrounding communities for over 40 years.

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

8 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 3

District 3 a free-for-all again 2016 standings

C.R. Xavier Benton Comm.

Waverly-S.R. Decorah Charles City South Tama Vinton-Shells.

Independence

Dist. Over.

W L W L 7 0 11 1 6 1 7 3 5 2 7 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 3 6 2 5 3 6 1 6 2 7 0 7 0 9

Players to watch‌ PASSING Spencer Touro, Benton Community: 89-165-10, 1,086 yards, 9 TDs Brannan Hogan, Decorah: 57-98-3, 718 yards, 7 TDs RUSHING Gabriel Santoiemma, Waverly-Shell Rock: 206-1,032, 5.0 avg., 11 TDs Jake Muhlbauer, Decorah: 78-525, 6.7 avg., 7 TDs RECEIVING Quinn Schulte, Xavier: 52546, 10.5 avg., 5 TDs Tre Walker, Charles City: 24-401, 16.7 avg., 3 TDs Jack Seward, Waverly-Shell Rock: 18-336, 18.7 avg., 2 TDs TACKLES Maurice Williams, Benton Community: 52-18—70, 14 TFLs Tanner Probasco, South Tama: 62-6.2 -68.5, 6 TFL Isaac Judge, South Tama: 60-8.5—68.5, 7.5 TFL INTERCEPTIONS Spencer Touro, Benton Community: 4-56, no TDs KICKOFF RETURNS Tanner Probasco, South Tama, 10-284, 28.4 avg., 1 TD

New quarterbacks could be a key for several contenders NICK PETAROS

nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com‌

Scanning the collection of ‌ teams in Class 3A, District 3, there’s certainly no shortage of depth.

Since making the move from Class 4A football, Cedar Rapids Xavier has been an annual state championship contender but is still looking for a title. A year ago, the Saints were stunned in the semifinals on a last-second touchdown by Pella inside the UNI-Dome.

Benton Community and atlarge selection Waverly-Shell Rock return as playoff teams from a year ago, while Decorah and South Tama are just two years removed from strong runs into the postseason.

“With a district like this you’ve got to stay healthy and be at your best every week,” Waverly-Shell Rock coach Mark Hubbard said.

“It’s going to be hard to come out on top if you don’t have depth.

The other piece is there’s going to be some newer quarterbacks tested in this district, as well. I think that’s always a question mark heading in.”

The district’s top four passers in yardage from last season graduated, including Xavier senior Bryce Schulte, who threw for 1,598 yards. Waverly-Shell Rock will look to either junior Luke Velky or senior Jordan Gayer to earn its vacancy at the position.

Velky has been receiving most of the reps in practice recently with Gayer taking those snaps at tight end.

“I think both guys are two of the best athletes on our team and two of the strongest guys in our weight room,” Hubbard said.

Benton quarterback and line-

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 18—Dike-New Hartford 40, Independence 27 AUG. 25—Benton Community at Oelwein (ND), Cedar Rapids Xavier at Iowa City Regina (ND), Charles City at New Hampton (ND), Decorah at North Fayette Valley (ND), Grinnell at South Tama (ND), Independence at West Delaware (ND), VintonShellsburg at Center Point Urbana (ND), Waverly-Shell Rock at Crestwood (ND).

SEPT. 1—Clear Creek Amana at Independence (ND), Crestwood at Decorah (ND), Linn-Mar at Cedar Rapids Xavier (ND), Marion at Benton Community (ND), North Fayette Valley at WaverlyShell Rock (ND), Osage at Charles City (ND), South Tama at Williamsburg (ND), Union Community at Vinton-Shellsburg (ND).

SEPT. 8—Benton Community at Cedar Rapids Xavier, Charles City at South Tama, Independence at Waverly-Shell Rock, Vinton-Shellsburg at Decorah.

SEPT. 15—Cedar Rapids Xavier at Charles City, Decorah at Benton Community, South Tama at Independence, Waverly-Shell Rock at Vinton-Shellsburg.

SEPT. 22—Benton Community at Waverly-Shell Rock, Decorah at Cedar Rapids Xavier, Independence at Charles City, VintonShellsburg at South Tama.

SEPT. 29—Cedar Rapids Xavier at Independence, Charles City at Vinton-Shellsburg, South Tama at Benton Community, Waverly-Shell Rock at Decorah.

OCT. 6—Benton Community at Charles City, Decorah at South Tama, Vinton-Shellsburg at Independence, Waverly-Shell Rock at Cedar Rapids Xavier.

OCT. 13—Cedar Rapids Xavier at Vinton-Shellsburg, Charles City at Decorah, Independence at Benton Community, South Tama at Waverly-Shell Rock.

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR‌ OCT. 20—Decorah at Independence, South Tama at Cedar Rapids Xavier, Vinton-Shellsburg at Benton Community, Waverly-Shell starters are, in back left to right, Mosai Rock at Charles City.

Waverly-Shell Rock returning Newsom, Matt Bibler, Gabe Santoiemma, Jack Seward and Jordan Downing and in front left to right, Brandon Hinders, Jordan Gayer, Brady Leonard and Braden Holmquist. backer Spencer Touro is the top returning passer after throwing for 1,086 yards as a junior. His Bobcats open district play with Xavier, Decorah and Wavelry-Shell Rock, three of the early favorites.

“We will know early if we can compete in this district,” said Benton coach Kal Goodchild of a team that finished second at 6-1 in the district last fall. “We should be a competitive team.

We have a good group of seniors that will help us compete in an unbelievable district.”

Decorah’s veteran coach Bill Post returns his quaterback Brannan Hogan and top rusher Jake Muhlbauer in addition to second-leading tackler Andy Lillegraven among a group of 15 letterwinners who are back.

“There should be a nice blending of the senior experience and leadership with junior skill players to give us nice depth and

Charles City coach Darren Bohlen returns nine starters from a year ago and has some depth at key positions, but he’s worried about participation overall with only 54 players in grades nine through 12. The Comets’ Tre Walker is one of the district’s top returning receivers with 401 yards and 24 catches last season.

competiveness,” says Post. “This will create an exciting, competitive season.”

Multiple coaches also list South Tama as a factor. Even though the Trojans went 2-5 a year ago, three of the team’s district losses were by seven points or less. The program is only two years removed from an undefeated run through the regular READ MORE: Class 2A, District 3 Capsules. Page 9 season.

1400 G Ave., Grundy Center, IA 50638 Phone: (319)-824-3849 Website - grundy.shopbrothersmarket.net Store Hours: Monday- Saturday 7am- 9pm • Sunday 8am-8pm

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

CLASS 3-A, DISTRICT 3 CAPSULES Benton Community Bobcats‌

HEAD COACH: Kal Goodchild 2016 RECORDS: 7-2 overall, 6-1 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 9 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Brody Scheer, ol, Deric Hammes,

ol, Matt Davis, rb, Kole Marshall, wr, Nick Thompson, wr, Spencer Touro, qb-db, Riley Nolan, lb, Luke Wieble, db, Koel Marshall, dl, Vance Bartelt, pk.

Cedar Rapids Xavier Saints‌

HEAD COACH: Duane Schulte 2016 RECORDS: 11-1 overall, 7-0 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 3 RETURNING STARTERS (3): Quinn Schulte, qb-db, Jack Lemke,

lb, Jacob Hines, dl.

Charles City Comets‌

HEAD COACH: Darren Bohlen 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall, 3-4 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 12 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Mike Cranshaw, wr, Theo Arndt, db,

Tyreque Baker, fb-lb, Derek Milligan, k, Dylan Koresh, rb, Tre Walker, wr-db, Ryan Zuspan, ol-lb, Josh Halligan, ol-de, Elliott Gebel, de.

Decorah Vikings‌

HEAD COACH: Bill Post 2016 RECORDS: 5-4 overall, 4-3 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 15 RETURNING STARTERS (10): Brannan Hogan, qb-de, Jake Muhl-

bauer rb-db, Tye Anderson wr-db, Peter Gerleman, ol-dl, Cole Tweten, ol-lb, Mason Falck, ol-dl, Dawson Holkesvik, wr-db, Jerod Redenius, te-de, Nick Bockman, wr-db, Andy Lillegraven, ol-dl.

Independence Mustangs‌

HEAD COACH: Justin Putz 2016 RECORDS: 0-9 overall, 0-7 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 6 RETURNING STARTERS (6): Zach Snyder, wr, Tom Reiff, ol-de,

Hunter Crawford, ol-de, Seth House, wr-s, Noah Gall, rb-dt, Cyrus Butters, cb.

South Tama Trojans‌

HEAD COACH: Nathan Doran 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall, 2-5 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 14 RETURNING STARTERS (14): Isaac Judge, fb-lb, Tanner Pro-

basco, rb-lb, Colton Vest, rb-lb, Lane Koch, te, Keith Keahna, te-dl, Brady Fritz, wr-db, Josh Thiessen, ol, Gabe Backen, ol, Dalton Rosenburg, ol-lb, Ben Drummer, ol, Brendon Patro, ol, Mario Moncada, dl, Gabe Shields, db, Nick Ryan, db-p.

Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings‌

HEAD COACH: Jim Womochil 2016 RECORDS: 2-7 overall, 1-6 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 5 RETURNING STARTERS (5): Blake Bohnsack, qb-db, Cole Over-

ton, ol-dl, Justin Barz, wr, Justin Coots, rb-de, Isaac Wiley, ol-dl.

Waverly-Shell Rock Go-Hawks‌

HEAD COACH: Mark Hubbard 2016 RECORDS: 7-4 overall, 5-2 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 26 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Mosai Newsom, ol-dl, Matt Bibler,

ol, Gabe Santoiemma, fb, Jack Seward, fl-db, Jordan Downing, hb, Brandon Hinders, wr-pk, Jordan Gayer, olb-p, Brady Leonard, db, Braden Holmquist, db.

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 9

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 2

Mystery set to unfold Crestwood faces a battle to retain district crown CLAY CUNNINGHAM

clay.cunningham@wcfcourier.com‌

‌After putting two teams in the state tournament a season ago, Class 2A’s District 2 looks to be wide open entering 2017.

Defending champion Crestwood will return the services of 10 letterwinners, but is also dealing with some key losses, particularly in the run game. Gone are backs Spencer Cuvelier (1,472 yards, 19 touchdowns) and Trae Pecinovsky (763 yards, 4 TDs).

In their absence, more will likely be expected from the passing game. Junior quarterback Jon Henry, who threw for 653 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions a year ago, will retain the services of top target Clayton Ollendieck, who caught four of those touchdown passes in 2016.

Offensively, New Hampton was also hit hard, with the loss of its quarterback, as well as its top runner and receiver.

The Chickasaws are likely to be led on both sides of the ball

by Josh Fenske, a fullback/linebacker who was second in the district with 73 tackles last year while gaining 157 yards on the ground.

One team poised to make a jump is Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, which returns 13 starters from a team that finished 4-3 in district play.

Senior quarterback Ryan Meyers returns, as does all-purpose back Nick Joynt, who gained 1,115 yards as a runner, receiver and punt returner during his junior year.

Deeper in the conference, teams from the middle of the pack or lower last year feel like they have sleeper potential.

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (45, 2-5) returns 700-yard rusher Nathan Rapp and linebacker

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 25 – Charles City at New Hampton (ND), Clarion-GoldfieldDows at Belmond-Klemme (ND), Forest City at Algona (ND), Iowa Falls-Alden at Hampton-Dumont (ND), Mason City at Clear Lake (ND), Saint Ansgar at Osage (ND), Waverly-Shell Rock at Crestwood (ND), West Hancock at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura (ND), SEPT. 1 – Clear Lake at Webster City (ND), Crestwood at Decorah (ND), Eagle Grove at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (ND), GarnerHayfield-Ventura at Algona (ND), Humboldt at Hampton-Dumont (ND), Osage at Charles City (ND), Spirit Laker at Forest City (ND), Waukon at New Hampton (ND).

SEPT. 8 – Clarion-Goldfield-Dows at Osage, Clear Lake at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Hampton-Dumont at Crestwood, New Hampton at Forest City.

SEPT. 15 – Clarion-Goldfield-Dows at Crestwood, Forest City at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Hampton-Dumont at New Hampton, Osage at Clear Lake.

SEPT. 22 – Clear Lake at Forest City, Crestwood at Osage, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura at Hampton-Dumont, New Hampton at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows.

SEPT. 29 – Garner-Hayfield-Ventura at Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, Hampton-Dumont at Clear Lake, New Hampton at Crestwood, Osage at Forest City.

OCT. 6 – Clarion-Goldfield-Dow at Clear Lake, Crestwood at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Forest City at Hampton-Dumont, Osage at New Hampton.

OCT. 13 – Clear Lake at Crestwood, Forest City at ClarionGoldfield-Dows, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura at New Hampton, Hampton-Dumont at Osage.

OCT. 20 – Clarion-Goldfield-Dows at Hampton-Dumont, Crestwood at Forest City, New Hampton at Clear Lake, Osage at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura.

Will Weidemann, who had a district-best 76 tackles last season.

Clear Lake (3-6, 3-4) may have the district’s most dangerous defense. Back is defensive tackle Joey Monson and his 14 tackles for loss and Zach Lester, who picked off eight passes last season.

Following its 4-3 finish in district action, Forest City returns junior quarterback Luke Jonson and senior running back Jaxon Jones, who gained a team-best 393 yards in 2016.

From further down the rankings, Osage could improve substantially after winning just one district game last year. The Green Devils have the district’s top returning passer in Drew Olson (1,554 yards, 13 TDs).

Coming off a one-win season, Hampton-Dumont also returns its senior quarterback Hunter Sutter.

The wide-open nature of the district has even left coaches at a loss when trying to pick a favorite.

“It could honestly be anybody,” Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Coach Newt Lingenfelter said.

“I feel like the teams in this district are very well-coached and are perennially strong football

2016 standings

Crestwood New Hampton Gar-Hay-Ven Forest City Clear Lake Clar.-Gold-Dows Osage Hampton-Du.

Dist. Over.

W L W L 7 0 7 3 6 1 8 2 4 3 6 3 4 3 5 4 3 4 3 6 2 5 4 5 1 6 2 7 1 6 1 8

Players to watch‌ PASSING Drew Olson, Osage: 122-

148-10, 1,554 yards, 13 TDs

Ryan Meyers, Garner-Hay-

field Ventrua: 60-107-6, 967 yards, 10 TDs RUSHING Nathan Rapp, Clarion: 146709, 4.9 avg., 8 TDs Nick Joynt, Garner-Hayfield Ventrua: 82-491, 6.0 avg., 5 TDs RECEIVING Zach Lester, Clear Lake: 36567, 15.8 avg., 8 TDs Clayton Ollendieck, Crestwood: 17-293, 17.2 avg., 4 TDs TACKLES Will Weidemann, Clarion: 45-31—76, 6 TFLs Josh Fenske, New Hampton: 23-50—73, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks.

Dawson Rasmusson, Crestwood: 31-17.5—48.5, 12 TFLs, 4 sacks INTERCEPTIONS Zach Lester, Clear Lake: 8-0, no TDs Hunter Sutter, Hampton-Dumont: 4-76, no TDs Chris Jermeland, Forest City: 4-29, 2 TDs programs. I would not count anybody out.”

READ MORE: Class 2A,

District 2 Capsules. Page 10

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

10 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 2 CAPSULES Forest City Indians‌

Crestwood Cadets‌

HEAD COACH: Chad Moore 2016 RECORDS: 5-4 overall,

HEAD COACH: Chris Lentz 2016 RECORDS: 7-3 overall,

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

4-3 district

7-0 district

NERS: 9 NERS: 10 RETURNING STARTERS (7): RETURNING STARTERS (9): Chris Jermeland, ol-lb, Jaxon Jon Henry, qb-db, Dawson Jones, rb-db, Sam Snyder, Rasmusson fb-dl, Clayton Olwr-lb, Spenser Larson ol, Luke lendieck te-db, Jackson Smith, Johnson qb, Seth Brock db, ol-lb, Jared Haskin, ol-dl, Blaze Anderson, te.

Ben Hron, ol-dl, Zack Lane, dl, Frank Hrdlicka, dl, Kody Clear Lake Lions‌ Berns, lb.

HEAD COACH: Jared DeVries 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall,

3-4 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 16 RETURNING STARTERS (10): Will Kirschbaum, wr-db, Zach Lester, wr-db, Dalton Grell, fb-lb, Sean Wendel, te-de, Dalton Mennenga, ol-dl, Chase Stuver, ol-lb, Joey Monson, ol-dl, Max McKenna, ol-dl, Jared Penning, ol-dl, Drew Enke, wr-db.

Garner-HayfieldVentura Cardinals‌

HEAD COACH: Scott Van Dus-

seldorp 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall, 4-3 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 13 RETURNING STARTERS (13): Jace Pringnitz, rb-lb, Ryan Meyers, qb-db, Nick Joynt, rb-lb, Connor Burke, rb-lb, Anthony Sherwood, te-lb, Jack Van Dusseldorp, rb-dl, Dane Whipple, ol-lb-p, John Hulbert, ol-dl, Jake Hueneman, ol-dl, Blaine Hanson, ol-dl, Tyler Kumsher, ol-dl, Jade Pringnitz, te-dl.

Clarion Goldfield Dows Cowboys‌

HEAD COACH: Newt Lingen-

felter 2016 RECORDS: 4-5 overall, 2-5 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 6 RETURNING STARTERS (5): Reymundo Vasquez, rb-lb, Alex Machuca, rb-db, Avery Harrington, wr-db, Salvador Fregoso, ol-dl, Will Weidemann, ol-lb.

New Hampton Chickasaws‌

HEAD COACH: Scott Frerichs 2016 RECORDS: 8-2 overall,

6-1 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 6 RETURNING STARTERS (5): Josh Fenske, fb-lb, Tyler Rentschler, ol, Dillon Roberson ol, Noah Fenske ol-lb, Keagan John, dl, db, Areon Day dl.

Osage Green Devils‌

HEAD COACH: Matt Finn 2016 RECORDS: 2-7 overall,

1-6 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 12

RETURNING STARTERS (12):

Drew Olson, qb, Brett Bobinet, wr-db, Lucas Schwamman, wr, Dylan Aschenbrenner, te-dl, Thurston Taets, rb-db, Hunter Wagner, ol-lb-dl, Kyle Mullenbach, ol-dl, Dalton Wright, ol-dl, Cole Mullenbach, ol-dl, Hayden Meek, lb, Gage Belz, db, Nathan Bushbaum, db.

Hampton-Dumont Bulldogs‌

HEAD COACH: Dan Albers 2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall,

1-6 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 12

RETURNING STARTERS

(12): Hunter Sutter, qb-lb, Parker Juhl, fb-lb, Quinn Logan te, Joe Vondra, wr-db, Max Aalbers, ol-dl, Blayne Woltjer, ol, Dalton Chipp, ol, Emilio Valenzuela, ol-dl, Drin Ahmedi, ol, Dustin Miller, db, Wyatt Folkerts, dl, Owen Kirschbaum, dl.

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 3

District 3 up for grabs this season 2016 standings

Dike-N.H. Roland-Story C-M-B Saydel Aplington-Park.

West Marshall South Hardin E. Marshall

Dist. Over.

W L W L 7 0 9 3 6 1 7 3 4 3 4 5 3 4 5 4 3 4 4 5 3 4 5 4 2 5 3 6 0 7 1 8

Players to watch‌ PASSING

Tyler DeBondt, East Mar-

shall: 180-301-10, 1,673 yards, 12 TDs Cameron Banniser, West Marshall: 92-152-6, 1,389 yards, 14 TDs RUSHING Sam Thorn, Aplington-Parkersburg: 206-1,125, 5.5 avg., 16 TDs Alex Dickey, West Marshall: 125-604, 4.8 avg., 5 TDs RECEIVING Beau Coberly, West Marshall: 39-644, 16.5 avg., 8 TDs Logan Nicholson, East Marshall: 41-451, 11.0 avg., 2 TDs Cash Lee, Saydel: 35-451, 12.9 avg., 3 TDs TACKLES Chase Burr, West Marshall: 66-31.5—97.5, 7 TFLs Noah Bandstra, East Marshall: 73-13.5—86.5 Trevor Sprague, Saydel: 6718—85, 9 TFLs, 3 sacks INTERCEPTIONS Beau Coberly, West Marshall: 5-98, 1 TD Cash Lee, Saydel: 5-138, 2 TDs KICKOFF RETURNS Austin Hobbs, Roland-Story: 12-315, 26.3 avg., 0 TDs

Last year’s top teams have big holes to fill CLAY CUNNINGHAM

clay.cunningham@wcfcourier.com‌

‌Change may be coming at the top of Class 2A, District 3.

No one took a bigger hit than defending district champion Dike-New Hartford. The Wolverines return just six combined starters on both sides of the ball and the quality of the losses may well outweigh the quantity.

While Trent Johnson, the state’s all-time leading rusher, is the most notable departure, the defense was hit just as hard. Also graduating was top tackler Nick Durnin and defensive lineman Ben Latusek, who had 21 tackles for loss and 12 sacks last season.

Roland-Story, last year’s runner-up, bid farewell to its share of talent, as well, losing 1,200yard rusher Caleb Schlatter and quarterback Brett Stanton.

Leading the Norseman’s eight returning lettermen will likely be linebacker Nathan Bell (74.5 tackles, nine for loss in 2016) and receiver Austin Hobbs (18 catches, 350 yards, four touchdowns).

After going winless in district play last season, it may surprise

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 18 – Aplington-Parkersburg at Jesup (ND), Colfax-Mingo at Saydel (ND), Dike-New Hartford at Independence (ND), Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont at East Marshall (ND), Iowa Falls-Alden at South Hardin (ND), Nevada at West Marshall (ND), Roland-Story at North Polk (ND).

AUG. 25 – Denver at Dike-New Hartford (ND), East Marshall at Hudson (ND), Roland-Story at Gilbert (ND), Saydel at Clarke (ND), South Hardin at South Hamilton (ND), Sumner-Fredericksburg at Aplington-Parkersburg (ND), West Marshall at Waterloo Columbus (ND).

SEPT. 1 – Aplington-Parkersburg at Iowa Falls-Alden (ND), DikeNew Hartford at Gladbrook-Reinbeck (ND), Grundy Center at South Hardin (ND), Ogden at West Marshall (ND), South Hamilton at Roland-Story (ND), Waterloo Columbus at East Marshall (ND), West Central Valley at Saydel (ND).

SEPT. 8 – East Marshall at South Hardin, Roland-Story – open, Saydel at Dike-New Hartford, West Marshall at Aplington-Parkersburg.

SEPT. 15 – Aplington-Parkersburg at Dike-New Hartford, East Marshall at Roland-Story, South Hardin at Saydel, West Marshall at – open.

SEPT. 22 – Aplington-Parkersburg at South Hardin, Dike-New Hartford at West Marshall, East Marshall – open, Roland-Story at Saydel.

SEPT. 29 – Roland-Story at Aplington-Parkersburg, Saydel – open, South Hardin at Dike-New Hartford, West Marshall at East Marshall.

OCT. 6 – Aplington-Parkersburg – open, Dike-New Hartford at Roland-Story, East Marshall at Saydel, South Hardin at West Marshall.

OCT. 13 – Dike-New Hartford – open, East Marshall at AplingtonParkersburg, Roland-Story at South Hardin, West Marshall at Saydel.

OCT. 20 – Dike-New Hartford at East Marshall, Saydel at Aplington-Parkersburg, South Hardin – open, West Marshall at Roland-Story.

some to find that East Marshall has one of the most productive groups of returning players heading into the fall.

The Mustangs have arguably the top returning pass duo in Please see 2A-3, Page 12

Denver

Waverly

Readlyn

Shell Rock

www.kaisercorson.com

Supporting our local student athletes

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 11

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 4

Union, NFV reloading this season Waukon also expected to contend for District 4 title CLAY CUNNINGHAM

clay.cunningham@wcfcourier.com‌

‌Things have changed drastically since Union and North Fayette Valley squared off in the opening round of the Class 2A state playoffs last November.

Union, which won that matchup 28-12, eventually reached the 2A title game behind a power run game. The core of the rushing attack has changed significantly following the graduation of 2,000-yard runner Isaiah Vaughan and four offensive linemen.

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 25 – Anamosa at Monticello (ND), Benton Community at Oelwein (ND), Cascade at Maquoketa (ND), Clayton Ridge at Dyersville Beckman (ND), Decorah at North Fayette Valley (ND), MFL MarMac at Waukon (ND), Union Community at Marion (ND), West Marshall at Waterloo Columbus (ND), SEPT. 1 – Center Point-Urbana at Oelwein (ND), DeWitt Central at Cascade (ND), Monticello at Camanche (ND), North Fayette Valley at Waverly-Shell Rock (ND), Union Community at Vinton-Shellsburg (ND), Waterloo Columbus at East Marshall (ND), Waukon at New Hampton (ND), Western Dubuque at Dyersville Beckman (ND), SEPT. 8 – Cascade at North Fayette Valley, Dyersville Beckman at Waukon, Monticello at Union Community, Oelwein at Waterloo Columbus.

SEPT. 15 – North Fayette Valley at Monticello, Union Community at Oelwein, Waterloo Columbus at Dyersville Beckman, Waukon

at Cascade.

SEPT. 22 – Dyersville Beckman at Union Community, Monticello at Cascade, Oelwein at North Fayette Valley, Waterloo Columbus at Waukon.

SEPT. 29 – Cascade at Oelwein, North Fayette Valley at Dyersville Beckman, Union Community at Waterloo Columbus, Waukon at Monticello.

OCT. 6 – Dyersville Beckman at Cascade, Oelwein at Monticello, Waterloo Columbus at North Fayette Valley, Waukon at Union Community.

OCT. 13 – Cascade at Waterloo Columbus, Monticello at Dyersville Beckman, North Fayette Valley at Union Community, Oelwein at Waukon.

OCT. 20 – Dyersville Beckman at Oelwein, North Fayette Valley at Waukon, Union Community at Cascade, Waterloo Columbus at Monticello.

It’s not all gloom for the Knights, though, as quarterback Troy Hanus (1,798, 17 touchdowns) is back, as is top wideout Koby Alpers (50 catches, 687 yards, eight touchdowns).

Uncertainty runs much higher for North Fayette Valley, which

brings back just two starters and lost all its offensive skill position standouts.

And though the TigerHawks may appear to be in a bit of a transition, district coaches aren’t counting them out so quickly.

Colin Waters, ol, Brady Sullivan, ol, Chance Opperman, ol, Ethan Krueger, ol, Michael Sweeney, dl, Evan Armstead, fb-lb, Mitchell Snitker, rb-cb, Abe Schwartz, qb-cb, Tristan Hansmeier, lb, Alex Brink, dl, Jadon Johnson, db.

Luke Hageman, rb-lb, Austin Koopman, rb-lb, John Gulick, ol-dl, Nate Funke, rb-lb, Conner Krantz, wr-lb, Mark Brown, wr-lb, Ryley Helle, ol-dl, Joel Vaske, qb-lb, Carter White, rb-db, Jaden Recker, wr-db, Spencer Schlarmann, ol-dl, Wade Rave, ol-dl, Derek Prier, ol-dl, Mitchell Burlage, ol-dl.

“They don’t rebuild, they reload,” said Waterloo Columbus Coach Brad Schmit, who didn’t hesitate to choose NFV as his district favorite.

Regardless of how new faces perform elsewhere, a veteran-heavy Waukon team is no doubt in the conversation for district favorite following a 5-2 finish last season.

The Indians return nine senior starters, including their quarterback and four offensive linemen. They also bring back dangerous, multi-faceted Mitchell Snitker, who accumulated 1,538 scrimmage yards and scored 21 total touchdowns from runs, receptions, punt returns and Please see 2A-4, Page 14

CAPSULES Union Knights‌

HEAD COACH: Joe Hadachek 2016 RECORDS: 11-2 overall,

7-1 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 10

RETURNING STARTERS (6):

Jace Glenn, lb-fb, Koby Alpers, wr-cb, Troy Hanus, qb, Britton Rolison, rb-cb, Carter Brehm, ol, Lane Albertsen, ol.

Columbus Sailors‌

HEAD COACH: Brad Schmit 2016 RECORDS: 2-7 overall, 2-5

district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 20 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Nathan Corrigan, ot-lb, Connor Langan, cb-wr, Mitch McFarland, wr-lb, Sam Buser, wr-ss, Cole Weber, ol-dl, Ray Seidel, rb-fs, Nick Augustine, rb, Jacob McBride de.

Waukon Indians‌

HEAD COACH: Chad Beermann 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall,

5-2 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 15 RETURNING STARTERS (11):

Monticello Panthers‌

HEAD COACH: Wes Wilson 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall,

1-6 district

Cascade Cougars‌

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

HEAD COACH: Tim Frake 2016 RECORDS: 6-4 overall,

RETURNING STARTERS (11):

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 15

3-3 district

Jacob Manternach, qb-s, AnNERS: 9 drew Mescher, wr-lb, Max Kele- RETURNING STARTERS (10): her, rb-lb, Clayton Kraus, te-de, Austin Lieurance, rb-lb, Blake SiGavin Cooper, wr-db, Jacob mon, wr-db, John Supple, wr-db, Lorenzen, ol-dl, Lake Stahlberg, Paine Delarm, ol-dl, Derek ol-lb, Wade Picray, ol-dl, Gavin Kuntz, ol-dl, Quenton Recker, Holub, ol-de-k, Caleb Westphal, ol-dl, Cody Kirby, dl, Hunter Garlb, Tyler Ungs, s. rett, lb, Derek Koppes, db.

Dyersville Beckman Trailblazers‌

HEAD COACH: Jim Derr 2016 RECORDS: 4-5 overall,

3-4 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 19 RETURNING STARTERS (14):

Oelwein Huskies‌

HEAD COACH: Trevor Arnold 2016 RECORDS: 0-9 overall,

0-7 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 12 RETURNING STARTERS (11): Sayer Woodson, wr-db, Dillon

Arndt, qb-db, Lukes Crandall, rb-lb, Austin Conner, rb-lb, Steven Nicolay, te-lb, Ernane da Silva, ol-lb, Jakub Conner, ol-dl, Jacob Mahloch, ol-dl, Grant Slifer, ol-dl, Colton Barker, wr-db, Cameren Sims, wr-db.

North Fayette Valley TigerHawks‌

HEAD COACH: Bob Lape 2016 RECORDS: 10-1 overall,

7-1 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 2

RETURNING STARTERS (2):

Jordan Baumler, ol-dl, Jace Burrow, lb.

2016 standings

No. Fay. Valley Union Waukon Cascade Beckman Columbus Monticello Oelwein

Dist. Over.

W L W L 7 0 10 1 6 1 11 2 5 2 6 3 4 3 6 3 3 4 4 5 2 5 2 7 1 6 3 6 0 7 0 9

Players to watch‌ PASSING

Troy Hanus, Union: 130-

198-7, 1,798 yards, 17 TDs

Abe Schwartz, Waukon: 73-

132-8, 1,069 yards, 14 TDs RUSHING Max Keleher, Monticello: 227-1,377, 6.1 avg., 13 TDs Austin Lieurance, Cascade: 168-1,237, 7.4 avg., 19 TDs RECEIVING Koby Alpers, Union: 50-687, 13.7 avg., 8 TDs John Supple, Cascade: 18479, 26.6 avg., 4 TDs TACKLES Jace Glenn, Union: 53-14— 67, 12.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks Clayton Kraus, Monticello: 40-20—60, 16 TFLs, 10 sacks INTERCEPTIONS Mitchell Snitker, Waukon: 6-170, 1 TD Dillon Arndt, Oelwein: 5-67, 0 TDs KICKOFF RETURNS Max Keleher, Monticello: 10-244, 24.4 avg., 1 TD

Good Luck Cyclones

DENVER INSURANCE AGENCY

Andrew KAhler, Manager Box 694 124 S. State Street Denver, IOWA 50622

Phone: 319-984-6151 Fax: 319-984-6327 Home: 319-984-5378

12 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PREP PROFILE | RODNEY SCHWARTZHOFF

Schwartzhoff back for encore performance South Winn running back is state’s top returning rusher NICK PETAROS

West Marshall Trojans‌

HEAD COACH: Cody Hackett 2016 RECORDS: 5-4 overall, 3-4

district

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 14 RETURNING STARTERS (11):

Beau Coberly, wr-db, Alex Dickey, rb-db, Kristian Carbajal, dl-ol, Kyle Schaper, dl-ol, Cameron Bannister, qb-db, Cole Bacaam, ol-dl, Joe Halverson, te-lb, Chase Burr, lb-rb, Ryan Sabastiano, wr-db, Josh Larsen, db-wr, Parker Hulbert, te-dl.

Dike-New Hartford Wolverines‌

nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com‌

‌CALMAR — South Winneshiek football coach Jason Ohrt felt comfortable with Rodney Schwartzhoff carrying the load for his offense entering the 2016 season.

Injuries allowed the Warriors’ running back to see reps as sophomore, and he put the time in to get bigger, faster and stronger as an upperclassman. The end result, however, caught both Schwartzhoff and his coaching staff by surprise.

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound junior erupted for 2,036 yards and 23 touchdowns on an average of 8.3 per carry. He’s the state’s top returning rusher from a year ago.

“We talked about it as a coaching staff at the beginning of the year,” Ohrt said. “We were actually shooting for 1,500 and he far exceeded that. He definitely exceeded our expectations last year.”

It certainly took time for Schwartzhoff and his line to solidify. The first-year starter was held to under 50 yards during losses to Saint Ansgar and Denver before breaking out in Week 4 with a 239-yard game against MFL-MarMac followed by a school-record 382-yard, four-touchdown performance against BCLUW. South Winneshiek took a 7-2 record into the playoffs with Schwartzhoff running for 345 yards in the regular-season finale against a strong Belmond-Klemme team.

“That caught me by surprise,” Schwartzhoff admitted as he reflected back on his yardage total from a year ago. “The first couple games I was really slow and then I just broke it open. Everybody was giving it 100 percent. We were playing as a team, not just by ourselves.”

Schwartzhoff comes from a football family in which his older cousins Tanner, Colton and Ryan Hageman were also contributors to the Warriors’ football program. As a freshman he learned firsthand from Ryan Hageman — who averaged 8.3 yards per carry while helping lead South Winneshiek on its most recent UNI-Dome state semifinal run in 2014.

“Every time we did the running back drills, he’d help me out on everything,” Schwartzhoff said, before relaying his cousin’s ad-

CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 3 CAPSULES

HEAD COACH: Don Betts 2016 RECORDS: 9-3 overall, 7-0

district

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 10 RETURNING STARTERS (7): Chase

BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER‌

South Winneshiek runningback Rodney Schwartzhoff, pictured here Aug. 15, is back after a stellar junior season for the Warriors. vice. “Play as a team, not just by yourself, as a full team. When somebody would score a touchdown he’d freak out because they’re scoring and he wanted to bring the team to the Dome.”

While Ryan was three inches taller and 35 pounds heavier at the position, Rodney hasn’t had any problems finding success at his size. Schwartzhoff’s speed was revealed at the state track meet last spring when he ran on a state championship sprint medley relay.

“He may not be as big as some of those guys, but he’s just as strong and as fast,” Ohrt said. “His vision is his best attribute.”

Anticipating a line of all seniors blocking for Schwartzhoff up front, Ohrt says expectations remain high for the returning 2,000yard rusher. He’s a four-sport athlete who has demonstrated strong enthusiasm and leadership through his actions.

“The guys really looked up to him because we had a young group coming back,” Ohrt said. “Now this young group is all seniors.

We’re a very senior-dominated team. He’s a very talented player in that group and the guys know what to expect out of him week in and week out.”

Schwartzhoff says he plans to play football and maybe compete in track at the collegiate level, continuing a tradition of strong athletes from his football program.

“We have several right now that are playing Division I, II, III level,” Ohrt said. “It makes a big difference in your program because they see that and get excited.”

Arends, ol-dl, Owen Goos, ol, Daniel Graves, ol, Cade Fuller, qb, Isaac Jorgensen, k, Jake Landphair, lb, Ryan Moore, db.

Roland-Story Norseman‌

HEAD COACH: Aaron Stensland 2016 RECORDS: 7-3 overall, 6-1

district

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 8 RETURNING STARTERS (7): Derek

Staker, fb, Garek Hurd, ol-dl, Matt Hougland, ol, Austin Hobbs, wr-db, Nathan Bell, lb, Landon Greiner, lb, Ben Chelsvig, db.

Saydel Eagles‌

HEAD COACH: Jason Alons 2016 RECORDS: 5-4 overall, 3-4

district

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 9 RETURNING STARTERS (7): TJ

2A-3 From Page 10

quarterback Tyler DeBondt (1,673 yards, 12 touchdowns) and wideout Logan Nicholson (41 catches, 451 yards, two scores). They also return strong play at linebacker in Noah Bandstra (86.5 tackles) and in the secondary with Zane Johnson (four interceptions).

A trio of teams that finished 3-4 in district a season ago also bring back a lot of talent.

West Marshall has District 3’s top receiving option in Beau Coberly, who caught 39 passes for 644 yards and eight scores a season ago.

Stephenson, qb-db, Craig Garrison, rb-lb, Trevor Sprague, rb-lb, Cash Lee, wr-db, Cameron Leeper, wr, Devin Walker, lb, Chase McClure, db.

Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons‌

HEAD COACH: Alex Pollock 2016 RECORDS: 4-5 overall, 3-4

district

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 13 RETURNING STARTERS (10):

Grady Brungard, ol-lb, Jackson Smith, ol-dl, Hunter Maitland, ol-lb, Everett Eggleston, ol, Joe Schipper, ol, Coby Hoff, te-dl, Sam Thorn, rb-lb, Braden Good, wr-db, Brendon Sawyer, dt, Nick Oldenburger, db.

South Hardin Tigers‌

HEAD COACH: Barry Scott 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall, 2-5

district

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 9 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Jason

Skartvedt, ol-lb, Tommy Platte, ol-dl, Kolten Rewoldt, qb-lb, Kevin Rewoldt, te-dl, Tyrell Todd, rb-db, Logan Spindler, rb-db, Ryne Fuller, dl, Seth Lindamen, dl, Jacob Fox, dl.

East Marshall Mustangs‌

HEAD COACH: Matt Bandstra 2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall, 0-7

district

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 16 RETURNING STARTERS (11): Ca-

den Steward, ol-lb, Jacob Carver, ol, Logan Noe, ol, Dillon Lee, rb-lb, Noah Bandstra, rb-lb, Logan Nicholson, te-dl, Tyler DeBondt, qb, Zane Johnson, wr, Cole Nauman, wr-lb, db, Kam Hoskins, lb, Ryley Overton, dl.

Coberly will again have quarterback Cameron Bannister throwing to him.

Aplington-Parkersburg has the district’s top returning running back in Sam Thorn, who gained 1,125 yards with 16 touchdowns in 2016.

In Saydel, the Eagles may possess one of the state’s most productive secondaries, as returning DBs Cash Lee and TJ Stephenson combined for nine interceptions and four return touchdowns last season.

After going 3-6 a year ago, South Hardin returns its quarterback and top receiver.

The district is also down a team this year, as Baxter is now competing as an 8-player independent.

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 13

CLASS 1A, DISTRICT 2

It all starts up front for Denver Cyclones rebuilding lines after 2016 run to state semifinals

2016 standings

Denver South Winn.

Lake Mills Belmond-Klemme Sumner-Fr’drcksbrg MFL/MarMac Central Springs BCLUW

DOUG NEWHOFF

doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com‌

‌A year ago, Denver’s football team had the size and strength to run over opponents.

And that’s precisely what the Cyclones did as they racked up 3,902 rushing yards (second in Class 1A) on the way to an 11-1 season that didn’t end until the semifinals of the 1A playoffs.

“You have to have an offensive line and a defensive line that is very strong to get where we need to go,” says Denver head coach Rhett Barrett. “I’m a firm believer why we were a good team that was very solid the last few years is because offensively and defensively we were strong up front.”

Several of those wrecking balls up front graduated, as did quarterback Eli Barrett. Reloading at those positions will be a key as the Cyclones try to defend their district championship and make another deep postseason run in 2017.

“I haven’t changed my expectations, but we may have to change how we do things,” notes Rhett Barrett. “We bring back a strong group of skill position guys (led by Sam Joerger, Bo McMahon, Cael Krueger and Zach Miller). Our offensive line will be a change, but we have guys there who have been waiting to get their chance. They’re just not as big. So, we’ll see how they do.”

The Cyclones will also count on their defense to help the offense again this season. Last year, Denver led the district with 30 takeaways and returned one fumble and one interception for touchdowns.

Overall, Denver’s returning experience and recent success are both intangibles that should

District Overall W L W L 7 0 11 1 6 1 7 3 5 2 6 3 4 3 4 5 3 4 3 6 1 6 2 7 1 6 3 6 1 6 1 8

Players to watch‌ PASSING

Easton Barrus, Belmond-

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR‌

Denver backfield standouts Bo McMahon and Sam Joerger return this season as the Cyclones try to make another deep playoff run. offseason ... just the hard work also serve the Cyclones well.

“I think the kids we have out it takes.” have really seen the last three South Winneshiek has high years what we’ve accomplished expectations, as well, after a 7-3 and what it takes to get to that level in the weightroom, the Please see 1A-2, Page 15

Klemme: 103-194-10, 1,437 yards, 15 TDs Brad Barkema, BCLUW: 77-165-9, 997 yards, 7 TDs Cael Boehmer, Lake Mills: 64-134-8, 943 yards, 10 TDs RUSHING Rodney Schwartzhoff, South Winneshiek; 249-2,036, 8.2 avg., 23 TDs Sam Joerger, Denver: 118-978, 8.3 avg., 10 TDs Bo McMahon, Denver: 133949, 7.1 avg., 9 TDs Easton Barrus, Belmond-Klemme: 95-637, 6.7 avg., 8 TDs Roy Speicher, Sumner-Fredericksburg: 96-603, 6.3 avg., 7 TDs RECEIVING Kalen Eastman, Central Springs: 13-286, 22.0 avg., 2 TDs Zach Miller, Denver: 23-273, 11.9 avg., 4 TDs Cole Klimesh, South Winneshiek: 12-257, 21.4 avg., 2 TDs TACKLES (solo-ast.-total) Tucker Kroeze, Belmond-Klemme: 56-24—80, 4.5 TFLs Mason Hertrampf, MFL/MarMac: 55-16—71 Bo McMahon, Denver: 3134—65, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks Manning Kuboushek, South Winneshiek: 50-9.5—59.5, 26 TFLs, 7 sacks

INTERCEPTIONS

Sam Joerger, Denver: 6-101

KICKING

Kain Eagle, Denver: 50-59

PATs, 3-4 FGs

Gabe Irons, Lake Mills: 23-28

PATs, 3-3 FGs

Easton Barrus, Bel-

mond-Klemme: 19-25 PATs, 2-2 FGs PUNTING Easton Barrus, Belmond-Klemme: 28-1,079, 38.5 avg.

Brad Barkema, BCLUW: 23883, 38.4 avg.

KICKOFF RETURNS Sergio Suarez, Belmond-Klemme: 14-307, 22.1 avg.

Sam Joerger, Denver: 12-248, 20.7 avg.

PUNT RETURNS Sam Joerger, Denver: 6-111, 18.5 avg.

Bremer mutual Insurance METRO AREA AGENTS Preferred Rate Insurance Fish-Johnson Insurance Bank Iowa Insurance Tjernagel Insurance

234-0500 233-3335 234-1790 235-6719

14 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

CLASS 1A, DISTRICT 3

Youth movement underway at Jesup J-Hawks reloading after losing strong senior class DOUG NEWHOFF

doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com‌

I‌ t’s time for the next man to step in at Jesup.

Graduation hit last year’s J-Hawk football team like a linebacker, but head coach Jason Sullivan’s squad is ready to bounce back to its feet.

With just three starters and nine total letterwinners returning, there is opportunity everywhere for an up and coming group of players who have paid their dues.

“We have a good number of younger athletes out who are going to push for positions at the varsity level,” notes Sullivan, whose lost the core of an explosive downfield passing game.

“This should make our team stronger overall.

“We also have a good core of seniors who love the game of football.”

That group includes four players on the offensive and defensive lines — first-team all-district standout Brian Sadler, Joey Brown, James May and Jordan Leach.

Jesup also has proven playmakers back in running back Cole

2A-4

2017 SCHEDULE‌

2016 standings

Bellevue Clayton Ridge West Branch Tipton Jesup Maq. Valley North Cedar Durant

AUG. 18—Aplington-Parkersburg 54, Jesup 7 AUG. 25—Camanche at Bellevue, Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg) at Dyersville Beckman, Durant at Columbus Junction, Jesup at East Buchanan (Winthrop), Maquoketa Valley (Delhi) at Edgewood-Colesburg, North Cedar (Stanwood) at Alburnett, Tipton at Wilton, West Liberty at West Branch.

SEPT. 1—Bellevue at Northeast Goose Lake, EdgewoodColesburg at Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg), Lisbon at North Cedar (Stanwood), Louisa-Muscatine at Tipton, Maquoketa Valley (Delhi) at Starmont (Arlington), North Linn (Troy Mills) at Jesup, West Branch at West Burlington, Wilton at Durant.

SEPT. 8—Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg) at Tipton, Durant at Maquoketa Valley (Delhi), Jesup at West Branch, North Cedar (Stanwood) at Bellevue.

SEPT. 15—Bellevue at Durant, Tipton at Jesup, Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg) at North Cedar (Stanwood), West Branch at

Maquoketa Valley (Delhi).

SEPT. 22—Bellevue at West Branch, Durant at North Cedar (Stanwood), Jesup at Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg), Maquoketa Valley (Delhi) at Tipton.

SEPT. 29—Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg) at Maquoketa Valley (Delhi), North Cedar (Stanwood) at Jesup, Tipton at Bellevue, West Branch at Durant.

OCT. 6—Bellevue at Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg), Durant at Tipton, Maquoketa Valley (Delhi) at Jesup, West Branch at North Cedar (Stanwood).

OCT. 13—Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg) at Durant, Jesup at Bellevue, North Cedar (Stanwood) at Maquoketa Valley (Delhi), Tipton at West Branch.

OCT. 20—Durant at Jesup, Maquoketa Valley (Delhi) at Bellevue, Tipton at North Cedar (Stanwood), West Branch at Clayton Ridge (Guttenberg).

VanBrocklin and receiver Alex Moore. VanBrocklin, an honorable mention all-district performer, rushed for 558 yards a year ago and averaged 5.2 yards per carry while Moore turned 20 pass receptions into 380 yards (19 yards per catch) as part of an aerial attack that ranked eighth in Class 1A. Defensively, the J-Hawks had 25 takeaways last season.

The preseason favorites in District 3 look to be Bellevue and West Branch.

Bellevue is coming off a 10-1 season that included the district title and returns quarterback Cade Daugherty (130-235, 2,014 yards, 20 TDs) and receiver Trey Daugherty (32 catches, 449 yards, six TDs). The Daughertys also combined for nine of the Comets’ 17 interceptions on defense. As a team, Bellevue was sixth in 1A passing yardage,

seventh in rushing yardage and fourth in total offense with 4,837 yards in 11 games.

West Branch has eight starters back from a team that went 5-2 in the district. Jacob Graves is a threat on both sides of the ball and led the district with seven interceptions last season as his team picked off 16 total passes.

Clayton Ridge went 7-3 overall last year and can build this season’s team around talented running back Eric Ihde, who piled up 1,007 yards with a 6.5 per-carry average last season.

Hunter Frederick is back to lead the defense after making 14.5 tackles for loss, including 5.5 quarterback sacks.

Maquoketa Valley has a solid nucleus returning, including caught 27 passes for 396 yards nine starters. Tyson Tucker and finished with 58 tackles. passed for 1,443 yards and 12 TDs a year ago, while Garrett Hogan Please see 1A-3, Page 15

nine defensive starters. That includes running back Austin Lieurance, who gained 1,237 From Page 11 yards with 19 scores in 2016. interceptions a season ago.

Things also appear to be on Fresh off a 4-3 district season, the upswing for the remaining Cascade also has a lot of bodies teams in the district. Beckman back, returning six offensive and Catholic returns 19 letterwin-

ners from last year’s 4-5 team, while Columbus returns 20 in hopes of improving on a 2-7 2016 campaign.

Monticello, which had just one district win, has strong pieces back on offense and defense.

Max Keleher is the district’s top

District Overall W L W L 7 0 10 1 6 1 7 3 5 2 6 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 4 5 2 5 4 5 1 6 1 8 0 7 1 8

Players to watch‌ PASSING Cade Daugherty, Bellevue:

130-235-9, 2,014 yards, 20 TDs Tyson Tucker, Maquoketa Valley: 76-154-8, 1,443 yards, 12 TDs RUSHING Eric Ihde, Clayton Ridge: 1561,007, 6.5 avg., 1 TD Cole VanBrocklin, Jesup: 108558, 5.2 avg., 6 TDs Ben Emrich, Tipton: 110-518, 4.7 avg., 4 TDs RECEIVING Mason Compton, Durant: 38604, 15.9 avg., 6 TDs Trey Daugherty, Bellevue: 32449, 14.0 avg., 6 TDs Garrett Hogan, Maquoketa Valley: 27-396, 14.7 avg., no TDs Alex Moore, Jesup: 20-380, 19.0 avg., 5 TDs TACKLES Dawson Frett, Durant: 67-

returning rusher (1,377 yards) and kick returner (244) while Clayton Kraus looks to build on his 10-sack junior year.

In Oelwein, the Huskies look to start over with new coach Trevor Arnold, coming off last season’s 0-9 mark.

22.5—89.5, 6.5 TFLs Cale Frett, Durant: 49-11—60 Hunter Frederick, Clayton

Ridge: 41-18—59, 14.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks INTERCEPTIONS Jacob Graves, West Branch: 7-50 Cade Daugherty, Bellevue: 5-116, 1 TD KICKING Javier Zamudlo, West Branch: 26-29 PATs Tanner Parmely, Maquoketa Valley: 18-27 PATs, 2-5 FGs PUNTING Cade Daugherty, Bellevue: 18736, 40.9 avg.

KICKOFF RETURNS Shane Weber, North Cedar: 22-548, 24.9 avg., 2 TDs PUNT RETURNS Erik Sarazua, Clayton Ridge: 3-53, 17.7 avg.

Trey Daugherty, Bellevue: 3-52, 17.3 avg.

See us for all your pole building needs!

Crews available.

Spahn & Rose LUMBER CO.

Dave Sabers-Manager 850 6th St. • 827-1448

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

CLASS 1A, DISTRICT 3 CAPSULES Bellevue Comets‌

HEAD COACH: Chet Knake 2016 RECORDS: 7-0 district,

10-1 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 12 RETURNING STARTERS (7): Cade Daugherty, qb-db, Trey Daugherty, wr-db, Zach Bullock, te-lb, Riley Konrardy, ol-lb, Junior Tennant, ol-dl, Hunter Clasen, rb-lb, Trevor Hager, db.

Clayton Ridge Eagles‌

Maquoketa Valley Wildcats‌

HEAD COACH: Chris Evers 2016 RECORDS: 2-5 district,

4-5 overall

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 15

RETURNING STARTERS (9):

Tyson Tucker, Garrett Hogan, Andy O’Connell, Trevor Elgin, Brock Hillers, Justin Krapfl, Cole Kruse, Norman Wilson, Mitch Smith.

North Cedar Knights‌

HEAD COACH: Adam Haden-

feldt Harbaugh 2016 RECORDS: 1-6 district, 1-8 overall 2016 RECORDS: 6-1 district, 7-3 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: NA RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 13 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Mason Minar, wr-db, Shane RETURNING STARTERS (6): Weber, rb, Greg Hansen, te-db, Eric Ihde, rb, Derek LudoSeb Curley, ol, Alex Woodward, vissy, lb, Braydn Harbaugh, ol-dl, Chase Gallagher, ol, Caden ol, Hunter Friederick, ol, Ben Wendt, ol, Tyler Alexander, db.

Anderegg, lb, Brandon Wahls, te.

Tipton Tigers‌ HEAD COACH: Chad

Durant Wildcats‌

HEAD COACH: Josh Bahr 2016 RECORDS: 4-3 district,

1-8 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: NA RETURNING STARTERS (7): Mason Compton, wr, Curtis Lillenthal, rb, Cole Miedema, wr, Bryce Lafrenz, qb, Mason Bird, dl, Cale Frett, lb, Dawson Frett, lb.

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

HEAD COACH: Greg White 2016 RECORDS: 0-7 district,

Jesup J-Hawks‌

HEAD COACH: Jason Sullivan 2016 RECORDS: 3-4 district,

4-5 overall

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 9

RETURNING STARTERS (3):

Cole VanBrocklin, rb-db, Brian Sadler, ol-dl, Joey Youngblut, wr-cb.

1A-3 From Page 14

Tipton brings back quarterback Ben Emrich, who passed for nearly 600 yards and ran for 518. Durant has big-play receiver Mason Compton

5-4 overall NERS: NA

RETURNING STARTERS

(6): Ben Emrich, qb-s, Logan Stolte, rb-s, Andrew Roling, ol, Keith Penningroth, te, Will Avey, ol-dl, Dylan Mente, lb.

West Branch Bears‌

HEAD COACH: Butch Pedersen 2016 RECORDS: 5-2 district,

6-4 overall

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 12

RETURNING STARTERS (8):

Jacob Graves, rb-cb, Jacob Barnhart, ol-dl, Ben Thompson, wr-cb, Billy Friis, wr-de, Drake Bloem, ol, Tanner Lukavsky, wr-lb, Brett Schiele, wr, Andrew Black, ol-dl.

returning after a 38-catch season for 604 yards, six touchdowns and a 15.9 average per catch. North Cedar will find plenty of ways to get the ball in the hands of Shane Weber, who averaged nearly 25 yards on 22 kickoff returns last season with a pair of TDs.

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 15

CLASS 1 A, DISTRICT 2 CAPSULES BCLUW Comets‌

HEAD COACH: Anthony Jahr 2016 RECORDS: 1-6 district, 1-8 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 12 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Brad Barkema,

qb-db, Keegan Rhinehart, ol-dl, Greg Schmitt, rb, Ben Paper, ol-dl, Coby Willett, wr, Connor Thompson, wr-db, Jack Garber, wr-db, Caleb Keller, lb.

Belmond-Klemme Broncos‌

HEAD COACH: Darwin Christensen 2016 RECORDS: 4-3 district, 4-5 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 12 RETURNING STARTERS (12): Easton Barrus,

qb-pk, Sergio Suarez, rb-db, Tucker Kroeze, rb-lb, Zeb Whitehurst, ol-dl, Keaton Buseman, ol-dl, Alex Bueeman, ol, Andrew Soma, te-lb, Caleb Sturgeon, ol, Marlon Smith, dl, Cam Beminio, dl, Gustavo Suarez, lb-db, Logan Heaberlin, db.

Central Springs Panthers‌

HEAD COACH: Bill Shafer 2016 RECORDS: 1-6 district, 3-6 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 10 RETURNING STARTERS (10): Carter Smith, te-lb,

Aizik Hodak, ol-lb, T.J. Davis, ol-dl Alex Prestholt, ol-dl, Michael Tretter, ol-dl, Treyjen Wilson, wr-db, Dylan Kisner, wr-db, Trevor Hall, dl, Sebastian Beck, Zack Santee.

Denver Cyclones‌

HEAD COACH: Rhett Barrett 2016 RECORDS: 7-0 district, 11-1 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 16 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Brock Farley, ol-dl,

Sam Joerger, tb-db, Bo McMahon, fb-lb, Zach Miller, te-dl, Kain Eagle, wr-db-pk, Mason Tierney, lb, Casey Anderson, dl, Riley Wright, lb.

1A-2 From Page 13

playoff season. The Warriors return eight starters, including electric running back Rodney Schwartzhoff (2,026 rushing yards last season). Like Denver, however, South Winn has some holes to fill up front.

Lake Mills is setting its sights on a postseason berth with 16 letterwinners, including eight starters and six who earned all-district honors, back from a 6-3 team. Veteran coach Bill Byrnes likes the experience, athleticism and dedication on his roster as he heads into his 22nd season with the Bulldogs.

Belmond-Klemme has a dozen starters back from a team that went 4-3 in the district a year ago.

Lake Mills Bulldogs‌

HEAD COACH: Bill Byrnes 2016 RECORDS: 5-2 district, 6-3 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 16 RETURNING STARTERS (13): Alex Martinson,

wr-db, Alex Albert, rb-db, Maverick Schmitt, wr-db, Gabe Irons, ol-lb, Cole Bergo, ol-lb, Nate Orban, ol-dl, Cael Boehmer, qb, Nick Raaen, te, Tommy Kaktis, wr-db, Logan Prescott, pt, Max Johnson, dl, Brett Tyler, dl, Dylan Renneker, dl.

MFL/MarMac Bulldogs‌

HEAD COACH: Tom Oppelt 2016 RECORDS: 1-6 district, 2-7 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: NA RETURNING STARTERS (11): Levi Ferguson,

Riley Wille, Chris Wright, Korby Keehner, Mason Hertrampf, Garret Keehner, Wyatt Geicke, Avery Smith, Brady Olson, Derek Larson, Michael Egan.

South Winneshiek Warriors‌

HEAD COACH: Jason Ohrt 2016 RECORDS: 6-1 district, 7-3 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 10 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Rodney Schwartz-

hoff, rb-lb, Braxton Smith, rb-lb, Manning Kuboushek, ol-dl, Jackson Lukes, ol, Cole Klimesh, te-db, Brennan Holthaus, te-db, Levi Lukes, wr-db, Hunter Todd, db.

Sumner-Fredericksburg Cougars‌

HEAD COACH: Brad Mohs 2016 RECORDS: 3-4 district, 3-6 overall RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 9 RETURNING STARTERS (6): Roy Speicher, Spen-

cer Schmitz, Carter Seitsinger, Tanner Henniges, Brock Meyer, Sam Fox.

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 25—BCLUW (Conrad) at GMG (Garwin), Clarion-GoldfieldDows/CAL at Belmond-Klemme, Denver at Dike-New Hartford, MFL/MarMac at Waukon, Rockford at Central Springs, South Winneshiek (Calmar) at Wapsie Valley (Fairbank), SumnerFredericksburg at Aplington-Parkersburg, West Fork (Sheffield) at Lake Mills.

SEPT. 1—Belmond-Klemme at West Hancock (Britt), Central Springs at West Fork (Sheffield), East Buchanan (Winthrop) at Sumner-Fredericksburg, Lake Mills at Mason City Newman, North Tama (Traer) at BCLUW (Conrad), Postville at MFL/ MarMac, St. Ansgar at South Winneshiek (Calmar), Wapsie Valley (Fairbank) at Denver.

SEPT. 8—BCLUW (Conrad) at Sumner-Fredericksburg, BelmondKlemme at Lake Mills, Denver at South Winneshiek (Calmar), MFL/MarMac at Central Springs.

SEPT. 15—Central Springs at BCLUW (Conrad), Lake Mills at Denver, South Winneshiek (Calmar) at MFL/MaMac,

Sumner-Fredericksburg at Belmond-Klemme.

SEPT. 22—BCLUW (Conrad) at South Winneshiek (Calmar), Central Springs at Sumner-Fredericksburg, Denver at BelmondKlemme, MFL/MarMac at Lake Mills.

SEPT. 29—Belmond-Klemme at MFL/MarMac, Lake Mills at BCLUW (Conrad), South Winneshiek (Calmar) at Central Springs, Sumner-Fredericksburg at Denver.

OCT. 6—BCLUW (Conrad) at Belmond-Klemme, Central Springs at Lake Mills, MFL/MarMac at Denver, South Winneshiek (Calmar) at Sumner-Fredericksburg.

OCT. 13—Belmond-Klemme at Central Springs, Denver at BCLUW (Conrad), Lake Mills at South Winneshiek (Calmar), SumnerFredericksburg at MFL/MarMac. OCT. 20—BCLUW (Conrad) at MFL/MarMac, Central Springs at Denver, Lake Mills at Sumner-Fredericksburg, South Winneshiek (Calmar) at Belmond-Klemme.

Leading the way is dual-threat quarterback Easton Barrus, who passed for 1,437 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 637 yards and eight more scores.

Sumner-Fredericksburg has just six starters back as the Cougars try to make a move up the District 2 standings. Head coach

Brad Mohs has high expectations for sophomore quarterback-defensive back Brandon Meyer as he joins a talented group of players at the skill positions.

Elsewhere in District 2, MFL/ MarMac has 11 returning starters, Central Springs 10 and BCLUW eight.

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

16 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

2016 standings

St. Ansgar West Hancock Grundy Center Newman West Fork Nashua-Plain.

North Butler Rockford

Dist. Over.

W L W L 7 0 11 1 6 1 8 3 5 2 6 3 4 3 6 3 3 4 3 6 2 5 3 6 1 6 2 7 0 7 0 9

CLASS A, DISTRICT 3

Saints expected to march again St. Ansgar, West Hancock teams to beat in District 3 DOUG JOHNSON

Players to watch‌ PASSING Zach Bushbaum, Rockford: 111-278-20, 1.745 yards, 11 TDs Austin Eckenrod: Newman, 72-144-8, 889 yards, 6 TDs Dayton Hansen: Nashua-Plainfield, 63-148-10, 864 yards, 7 TD Ben Gasser, Grundy Center: 48-77-3, 770 yards, 9 TDs RUSHING Dayton Smith, St. Ansgar: 167-1,094, 6.6 avg., 20 TDs Brandon Trees, North Butler: 85-474, 5.6 avg., 4 TDs Braydon Fisher, NashuaPlainfield: 71-465, 6.5 avg., 5 TDs RECEIVING Tanner Grady, Rockford: 56-812, 14.5 avg., 5 TDs Josh Fitzgerald, Newman: 27-462, 17.1 avg., 4 TDs Levi Enright, Nashua-Plainfield: 24-380, 15.8 avg., 3 TDs TACKLES Kyle Rooney, West Fork: 2042.5—71.5 Dayton Smith, St. Ansgar: 45-23.5—68.5, 2 TFLs Nathan Dettmer, Nashua-Plainfield: 41-26—67, 1 TFL, 1 sack INTERCEPTIONS Rhett Lammers, North Butler: 6-34, no TDs KICKOFF RETURNS Braydon Fisher, Nashua-Plainfield: 5-243, 48.6 avg., 2 TDs Josh Fitzgerald, Newman: 9-283, 31.4 avg.,1 TD KICKING Caden Kratz, Newman: 2428 PATs

doug.johnson@wcfcourier.com‌

‌The way District 3 coaches see it, it will be hard to stop St. Ansgar and West Hancock from representing the district again in the 2017 playoffs.

The Saints have appeared in the playoffs in each of the past 11 seasons, years all under coach Drew Clevenger. Heading into his 18th season at the helm of the Saints, he will have seven starters returning and 16 letterwinners back.

Lost is Parker Hendrickson, who gained 1,232 yards on 155 carries.

But returning is Dayton Smith, who had 167 carries for 1,094 yards and scored 20 touchdowns.

St. Ansgar needs a new quarterback, but that transition should be smoothed by the return of five starting linemen.

Last year, the Saints led Class A in points scored (526) and were second in total yards rushing (3,580), second only to West Hancock (3,677).

West Hancock coach Bob Sanger, a 50-year veteran, will need to replace a pair of running backs who accounted for more than 2,600 yards and a quarterback who completed 30 of 32 passes. Nine starters and 12 returning letterwinners will be at his disposal.

“This team has a good attitude about playing the game,” said Sanger.

Grundy Center opens with Gladbrook-Reinbeck for the 99th straight season, but it will be the last as the Rebels will be playing the 8-player game next season, Last year the Spartans were one win short of earning a spot in the playoffs.

If Brent Thoren, in his sixth year at Grundy Center, hopes to JARED PATTERSON, MASON CITY GLOBE GAZETTE Please see A-3, Page S18

St. Ansgar’s Dayton Smith makes a juggling catch during a playoff win over Wapsie Valley last season.

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2016 standings

Dist. Over.

W L W L East Buchanan 6 1 9 2 Wapsie Valley 6 1 6 4 Lisbon 6 1 9 2 North Linn 4 3 6 3 Ed-Co 3 4 3 6 Starmont 2 5 2 7 Postville 1 6 1 8 Alburnett 0 7 1 8

Players to watch‌ PASSING Jake Jennett, Lisbon: 98-

179-9, 1,642 yards, 16 TDs

Jacob Steffans, Postville:

71-154-10, 811 yards, 5 TDs

Ethan Streicher, Edge-

wood-Colesburg: 60-183-16, 795 yards, 5 TDs RUSHING Jake Kuhlman, Wapsie Valley: 177-1,061 yards, 6.0 avg., 14 TDs Colin Schrader, Wapsie Valley: 149-878 yards, 5.9 avg., 12 TDs Austin Krob, Lisbon: 84605, 7.2 avg. 10 TDs RECEIVING Ryan Miller, North Linn: 46561, 12.2 avg. 2 TDs Owen Jacobson, Postville, 30-464, 15.5 avg., 4 TDs TACKLES (solo-ast-total) Carter Keppler, Starmont: 65-5.5—70.5, 2 TFLs Tyson Williams, Lisbon: 5210.5—62.5, 3 sacks Heath Weber, East Buchanan: 33-29—62, 3 sacks INTERCEPTIONS Colin Schrader, Wapsie Valley: 6-48, no TDs Jake Ohl, East Buchanan: 5-58, 1 TD Max McGraw, East Buchanan: 4-77 no TDs KICKOFF RETURNS Matt Barnett, Alburnett: 5-155, 31.0 avg., no TDs Quinn O’Brien, Starmont: 6-172, 28.7 avg., 1 TD KICKING Cameron O’Donnell, Wapsie Valley 27-30

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 17

CLASS A, DISTRICT 4

East Buchanan, Wapsie look strong Bucs, Warriors expected to contend for title again

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 25 – Jesup at East Buchanan (ND), Lisbon at WinfieldMount Union (ND), Maquoketa Valley at Edgewood-Colesburg (ND), Nashua-Plainfield at Postville (ND), North Cedar at Alburnett (ND), North Linn at North Tama (ND), South Winneshiek at Wapsie Valley (ND), Starmont at North Butler (ND).

SEPT. 1 – Alburnett at Belle Plaine (ND), East Buchanan at Sumner-Fredericksburg (ND), Edgewood-Colesburg at Clayton Ridge (ND), Lisbon at North Cedar (ND), Maquoketa Valley at Starmont (ND), North Linn at Jesup (ND), Postville at MFL MarMac (ND), Wapsie Valley at Denver (ND).

SEPT. 8 – Alburnett at Wapsie Valley, East Buchanan at North Linn, Postville at Edgewood-Colesburg, Starmont at Lisbon.

SEPT. 15 – Edgewood-Colesburg at Alburnett, Lisbon at North Linn, Starmont at Postville, Wapsie Valley at East Buchanan.

SEPT. 22 – Alburnett at Starmont, East Buchanan at Lisbon, North Linn at Postville. Wapsie Valley at Edgewood-Colesburg.

SEPT. 29 – Edgewood-Colesburg at Starmont, Lisbon at Wapsie Valley, North Linn at Alburnett, Postville at East Buchanan.

OCT. 6 – Alburnett at East Buchanan, Edgewood-Colesburg at North Linn, Postville at Lisbon, Starmont at Wapsie Valley.

OCT. 13 – East Buchanan at Edgewood-Colesburg, Lisbon at Alburnett, Starmont at North Linn, Wapsie Valley at Postville.

OCT. 20 – Alburnett at Postville, East Buchanan at Starmont, Edgewood-Colesburg at Lisbon, North Linn at Wapsie Valley.

DOUG JOHNSON

doug.johnson@wcfcourier.com‌

‌East Buchanan, Lisbon and Wapsie Valley represented Class A’s District 4 in the playoffs last season.

It will not surprise anyone if that’s where they end up again.

“Coming off a district championship after being picked fourth to start the year last season has given our kids have a ton of confidence,” said Buccaneers coach Jerry Alden.

Gone from last year’s East Buchanan team are the running backs who accounted for more than 2,300 yards.

However, the Bucs return four of five offensive linemen, a group anchored Please see A-4, Page 18

CLASS A, DISTRICT 4 CAPSULES Alburnett Pirates‌

HEAD COACH: Nic Breuer 2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall,

0-7 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 12 RETURNING STARTERS (7): Tanner Sloan de, Nick Airy de, Cody Martin rb, Gunnar Martin rb, Jeremy Gordan db, Matt Barnett wr, Holden Sevening lb.

East Buchanan Buccaneers‌

HEAD COACH: Jerry Alden 2016 RECORDS: 7-3 overall, 6-1

district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 14

RETURNING STARTERS (8):

Heath Weber lb-ol, Taylor Fox ot-dt, Jake Ohl db-e, Riley Reck og-dt, Max McGraw db-rb, Spencer Cook qb-lb, Alex Gentz ol-dl, Braydon Nunemaker rb-lb.

Edgewood-Colesburg Vikings‌

HEAD COACH: James Rochford 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall,

3-4 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 11

RETURNING STARTERS (10):

Ethan Streicher qb, Preston Rochford wr-c, Ben Ernst wrc, Killian Welsh lb-rb, Payton Rochford lb-rb, Calvin Heim ot-de, Cory Kloser g-dt, David Horstman g-dt, Cody Fry ot-dt, Spencer Amling g-lb.

Lisbon Lions‌

HEAD COACH: Phil Whitman 2016 RECORDS: 9-2 overall,

6-1 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 11

RETURNING STARTERS (7):

Logan O’Connor ol-dl, Jake Jennett qb, Austin Krob rb-lb, Tyson Williams lb, Bryce Warderman ol-dl, Bryce Hasselmann db, Clay Hudson rb.

North Linn Lynx‌

HEAD COACH: Jared Collum 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall,

4-3 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 8 RETURNING STARTERS (7):

Quinn Rechkemmer rb-lb, Ryan Miller rb-wr-db, Carter Johnson qb-db, Blake McGraw te-lb, Adam Waskow te-de, Trevor Cherry wr-db, Sean Boardman ol-dl.

Postville Pirates‌

HEAD COACH: Luke Steege 2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall, 1-6

district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 8 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Jacob Steffans qb-lb, Owen Jacobson wr-lb, Uvaldo Carmarillo wr-db, Travis Fish ol-dt, Roberto Lopez ol, Cole Walch ol, Nick Jacobs de, Jacob Steffans lb.

Fleming ol-dl, Walton Waterhouse ol.

Wapsie Valley Warriors‌

HEAD COACH: Tony Foster 2016 RECORDS: 6-4 overall,

6-1 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 12

RETURNING STARTERS (7):

Jake Kuhlman rb-lb, Colin Schrader db-rb, Ben Weepie lb, Austin Schares dl-ol, Ben Erhardt pt-s, Cameron O’Donnell pk, Peyton Brown ol.

Starmont Stars‌

HEAD COACH: Matt Lee 2016 RECORDS: 2-7 overall, 2-5

district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 8

RETURNING STARTERS (8):

Alex Pope db-qb, Dillon Piper db, Carter Keppler lb, Quinn O’Brien rb-db, Chase Palmer db-de, Caleb Koch te-de, Tony

715 Main St. Plainfield IA, 50666 www.butler-bremer.com 319-276-4458 Good Luck Go-Hawks!

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

18 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

ol-dl, Beau Thompson lb, Bryce Trees db.

Grundy Center Spartans‌

HEAD COACH: Brent Thoren 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall, 5-2 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 11 RETURNING STARTERS (10): Nolan

Freeman ol, Cade Rohler ol, Josh Kuiper ol, Jordan Hook ol, Jake Bangasser qb, Sawyer Bowen wr, Andrew Rathe db, Tanner Appel de, Austin Knack dl, Aaron Havens dl.

Nashua-Plainfield Huskies‌

Rockford Warriors‌

HEAD COACH: Nick Johnson 2016 RECORDS: 0-9 overall, 0-7 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 11 RETURNING STARTERS (8): Zach Bush-

baum db, Dillon Schriever rb, Tanner Grady wr, Clay Kuhlemeier ol, Kaden Lyman wr, Max Rooney wr, Wes Johnson wr, Matt Muller ol.

St. Ansgar Saints‌

HEAD COACH: Chase Sudol 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall, 3-6 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 18 RETURNING STARTERS (12): Dayton

HEAD COACH: Drew Clevenger 2016 RECORDS: 11-1 overall, 7-0 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 16 RETURNING STARTERS (7): Ethan

North Butler Bearcats‌

West Hancock Eagles‌

Hansen, qb, Mason Hyde fb-de, John Kirchgatter wr-cb, Dayton Smith lb-fb, Krull rb-cb, Levi Enright wr-lb, Travon Garrett Koster ol-de, Dylan Hanna ol-dt, Adams te-de, Kyle Jensen ol, Tanner Dylan Bissen ol-de, Noah Bishop ol-dt, Haut c-lb, Evan Kalainoff ol-de, Nathan Theo Baldus ol.

Dettmer ol-lb, Wiley Jenison ol-dl, Tristen West Fork Warhawks‌ Brase s, Mitchell Malven cb.

HEAD COACH: Eric Gabe Mason City Newman Knights‌ 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall, 3-4 district HEAD COACH: Rich McCardle RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 16 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall, 4-3 district RETURNING STARTERS (13): Ian Latham s, Lukas Wogen wr, Spencer Nash RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 14 s, Michael Fjone wr-cb, Kyle Rooney lb, RETURNING STARTERS (7): Merritt Trey Pfeffer ol-dl, Jordan Clark ol-lb, GarMcCardle fs, Josh Fitzgerald ss-se, Ian rett Andersen ol, Collin Meints ol-dl, Alex Holmgaard cb-se, Mathew Fitzsimmons Bender ol-dl, Mitchell Halloran wr-lb, Ian cb-te, Austin Eckenrod qb, George ConGonzalez dl-lb, Jesse Chilambo wr-cb. way ol, Kaden Kratz lb.

HEAD COACH: Travis Miller 2016 RECORDS: 2-7 overall, 1-6 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 11 RETURNING STARTERS (11): Brandon

Trees rb, Sam Dolan rb, Kane Allison qb, Rhett Lammers rb, Jared Feldman ol-dl, Kendrick Miller ol-dl, Dalton Fehlberg ol-dl, Jaden Mason ol-dl, Joey Mahlstead

A-4 From Page 17

by juniors Taylor Fox (6-3, 250 pounds) and Riley Reck (6-2, 255 pounds).

Defensively, Heath Weber (62 total tackles) will return at linebacker to join first team allstate defensive back Jake Ohl and all-district pick Max McGraw for a unit that allowed just 9.5 points per game in district play.

“Obviously a concern is we must replace our first-team all-state running back, Carter Downer, but we have three or four guys together waiting in

HEAD COACH: Bob Sanger 2016 RECORDS: 8-3 overall, 6-1 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 12 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Hunter Ha-

gen de, MaCoy Yeakel db, Kolby Goepel de, Cameron Clark t, Zach Clark g, Austin Brouwer c, Caleb Eckels e, Bennett Bruns rb, Chase Eusenman db.

the wings to step up and pick up those rushing yards,” said Alden. “And like all smaller schools, depth will be an issue.

We can’t sustain many injuries as we build up the younger guys to fill in key roles as the season goes on.”

Wapsie Valley will break in a new quarterback, but returns 2,104 rushing yards, including 1,061 by Jake Kuhlman and 878

by Colin Schrader.

Kuhlman also led the team in tackles while Schroeder picked off six passes. All-state linebacker Ben Weepie is also back after recording 41.5 tackles with six solo tackles for a loss.

“This team has a good attitude about playing the game.”

A-3

CLASS A, DISTRICT 3 CAPSULES

From Page 16

find that win, he will first need to find a replacement for first-team all-stater Bryce Flater, who gained 2,049 yards to lead Class A. Also gone is Braidon Buhrow who was successful on 32 PATs and averaged 38 yards a punt.

Quarterback Jake Bangasser is back after completing 48 of 77 passes for 770 yards, and Thoren has all five offensive linemen returning.

“We need to find replacements at the skill positions,” noted Thoren. “And depth on the defense is a major concern.”

Although the North Butler roster has only 26 players, 11 of them are returning starters. Included in that group are running backs Brandon Trees (85 carries, 474 yards) and Sam Dolan (118-329) and quarterback Kane Allison.

On defense, five of the top six tacklers are back.

“Our expectations are to win every game,” said third-year coach Travis Miller, “but more importantly we need to compete at our highest level as a team and individuals. Improving every week will be key.”

Chase Sudol begins in his third year

Bob Sanger, West Hancock coach as head coach at Nashua-Plainfield and has 18 returning lettermen, 12 of whom started games last year.

As a junior, Dayton Hansen completed 63 of 148 passes for 864 yards. Also returning are five of the top six receivers and the top four rushing leaders, led by seniors Braydon Fisher (71 carries, 465 yards) and Mason Hyde (93-428).

The defense will include 17 returning letterwinners.

“Experience is a strength for this group. Most of them have been starters since they were sophomores and we have depth in all positions,” noted Sudol.

“We are a team that can rush the ball and also throw it very effectively.

I want to be able to do both at any time and score.”

Rockford coach Nick Johnson has Zach Bushbaum, who led the district with 111 pass completions for 1,745 yards, returning along with the team’s top four receivers, led by Tanner Grady with 56 receptions for 812 yards.

2017 SCHEDULE‌ AUG. 25 – Gladbrook-Reinbeck at Grundy Center (ND), Mason City Newman at Fort Dodge St. Edmond (ND), Nashua-Plainfield at Postville (ND), Rockford at Central Springs (ND), St. Ansgar at Osage (ND), Starmont at North Butler (ND), West Fork at Lake Mills (ND), West Hancock at GarnerHayfield-Ventura (ND).

SEPT. 1 – Belmond-Klemme at West Hancock (ND), Central Springs at West Fork (ND), GMG at North Butler (ND), Grundy Center at South Hardin (ND), Hudson at Nashua-Plainfield (ND), Lake Mills at Mason City Newman (ND), Rockford at North Union

“We have the outstanding returning players,” explained 16year coach Tony Foster. “The weakness are the holes we must fill in the offensive and defensive lines.”

Lisbon will be looking to make a 14th straight postseason appearance as Phil Whitman takes over as head coach after 11 years as an assistant. He inherits 11 returning letterwinners, seven who were starters.

Senior Jake Jennett led the district last year by completing 98 of 179 passes for 1,642 yards and 16 TDs. Also back are three of the team’s top four running backs as well as three of the top

(ND), St. Ansgar at South Winneshiek (ND).

SEPT. 8 – Grundy Center at Rockford, NashuaPlainfield at St. Ansgar, North Butler at West Hancock, West Fork at Mason City Newman.

SEPT. 15 – Mason City Newman at Grundy Center, Rockford at Nashua-Plainfield, St. Ansgar at North Butler, West Hancock at West Fork.

SEPT. 22 – Grundy Center at West Hancock. Mason City Newman at Rockford. North Butler at NashuaPlainfield. West Fork at St. Ansgar.

SEPT. 29 – Nashua-Plainfield at West Fork, North

four tacklers.

“We have lots of seniors with experience. But then after that group, we are very inexperienced,” explained Whitman.

Starmont, which has missed the playoffs the last three seasons, will need to replace three of its top rushers and its quarterback. The Stars have eight starters back, led by Carter Keppler, who was credited with 67.5 tackles, recovered one fumble and had a pair of interceptions.

Quarterback Jacob Steffens (71 completions, 811 yards, 119 yards rushing) returns at Postville as one of eight returning starters.

“We have a good nucleus of

Butler at Rockford, St. Ansgar at Grundy Center, West Hancock at Mason City Newman.

OCT. 6 – Grundy Center at Nashua-Plainfield, Mason City Newman at St. Ansgar, Rockford at West Hancock, West Fork at North Butler.

OCT. 13 – Nashua-Plainfield at Mason City Newman, North Butler at Grundy Center, St. Ansgar at West Hancock, West Fork at Rockford.

OCT. 20 – Grundy Center at West Fork, Mason City Newman at North Butler, Rockford at St. Ansgar, West Hancock at Nashua-Plainfield.

seniors and some quick underclassmen,” said coach Luke Steege. “However, depth will be an issue.”

715 Main St. Plainfield IA, 50666 www.butler-bremer.com 319-276-4458 Good Luck Panthers!

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2016 standings

Glad.-Rein.

Hudson B-G-M Belle Plaine North Tama GMG Colfax-Mingo GV Christian

Dist. Over.

W L W L 7 0 13 0 6 1 8 2 5 2 5 5 4 3 6 3 3 4 4 5 2 5 4 5 1 6 1 8 0 7 0 9

CLASS A, DISTRICT 5

Pirates have eyes on District 5 bounty Hudson hoping to make run at two-time state champ G-R DOUG JOHNSON

doug.johnson@wcfcourier.com‌

Players to watch‌ PASSING Hunter Lott, GladbrookReinbeck 91-141-4, 1,771 yards,18 TDs Reegan Van Dyke, Colfax-Mingo: 102-210-13, 1,188 yards, 8 TDs Garrett Straight, Belle Plaine: 48-99-6, 978 yards, 10 TDs Jacob Murray, Hudson: 56-131-7, 866 yards, 8 TDs RUSHING Keegan James, B-G-M: 59-619, 10.5 avg. 6 TDs Tyler Morrison, North Tama: 126-546, 4.3 avg., 6 TDs RECEIVING Gage Murty, GladbrookReinbeck: 16-444, 27.8 avg., 5 TDs Alec Staebell, Hudson: 25-430, 17.2 avg., 4 TDs Walker Thede, GladbrookReinbeck. 20-347, 17.4 avg., 4 TDs TACKLES (solo-ast.-total) Kendall Bunn, B-G-M: 32-32.5—64.5, 10.5 TFLs Wes Geisler, Hudson: 51-13—64, 11.5 TFLs, 7 sacks Clay Ramsmeyer, Grand View Christian: 42-21.5—63.5 INTERCEPTIONS Al Hageman, Hudson: 7-31, 0 TDs KICKING Wes Geisler, Hudson: 23-27 PATs, 8-8 FGs Walker Thede, GladbrookReinbeck: 51-55 PATs

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 19

Can anybody stop Glad‌ brook-Reinbeck?

The Rebels bring a 23-game winning streak that includes back-to-back state championships into the 2017 season, not to mention the motivation of knowing this is the program’s final season of 11-player football.

Hudson and BGM, which both qualified for last year’s playoffs, may have something to say about this year’s District 5 race.

With 13 starters back among 16 returning letterwinners, Hudson coach Justin Brekke will point

2017 SCHEDULE‌

The defense played a key role in last year’s success, and the PiAUG. 18 – Saydel 35, Colfax-Mingo 22 rates kept their opponents from AUG. 25 – Belle Plaine at North Mahaska (ND), BCLUW at GMG (ND), B-G-M at Montezuma (ND), East Marshall at Hudson (ND), scoring in their first three disGladbrook-Reinbeck at Grundy Center (ND), Lynnville-Sully at trict games. The top two tacklers Colfax-Mingo (ND), North Linn at North Tama (ND), Southeast graduated, but nine return who Warren at Grand View Christian (ND).

SEPT. 1 – Alburnett at Belle Plaine (ND), B-G-M at Lynnville-Sully made at least 20 tackles last year.

(ND), Dike-New Hartford at Gladbrook-Reinbeck (ND), GMG at That group features Wes GeisNorth Butler (ND), Grand View Christian at Martensdale-Saint Marys (ND), Hudson at Nashua-Plainfield (ND), North Mahaska ler (64 tackles, 11 solo tackles for a at Colfax-Mingo (ND), North Tama at BCLUW (ND). loss and seven quarterback sacks) SEPT. 8 – Belle Plaine at Grand View Christian, Colfax-Mingo at Hudson, GMG at B-G-M, North Tama at Gladbrook-Reinbeck. and Al Hageman, a second-team SEPT. 15 – Colfax-Mingo at Belle Plaine, Gladbrook-Reinbeck at all-state defensive back who had GMG, Grand View Christian at B-G-M, Hudson at North Tama. seven interceptions.

SEPT. 22 – B-G-M at Gladbrook-Reinbeck, GMG at Hudson, Offensively, Christian Seres Grandview Christian at Colfax-Mingo. North Tama at Belle Plaine.

SEPT. 29 – Belle Plaine at GMG, Colfax-Mingo at North Tama, (103 carries, 470 yards) was secGladbrook-Reinbeck at Grandview Christian, Hudson at B-G-M. ond to Chase Shares (87-607) in OCT. 6 – B-G-M at Belle Plaine, GMG at Colfax-Mingo, Grandview rushing, and Cameron Fulcher Christian at North Tama, Hudson at Gladbrook-Reinbeck.

OCT. 13 – Belle Plaine at Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Colfax-Mingo at (52-368) also returns.

B-G-M, Grandview Christian at Hudson, North Tama at GMG. Geisler is also an all-state OCT. 20 – B-G-M at North Tama, Gladbrook-Reinbeck at Colfax- kicker after accounting for 41 Mingo, GMG vs. Grandview Christian (at Saydel), Hudson at of Hudson’s points (23 PATs, Belle Plaine. six field goals). He put 14 of his his team toward a ninth straight 51 kickoffs into the end zone for playoff season. touchbacks.

“A major strength for this team will be experience,” noted Brekke. “We return a lot of guys that have been in all different sorts of different situations on the field. They have seen their fair share of ups and downs that the game throws at them. And that is something we will benefit from.”

B-G-M has one big pair of shoes to fill with the graduation of a Jayce Knight, who led the class with 2,925 total offense yards — 1,678 rushing and 1,247 passing.

G-R won’t give up its title easily. Coach John Olson has 14 seniors among the 20 letterwinners returning and each has played in the championship game three times. Nine of the letterwinners are returning starters.

As a junior, quarterback Hunter Please see A-5, Page 20

CLASS A, DISTRICT 5 CAPSULES Belle Plaine Plainsmen‌

HEAD COACH: Todd Bohlen 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall,

4-3 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 14

RETURNING STARTERS (11):

Garrett Straight qb-db, Trevin Straight rb-db, Bandon VanNevel lb, Dylan Fry c, Deryck Cleppe dt-ot, Chris Malfese k, Tanner Meeks db, Tyler Arens ot, Caleb Grimes og, Tanner Clark lb, Ethan Gates de.

B-G-M Bears‌

HEAD COACH: James Burns 2016 RECORDS: 5-5 overall,

5-2 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 11

RETURNING STARTERS (7):

Kyle Kilmer ol-dl, David McCammant ol-dl, Keegan James rb-db, Kendall Bunn ol-lb, Dalton Roberts ol-de, Austin Hall ol-dl, Ulises Felix wr-db.

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 20 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Reegan Van Dyke qb-s, Colton Lourens ol-dl, Jake Dunsbergen ol-lb, Ahren Teed ol, Nick Barnes ol, Alex Lewis db-wr, Zerek Hill lb-wr, Holister Koenig lb-wr, Trinity Schroeder db.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels‌

HEAD COACH: John Olson 2016 RECORDS: 13-0 overall,

7-0 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 14 RETURNING STARTERS (7): Hunter Lott, qb-lb, Gage Murty, db-wr-k, Walker Thede, dbpk-wr, Matt Johannsen, db-wr, Kyle Koppen, ol, Rhett Barnes, ol, Mason Skovgard, ol.

GMG Wolverines‌

HEAD COACH: Michael Spurlin 2016 RECORDS: 4-5 overall,

2-5 district Colfax-Mingo Tigerhawks‌ RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 15 HEAD COACH: Jeff Lietz 2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall, 1-6 RETURNING STARTERS (10): district Wes Steiner ol-dl, Conner Casto

ol-dl, Brayden Peterson wr-db, Blaze Krull wr-lb, Cade Bovenmyer rb-lb, Brock Baldazo rb-db, Owen Beach rb-lb, Isaac Neel wr-db, Chase Deam ol-dl, Carson Wobeter rb-db.

Grandview Christian Thunder‌

HEAD COACH: John Safford 2016 RECORDS: 0-9 overall,

0-7 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 13 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Peyton Leever rb, Clay Ramseyer qb, Cole Hoeness og, Brevan Taylor og, Avery Bush te, Alex Carsone dt, Sam Piao ng, Noah Parlee ot, Mason Cole de.

Buzynski te, Wes Geisler ol-dl, Al Hageman wr-db, Christian Seres rb-db, Jacob Murray qb, Alec Staebell wr, Reese Larson lb: Izik Rodriguez wr.

North Tama Redhawks‌

HEAD COACH: Austin Pink 2016 RECORDS: 4-5 overall,

3-4 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 13

RETURNING STARTERS (7):

Cory Kennedy ol-dl, Tyler Morrison rb, Noah Bond hb-lb, Hale Hulme wr-db, Nic Sierra wr-db, Trinity Grimm cb, Peyton Willenbring ol-dl.

Hudson Pirates‌

HEAD COACH: Justin Brekke 2016 RECORDS: 8-2 overall,

6-1 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 16

RETURNING STARTERS (13):

Cam Fulcher lb-rb, Ethan Fulcher wr-db, Matt Seres ol-dl, Dawson Ellingson ol-dl, Garrison Thompson ol-dl, Zach

715 Main St. Plainfield IA, 50666 www.butler-bremer.com 319-276-4458 Good Luck Indians!

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

20 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

A-5 From Page 19

Lott earned first-team all-state honors. Leading receivers back include Gage Murty (16-444) and Walker Thede (20-347).

Graduated senior Parker Brown led the running game with 898 yards, but the next five return and were responsible for 1,300 yards.

Thede also contributed 57 points as the Rebels’ reliable kicker, including 51 of 55 PAT attempts.

The defense lost its top two tacklers, but Olson has four returnees who combined for over 170 tackles, including all-state defensive end Mason Skovgard.

Elsewhere, North Tama coach Austin Pink feels his team is entering the season with a positive outlook and a promising future.

“They are very coachable and want to improve daily,” he notes.

“They now know it is a process.

It won’t happen overnight.”

Pink must find a replacement for Cael Kopriva, who led the Redhawks in passing yards (603), tackles, PAT kicks and was second in rushing with 536 yards.

As a sophomore, Tyler Morrison led the ground game with 126 carries for 546 yards.

Whoever gets the nod at quarterback will have six of the top eight receivers back.

“We lost some great senior leadership,” said Pink. “Now we must find some new leaders to take the team to the next level.”

GMG will feature 15 returning letterwinners, 10 of whom were starters, and Belle Plaine coach Todd Bohlen is hoping to improve upon last year 4-3 district record (6-3 overall) by taking advantage of the team’s experience.

“The strength of our team this year will be our experience in the offensive line returning four starters and another player who started three games last year,” said Bohlen.

Quarterback Garrett Straight had 58 completions for 978 yards last season.

“Overall, everyone in our district got better,” says Hudson’s Brekke. “There are no weeks off in this district and no team can be taken for granted.”

PLAYING THE ODDS

To kick, or not to kick?

Two isn’t better than one for all high school programs CLAY CUNNINGHAM

clay.cunningham@wcfcourier.com‌

‌Compared to all other 2016 state football championship-winning teams, Don Bosco’s extra-point philosophy was an anomaly.

While the five other squads to hoist state trophies last November attempted at least 58 extra-point kicks during the season, the Dons had just seven tries with five makes en route to the 8-player title. For coach Colby Yoder, the reason for so frequently foregoing the seemingly easier play is simple.

“If we can steal an extra point, we may as well take a chance,” said Yoder, whose team converted 58 two-point tries last season. “If you can make 50 percent of them, you’re breaking even.”

The strategy has worked for the Dons for some time. They’ve attempted just 30 extra points over the past five seasons, a stretch that’s seen them reach the state finals four times.

But while factors such as school size and scheme have some duplicating the Don Bosco model, a look at the data suggests that, at a statewide level, teams with strong kicking games tend to be better-suited for success.

A common theme‌

According to Quik Stats Iowa, 24 teams converted at least 50 PAT kicks in 2016. All 24 reached the state playoffs, with five bringing home titles.

The 24 teams also had a high conversion rate, as all but one made at least 80 percent of their extra-point tries.

“When you score a touchdown, you want to walk away with seven points,” Union coach

Joe Hadachek said. “As a coach, it gives you complete confidence that when you score, you can come away with seven points every time.”

Hadachek saw more kick conversions than almost anyone last year as his kicker, Dakota Hora, was second in the state in both PAT makes (70) and attempts (72) for the 2A runner-up Knights.

Taking the gamble‌

On the other end of the spectrum, success is much harder to predict.

Of teams with complete statistics on Quik Stats, 41 didn’t convert a single extra point in 2016, while 32 didn’t so much as attempt one.

There were some teams that found great success with this strategy. Fourteen finished with winning records and seven reached the state tournament.

But for others, it didn’t pay off. Nine of the 41 teams went winless, while six won just once.

Those that have had success with a two-point heavy offense are mostly found in the 8-player game, with some squads making Don Bosco’s PAT approach look conservative by comparison.

Last season, state qualifiers Lenox, Turkey Valley, Central Elkader, Midland and Twin Cedars went for two after every touchdown, while Bedford and Iowa Valley combined to go just 1 of 4 on PAT kicks.

Yoder says the high-octane, wide-open style of the 8-player game sometimes makes it impossible to resist the temptation to grab as many points as possible.

“There’s a lot of running lanes,” he said. “That makes it a little easier sometimes. You get teams spread out in 8-man.

There’s only so many guys you can put in the box.”

Of course, a lack of options also aides in game-planning.

“Having good special teams and making sure your kicking game is good is going to help you a lot more than going for two all the time.”

to get quality practice time in the kicking game once the season begins. Like most high school teams, the Cyclones don’t have a designated kicking coach, forcing him to oftentimes find his own opportunities to hone his craft.

“Before practice, we have pre-practice, so that’s when I spend all my time kicking,” said Eagle, who hit close to 85 perAdijan Muhamedagic, cent of his PAT tries last year.

Waterloo West kicker “Otherwise, all my work is (in the) offseason, basically.”

Limited resources‌

According to Waterloo West kicker Adijan Muhamedagic, the screening process for finding a kicker isn’t always the most selective.

“They kind of go around school just seeing who can kick, who’s part of the soccer team,” said Muhamedagic, a senior who made 42 of 46 PAT attempts for the 4A state-qualifying Wahawks in 2016. “If you’re part of the soccer team, they kind of just assume you can kick.”

Though the recruiting process certainly varies from school-toschool, the lack of a soccer program is a recurring theme among teams with low kicking numbers. Just three of the 41 teams that didn’t make an extra point a season ago came from schools with a boys’ soccer team.

Another issue seems to be finding sufficient practice time, which makes it harder for both experienced and inexperienced legs to get needed reps.

Denver senior Kain Eagle clearly takes his role as the Cyclones’ kicker seriously. So seriously that in his downtime, he has attended numerous travel camps, most notably the 2016 Kohl’s Kicking Camp’s annual Midwest Winter Showcase in Chicago.

But while he’s able to get his work done in the offseason, Eagle, who also sees snaps at receiver and defensive back, says it becomes much more difficult

Staying the course‌

For the time being, those interviewed seem content with sticking with what’s worked for them in the past.

“I feel like going for two would be a lot riskier, especially in a situation where you can tie or win the game,” Muhamedagic said. “Having good special teams and making sure your kicking game is good is going to help you a lot more than going for two all the time.”

Though this strategy works for Waterloo West and most strong 11-man teams, going the other way has clearly paid dividends for the likes of Don Bosco, and Yoder doesn’t appear interested in fixing what’s not broken.

“You can look at it both ways,” he said. “Obviously it can hurt you, but for us, it’s benefited more than it’s hurt. We’ll still be going for two (this season).

I don’t think it changes for us.”

715 Main St. Plainfield IA, 50666 www.butler-bremer.com 319-276-4458 Good Luck Huskies!

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Thursday, August 24, 2017 | 21

BUILDING A DYNASTY

At Don Bosco, it’s a Gilbertville thing Community support helps Dons build model 8-man program

“We are a blue collar town. If something needs to get done, it gets done, and it is not one person, it is a number of people.”

JIM NELSON

jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com‌

‌GILBERTVILLE — To credit one person would not do this story justice.

Over the last five seasons, no 8-man high school football team in the state of Iowa has enjoyed more success than Don Bosco of Gilbertville. Since dropping from 11-man to 8-man in 2012, the Dons have gone 60-4 with four state championship appearances and two titles (2013, 2016).

That kind of success appears to be unprecedented, especially for a school that did not have its own football program until 2004. It took nearly 50 from its inception in 1956 for Don Bosco to field a football program.

But when the school decided to start its own program, the entire community, like it does with all Don Bosco programs, came together to make it happen.

“We are a blue collar town,” said Colby Yoder, the current head football coach. “If something needs to get done, it gets done, and it is not one person, it is a number of people.”

In the late 1980s, the Dons started sending student-athletes to play football with Waterloo Columbus, while partnering with St. Mary’s to field a junior high team. The agreement with Columbus lasted into the 2000s, when the opportunity to drop down from Class 3A to 2A led the Sailors to ask to discontinue the agreement.

So, Don Bosco formed its own team in 2004 at the 11-man level, fulfilling the dream of long-time junior high coach Tom Ryan, for whom the school’s football field is named. Ryan never saw his dream come true, passing away from heart failure in 2003 while coaching a junior high game.

Colby Yoder, Don Bosco coach

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR‌

Don Bosco coach Colby Yoder, right, celebrates his team’s state championship last season in the UNI-Dome.

While Ryan was a driving force behind the creation of the Dons’ football program, there were many other influential supporters, including Chuck Phillips, Leo Becker and Dan Monat. According to Yoder, the list could expand to hundreds more.

“After he passed away on the field in 2003, there were a lot of parents of players who felt it was worth an effort to see what we could do to make his dream come true,” said Phillips, a Gilbertville resident. “Before we went to the school board, we started a campaign to finance the new team and within three weeks we had $30,000 pledged.

“Then we went to the school board, and they told us we shouldn’t have got pledges first, but gave us the go-ahead with the understanding no money

would be coming from the school and the program would be a stand-alone ... have to make it on its own.”

The Dons were winless their first two seasons of 11-man ball and were just 12-52 in their first seven years of existence, including a 1-8 mark in Yoder’s first season in 2010 when the team still played its home games at Waterloo’s historic Sloane Wallace Stadium.

But Yoder, who helped with the junior high football program before getting promoted to the varsity, knew he had a special group of players coming up. And following that 1-8 mark, the Dons went 8-3 in 2011 and reached the Class A state playoffs for the first time.

“When I first took over we didn’t have many wrestlers who

came out,” Yoder said. “Then we got Jake Hogan to come out and we go 8-3, and his dad Tom (Don Bosco’s head wrestling coach) was promoting football to his kids.

“Winning breeds success, and more kids started to gravitate to football. And in 2011, we probably had our biggest win in program history. We had lost to Belle Plaine in 2010, 50-16, and our first game in 2011, we beat them in overtime. It was basically the same team we had the year before, and after that our kids believed we could win.”

Yoder never got to see how good that Dons would’ve been in 2012. With declining enrollment numbers, Don Bosco elected to drop to 8-man in 2012, and with Sloane Wallace no longer an option, the town came together and

built a field on land owned by the Immaculate Conception Parish in Gilbertville.

“Waterloo schools still used Sloane Wallace for junior varsity games so they couldn’t set it up for 8-man,” Phillips said. “So we fundraised again and this time we raised $130,000. The community got behind it and got it done. A lot of people pitched in, whether that was where their expertise fit or time was available.”

What started out as just a football field with a press box and a makeshift concession stand (a tent that first season), now looks like any football complex in the state with a track circling it and a modern concession stand among the many amenities.

“It’s a Gilbertville thing,” lifelong resident and athletic program historian Scott Becker said.

“Much of what you see out there was built with donated materials and donated labor. If somebody said we need this or that, the next day 10 people are out there getting it done.

“It’s a Gilbertville thing.”

715 Main St. Plainfield IA, 50666 www.butler-bremer.com 319-276-4458 Good Luck Wildcats!

2017 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

22 | Thursday, August 24, 2017

8-PLAYER, DISTRICT 2

Janesville poised to make a move

Turkey Valley looking to replace strong senior class

2017 SCHEDULE‌

JIM NELSON

jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com‌

‌After capturing the 8-player, District 2 crown last year, Mark Scott’s Turkey Valley football team will have to find a way to replace a strong senior class in 2017.

The Trojans return just two starters on defense and three on offense.

“The offense is young,” Scott said. “We are excited to start the new year of Turkey Valley football. I think if we can stay healthy we should be competitive this year.”

Among the top returners for the Trojans are seniors Cale Reicks, Will Einwalter and Braedan Baumler.

Scott says Riceville, North-

wood-Kensett and Janesville all will have strong squads.

Speaking of Riceville, after going 6-3 last year, the Wildcats return several key players as they try to improve on that record. John Miller passed for 558 yards and seven touchdowns last year, while leading the team with 896 rushing yards and 17 scores. Grant Shedenhelm added 739 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Other key Wildcat returners are Kaleb Tweite, Cole Hale, Boe

AUG. 18 – Iowa Valley 68, Clarksville 22 AUG. 25 – AGWSR at Colo-NESCO (ND), Clarksville at Dunkerton (ND), Harris Lake Park at North Iowa (ND), Janesville at Meskwaki (ND), Riceville at Tripoli (ND), Turkey Valley at Kee High (ND), West Bend-Mallard at Northwood-Kensett (ND).

SEPT. 1 – Dunkerton at AGWSR (ND), Kee High at Riceville (ND), North Iowa at West Bend-Mallard (ND), Northwood-Kensett at Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayshire (ND), Tripoli at Janesville (ND), West Central at Turkey Valley (ND).

SEPT. 8 – Janesville at Northwood-Kensett, Riceville at AGWSR, Turkey Valley at North Iowa, West Central at Clarksville (ND).

SEPT. 15 – AGWSR at Don Bosco (ND), Clarksville at Janesville, North Iowa at Northwood-Kensett, Riceville at Turkey Valley.

SEPT. 22 – Central City at Janesville (ND), North Iowa at Clarksville, Northwood-Kensett at Riceville, Turkey Valley at AGWSR. SEPT. 29 – AGWSR at Northwood-Kensett, Riceville at Clarksville, Janesville at North Iowa, Central Elkader at Turkey Valley (ND).

OCT. 6 – Clarksville at AGWSR, North Iowa at Tripoli (ND), Riceville at Janesville, Turkey Valley at Northwood-Kensett.

OCT. 13 – AGWSR at Janesville, Clarksville at Turkey Valley, Northwood-Kensett at Kee High (ND), North Iowa at Riceville.

OCT. 20 – AGWSR at North Iowa, Dunkerton at Riceville (ND), Janesville at Turkey Valley, Northwood-Kensett at Clarksville.

Adams, Cole Byrnes Jr., Derrick Dunn and Spencer Kuhn.

Janesville was just 3-6 last year, but the Wildcats were young and return a year older and a year stronger after graduating just one senior.

Quarterback Peyton Meyer is back after throwing for 558 yards and seven scores in 2016. Meyer also rushed for 586 yards and 10 more TDs. Dalton Woodyard added 453 rushing yards and eight scores, while leading the team with 87 1/2 tackles.

“How much better did we get in the offseason,” Wildcats head coach Dale Eastman said of his concerns heading into 2017. “Did we make strides to become relevant in the district and be able to compete for the title?”

AGWSR went 7-3 a year ago, but the Cougars lost several key contributors. Running back Liam Stubbe, however, is one of the key returners after rushing for 854 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016.

Clarksville will look to improve on a one-win season from a year ago as the Indians return seven key regulars, including one of their top defenders, Spencer Gray.

8-PLAYER, DISTRICT 2 CAPSULES AGWSR Cougars‌

HEAD COACH: James Koop 2016 RECORDS: 7-3 overall, 5-1

district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 6 RETURNING STARTERS (6): Aaron Roelfs, qb-lb, Liam Stubbe, tb-lb, Lucas Starr, rb-db, Joe Wiarda, te-fb, Ethan Ubben, ol-dl, Sawyer Heitland, ol-dl.

Clarksville Indians‌

HEAD COACH: Chris Arians 2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall,

0-6 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 7 RETURNING STARTERS (7): Koltyn Beckham, rb-lb, Spencer Gray, fb-lb, Ethan Litterer, e-s, Chris Nelson, ol, Blake Johnson, g, Trace Engel, dl, Sterling Kroeze, dl.

Janesville Wildcats‌

HEAD COACH: Dale Eastman 2016 RECORDS: 3-6 overall,

2-4 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 13 RETURNING STARTERS (9): Dalton Woodyard, lb-rb, Peyton Meyer, qb-db, Josh Hahn, lb-rb, Dawson Charley, lb-fb, Bryce Destival, ol-dl, Michael Lowrie, ol-dl, Keigan Feldmann, te-de, Keaton Boyle, ol-de, Spencer Hoff, se-lb.

Turkey Valley Trojans‌

HEAD COACH: Mark Scott 2016 RECORDS: 9-1 overall,

6-0 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 16 RETURNING STARTERS (3): Will Einwalter, rb-db, Cale Reicks, rb-lb. Braedon Baumler, de,

Riceville Wildcats‌

HEAD COACH: Steffen Fair 2016 RECORDS: 6-3 overall,

3-3 district RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: 8 RETURNING STARTERS (5): John Miller, qb, Grant Shedenhelm, rb-lb, Spencer Kuhn, ol-dl, Boe Adams, de.

Northwood-Kensett Vikings‌

HEAD COACH: Dave Capitani 2016 RECORDS: 5-4 overall,

4-2 district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 7

RETURNING STARTERS (7):

Marquise Berry, rb, Gavin Paulson, te, A.J Branstad, ol-dl, Logan Benjegerdes, db, Marcus Brandt, dl, Garrett Thompson, dl.

North Iowa Bison‌

HEAD COACH: Graig Eichen-

berger

2016 RECORDS: 1-8 overall, 1-5

district

RETURNING LETTERWIN-

NERS: 3

RETURNING STARTERS (3):

Thomas Blodgett, ol-dl, Clayton Henn, ol-dl, Isaiah Walk, rb-lb

2016 standings

Turkey Valley AGWSR N’wood-Ken. Riceville Janesville North Iowa Clarksville

Dist. Over.

W L W L 6 0 9 1 5 1 7 3 4 2 5 4 3 3 6 3 2 4 3 6 1 5 1 8 0 6 1 8

Players to watch‌ PASSING Peyton Meyer, Janesville, 45-85-2-558 yards, 7 TDs RUSHING John Miller, Riceville, 119896 7.5 avg., 17 TDs Liam Stubbe, AGWSR, 121854 yards, 7.1 avg., 9 TDs Grant Shedenhelm, Riceville, 115-739 6.4 avg., 12 TDs RECEIVING Dalton Woodyard, Janesville, 14-160 yards, 11.4 avg., 2 TDs TACKLES (solo-ast-total) Dalton Woodyard, Janesville, 40-95—87.5, 7 TFLs Liam Stubbe, AGWSR, 4532—61.0, 2 TFLs Cale Reicks, Turkey Valley, 32-53—58.5, 6 TFLs Spencer Gray, Clarksville, 28-55—55.5, 9 TFLs