THE FORT DODGE FOOTBALL TEAM returns 18 starters (above) this season. The Dodgers will feature, front row (left to right): Jayce Skow, Caiden Fraher, Tytrell Mosley, Kyree Rochon and Joe Constable. Middle: Will McElroy, Cal Pederson, John Hughes, Noah Daniel, Jesse Egli and Sam Moser. Back: Carter Short, Dalton Eckley, Tru McBride, Dreshaun Ross, Luke Fierke, Taevon Feeley and Jayon Preston-Grady.
Daniel, Egli, Skow, Preston-Grady, Mosley, and Fierke are returning first team all-district selections, while Ross is back from a shoulder injury for his senior year after being first team all-district and all-state as a sophomore in 2023. Eckley, Feeley, Hughes, McBride, McElroy and Constable were second teamers; Fraher and Moser were honorable-mention choices.
The players (on the cover) stand at the new entrance of Dodger Stadium, which completed the first major structural renovation project in its 85-year history in May. The official unveiling will greet fans for Fort Dodge’s 2025 season opener on Friday against Mason City.
FORT DODGE
RUNNING BACKS FOR FORT DODGE are (left to right) Cael Adams, Ezrah Barkhaus, Fernando Ortega, Dreshaun Ross, KyTrell Henderson, Will McElroy, Christian Calles.
DODGERS TARGET THE NEXT LEVEL
By ERIC PRATT, Sports Editor
There is a sense of both calm and restlessness in the Fort Dodge football camp leading into a highly-anticipated 2025 campaign.
The calm is a quiet confidence in knowing 18 starters — including two all-staters, six first team all-district honorees and 14 players in all who earned postseason recognition a year ago — are back from last fall’s Dodger
playoff squad.
The restlessness comes from head coach Nik Moser’s team wanting to prove it has more left in the tank.
A lot more.
“I don’t think anyone was satisfied with what we did and how it ended (last season),” said Moser, who
Nik Moser 6th season
has a 25-21 overall record entering his sixth year at the helm. “It was great to be (codistrict champions and 7-3 overall), but we know we still have a long way to go and a lot to prove. That’s going to take work. Every day.
“These guys are all on the same page about what they want to accomplish. They’re going hard in practice and are very competitive with each other. They understand that our offense going against the defense and vice
2025 DODGER FOOTBALL
ROSTER
versa will only make them better. There’s a real sense of pride and ownership over not just who we are on both sides of the ball, but what we (strive) to be.”
Moser knows the cliches and platitudes are as old as the game itself, but “we are truly taking it one day and one game at a time.”
rankings (most have the Dodgers in 4A’s Top-5),” Moser said. “There’s plenty of time to prove that on the field. It’s just noise. The kids know that, and they’re not going to buy into the hype until they have the opportunity to start creating it themselves.”
OFFENSE
There will be no shortage of talent or experience when Fort Dodge has the ball in 2025. Six regular players return, along with four others who were on the field consistently last fall for a squad that averaged over 30 points per game.
Junior Tru McBride came into his own a year ago, throwing for 1,518 yards and 18 touchdowns in the program’s second-best season ever by a sophomore quarterback. McBride has the size — 6-feet, 3-inches tall and 210 pounds — and the talent to become even more of a difference maker very soon.
“Tru has a year under his belt now with our offense and Coach (Mike) Minikwu (offensive coordinator),” Moser said. “The game will continue to slow down even more for him, and he’s worked so much with (other pieces of
DODGERS , Continued from Page 3
the offense) that there’s a familiarity and trust that’s been established.
“We’re comfortable with Tru running or throwing the ball. His decision making will only continue to get better. He’s a tough quarterback to defend.”
Sophomore Reggie Pederson — already a varsity basketball and baseball starter — will back up McBride.
First team all-district center Luke Fierke and second teamer Joe Constable return on the offensive line, along with three-year regular Carter Short. The group is versatile in both its skill set and demeanor.
“We have some different looks we can show up front,” Moser said. “It’s a competitive situation. Luke, Joe and Carter have all played a lot of varsity football, so we start with them and their experience. But you need to have depth and versatility (to sustain success).”
Fierke is nearly 6-5 and 315 pounds with two full years already under his belt. Constable, who recently received a Div. I wrestling offer from Davidson College, is shorter at 5-10 but a bulldog at 270 pounds and just a junior. The 240-pound Short, like Fierke, has been playing since his
sophomore campaign.
Moser also likes what he sees from juniors Brandt Lawler (215) and Korben Davis (230), as well as sophomores Brody Maehl (245) and Koy Nichols (230).
“We can mix and match, based both on how they’re playing and what we need for a given game or series,” Moser said. “We’ll be using all of them in some capacity, which is a good thing. You need depth (in the trenches).”
Over 90 percent of Fort Dodge’s receiving yards and catches in 2024 came from players who return to the stable. First team all-state pick Noah Daniel is back, along with classmate and all-district selection Tytrell Mosley. Both are jet sweep toss and wheel route regulars; Daniel, a University of Iowa recruit, is also a dangerous deep-ball threat.
Senior Dalton Eckley, junior Kyree Rochon and junior Cal Pederson — starters a year ago — are all candidates for breakout campaigns as well. Eckley was an all-district honoree last fall.
Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver
FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Nolan Ahrens, Kaden Nichols, Joe Constable, Kyle Pederson, Korben Davis and Aiden Grady. Back row: Coy Nichols, Brandt Lawler, Carter Short, Luke Fierke, Landon Johnson and Brody Maehl.
FORT DODGE
WIDE RECEIVERS FOR FORT DODGE are
row
DODGERS , Continued from Page 4
“Our skill kids have played a lot of football together,” Moser said. “Tytrell and Dalton are the leaders. They can play all four wide receiver positions, and are in their third years so they know the game and what we expect. Noah is going to be someone (the opposition) has to keep an eye on at all times, whether it’s in the backfield, on defense or special teams (Daniel had three kickoff returns for touchdowns a year ago). He’s electrifying with the ball in his hands.
“Kyree and Cal showed glimpses last year, too. They could take big steps.”
Moser has also been pleasantly surprised — and impressed — by the emergence of junior Zak Jorgensen.
“He was a 155-pound kid kind of lost in the shuffle of our depth (in 2024), but now he’s a 205-pound tight end,” Moser said. “He could be a real success story for us. Zak is proof of what offseason commitment to the weight room and your craft can do.”
The backfield picture is still a little murky — not for lack
of choices, but a clear-cut feature runner has not emerged.
“And it might be by committee all year,” Moser said. “We have a lot of guys who can give you different looks and keep things fresh. So maybe instead of having that one 1,000-yard back (to replace the graduated Jamarius Green, the district’s offensive player of the year in 2024), we could have a handful covering the same amount of ground.”
Juniors Ezrah Barkhaus and Will McElroy combined to rush nearly 60 times for over 300 yards a year ago as underclassmen.
“Ezrah and Will both showed flashes (in 2024),” Moser said. “Ezrah is shifty and elusive. He catches the ball well, too. Will is more of the hammer.”
Moser has a few tricks up his sleeve with the return of Dreshaun Ross — who rushed for 729 yards and eight touchdowns at over six yards per carry two seasons ago — and Daniel (44 carries, 260 yards in his career). The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Ross, an Oklahoma State University
wrestling recruit and one of the most coveted overall mat/ grid combo prospects in state history, carried major football scholarship offers from the likes of Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Purdue, Kansas, Kansas State and Minnesota before committing to the Cowboys.
“Dreshaun and Noah obviously won’t be every-down back guys, but they’re two all-state football players and Division I athletes. We’d be foolish not to get the ball in their hands and let them be difference makers,” Moser said. “We have a lot of looks, depending on what we need and the opponent. That’s always a good thing.”
McElroy and sophomore Cael Adams will be the fullbacks. Junior Bo Marsh is slated to do both the punting and kicking.
Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver
front
(left to right): Dexter Johnson, Kyree Rochon, Tytrell Mosley and Eli Pritchard. Back row: Cal Pederson, Zak Jorgensen, Dalton Eckley, Tanner Peterson and Spencer Smith.
FORT DODGE
LINEBACKERS
FOR FORT DODGE are
DEFENSE
The sky seems to be the limit for a Dodger defense that is back virtually intact this fall. As many as 10 starters anchor a unit that allowed 20 points or less on six different occasions in 2024.
“We have a lot of guys capable of leading. They work and communicate well together,” Moser said. “It’s not necessarily a rah-rah group (vocally), but they get after it and hold each other accountable. I know our offense has struggled a little but gotten a lot better from going up against them in practice.”
Ross was a first team all-state linebacker as a sophomore. He’s back in the mix and will be what Moser called a “LEO.”
“I first heard that from (Iowa assistant) LeVar Woods,” Moser added. “Dreshaun will be a linebacker/(defensive) end option.
“I don’t see much rust (from Ross being out of action a year). He’s having fun and he’s hungry...just excited to be back out there again. With Dreshaun’s athleticism, you could hypothetically play him at all 11 defensive positions.”
Starting juniors Jayon Preston-Grady (225-pound defensive end) and McElroy (200-pound nose guard) are up front again after attaining all-district status a year ago.
DODGERS , Continued from Page 5
“Jayon’s about 15 pounds heavier, but hasn’t lost any of his athleticism and plays with a huge chip on his shoulder,” Moser said. “He runs well and likes to hit.
“Will is just strong and relentless. He may be a little undersized by traditional standards (for 4A interior line play), but he’s physical, quick and tough.”
Senior Kauner Jensen, junior Alex Beekman and sophomore Luke Beckley bring depth and size to the defensive front. Beekman is 6-foot-5; Beckley, 6-3; and Jensen, 6-2.
Fort Dodge’s linebackers were active and developed a blue-collar reputation as the 2024 season progressed, and the unit returns intact with the addition of Ross as well.
Junior Jayce Skow was a first team all-district selection last season, with seniors John Hughes and Caiden Fraher also earning honors.
“All three are ball hawks,” Moser said of his linebackers. “They set a tone. Jayce is in the middle and covers a ton of ground sideline to sideline. John loves contact, and Caiden plays much bigger than he is. It’s a gritty group.”
Sophomore Amari McCaleb has also established himself as a contender for playing time.
The defensive backfield carries the same mentality as the
front and middle portions of the defense. Daniel and senior Jesse Egli both garnered first team all-district recognition last fall, as did senior Taevon Feeley and junior Sam Moser. All four return, and will be joined by senior Drew Mason, junior Javion Soppeland and Pederson.
“Noah, Jesse and Sam all feed off each other (at safety),” Moser said. “Noah is a jack of all trades, and Jesse was our leading tackler last year. Like Zak (Jorgensen), Sam has grown quite a bit and benefited from being in the weight room, going from 5-9 and 140 to almost 6-1 and 180.
“Taevon has so much length and has played a lot of quality football for us already. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does now as a senior. Drew has paid his dues and put time into getting bigger, faster and stronger. He’s earned an opportunity. Like Taevon and Drew, Reggie has good length and instincts. And Javion has had a solid camp. He brings plenty of athleticism to the table.”
SCHEDULE AND COACHES
Arch rival Mason City kicks off Fort Dodge’s 2025 slate
Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver
front row (left to right): Rylan Crouse, Charles Evans, Caiden Fraher and Kason Echevarria. Back row: Jayden
Stanley, Amari McCaleb, Jayce Skow, John Hughes and Gage Mericle.
FORT DODGE
DODGERS , Continued from Page 6
this Friday night, as Moser’s squad officially lifts the curtain on the first major Dodger Stadium renovation project in the complex’s 85-year history. A trip to Webster City is next, followed by matchups with old Big 8 rivals Waterloo East (home) and Waterloo West (road).
Class 4A, District 1 will offer plenty of challenges. FDSH opens with Sergeant Bluff-Luton — last year’s top-ranked 3A squad and a state semifinalist — at home, then takes a trip to face 2024 co-district champion Spencer.
“It’s going to be quite a test during that stretch with Waterloo West (6-4 last fall), SB-L (11-1) and Spencer (6-4) in a row,” Moser said. “That’s a 5A playoff qualifier, a 3A semifinalist and a 4A qualifier. We’ll have to be ready to go, but that’s the type of run that will get us better prepared for (a potential playoff push).
“Mason City brings back plenty of talent, and (the 100-plus year tradition of the rivalry) speaks for itself. Webster City has had our number. And we always embrace the tradition of seeing the Waterloo schools (on the docket).”
The Dodgers close with Storm Lake (4-5 last season)
Aug. 29
Mason City
Sept. 5 ...................................... at Webster City
Sept. 12 Waterloo East
Sept. 19 at Waterloo West
Sept. 26 Sergeant Bluff-Luton
Oct. 3 at Spencer
Oct. 10 at Storm Lake
Oct. 17 Le Mars
Oct. 24 at Sioux CIty West
on the road, co-district champ Le Mars (6-3) at home, and at Sioux City West.
Moser is again assisted by Blake Utley, Dan Adams, Jon Koenig, Jerry Ellendson, Tyler Winter, Ben Schnurr and Minikwu. Keaton Martin, Kadyn Preston and Aidan Simonson are volunteer assistants.
Tom McClimon, Connor McLeod and Noah Stanley are freshman coaches.
QUARTERBACKS FOR FORT DODGE are Tru
and Reggie Pederson.
Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver
McBride
Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver
COACHES FOR FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Aidan Simonson, Connor McLeod, Blake Utley, Keaton Martin, Noah Stanley and Jerry Ellendson. Back row: Ben Schnurr, Tom McClimon, Kadyn Preston, Nik Moser, Mike Minikwu, Jon Koenig, Dan Adams and Tyler Winter.
CLASS 4A: DISTRICT 1
THRILLING RACE EXPECTED
By ERIC PRATT, Sports Editor
Preseason declarations typically don’t amount to much more than idle chatter in the long run, but it’s safe to say that the eventual Class 4A, District 1 champion will be battle tested and ready to go once the playoffs roll around in 2025.
There will be no shortage of difficulty or drama on the way to the mountain top. Fort Dodge, Spencer and Le Mars shared the title a year ago, with the Dodgers going 7-2 in the regular season and the Tigers and Bulldogs both finishing 6-3.
They are all standing pat after the new district alignment, as is Storm Lake and Sioux City West. The only change? Denison-Schleswig, which was 2-7 a year ago, is being replaced by former 3A power and 2024 state semifinalist Sergeant BluffLuton.
“It’s going to be a dogfight,” FDSH head coach Nik Moser said. “You’ll have to earn (the crown) and then some. Spencer and Le Mars are established programs with systems that work well for them. They’re always going to be tough. Now you’ve got (SB-L) coming off a huge season (and the Warriors have won at least 10 games five different times in the last decade)...should be a great race with a lot of intriguing matchups.”
The Dodgers welcome 18 starters back to their lineup in 2025, including 14 who garnered all-district recognition. Moser’s squad was edged by Le Mars a year ago for their lone league loss, but the Dodgers knocked off Spencer in the regular-season finale to force a three-way tie atop the standings.
Senior first team all-stater Noah Daniel is the bell cow. Fort Dodge is also anticipating a huge boost from the return of Dreshaun Ross, a first team all-stater in 2023 who had injuries derail his campaign a year ago.
Daniel is a University of Iowa commit; Ross, who had major-college football offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Purdue, Minnesota, Kansas and Kansas State, is headed to Oklahoma State to pursue his All-American wrestling career.
Daniel — a receiver, defensive back and kick returner — and Ross — a linebacker, rush end and running back — are flanked by classmates and first team all-district
DEFENSIVE BACKS FOR FORT
AJ Roberts, Zach Palm and Caleb Heath.
Reggie Pederson.
picks Tytrell Mosley (WR), Luke Fierke (OL) and Jesse Egli (DB), as well as juniors Jayce Skow (LB) and Jayon Preston-Grady (DE). Seniors Dalton Eckley (WR), John Hughes (LB) and Taevon Feeley (DB) are joined by juniors Tru McBride (QB), Joe Constable (OL) and Will McElroy (DL) as returnees from the second squad.
Sergeant Bluff-Luton was a dominant force all season in 3A before being edged by a single point in the semifinals at the UNI-Dome against Dubuque Wahlert. Quarterback Isaiah Jervik — who ran for 770 yards and passed for 537 more in 2024 — is back, along with leading rusher Ryan Husen (1,089 yards and 14 TDs as a standout sophomore).
The Warriors have some work to do defensively, as that unit saw most of its mainstays graduate. Defensive back Gavin Warren returns, though, after intercepting
SENIOR JESSE EGLI OF FORT DODGE was a first team all-district selection last season.
Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver
DODGE are front row (left to right): Javion Soppeland, Josh Townsend, Patrick Clay,
Back Row: Drew Mason, Taevon Feeley, Jesse Egli, Noah Daniel, Sam Moser and
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
CLASS 4A, DISTRICT 1
Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN FOR FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Luke Beckley, Amaris Kirkland, Jesse Flores, Tai Nguyen and Bryce Tessandori. Back row: Will McElroy, Alex Beekman, Dreshaun Ross, Kauner Jensen and Jayon Preston-Grady.
DODGERS , Continued from Page 6
six passes and recording 31 tackles last year to secure all-state honors. Linebacker Abram Keokenchanh was another steady contributor who will anchor SB-L’s transition.
Spencer was in the driver’s seat for another district crown and ranked in the Top-10 before the Dodgers derailed their outright championship hopes last fall. First team all-district back Kamden Young ran for 613 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago as a junior. He’ll be joined by offensive lineman Christian Mendez-Garcia and linebacker Brody Johnson, who were also all-district performers in 2024.
Le Mars is a combined 19-10 in the last three years, and the Bulldogs’ cupboard is far from bare. First team all-district choices Andrew Grant (TE), Hudson Kass (DL), Tycen Augustine (P) and Jami Sitzmann (ATH) now return as senior stalwarts.
Storm Lake is a wild card. The Tornadoes were much improved last fall, and they
“It’s going to be a dogfight. You’ll have to earn (the crown) and then some.”
NIK MOSER
Fort Dodge coach, on the Class 4A-1 race
welcome back all-district talents Cam Boyd (ATH) and David William (WR), as well as Rylan Richardson (WR). The trio combined to catch 136 passes for 1,860 yards and 20 touchdowns a year ago.
Sioux City West struggled to a winless campaign last fall, but quarterback Turner Joy and running back Koda Tyndall are slated to return for their respective senior years, as is classmate and leading tackler Jackson DeBondt.
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Messenger photos by Britt Kudla
GAELS HOPE FOR ENCORE
By DANA BECKER,
Following back-to-back 4-4 campaigns that left them just on the outside of the eight-player playoffs, the St. Edmond football team broke through last fall.
The Gaels had their most victories since the 2020 campaign, reaching the postseason for a second time under head coach Matt Dillon.
And while graduation took several key members of that team away, St. Edmond returns more than enough to give Dillon the confidence that they will not only push for a return to the playoffs, but a deeper run this time around.
Dillon
“We have a good core of seniors and juniors that are coming back,” said Dillon, who has won 214 games in 40-plus years on the sidelines. “We also have a good influx of young kids that are going to help in areas where we need them in terms of depth.
“I feel like we won’t have to be so dependent on several kids playing both ways, which will allow us to be fresher in the fourth quarter when we really need to be.”
The added depth should be important when dealing with injuries, which have really hurt the Gaels over the past few seasons.
and
and McCade Lunn.
“Honestly, it’s been a killer when we’ve lost someone to an injury,” Dillon said. “It seems like it’s always hit us in bunches and at the most crucial times of the season, and the injuries haven’t just been a sore muscle here or there, they’ve been season-ending ones.
“When you are playing so many kids on both sides of the ball and special teams, losing one is like losing two or three.”
Senior starters Ethan Swisher, Kinnick Henning, Grant Galles, Jakob Koopman, returning all-stater Koleman Hanson and Max Webster are joined by juniors Aaron Hindt and Jacob Nieland to form a strong group of returnees.
2025 GAEL FOOTBALL
ROSTER
Seniors (6): Grant Galles, 155, WR/DB; Jakob Koopman, 180, TE/DB; Ethan Swisher, 160, QB/DB; Kinnick Henning, 165, WB/LB; Koleman Hanson, 195, OL/ DL/K; Max Webster, 275, OL/DL.
Juniors (4): Ty Mericle, 160, WR/DB; Griffin Laufersweiler, 135, WR/DB; Aaron Hindt, 170, RB/DB; Jacob Nieland, 265, OL/DL.
Sophomores (5): Thomas Ehn, 155, TE/DB; Jack Webster, 165, TE/DE; Matthew Crimmins, 145, RB/LB; Coltin Fevold, 200, TE/LB; Hunter Singer, 200, OL/DL.
“It all starts with those guys,” Dillon said. “They have been great leaders for the team and kids who we are going to count
LINEBACKERS FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Jace Stanley, Kinnick Henning, Matthew Crimmins, Julio Galvan
Aaron Hindt. Back row: Jack Webster, Maddox Shirbroun, Garrett Royster, Ethan Swisher, Coltin Fevold
See GAELS, Page 13
Matt
8th season
Sports Writer
ST. EDMOND
RECEIVERS FOR ST. EDMOND are, front
(left
on a lot as the season moves forward.”
OFFENSE
Swisher is back for his second season as the starting quarterback in Dillon’s offense. As a junior, he completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,127 yards and 15 touchdowns against five interceptions, adding 166 yards and two more TDs on the ground.
“Ethan has taken huge strides,” Dillon said. “He had a good year last year, but has really impressed me this preseason as we get into the meat of it. He is just a different guy in terms of his confidence and ability to make all the throws and plays that he couldn’t last year.
“We’re expecting a lot out of Ethan and I know he has
GAELS , Continued from Page 12
worked hard to deliver.”
Ty Mericle stepped in when Swisher was injured a season ago, seeing meaningful snaps under center. Thomas Ehn also returns, along with newcomer Cael Reisner.
“We learned that we can’t just have one quarterback,” Dillon said. “We have to have multiple kids getting reps so they are ready to come in if something happens.”
The backfield will have a familiar face in it, as Galles slides into a unique role within the offense this fall.
Following a breakout sophomore season that saw him rank among the eight-player leaders with 46 receptions for 867 yards and 13 touchdowns, the multi-sport standout recorded 31 catches for 481 and six scores a year ago.
Defenses put a focus on taking Galles away, so to
combat that, Dillon plans to move him all over the field.
“In the slot, out wide, in the backfield at tailback and even at tight end,” he said. “We plan to move Grant around to confuse the defenses, give us mismatches and really take advantage of his skills. We might even put him at quarterback in certain situations.
“Grant is a special player and someone we have to focus on getting the ball to as much as we can.”
Hindt missed the season opener but came on after, rushing for a team-high 764 yards with 12 touchdowns. He posted 7.5 yards per carry and also had seven receptions.
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
row
to right): Garrett Royster, Kinnick Henning, Matthew Crimmins and Julio Galvan. Back row: Maddox Shirbroun, Grant Galles, Blake Bartlett, Coltin Fevold, McCade Lunn and Aaron Hindt.
ST. EDMOND
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN FOR
Henning has recovered from an injury that kept him off the field for much of the latter portion of the season a year ago. As a sophomore, he averaged nearly six yards per rush and 16 yards per reception.
“I feel like we have three guys that can play there and be productive,” Dillon said. “Aaron had a great season last year and is the No. 1, but Kinnick is right behind him while we can mix Grant in. Those three can all take it to the house anytime they touch the football.
“We’ve learned in eight-player that you have to put your best athletes in the best possible situation to score. We feel like we can do that this year.”
Along with Galles lining up at wide receiver will be Koopman, who tallied five receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns last year.
“Jakob has been incredible this offseason,” Dillon said. “He is such a talented player and someone we’ll look to
GAELS , Continued from Page 13
utilize even more on offense this season.”
Mericle joins newcomers Blake Bartlett and Coltin Fevold as tight end candidates. They will serve as both an extension of the offensive line and someone able to go over the middle for first downs.
“Those three are all very athletic and capable kids,” Dillon said. “It’s really nice to have some kids that we can mix in at the tight end position.”
Webster continues to recover from a knee injury suffered last fall, as he is expected to be the starting center. Joining him along the line will be Hanson and Nieland, with Bartlett and Julian Blanco next in line.
“Max is really the straw that stirs the drink by making all the line calls, so we’re hoping to get him back pretty soon,” Dillon said. “Koleman is a kid that has all-state potential, and not just because of his ability in the kicking game. Jacob really came into his own last year after Max
got hurt.
“One of the benefits to this incoming freshman class is that they have a lot of really good kids along the line, which is an area we always need depth at.”
Galles, Hanson and Koopman were first team all-district selections last year. Swisher, Webster and Hindt made the second team.
DEFENSE
Along with being a multi-year starter along the offensive line, recent graduate Adam Walker was a two-time allstate selection for the Gaels on defense. He recorded 21.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season while fellow graduate Quintin Jaeschke had 50.5 tackles and 13.5 for loss.
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Sam Touney, Maxxus Laufersweiler, Max Webster, Kinnick Henning and Koleman Hanson. Back row: Jack Webster, Hunter Singer, Blake Bartlett, Jacob Nieland, Logan Hanson, Juian Blanco and Tate Mundie.
ST. EDMOND
GAELS , Continued from Page 14
“We kind of have two different packages on defense,” Dillon said. “One is a big group and the other is a quick group. Depending on which one we are in will depend on who we have out there.”
Nieland and Henning are the two make interchangeable pieces to the defenses, with Hanson and Bartlett joining them along the line.
Hanson had 34 tackles with 10 for loss and two sacks last season.
“Koleman is a kid that we are going to have out there for upwards of 100 plays each Friday night,” Dillon said. “He’s going to have to be in tremendous shape — and he is — because we are expecting a lot out of him.”
Klay Baker and Sam Myer were leading tacklers for the Gaels over the past two seasons, as Baker made 72 stops and Myer had 55. Looking to step in at linebacker
for those two will be Hindt, Henning, Fevold, Matthew Crimmins and Jack Webster.
Hindt tallied 21.5 tackles, with three for loss, while Webster had 4.5 tackles in limited action.
“Aaron is a kid that just likes to hit in the same mold of some other kids we’ve had at linebacker,” Dillon said. “That group is very athletic and can fly all over the field.”
Koopman, Galles, Mericle and Swisher, who can also slide up to linebacker, form the back end of the defense in the secondary. Koopman had 45 tackles and a team-high five interceptions last year while Galles recorded 30.5 stops with an interception he returned for a score.
“I really, really like this group on defense,” Dillon said. “They can make big plays happen and are just a talented group. It’s different in eight-player football because of the size of the field and all the emphasis on offense, so
you are really just looking to make a handful of stops and avoid giving up the big play.”
As a team, St. Edmond forced 18 turnovers last year and scored five defensive touchdowns.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Gaels will enter each week feeling confident that they have an edge in special teams with the likes of Galles, Hindt and Hanson shining.
Galles tied an all-time state record when he returned three kickoffs back for touchdowns against Baxter last season. He finished with almost 500 return yards and four total touchdowns. Hindt will join him in the return game.
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
OFFENSIVE BACKS FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Carston Smith, Lukas Koopman, Griffin Laufersweiler, Kinnick Henning and Cainan Cooper. Back row: Garrett Royster, Maddox Shirbroun, Jace Stanley, Grant Galles, Thomas Ehn, Ty Mericle, Jakob Koopman and Coltin Fevold.
GAEL SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Glidden-Ralston
Sept. 5 Newell-Fonda
Sept. 12 ................................... at Remsen St. Mary's
Sept. 19 Bishop Garrigan
Sept 26 at Siouxland Christian
Oct. 3 GTRA
Oct. 10
Harris-Lake Park
Oct. 17 at Kingsley-Pierson
“I still can’t believe what Grant did against Baxter,” Dillon said. “I stop and think about that game and it just blows my mind. Having him and Aaron back there can change the course of a game in one play.”
Hanson, meanwhile, was 15 of 22 on extra-point attempts and made both of his field goals while recording 45 touchbacks on 60 kickoffs.
“Koleman being able to put that ball out of the back of the end zone nearly every single time is such a difference maker,” Dillon said. “Just like we take advantage of having Grant return kicks with the success he has, being able to keep the opposition from having that chance is huge.”
SCHEDULE AND COACHES
The last two programs to lift the eight-player state championship trophy are not only on the docket for the Gaels this fall, but they come fast and furious in back-toback weeks.
After starting with Glidden-Ralston on the road this Friday and playing host to Newell-Fonda in Week 2 for the district opener, St. Edmond heads to defending champion Remsen St. Mary’s before welcoming in 2023 title holders and long-time rival Bishop Garrigan.
“We are going to find out where we stand after those first four games,” Dillon said. “It’s a difficult schedule, but these kids are up for it. We know we are going to be challenged by some very good programs, but that will only make us better and shape us into the team we want to be.”
An 85-mile trek to Correctionville to face Siouxland Christian closes out September with two straight home games to begin October see GTRA and Harris-Lake Park visit Dodger Stadium.
St. Edmond closes out the regular season at KingsleyPierson, who is returning to eight-player after two seasons competing in 11-player.
Dillon will be assisted by returning coaches Mark McDermott, Lucas Daniels, Adam Swisher and Rod Riessen. Long-time coach Kevin Astor joins the staff this year as well after stints at both Fort Dodge Senior High and St. Edmond.
ST. EDMOND
, Continued from Page 15
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Carston Smith, Jace Stanley, Cal Reisner and Lukas Koopman. Back row: Cainan Cooper, Grant Galles, Jakob Koopman, Thomas Ehn, Ty Mericle and Griffin Laufersweiler.
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla QUARTERBACKS for St. Edmond this season are (left to right) Cal Reisner, Ethan Swisher, Ty Mericle and Thomas Ehn. GAELS
EIGHT-PLAYER, DISTRICT 1
FAMILIAR FOES AWAIT GAELS
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
While the St. Edmond football team enters a new district this fall in the eightplayer game, the opponents are somewhat familiar to the Gaels and head coach Matt Dillon.
Joining St. Edmond in District 1 will be defending state champion Remsen St. Mary’s, 2024 playoff qualifier GTRA, eight-player newcomer Kingsley-Pierson, Newell-Fonda, Harris-Lake Park and Siouxland Christian.
Qualifying for the postseason will remain the same this year, as the district champion, district runner-up, district thirdplace finisher and two at-large selections will comprise the 32-team field.
“I tell people we are the nomads of the eight-player class,” Dillon said. “We started out in District 2, moved to District 9 and are now in District 1.
“But I feel like this is a very good, very balanced district with some historically strong eight-player teams led by Remsen St. Mary’s.”
Leading the way for the Gaels will be Ethan Swisher, as the senior returns at quarterback. Swisher threw for 1,127 yards and 15 touchdowns, and will have top running back Aaron Hindt and No. 1 wide receiver Grant Galles back.
Hindt ran for 764 yards with 12 touchdowns while Galles had 31 receptions for 481 with six scores, adding five defensive and special teams TDs.
Remsen St. Mary’s went a perfect 13-0 in 2024, capping the year with a state championship. The Hawks are led by head coach Tim Osterman, who is 58-2 over the past five years with three titles during that span.
But Remsen St. Mary’s lost a talented senior class and will be breaking in several new players at key positions including quarterback, where Dalton Klein is the only person back with experience.
Klein ran for 183 yards and two touchdowns while completing a pair of passes. Tyten Waldschmitt, Dayton Kneip, Beau Johnson, Elijah Schroeder and Reese Homan will look to carry the banner.
The Gaels are very familiar with GTRA, as the two have split four meetings since 2021. The Titans lost a tough 67-64
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Sam Touney, Jack Webster, Max Webster, Koleman Hanson and Tate Mundie. Back row: Maxxus Laufersweiler, Hunter Singer, Jacob Nieland, Logan Hanson and Julian Blanco.
decision in the opening round of the playoffs to CAM last fall, with their only other loss coming to state semifinalist Bishop Garrigan.
All-state wide receiver Jaxson Schnell returns after catching 47 passes for 1,040 yards with 18 touchdowns. He will have senior classmate Teagan Hanson back at quarterback, as Hanson threw for 786 yards and ran for 72 with 14 total TDs.
Gone is Kasey Hough, who had over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns, but Caleb Swedin, Kenny Ness, Brady Harris and Landen Dietrich
all return with varsity experience.
Kingsley-Pierson makes the transition from 11-player back to the 8-player ranks this fall with several key players returning for head coach Travis Neumann. That includes starting quarterback Landon Howe, who threw for over 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding five rushing scores.
The Panthers also have top running backs Cal Harvey and Tyler Koch in the mix again, as both went for over 300 yards. Leading receiver Easton Nissen, who had 421 yards and four TDs, also returns.
Howe, Nissen, Koch, Harvey and Skyler Lopez-Perez were all top tacklers last year for Kingsley-Pierson, who have won at least four games each of the past eight seasons.
While not varsity opponents since the move to eight-player, the Gaels and Newell-Fonda have met at the lower levels including junior varsity. Led by Trevor Tauber, the Mustangs went 3-5 last season. Tauber will be asked to replace Max
See 8 PLAYER-1, Page 36
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
2024 ST EDMOND GAELS CHEERLEADERS
Back row: Lizzy Tiernan, Alex Leiting, Breckyn Ulrich, Abby Tofi lon, Grace Schlegel
Front Row: Brianna Saathoff, Ella Passow, Madi Davis, Ava Underberg, Ella Mundie, Anna Lursen and Sophia Dutcher
GO GAELS! 2025 Football Schedule
COUGARS
RETURNING PLAYERS FOR MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER are, front row (left to right): Khendrick Fredericksen, Dawson Marine, Elliott Droste, Carter Van Waes, Jaggar Wolfe, Cam Wood and Jack Hoeppner. Back row: Mason Prince, Isaiah Daggett, Aiden Nelson, Mason Anderson, Charlie Sturgis, Jackson McGuire, Logan Salazar and Coy Moline.
COUGARS RIDING MOMENTUM
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
Coming off their best season since 2013, the Manson Northwest Webster football team returns 12 letterwinners to the gridiron this fall.
Head coach Zach Noffsinger, entering his fourth season leading the program, knows the task at hand will be a difficult one. But he believes the blocks have been established to continue the build.
Seniors Dawson Marine, Mason Anderson, Jack Hoeppner, Carter Van Waes and Khendrick Fredericksen are joined by
Zach Noffsinger
juniors Cameron Wood, Isaiah Daggett, Coy Moline, Charlie Sturgis, Jaggar Wolfe, Jackson McGuire and Aiden Nelson from a team that went 8-2 last year and finished 5-0 in district play. They will be tasked with replacing the bulk of the offensive production lost to graduation in the form of
COUGARS AT A GLANCE
MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER
Returning letterwinners (12):
Dawson Marine, sr.; Mason Anderson, sr.; Jack Hoeppner, sr.; Carter Van Waes, sr.; Khendrick Fredericksen, sr.; Cameron Wood, jr.; Isaiah Daggett, jr.; Coy Moline, jr.; Charlie Sturgis, jr.; Jaggar Wolfe, jr.; Jackson McGuire, jr.; Aiden Nelson, jr.
2024 record: 8-2 overall, 5-0 in district.
Coach: Zach Noffsinger is entering his fourth season leading the Cougars after three
Sept. 19 East Sac County Sept. 26 at Pocahontas Area
Oct. 3 ...................................... at Emmetsburg
Oct. 10 South Central Calhoun Oct. 17 at South Hamilton
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER
quarterback Logan Moline, leading rusher Kamden Birkey and multi-purpose threat Matt Condon.
“We lost a very talented and senior-heavy group from last year, but I feel like we have a very cohesive unit with a lot of guys who will be ready to step up on Friday nights this year,” Noffsinger said. “I am hopeful again that we can compete among those at the top of our district.
“In order to have a successful season, we will need to be a more disciplined team maybe compared to what we have been in the past.”
COUGARS , Continued from Page 20
Anderson and Coy Moline both had over 100 yards receiving last year, but the majority of the 2,000-plus rushing yards are gone. Moline is the only returning player who has scored a touchdown.
On defense, Van Waes had 58.5 tackles, with eight for loss and four sacks, Anderson recorded 44.5 stops with six for loss and three sacks, and Moline had 32 tackles.
The schedule will also see Manson Northwest Webster close with three of four on the road, including stiff tests at Emmetsburg and South Hamilton around a home game vs.
South Central Calhoun.
“Emmetsburg is traditionally a very good team and should continue to be,” Noffsinger said. “South Central Calhoun should also be very solid. Pocahontas Area and East Sac County should be much improved, and South Hamilton is another team who was in the playoffs last year and a team we have struggled with in the past.
“Each team in our district will have a much different look from last year, and that should make it a very competitive district.”
SOUTHEAST VALLEY
JAGUARS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR SOUTHEAST VALLEY are, front row (left to right): Casey Hanson, Drew Temple, Colin Johnson, Bryce Harrison, Logan Jaeschke and Deegan Brandel. Back row: Spencer Peterson, Clay Lambert, Nick Field, Joe Kaufman, Kyle Eastman, Korbin Spangler and Ian Brunner.
JAGUARS WORK TO FIND RHYTHM
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
The schedule makers did not do any favors to Mike Swieter and the Southeast Valley football team this fall.
Along with being thrown in a Class 2A district that includes the likes of Carroll Kuemper, OABCIG and Spirit Lake, the non-district schedule features matchups with 2024 playoff qualifiers Manson Northwest Webster, Emmetsburg and South Hamilton.
The Jaguars are also replacing three-year starting quarterback Cale Vansickle, who led the team in rushing; second-leading
rusher Brady Hanson; and top target Gauge Jones just from the offense.
Back to lead the charge will be Logan Jaeschke, a junior who caught a teamhigh 38 passes for 443 yards and five touchdowns while making 41.5 tackles with three interceptions on defense.
Oct. 10 ............................................. at Spirit Lake Oct. 17 at OABCIG
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Mike Swieter
“We have some very good speed returning on the outside on offense,” Swieter said. “We lost some experienced players and have just four seniors who have played all four years out this season.”
Joining Jaeschke will be
classmate Casey Hanson, who picked off a team-leading four passes a year ago, along with Bryce Harrison, Clay Lambert, Drew Temple, Korbin Spangler, Collin Johnson, Ian Brunner, Nick Field and Kyle Eastman as starters
back. Temple ran for 171 yards and a touchdown as a junior while Jaeschke added 81 yards on the ground. Hanson saw time at quarterback, completing 10 of 12 passes for 127 yards and two
touchdowns. Harrison caught seven passes for 104 yards with a touchdown, Brunner had five for 101 and Johnson five for 49 with a score.
Joining Jaeschke and Hanson on the defensive side of the ball
will be Temple, Field and Brunner, who all had over 17 tackles a year ago. Lambert had multiple tackles for loss and recovered two fumbles.
The Jaguars open at Manson Northwest Webster on Friday.
LYNX
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR WEBSTER CITY are, front row (left to right): Nate Beaulieu, Dawson Bertran, Jaxon Griffith, Adison Punkham, Gavin Wynkoop, Jamey Stansfield, Coyce Bertran, Carter Mickelson and Boston Farley. Back row: Grant Arends, Zack Lahr, Kaleb Hansen, Cole Nohrenberg, Beau Nohrenberg, Eli Estlund, Cody Elliott, Israel Torres and Aiden Hrnicek.
LYNX ANXIOUS TO GET GOING
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
The Webster City football team will look to get back to their winning ways after having their run of nine consecutive seasons with a winning record halted last year.
Coming off a 3-6 campaign, second-year head coach Andy Brim has 18 letterwinners to work with, including nine starters. Of those, four were all-district, led by two-time selection Cole Nohrenberg along the offensive and defensive lines.
Jaxon Griffith is expected to handle more of the running back duties after finishing second on the team as a junior with 824 yards. He scored four touchdowns on the ground and added a fifth
in the passing game.
Aiden Hrnicek is also back after taking over duties at quarterback following an injury to Luke Estlund. He completed 6 of 8 passes for 64 yards with a TD, adding 210 yards and two scores on the ground.
Carter Mickelson led the Lynx with six receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown, averaging 14 per catch.
WEBSTER CITY’S ISRAEL TORRES kicks the ball for the Lynx last season. Torres will be a junior this season. He was an all-district performer a year ago, making 20 of 22 extra points and averaging nearly 33 yards per punt and almost 56 yards in his kickoffs.
WEBSTER CITY
Week 1 Aug. 29 Iowa Falls-Alden
Week 2 Sept. 5 Fort Dodge
Week 3 Sept. 12 at Clear Lake
Week 4 Sept. 19 Gilbert
Week 5 Sept. 26 at Humboldt
Week 6 Oct. 3 Sioux Center
Week 7 Oct. 10 at Bishop Heelan, Sioux City
Week 8 Oct. 17 Algona
Week 9 Oct. 24 at MOC-Floyd Valley
Proud Sponsors of Webster City Lynx Football
PREP SCHEDULES
4A DISTRICT 1 3A DISTRICT 1 2A DISTRICT 2
Friday, Aug. 29
Mason City ............................................................. at Fort Dodge
Sergeant Bluff-Luton at Sioux City Heelan
Denison-Schleswig ................................................. at Storm Lake
Le Mars .................................................... at CB Abraham Lincoln
Spencer at Humboldt
Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson at Sioux City West
Friday, Sept. 5
Fort Dodge at Webster City
Lewis Central ........................................... at Sergeant Bluff-Luton
Storm Lake............................. at Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson
Bishop Heelan at Le Mars
Spencer ......................................................................... at Carroll
Sioux City West ............................................... at South Sioux City
Friday, Sept. 12
Waterloo East .......................................................... at Fort Dodge
Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson at Sergeant Bluff-Luton
Storm Lake at MOC-Floyd Valley
Le Mars .................................................................at Sioux Center
Hull Western Christian ................................................. at Spencer
Sioux City North at Sioux City West
Friday, Sept. 19
Fort Dodge at Waterloo West
Sergeant Bluff-Luton at Glenwood
Atlantic .................................................................... at Storm Lake
MOC-Floyd Valley at Le Mars
Sioux Center at Spencer
Sioux City West .................................................. at Sioux City East
Friday, Sept. 26
Sergeant Bluff-Luton ............................................... at Fort Dodge
Storm Lake....................................................... at Sioux City West
Spencer at Le Mars
Friday, Oct. 3
Fort Dodge at Spencer
Storm Lake at Sergeant Bluff-Luton
Le Mars ............................................................ at Sioux City West
Friday, Oct. 10
Fort Dodge.............................................................. at Storm Lake
Sergeant Bluff-Luton .................................................... at Le Mars
Sioux City West at Spencer
Friday, Oct. 17
Le Mars at Fort Dodge
Sioux City West at Sergeant Bluff-Luton
Spencer at ................................................................. Storm Lake
Friday, Oct. 24
Fort Dodge....................................................... at Sioux City West
Sergeant Bluff-Luton ................................................... at Spencer
Storm Lake at Le Mars
Friday, Aug. 29
Algona ..................................................................... at Spirit Lake
MOC-Floyd Valley at Central Lyon/George-Litte Rock
Sergeant Bluff-Luton at Sioux City Heelan
Iowa Falls-Alden .................................................. at Webster City
Spencer .................................................................... at Humboldt
Sioux Center at Unity Christian
Friday, Sept. 5
Carroll Kuemper at Algona
Unity Christian at MOC-Floyd Valley
Sioux City Heelan ........................................................ at Le Mars
Fort Dodge at Webster City
Clear Lake at Humboldt
Sioux Center ............................................................... at Sheldon
Friday, Sept. 12
Algona ..................................................................... at Forest City
Storm Lake................................................... at MOC-Floyd Valley
Sioux City East at Sioux City Heelan
Webster City at Clear Lake
Humboldt ....................................................................... at Carroll
Le Mars at Sioux Center
Friday, Sept. 19
Waverly-Shell Rock ........................................................ at Algona
MOC-Floyd Valley at Le Mars
Sioux City Heelan ............................................ at Sioux City North
Gilbert .................................................................. at Webster City
Humboldt at Ballard
Sioux Center at Spencer
Friday, Sept. 26
Algona at MOC-Floyd Valley
Sioux City Heelan ..................................................at Sioux Center
Webster City ............................................................. at Humboldt
Friday, Oct. 3
Humboldt ....................................................................... at Algona
MOC-Floyd Valley at Sioux City Heelan
Sioux Center at Webster City
Friday, Oct. 10
Sioux Center at Algona
Humboldt ..................................................... at MOC-Floyd Valley
Webster City ................................................. at Sioux City Heelan
Friday, Oct. 17
Algona ................................................................. at Webster City
MOC-Floyd Valley at Sioux Center
Sioux City Heelan ...................................................... at Humboldt
Friday, Oct. 24
Bishop Heelan at Algona
Webster City ................................................ at MOC-Floyd Valley
Humboldt at Sioux Center
Friday, Aug. 29
Southeast Valley at Manson NW
OABCIG at Ridge View
Cherokee ........................................................ at Carroll Kuemper
Okoboji at Hartley-HMS
Algona at Spirit Lake
Estherville-LC ....................................................... at Emmetsburg
Friday, Sept. 5
Emmetsburg ................................................... at Southeast Valley
Tri-Center .................................................................. at OABCIG
Carroll Kuemper at Algona
Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley at Okoboji
Spirit Lake ............................................. at Hull Western Christian
Cherokee at Estherville-LC
Friday, Sept. 12
South Hamilton ............................................... at Southeast Valley
OABCIG at Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley
Carroll Kuemper ................................................... at Shenandoah
Emmetsburg ................................................................ at Okoboji
Central Lyon/George-Little Rock at Spirit Lake
Estherville-LC at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows
Friday, Sept. 19
Southeast Valley at Estherville-LC
OABCIG .......................................................... at Carroll Kuemper
Okoboji .................................................................... at Spirit Lake
Friday, Sept. 26
Carroll Kuemper ............................................. at Southeast Valley Spirit Lake at OABCIG
Estherville-LC at Okoboji
Friday, Oct. 3
Okoboji at Southeast Valley
Estherville-LC .............................................................. at OABCIG
Spirit Lake ....................................................... at Carroll Kuemper
Friday, Oct. 10
Southeast Valley ...................................................... at Spirit Lake
OABCIG at Okoboji
Carroll Kuemper ................................................. at Estherville-LC
Friday, Oct. 17
Southeast Valley at OABCIG
Okoboji ........................................................... at Carroll Kuemper
Spirit Lake ........................................................... at Estherville-LC
Friday, Aug. 29
Pocahontas Area ..................... at Sioux Central
Estherville-LC at Emmetsburg
Earlham at South Central Calhoun
East Sac County ..................... at IKM-Manning
Southeast Valley ..................... at Manson NW
Saint Ansgar at South Hamilton
Friday, Sept. 5
Lawton-Bronson at Pocahontas Area
Emmetsburg at Southeast Valley
South Central Calhoun................ at Ridge View
Alta-Aurelia at East Sac County
Manson NW at MVAOCOU
South Hamilton .............................at Panorama
Friday, Sept. 12
Pocahontas Area ....................... at Alta-Aurelia
Emmetsburg .................................... at Okoboji
IKM-Manning at South Central Calhoun
MVAOCOU at East Sac County
Ogden ...................................... at Manson NW
South Hamilton at Southeast Valley
Friday, Sept. 19
Pocahontas Area ...................... at Emmetsburg
South Central Calhoun at South Hamilton
East Sac County ....................... at Manson NW
Friday, Sept. 26
Manson NW ......................at Pocahontas Area
Emmetsburg ........... at South Central Calhoun
South Hamilton at East Sac County
Friday, Oct. 3
South Hamilton at Pocahontas Area
Manson NW at Emmetsburg
East Sac County ...... at South Central Calhoun
Friday, Oct. 10
Pocahontas Area ................. at East Sac County
Emmetsburg ........................ at South Hamilton
South Central Calhoun at Manson NW
Friday, Oct. 17
South Central Calhoun at Pocahontas Area
East Sac County at Emmetsburg
Manson NW......................... at South Hamilton
PREP SCHEDULES
Friday, Aug. 29
Belmond-Klemme ... at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows
Eagle Grove .................................. at Lake Mills
Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at West Hancock
Aplington-Parkersburg at Grundy Center
West Marshall ..........................at South Hardin
Central Springs at Mason City Newman
Friday, Sept. 5
Clarion-Goldfield/Dows ... at Belmond-Klemme
Ogden at Eagle Grove
Osage ................... at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura
Grundy Center .............. at Waterloo Columbus
South Hardin at Iowa Falls-Alden
Lake Mills ............................. at Central Springs
Friday, Sept. 12
Estherville-LC at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows
West Fork ................................. at Eagle Grove
Garner-Hayfield .......at Aplington-Parkersburg
Grundy Center at Dike-New Hartford
Hudson ....................................at South Hardin
Central Springs ................. at Nashua-Plainfield
Friday, Sept. 19
Clarion-Goldfield/Dows ....... at Central Springs
Eagle Grove at South Hardin
Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at Grundy Center
Friday, Sept. 26
Grundy Center at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows
Central Springs ......................... at Eagle Grove
South Hardin ........ at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura
Friday, Oct. 3
Eagle Grove ............ at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows
Central Springs at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura
South Hardin at Grundy Center
Friday, Oct. 17
Clarion-Goldfield/Dows at Garner-Hayfield
Eagle Grove .......................... at Grundy Center
South Hardin ........................ at Central Springs
Check out The Messenger every Saturday for scores and highlights
Friday, Aug. 29
St. Edmond at Glidden-Ralston
Newell-Fonda ............................ at North Union
Siouxland Christian at Coon Rapids-Bayard
GTRA at West Bend-Mallard
Kingsley-Pierson ................. at Bishop Garrigan
Remsen St. Mary’s ........................ at Audubon
Friday, Sept. 5
Newell-Fonda ............................. at St. Edmond
North Union ........................................ at GTRA
Rockford at Bishop Garrigan
Riceville at West Bend-Mallard
North Iowa .................... at Northwood-Kensett
Friday, Oct. 3
Bishop Garrigan ........................ at North Union
West Bend-Mallard ............ at Kingsley-Pierson
Northwood-Kensett at Rockford
North Iowa .......................................at Riceville
Friday, Oct. 10
North Union at West Bend-Mallard
Bishop Garrigan at Northwood-Kensett
Rockford ..................................... at North Iowa
Riceville .......................................... at Janesville
Friday, Oct. 17
Northwood-Kensett .................. at North Union
West Bend-Mallard at Bishop Garrigan
Riceville at Rockford
North Iowa ...................... at Remsen St. Mary’s
HIGH HOPES AGAIN FOR ‘CATS
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
In seven seasons leading the Humboldt football team, Derrick Elman has led the Wildcats into the state semifinals three times, including a Class 3A runner-up finish a season ago.
Humboldt has won 48 games over that span, highlighted by three 10-plus win campaigns.
This year, the Wildcats return a handful of key players as they look to keep the momentum going.
Seniors Chase Flaherty, Jack Guy, Valley Davis, Karson Rubel, Cael Donahe, Zane McIntire, Jackson Flaherty and Kamdyn Haggard, along with juniors Broedy Hendricks, Cash McIntire and Jaxson Kirchhoff, all played important roles last year.
“The team has been working hard in the offseason,” Elman said. “We return six starters on offense and eight starters on defense. After coming off a loss in the state championship round, the kids have done a tremendous job using that as motivation to get back to the UNI-Dome.”
Cash McIntire was the leading rusher with 566 yards and six
See WILDCATS, Page 29
WILDCATS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR HUMBOLDT are, front row (left to right): Johnny Hayden, Jackson Flaherty and Jacob Girres. Second row: Zane McIntire, Chase Flaherty, Ayden Fiengo, Karson Rubel and Braiden Swanson. Third row: Kamdyn Haggard, Turner Hansen, Cael Donahe and Tristen Strait. Back row: Zach Theesefeld, Valley Davis, Jack Guy, Ray Flaugh and Spencer Burtch.
Photo by Phil Monson, Humboldt Independent
Derrick Elman
scores, as Kirchhoff finished second on the team with 354 to go along with three touchdowns.
Chase Flaherty was the leading receiver with 56 receptions for 808 yards and nine TDs while Davis added 31 catches for 496 yards and seven touchdowns.
But Elman will need to replace the 3A player of the year in Coen Matson, who accounted for almost 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns while also playing defense. Jackson Flaherty will step into that role as the starting quarterback this fall.
“Jackson has worked hard to prepare himself,” Elman said. “We will look for him to lead the team in his final season as a Wildcat.”
HUMBOLDT
WILDCATS
Donahe is the leading returning tackler after recording 76.5 stops with 9.5 for loss. Hendricks, a standout wrestler, had 66 tackles with 16.5 for loss and five sacks, while Guy had 38 tackles with five for loss.
“It will help having returning all-staters like Jack Guy and Chase Flaherty back on offense,” Elman said. “Cael will lead from the middle linebacker position on defense, as he was a first team allstate selection last year. Broedy also was selected all-state last year.”
Zane McIntire recorded 33.5 stops, Jackson Flaherty had 25.5 and Rubel 24.5. Jackson Flaherty also picked off five passes and
, Continued from Page 28
Donahe had four interceptions.
Chase and Jackson Flaherty handled the bulk of return duties, and Rubel was 43 of 45 on extrapoint attempts while making four field goals.
“I feel like the strength of the team will be the return of four skill players to help break in a new quarterback,” Elman said. “We also have three returning offensive linemen to help build on a rushing game that saw more production last year.
“We have gained some size up front and look to be bigger across both the offensive and defensive lines.”
Humboldt opens with Spencer at home on Friday.
WILDCATS AT A GLANCE
HUMBOLDT
Returning starters (11): Chase Flaherty, sr.; Jack Guy, sr.; Valley Davis, sr.; Karson Rubel, sr.; Cael Donahe, sr.; Broedy Hendricks, jr.; Zane McIntire, sr.; Cash McIntire, jr.; Jaxson Kirchhoff, jr; Jackson Flaherty, sr.; Kamdyn Haggard, sr. Top prospects: Noah Lange, jr.; Zach Theesfeld, sr.; Jacob Girres, jr.; Braiden Swanson, sr.; Nash Palmer, jr.; Levi Rieck, jr.; Karter Simonson, jr.; Dane Clark, soph. 2024 record: 11-2 overall; Class 3A state runners-up.
Coach: Derrick Elman begins his eighth season leading the Wildcats where he has gone 48-26 overall including three trips to the state semifinals.
WILDCAT SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 .................................................................................................................
Sept. 5
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3 ................................................................................................................... at Algona Oct. 10 at MOC-Floyd Valley Oct. 17 Bishop Heelan Oct. 24 ................................................................................................... at Sioux Center
HUMBOLDT WILDCATS
POCAHONTAS AREA
INDIANS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR POCAHONTAS AREA are, front row (left to right): Adam Marsh, Brody Reis, Isaiah Dolan, Brayden Hudson, Jonah Bullington, Gabe Halligan, Xander Small and Devon Freeman. Back row: Sawyer Krips, Kaden Fulkerth, Collin Dreith, Kellen Kinkade, Christian Valenzuela, Blake Bunda, Logon Shifiett, Karson Welander and Jack Gerdes.
NUMBERS KEY FOR INDIANS
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
The Pocahontas Area football team experienced six consecutive seasons of winning at least four games before slipping last year to just 1-7.
But the Indians return 11 starters and seven more letterwinners who are looking to get the program back into playoff contention.
Seniors Christian Valenzuela, Collin Dreith, Logan Shiflett, Kaden Fulkerth, Sawyer Krips and Jack Gerdes are all among those starters returning for head coach Mike Ehn. They are joined by junior Braydon Hudson and sophomores Blake Bunda, Karson Welander, Adam Marsh and Xander Small.
Shiftlett was the leading rusher a year ago with 534 yards, finding the end zone twice. Welander
Mike Ehn
added 264 yards and three scores while Bunda saw time at quarterback where he completed 7 of 12 for 78 yards and three scores while rushing for another 63.
Valenzuela is the top returning receiver after catching 17 passes for 150 yards while Gerdes, Hudson, Valenzuela, Dreith and Shiflett all provided production in the passing game.
“We need our young guys to take a big step forward,” Ehn said. “They got some good experience playing last year.
Ahlrich, OL/DL, jr.; DJ Buhsmann, OL/DL, jr.; Blake Shimon, OL/DL, fr. 2024 record: 1-7 overall, 1-4 in district. Coach: Mike Ehn begin shis 12th season leading the Indians and 24th overall.
INDIAN SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Sioux Central
Sept. 5 Lawton-Bronson
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
10
17
at Alta-Aurelia
at Emmetsburg
Manson NW
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
TITANS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL CALHOUN are, front row (left to right): Coltley Timmerman, Halas Steig, Jace Petersen, Quinn Roller and Darius Eigsti. Middle Row: Brayden Werneburg, Luke Patterson, Wyatt Marnka, Hayden Stickrod and Cooper Nattress. Back row: Max Hardy, Evan Myers, Garrett Krause, Marshall Buhdt, Trendon Daniel and Charlie Nattress. Not pictured: Aiden Albright.
TITANS READY TO CLIMB THE LADDER
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
The expectations around the South Central Calhoun football team are always set high.
With 11 returning starters and seven more letterwinners back from a year ago, that is definitely not changing this season.
Head coach Bryan Case enters his 25th season overall having won 189 games in
his career. But the Titans have gone just 13-14 the past three years after recording eight straight seasons with at least seven wins.
Charlie Nattress, Jace Pedersen, Wyatt Mernka, Marshall Bundt, Hayden Stickrod, Garrett Krause, Evan Myers, Luke Patterson, Trendon Daniel, Max Hardy and Cooper Nattress all started last year, as South Central Calhoun finished
4-5.
“A new year brings about new challenges, but also brings about new opportunities,” Case said. “Our kids have been working hard to improve and hopefully their efforts will pay great dividends.
“Our expectations are
always high at South Central Calhoun. Some years are better than others, and it will be interesting to see where our 2025 team ends up, as only time will tell.”
Charlie Nattress, Pedersen and Mernka are seniors, Bundt, Stickrod, Krause, Myers and Patterson are juniors, while
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Bryan Case
SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN
TITANS , Continued from Page 32
Daniel, Hardy and Cooper Nattress are sophomores.
Patterson saw time at quarterback last year, throwing for almost 300 yards and four touchdowns. Stickrod is the leading returning rusher after racking up nearly 200 yards with a TD.
Krause was second on the team in receiving with 23 receptions for 323 yards and a team-leading four touchdowns, Charlie Nattress caught 20 balls for 285 and three scores, and Stickrod had 12 receptions for 71 yards with a TD.
“We have a good nucleus to build around with our team strength and speed,” Case said. “Our numbers are pretty average, and we are young or inexperienced in some positions. We also lack depth overall as a team.”
On defense, Stickrod, Patterson, Myers, Krause, Charlie Nattress, Mernka and Pedersen all had double-digit tackle totals. Nattress led the team with 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks while Patterson picked off two passes. Stickrod handled return duties as a sophomore.
Sept. 19 .................................................................. at South Hamilton
Sept. 26 Emmetsburg
Oct. 3 East Sac County
Oct. 10 ......................................................................... at Manson NW
Oct. 17 at Pocahontas Area
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SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN
2025 Schedule
Week 1 Aug. 29 Earlham
Week 2 Sept. 5 at Ridge View
Week 3 Sept. 12 IKM-Manning
Week 4 Sept. 19 at South Hamilton, Jewell
Week 5 Sept. 26 Emmetsburg
Week 6 Oct. 3 East Sac County
Week 7 Oct. 10 at Manson Northwest Webster
Week 8 Oct. 17 at Pocahontas Area
GREENE COUNTY
RAMS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR GREENE COUNTY are, front row (left to right): Phoenix Hartman, Brennan Jacobs, Trevon Keely, Degan Miller, Aden Bardole, Eyezayah Scheuermann, Keegan Lawrence, Joey Frantz and Jaron Jacobs. Back row: Drew Wolterman, Zack Stalder, Chris Daugherty, Broc Stream, Rafe Michaelsen, Moses Brown, Mason Haley and Teagan Chisholm.
EXPERIENCE DRIVING RAMS
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
Eleven returning starters and six additional letterwinners give the Greene County football team reason for optimism this fall.
The Rams, led by former Prairie Valley standout Caden Duncan, were 5-5 a season ago.
“We know that moving up to Class 3A will be a challenge, but we’re excited to meet that challenge and think we can surprise some people,” Duncan said. “We believe we have some real potential, and if we can continue to improve, build some depth and stay healthy, I think it could all come together.
“Our strength will definitely be at the skill positions. We have some real weapons on the outside on offense that could make us pretty explosive. On the defensive side, we return a lot of experience and talent in the back-seven, which
is exciting.”
Trevon Keely and Broc Stream are two leading receivers back. Keely, a track and field standout in the spring, caught 24 passes for 347 yards and a TD last year. Stream added 17 receptions for 278 and a team-leading three touchdowns.
Junior Zack Stalder gets the first look at replacing Crew Conner, as Stalder completed both of his pass attempts for 71 yards a year ago. He also showed off his legs with 38 yards and a TD on eight carries.
Aden Bardole, Chris Daugherty, Keegan Lawrence, Rafe Michaelsen, Drew Wolterman,
Coach: Caden Duncan, a graduate of Prairie Valley and Iowa State University, enters his seventh season with an overall record of 40-19.
RAM SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 ......................................... at Boone
Sept. 5 ..................... Woodward-Granger
Sept. 12 at Grand View Christian
Sept. 19 Saydel
Sept. 26 at Perry
Oct. 3 Carroll
Oct. 10 Atlantic
Oct. 17 at Creston
Oct. 24 at Harlan
Submitted photo
Caden Duncan
PREP FOOTBALL
WEBSTER CITY’S JAXON GRIFFITH runs the ball against Hampton-Dumont-CAL last season during a game in Webster City.
LYNX , Continued from Page 24
“We have several key positions returning this year, but also have some positions that we will have to replace,” Brim said. “Our schedule is really difficult like last year, but I feel like we can compete with anyone.
“Each week, we will have to be ready to compete.”
Griffith and Hrnicek were the leading tacklers a year ago, as Griffith had 56.5 stops and Hrnicek 52.5. They also had a combined 8.5 tackles for loss, as Dawson Bertran, Mickelson,
Kaleb Hansen, Beau Nohrenberg, Eli Estlund and Gavin Wynkoop recorded double-digit tackle totals.
Hrnicek recovered a team-high four fumbles and Griffith had a team-leading two interceptions while averaging 23.5 yards per kickoff return with a touchdown.
Israel Torres anchors the kicking duties, as he was 20 of 22 on extra-point attempts and tallied 14 touchbacks.
“Jaxon will be a big help as he is a
RAMS , Continued from Page 34
tremendous athlete,” Brim said. “Cole Nohrenberg anchors the offensive line while Eli Estlund is a key returner on both the offensive and defensive lines.”
Other returning letterwinners include Boston Farley, Grant Arends, Coyce Bertran, Zack Lahr, Cody Elliott, Nate Beaulieu, Adison Punkham and Jamey Stansfield.
Webster City opens the 2025 campaign at home against Spencer on Friday.
Greene County RAMS
Week 1 Aug. 29 at Boone
Week 2 Sept. 5 Woodward-Granger
Teagan Chisholm, Jaron Jacobs, Mason Haley and Degan Miller are other returning starters for the Rams this season. Phoenix Hartman, Joey Frantz, Eyezayah Scheuermann, Brennan Jacobs and Moses Brown are letterwinners back to help anchor the attack.
Daugherty led the team with
72.5 tackles a year ago, while both Bardole and Jaron Jacobs each had over 50 stops. Keely picked off five passes; Stream and Daugherty forced four combined turnovers.
“Being in 3A, we know our biggest challenge will be trying to match the depth of some of the teams we’ll face,” Duncan said. “Most of our
opponents will have quite a few more players than us, so we need to build some depth and find ways to combat that as the season goes along.”
The new district alignment sees Greene County conclude the season on the road against recent state contender Creston and perennial power Harlan.
Week 3 Sept. 12 at Grand View Christian
Week 4 Sept. 19 Saydel
Week 5 Sept. 26 at Perry
Week 6 Oct. 3 Carroll
Week 7 Oct. 10 Atlantic
Week 8 Oct. 17 at Creston
Week 9 Oct. 24 at Harlan
Proud Sponsors of Greene County 2025 Schedule
File photo
Carlson, who produced over 2,000 yards and 30plus touchdowns from the quarterback position. Nathan Baron and the Mustangs also return Jacksyn Hogrefe, Landen Kruse, Jackson Bellcock, Liam Gauley, Lincoln Gauley, Brayden Johnson and Gunnar Baron.
“I feel like Remsen St. Mary’s, St. Edmond, Kingsley-Pierson and GTRA are the teams to beat,” Newell-Fonda head coach Nathan Baron said. “We are looking to improve off last year and compete for a playoff spot.”
Harris-Lake Park and St. Edmond were district rivals in 2021 and ‘22, as the Wolves won both meetings. They return quarterback Mason Ahrenstorff, who threw for 745 yards and 10 touchdowns last year.
Leading rusher Adam Bensley is also back after racking up 416 yards and five scores with 10 receptions. Bensley was a leading tackler along with Tyler Wallace, Wyatt Wittrock, Caden Vant Hul and Jausten Baumgarn.
Another district newcomer that the Gaels have played before is Siouxland Christian, as the two met in 2021 with St. Edmond posting a 3914 victory. The Eagles feature senior Jackson Stansberry, who had almost 300 yards receiving and 103 yards rushing last year, but must replace do-everything quarterback Judah Bielenberg.
Bennett Pfister and Bram Bielenberg each had over 400 yards receiving, as Pfister caught a teamhigh five touchdowns. Bielenberg was the leading tackler as a sophomore, recording 57.5 stops.
Top returning players: Landon Howe, sr.; Tyler Koch, sr.; Cal Harvey, sr.; Easton Nissen, sr.; Wyatt Huisinga, sr.;Wyatt Klaschen, jr.; Skyler LopezPerez, jr.
2024 record: 4-4 overall, 2-4 in the district.
Coach: Travis Neumann is a Kingsley-Pierson graduate who played baseball at Mount Marty University.
PANTHER SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 ........................................ at Bishop Garrigan
Sept. 5 ................................... at Siouxland Christian
Sept. 12 Harris-Lake Park
Sept. 19 Remsen St. Mary’s
Sept. 26 at Newell-Fonda
Oct. 3 West Bend-Mallard
Oct. 10 ........................................................... at GTRA
Oct. 17 ....................................................... St. Edmond
REMSEN ST. MARY’S
Top returning players: Elijah Schroeder, sr.; Kinnick Mohning, jr.; Sam Gerrietts, jr.; Dalton Klein, soph.; Dayton Kneip, soph.; Tyten Waldschmitt, soph.; Beau Johnson, soph.; Reese Homan, soph.; Ty Schuttpelz, soph.
2024 record: 13-0 overall, 6-0 in district (8-player state champions).
Coach: Tim Osterman has led the Hawks to three state titles over the past five seasons.
HAWK SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Audubon
Sept. 5 at GTRA
Sept. 12 ..................................................... St. Edmond
Sept. 19 ...................................... at Kingsley-Pierson
Sept. 26 Harris-Lake Park
Oct. 3 Newell-Fonda
Oct. 10 at Siouxland Christian Oct. 17 North Iowa
SIOUXLAND CHRISTIAN
Top returning players: Jackson Stansberry, sr.; Bennett Pfister, sr.; Bram Bielenberg, jr.; Brayden Hoffman, jr.; Reed Hofstra, jr.
2024 record: 1-8 overall, 0-6 in the district.
Coach: Ryan Gillaspie is the head coach of the Eagles.
EAGLE SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Coon Rapids-Bayard
Sept. 5 Kingsley-Pierson
Sept. 12 East Mills
Sept. 19 ......................................................... at GTRA
Sept. 26 ..................................................... St. Edmond
Oct. 3 at Harris-Lake Park
Oct. 10 Remsen St. Mary’s Oct. 17 at Newell-Fonda
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Jack Webster, Matthew
Hanson
Max Webster. Back row: Grant Galles, Aaron Hindt, Ty Mericle,
EAGLES
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR EAGLE GROVE are, front row (left to right): Leelan Spencer, Arturo Reyna-Salazar, Aaron Alaniz, Jackson Babcock and Dylan Terwilliger. Back row: Reece Demuth, Camden Sisson, Gavin Pedersen, James Harle, Hayden Schafer, Adrian Whipple and Trenton Robinson. Not pictured: Christian Martinez and Jayden Kreitlow.
EXPERIENCE KEY FOR EAGLE GROVE
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
Twelve of the 14 returning letterwinners for Logan Willard and Eagle Grove football were starters a season ago. That experience should help them compete in a district that includes defending three-time Class 1A state champion Grundy Center, who the Eagles will see in the regular season finale. Seniors Leelan Spencer, Reece Demuth, James Harle, Christian Martinez and Hayden Schafer are joined by juniors Jayden Kreitlow, Gavin Pedersen, Arturo Reyna-Salazar, Trenton Robinson, Camden Sisson, Dylan Terwilliger and Adrian Whipple as starters, while
Aaron Alaniz and Jackson Babcock saw plenty of time on the field.
“We have a veteran group hungry to change our culture,” Willard said.
“To be successful, we will have to eliminate the kind of mistakes we made as a young team and show our experience.”
Whipple will be tasked with replacing Brett Ascherl at quarterback after seeing a handful of Logan Willard
Top prospect: Christian Schild, OL/DL, fr. 2024 record: 1-8 overall, 0-5 in district.
Coach: Logan Willard begins his sixth season leading the Eagles.
EAGLE SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Lake Mills Sept. 5 Ogden Sept. 12 West Fork Sept. 19 ............................................. at South Hardin Sept. 26 Central Springs Oct. 3 at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows Oct. 10 ............................................... Garner-Hayfield Oct. 17 at Grundy Center
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
EAGLES , Continued from Page 38
snaps as a sophomore. He has the benefit of Robinson being back, as he led the team with 579 yards rushing.
Spencer ran for 248 yards with a pair of scores and Reyna-Salazar rushed for 161 yards with a score, while adding four receptions for 82 yards to make him the leading returning receiver.
“Our team speed is a major plus for us,” Willard said. “We also have Adrian back with some varsity experience and a strong possession receiver in Gavin Pederson.”
Robinson, Terwilliger, Sisson, Schafer, Reyna-Salazar, Demuth, Harle and Martinez all had double-digit tackle totals. Martinez recorded seven tackles for loss, Schafer had 5.5 and Robinson five.
Both Robinson and Spencer handled return duties a year ago, with Robinson averaging over 20 yards per touch.
“We have to overcome some key losses up front,” Willard said. “We also need to develop more linemen to replace the ones we lost and for depth.”
Eagle Grove is seeking its first winning record since going 6-3 in 2017.
The Eagles open their season at Lake Mills this Friday night. Their home opener is next Friday against Ogden.
Home games versus West Fork (Sept. 12), Central Springs (Sept. 26) and Garner-Hayfield/Ventura (Oct. 10) are also on the docket.
THE CREDITS
The 68th annual Messenger Football Preview Edition was a combined effort of the sports staff and advertising department.
Messenger Sports Editor Eric Pratt and Assistant Sports Editor Chris Johnson designed, assembled and edited the tab. Staff members Pratt, Johnson and Dana Becker gathered information, wrote stories and typed in schedules, standings and collected other data. Pictures were taken by Britt Kudla, Phil Monson, David Borer and Greb Grabianowski. Nick Manwarren designed the cover. Kudla took the cover photo.
Best of luck to all Messenger-area programs in the upcoming football season. Please remember to call or e-mail results to our staff immediately after your games conclude. We are dedicated to providing the most extensive football coverage around, but we need your help in completing our mission!
EAGLE GROVE
COWBOYS
RETURNING PLAYERS FOR CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS are, front row (left to right): Kolton Hefti, Jairo Santis, Henry Holmes, Ryan Hartwig, Dawson
Beyer and Selvin Gonzalez. Back row: Joel Meier, Easton Beyer, Armando Melendez, Daven Duncalf, Charlie Campbell, JT Kelso, Greydon Frantz and Huxley Lingenfelter. Not pictured: Mason Warnke, Colin Sesker and Ryland Morgan.
COWBOYS AIM FOR UPWARD CLIMB
By DANA BECKER,
The Clarion-Goldfield/Dows football team returns 11 starters and four more letterwinners this year as they look to make a jump in Class 1A.
Coming off a two-win season, the Cowboys will be an experienced unit, led by senior starters Selvin Gonzalez, Henry Holmes and Ryan Hartwig. Mason Warnke, Huxley Lingenfelter, JD Morrical, Charlie Campbell, Cooper Nosbush and JT Kelso all started as juniors last year, while sophomores Ryland Morgan and Colin Sesker were also starters.
They are joined by the likes of Dawson Beyer, Easton Beyer, Armando Melendez
Caleb Vogel
and Daven Duncalf.
“We have a great group of guys who are coming together as one team,” C-G/D head coach Caleb Vogel said. “We have players stepping up and becoming great leaders. The athletes are excited about this season.
“We must take it one week at a time and worry about what we can control, believe we can be great and be 1-0 every single day.”
Top prospects: Joel Meier, OL/DL, sr.; Adam Holson, WR/DB, jr.; Calder Creason, OL/DL, jr.; Traesyn Cope, OL/DL, jr.; Paxton Lingenfelter, TE/ DB, fr.
2024 record: 2-7 overall, 0-5 in district.
Coach: Caleb Vogel enters his ffith season as head coach of the Cowboys and seventh overall. He will have a pair of former C-G/D head coaches helping him in Newt Lingenfelter and Paul Hansch.
COWBOY SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 Belmond-Klemme
Sept. 5 at Hampton-Dumont/CAL
Sept. 12 Estherville-LC
Sept. 19 at Central Springs
Sept. 26 Grundy Center
Oct. 3 Eagle Grove Oct. 10 at South Hardin Oct. 17 at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Sports Writer
another 326 with seven combined touchdowns last year in his first as a starting quarterback. Gonzalez was in the backfield with him, rushing for a team-high 698 yards and four scores while Campbell matched him with four touchdowns and 387 yards.
Lingenfelter was the leading receiver with 17 receptions for almost 300 yards and three scores. Kelso and Morgan were both starters
along the line for Clarion-Goldfield/ Dows.
On defense, Lingenfelter recorded a team-high 60 tackles with nine for loss and three sacks. Morrical, Kelso, Gonzalez, Warnke and Campbell all had over 10 tackles on the year.
“The work we have put in during the offseason will be a strength for us,” Vogel said. “We will have a lot of first-time varsity starters and
young kids in a lot of positions on both sides of the ball. These young athletes are eager to learn and are playing really hard to get better.”
The Cowboys forced 12 turnovers, including two interceptions by Morrical and a pick-six from Campbell, who also returned a kickoff for a score.
Clarion-Goldfield/Dows opens against Belmond-Klemme on Friday.
CLARION GOLDFIELD/DOWS
BULLDOGS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR ALGONA are, front row (left to right): Tyler Bradley, Taevyn Zinnel, Evan Allie, Mason Ulrich and Runier Trujillo. Middle row: Will Weichert, Carter Anderson, Caden Kuecker, Owen Moe and Cael Rotert. Back row: Tate Carter, Max Nevitt, Will Limbaugh, Brody Shipler, Nathan Manske and Tayten Rummel. Not pictured: Foster Myhre.
BULLDOGS WORK ON TRANSITION
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
A talented group of players that left their mark on Algona football have graduated, leaving some key holes to be filled this fall by head coach Andy Jacobson and his staff.
But Jacobson believes he has the returning players to do just that and make it three consecutive winning seasons at the school.
Seniors Tyler Bradley, Taevyn Zinnel, Evan Allie, Will Weichert, Foster Myhre, Quintin Frambach, Tate Carter, Carter Anderson, Tate Garman and Max Nevitt are among those back, as Zinnel,
Andy Jacobson
Allie, Weichert, Myhre, Frambach, Garman and Nevitt were all starters a year ago.
“We have many players with experience returning, but lost a great senior class,” Jacobson said. “We will need to work together in order to replace those players.
“But I really like our leadership, as this is a group that is working hard.”
Top prospects: Micah Kitzinger, WR/DB, jr.; Jacob Burns, QB/DB, soph.; Gage Gatton, OL/LB, soph.; Brooks Kuhlmann, RB/DB, soph.
2024 record: 9-2 overall, 4-1 in district.
Coach: Andy Jacobson begins his 12th season with the Bulldogs, as the former Manson Northwest Webster assistant is 58-50 overall.
BULLDOG SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 at Spirit Lake
Sept. 5 Carroll Kuemper
Sept. 12 at Forest City
Sept. 19 Waverly-Shell Rock
Sept. 26 ......................................at MOC-Floyd Valley
Oct. 3 Humboldt Oct. 10 Sioux Center Oct. 17 at Webster City
Photo by Greg Grabianowski
BULLDOGS
, Continued from Page 42
Joining them are Nate Manske, who now replaces his brother, current Iowa State quarterback Alex Manske, on a full-time basis after stepping in for him following an injury last fall. Brody Shipler is another returning starter while Caden Kuecker, Owen Moe, Cael Rotert, Will Limbaugh, Mason Ulrich, Runier Trujillo and Tayten Rummel join Manske.
Stepping in for Alex Manske, Nate Manske completed over 61 percent of his passes for 860 yards and 10 touchdowns, adding 140 yards and four TDs with his legs. Weichert was the leading rusher last year with 818 yards and nine scores, while Allie had a team-high 786 yards receiving.
Weichert is also a threat in the passing game after catching 16 passes for 136 yards. Allie averaged almost 25 yards on a handful of rush bursts.
Zinnel, Manske, Garman, Myhre, Shipler and Limbaugh all had over 10 tackles last fall, including four for loss and two sacks by Limbaugh. Zinnel also had nine tackles for loss and four sacks while Garman added four tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Allie had five interceptions, returning two for scores, as the Bulldogs forced 18 turnovers and scored four defensive touchdowns. Allie and Garman handled kickoff return duties.
Allie also had a punt return for another score.
Trujillo takes over full-time as the kicker after making 11 of 14 extra-point attempts last season.
The nine wins for Algona last year were the most since they went 11-1 in 2019 when they reached the state semifinals before falling to current Philadelphia Eagles star Cooper DeJean and OABCIG.
INDIANS , Continued from Page 30
“We need to stay healthy and develop some depth while competing against a tough schedule that is going to test us each week.”
Marsh, Shiflett, Welander and Bunda ranked among the leading tacklers, as Hudson picked off two passes and Welander recovered a pair of fumbles.
Welander also provides a strong returner, averaging 18.5 per kickoff last year while Dreith posted almost 18 on kickoff returns. Welander handled kicking duties for the Indians.
Coen Hammen, Ian Vote, Kellen Kincade, Xander Small, Gabe Halligan, Isaiah Dolan, Jonah Bullington and Brody Reis all saw time at the varsity level last year.
Messenger file photo
ALGONA’S EVAN ALLIE runs the ball in for a score against Humboldt during last season’s district contest in Humboldt.
Algona Bulldogs
BISHOP GARRIGAN
GOLDEN BEARS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR BISHOP GARRIGAN are, front row (left to right): Carter McGregor, Michael Joyce, Tate Foertsch and Lucas Behounek. Back Row: Nate Leerar, Madden Miller, Carter Schwab, Ethan Marso, Kayden Graves and Matt Besch. Not pictured: Kyle Bormann.
BEARS SET FOR ANOTHER TITLE PUSH
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
It has been an incredible two-year run for Marty Wadle and the Bishop Garrigan football team.
After going 12-1 and capturing the eightplayer state championship in 2023, the Golden Bears put together an 11-1 mark last year, reaching the semifinals once more. Ten total letterwinners are back from that squad, with eight of them having starting experience.
Leading the way is senior quarterback Tate Foertsch, who has been at the controls of the offense the past two seasons. Foertsch is joined by classmates Kayden Graves,
Marty Wadle
Carter Schwab, Ethan Marso, Carter McGregor, Lucas Behounek and Kyle Bormann, along with juniors Madden Miller, Mike Joyce and Nate Leerar.
“We should be competitive this year,” Wadle said. “We have to stay healthy, as we have a tough non-district schedule and a very good district.”
Foertsch threw for 1,049 yards and 16 touchdowns with just one interception,
See GOLDEN BEARS,
GOLDEN BEARS AT A GLANCE
BISHOP GARRIGAN
Returning letterwinners (10): Kayden Graves, OL, sr.; Carter Schwab, OL/DL, sr.; Madden Miller, TE/LB, jr.; Lucas Behounek, WR, sr.; Tate Foertsch, QB/DB, sr.; Ethan Marso, FB/LB, sr.; Carter McGregor, FB/DL, sr.; Kyle Bormann, WR/DB, sr.; Mike Joyce, WR/DB, jr.; Nate Leerar, OL/DL, jr.
Top prospects: Weston Rosenmeyer, TE/DE, jr.; Matt Besch, OL/DL, jr.; Karson Kramer, OL/DL, soph.; Titan Troyer, RB/LB, soph.; CJ McGregor, RB/ DB, soph.
2024 record: 11-2 overall, 6-0 in district.
Coach: Marty Wadle begins his 34th season leading the Golden Bears, where he has won 239
games overall including a state championship
GOLDEN BEAR SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 .......................................... Kingsley-Pierson
BISHOP GARRIGAN STANDS with its team trophy after reaching the 8-player semifinal round in Cedar Falls last year. The Golden Bears were the eight-player champions in 2023.
GOLDEN BEARS
adding another 454 yards and five scores with his legs. He is also a returning defensive starter.
Marso gets the first shot at replacing Trayton Cink, who ran for over 1,200 yards and 25 touchdowns. Marso had 601 yards and scored 17 times, as Bormann and CJ McGregor provide other backfield options.
Joyce caught 18 passes for 268 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore last season and is the leading returning receiver. Marso also had seven catches for nearly 100 yards.
On defense, Marso recorded 10 tackles for loss among his 59.5 stops, while Schwab had four sacks and Miller recorded 36 tackles. Joyce picked off five passes as the Golden Bears forced 21 turnovers.
, Continued from Page 44
“I feel like our offensive and defensive lines should be solid, and we return experience with Foertsch at quarterback, Marso at linebacker and both Schwab and Graves along the lines. “But we will be rebuilding a
BISHOP GARRIGAN QUARTERBACK Tate Foertsch runs in the UNI-Dome during the eight-man semifinals last season.
number of key areas and have to find some depth.”
Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla
WOLVERINES
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR WEST BEND-MALLARD are front row (left to right): Jayson Akridge, Cesar Falcon and Grady Goddard. Back row: Leydan Grimm, Abner Zaugg and Easton Montag.
WOLVERINES BUILDING MOMENTUM
By
The West Bend-Mallard football team will be chasing a fourth consecutive winning season after going 5-4 a year ago.
But to accomplish such a feat, they will need several newcomers to step into key roles on both sides of the ball.
Gone are leading rushers Austin Schmidt and Cole Fehr, who combined for over 1,700 yards on the ground and 29 touchdowns. Trent Morey will replace Schmidt at the quarterback position after rushing for 212 yards and two scores while completing a handful of passes a season ago.
Leydan Grimm and Cesar Falcon return in the backfield, as Grimm had
17 carries for 82 yards and three scores while Falcon added 61 and a touchdown.
“We have a young team this year with some great, hard-working, high-character players,” said former WB-M standout and current head coach Tyson Wirtz. “We have a lot of pieces to replace from last year on both sides of the ball, but we are looking forward to getting better every week and chasing a fourth straight playoff appearance.
Top prospects: Trent Morey, QB/DB, jr.; Easton Montag, OL/DL, soph.; Kacen Flynn, TE/DL, soph.; Leyton Veon, OL/DL, jr.; Cesar Falcon, FB/LB, jr. 2024 record: 6-4 overall, 4-3 in district.
Coach: Former West Bend-Mallard standout Tyson Wirtz enters his ninth season with the Wolverines, where he has won 25 games overall in his six seasons as head coach.
WOLVERINE SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 ...................................................................
Sept. 5 Rockford
Sept. 12 at Northwood-Kensett
Sept. 19 at North
Sept. 26
Oct. 3 at Kingsley-Pierson
Oct. 10 North
Oct. 17
at Bishop Garrigan
Photo by Greg Grabianowski
Wirtz
DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
E-HAWKS CONTINUE TO PROSPER
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
With 15 wins over the past two seasons, the Emmetsburg football team has restored some of the glory of past great E-Hawk squads.
Now, the goal is to remain a playoff qualifier and contender for championships.
Emmetsburg lost starting quarterback Gavin Swanson, running back Carson Baak and leading receiver Byron Maina from an 8-2 team, but returns leading rusher Bradyen Yates and Ryan Wirtz, along with Matthew Malm.
Malm filled in for Swanson after he suffered an injury, completing a handful of passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Malm also rushed for 95 yards with a score, while Yates was the leading rusher with 985 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Wirtz caught seven passes for 129 yards, and is joined by offensive contributors Owen Householder, Jack Wilcoxon, Drake Heim, Brennan Hasbrouch and MJ Bay. Householder, Wilcoxon and Hasbrouch all ran for over 100 yards as the E-Hawks piled up 3,631 on the ground.
E-HAWKS AT A GLANCE
EMMETSBURG
Top returning players: Matthew Malm, sr.; Tyce Jenness, sr.; Owen Householder, sr.; Jack Wilcoxon, sr.; Ryan Wirtz, sr.; Brennan
Oct. 3 ............................................................................................ Manson NW
Oct. 10 ............................................................................... at South Hamilton
Oct. 17 ................................................................................... East Sac County
Yates, Wirtz, Wilcoxon and Joe Fischer are among the leading returning tacklers, as Yates registerered 8.5 tackles for loss.
Tyce Jenness had two kickoff returns for touchdowns and also made 41 of 48 extra-point attempts with a field goal. Yates averaged almost 36 yards per punt.
1998.......... West Bend-Mallard 30, Madrid 24 (1A)
1998 Emmetsburg 43, Highland-Lone Tree 6 (2A)
1996. Guthrie Center 42, West Bend-Mallard 8 (A)
1994 WB-Mallard 16, Winfield-MU 15 (OT) (A)
1994............ Hudson 42, Pocahontas Area 22 (1A)
1993 Aplington-P’burg 26, Pocahontas Area 7 (1A)
1991 West Branch 42, West Bend-Mallard 13 (1A)
1990 Southern Cal 17, Parkersburg 10 (1A)
1990 Emmetsburg 22, Mount Vernon 21 (2A)
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla HUMBOLDT PLAYERS stand with their Class 3A state runner-up trophy in 2024.
1989..... Laurens-Marathon 41, N. Mahaska 26 (A)
1989 Emmetsburg 27, Mount Vernon 0 (2A)
1988 Solon 20, Emmetsburg 16 (2A)
1987 Wapsie Valley 28, Emmetsburg 21 (2A)
1986 Paton-Churdan 20, Sanborn 14 (4 OT) (A)
1986 Wapsie Valley 28, Emmetsburg 21 (2A)
1985 Bishop Garrigan 30, CR LaSalle 14 (2A)
1984............... Pocahontas 15, Center Point 6 (1A)
1984 Grundy Center 21, Emmetsburg 7 (2A)
playoff appearance.
“We have a tough group of guys that are willing to put in the work each week.”
Grady Goddard, Abner Zaugg and Jayson Akridge are other returning letterwinners and starters for the Wolverines. Easton Montag, Kacen Flynn and Leyton Veon look to play big roles.
“Our lineup up front will be led by Jayson Akridge and Abner Zaugg,” Wirtz said. “Leydan Grimm returns as a strong back and a leading tackler on the defensive side of the ball.
“We will certainly need to replace a lot of offensive production, as we graduated our two leading rushers and receivers. Defensively, we will be replacing our front line and secondary, but we are optimistic that a lot of new faces will step up to make big gains this year.”
Grimm had 54.5 tackles last fall, including 10.5 for loss with four sacks. Falcon made a field goal and five extra-points a season ago, while averaging just over 28 yards per punt attempt.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR NEWELL-FONDA are, front row (left to right): Gunnar Baron, Trevor Tauber, Jacksyn Hogrefe, Landen Kruse and Jackson Bellcock. Back row: Thomas Mercer, Ian Harrer, Will Voyles, Brayden Johnson, Lincoln Gauley and Liam Gauley.
MUSTANGS BANKING ON MORE GROWTH
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
With eight returning starters back from a season ago, the Newell-Fonda football team looks to improve upon their three wins.
The Mustangs, under the direction of Nathan Baron, will be road warriors early this fall. They play three consecutive games away from home to begin the year and four of their first five overall.
Seniors Trevor Tauber, Jacksyn Hogrefe and Landen Kruse lead the way, along with juniors Jackson Bellcock, Liam Gauley, Lincoln Gauley, Brayden Johnson and sophomore Gunnar Baron.
“We return six starters on offense and five on defense, so that is a good
place to start,” Baron said. “We are looking to improve off last year and compete for a playoff spot. We need to stay healthy, get better every single day and take advantage of our opportunities.
“We have three returning linemen back in Lincoln Gauley, Liam Gauley and Brayden Johnson, and I am looking for big seasons from Trevor Tauber, Jackson Bellcock, Jacksyn Hogrefe and Gunnar Baron.”
Tauber saw a handful of snaps at quarterback last year, rushing for over 100 yards. He will be tasked with replacing Max Carlson, who had over 2,000 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns. Bellcock ran for 100 yards while Baron was just short of that mark with 99. Hogrefe returns as the leading receiver
See MUSTANGS, Page 49
Nathan Baron
NEWELL-FONDA
MUSTANGS , Continued from Page 48
after catching 33 passes for 580 yards and six TDs. Baron had 14 receptions with a score.
On defense, Baron, Tauber, Bellcock, Hogrefe, Kruse, Liam Gauley and Lincoln Gauley all had double-digit tackle totals. Tauber and Hogrefe both picked off two passes, while Baron and Tauber handled kickoff return duties and Hogrefe punt return assignments.
Tauber had a kickoff return for a score, and Hogrefe brought a punt back.
Looking to help provide depth will be sophomores Ian Harper, Thomas Mercer and Will Voyles, along with freshmen Andrew Greenfield and Cody Wolf.
Top prospects: Ian Harper, SE/LB, soph.; Thomas Mercer, TE/DB, soph.; Will Voyles, OL/DL, soph.; Andrew Greenfield, B/DB, fr.; Cody Wolf, SE/DB, fr.
2024 record: 3-5 overall, 3-3 in district.
Coach: Nathan Baron enters his second season as head coach after spending two-plus decades as an assistant.
MUSTANG SCHEDULE
3A, DISTRICT 2
PREP FOOTBALL
EAST SAC COUNTY
RAIDERS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR EAST SAC COUNTY are, front row (left to right): Gabe King, Dawson Allen, Brooks Ludwig, Ryan Peterson and Carson Scmitt. Back row: Reef Lankford, Cal McCollough, Kade Snyder, Weston Julin, Seth Donelson, Mike Manzer and Tyler Renze.
VETERANS ANCHOR RAIDER CAMP
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
Prospects are high around the East Sac County football team entering the new season, as the Raiders return 12 letterwinners, led by eight starters.
Head coach Eric McCollough guided the program to three wins last year, including a 2-3 district mark. East Sac County has several 2024 playoff qualifiers on the schedule this fall including Manson Northwest Webster, South Hamilton, South Central Calhoun and Emmetsburg.
“We are looking to have a .500
Eric McCollough
record,” McCollough said. “We need to stay away from injuries and have our skill position players grow up fast because we are pretty young in those spots.”
The offensive and defensive lines should be a strong point, as Seth Donelson, Mike Manzer and Kade Snyder
Top prospects: Zach Jacobsen, WR/DB, jr.; Colson Kies, TE/LB, jr.
2024 record: 3-6 overall, 2-3 in district.
Coach: Eric McCollough begins his 22nd season
Photo by Dale Wegner, The Sac Sun
2024 AREA ALL-STATE SELECTIONS
CLASS 4A
Noah Daniel Fort Dodge 1st team
Jamarius Green Fort Dodge 2nd team
CLASS 3A
Coen Matson Humboldt 1st team
Keegan Groat Humboldt 1st team
Cael Donahe Humboldt 1st team
Alex Manske Algona 1st team
Jack Limbaugh Algona 1st team
Chase Flaherty Humboldt 2nd team
Jack Guy Humboldt 2nd team
Broedy Hendricks Humboldt 2nd team
Landon Halverson Humboldt 2nd team
Mason Van Pelt Humboldt 2nd team
Tate Slagle Algona 2nd team
CLASS 2A
Kamden Kinne Greene County 2nd team
Trevon Keely Greene County 2nd team
CLASS 1A
Kamden Birkey Manson Northwest Webster 2nd team
Matt Condon Manson Northwest Webster 2nd team
Carson Baak Emmetsburg 2nd team
Keegan Hammerlink Emmetsburg 2nd team
Justin Wirtz Emmetsburg 2nd team
EIGHT-PLAYER
Adam Walker St. Edmond 1st team
Trayton Cink Bishop Garrigan 1st team
Carter Schwab Bishop Garrigan 1st team
Ethan Marso Bishop Garrigan 1st team
Keaton Helleseth Bishop Garrigan 1st team
Koleman Hanson St. Edmond 2nd team
Clint Fehr West Bend-Mallard 2nd team
a second team all-state
for the Gaels in 2024.
fall.
2025 SCHEDULE
Week 1 Aug. 29 at IKM-Manning
Week 2 Sept. 5 Alta-Aurelia
Week 3 Sept. 12 MVAOCOU
Week 4 Sept. 19 at Manson Northwest Webster
Week 5 Sept. 26 South Hamilton, Jewell
Week 6 Oct. 3 at South Central Calhoun
Week 7 Oct. 10 Pocahontas Area
Week 8 Oct. 17 at Emmetsburg
Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
NOAH DANIEL was a first team all-stater for Fort Dodge last season.
Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla KOLEMAN HANSON kicks the ball for St. Edmond last season. Hanson was
selection
He returns this
NORTH UNION
WARRIORS
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR NORTH UNION are, front row (left to right): Cooper Hoye, Drew Henderson, Khael Jones, Jackson Hutchinson, Carson Crouch, Caden Zotz and Christian Reyes. Back row: Lane Bruhn, Cole Nicoson, Max Merrill, Hudson Tirevold, Jeff Walker and Greyson Colegrove.
WARRIORS ARE READY TO REBOUND
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
Matt Ernster and the North Union football team make the transition to eightplayer this fall with 10 starters back and a handful of returning letterwinners.
The Warriors won two games a year ago after winning five each of the two seasons prior.
Seniors Drew Henderson, Jeffrey Walker, Cole Nicoson, Khael Jones and Draven Keeler are joined by juniors Max Merrill and Greyson Colegrove as starters back. Christian Reyes, Carson Crouch and Lane Bruhn were also
Matt Ernster
starters as freshmen a year ago.
John Waller, who missed the 2024 season, is back, along with juniors Caden Zotz and Cooper Hoye.
“We are excited for the new challenges that this season will present,” Ernster said. “We return a good portion of our
Sept. 19 ...................................................... at Rockford Sept. 25 ........................................................... at GTRA
Oct. 3 ................................................... Bishop Garrigan Oct. 10 ...................................... at West Bend-Mallard Oct. 17 ........................................ Northwood-Kensett
Submitted photo
NORTH UNION
WARRIORS , Continued from Page 52
team and felt we were better than our record indicated.
“Having so many back with experience will be huge for us, as the injury bug last year derailed some things we wanted to do.”
Colegrove threw for over 500 yards and ran for 507 with seven touchdowns in 2024, while leading rusher Keeler returns after racking up 645 yards and seven scores.
Jones was the top receiver, catching 20 passes for 273 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Hoye, Zotz and Henderson all produced in the passing game.
“We have good size along both lines,” Ernster said. “We also feel like we will be athletic in the skill positions and have good depth from our upper classes that will allow us to play a lot of players.”
Henderson, Zotz, Colegrove, Hoye, Jackson Hutchinson, Nicoson, Walker and Merrill all had double-digit tackle totals, as Merrill was the team leader with 38 stops. Nicoson had six tackles for loss and Walker added four.
Reyes made all 13 of his extra-point attempts, and Crouch averaged almost 30 yards per punt.
EAST SAC COUNTY
Donelson, Mike Manzer and Kade Snyder all return as seniors inside the trenches. Juniors Brooks Ludwig, Cal McCollough and Tyler Renze are also back up front.
Weston Julin is likely to get the first opportunity at quarterback, replacing Sam Julin, who had over 1,000 yards passing and 15 touchdowns last year. The sophomore got his feet wet with varsity time a season ago.
Carson Schmitt is the top returning running back after rushing for 135 yards on 22 carries last year. Gabe King also saw time out
RAIDERS , Continued from Page 50
of the backfield as a sophomore. Dawson Allen is back after catching nine passes for 86 yards and three scores, as is Ryan Peterson, who had a receiving touchdown.
King will anchor the defense a season removed from recording 93 tackles, 80 of which were solo stops, with nine for loss. Schmitt was in on 70.5 tackles while Snyder, Donelson, Allen, Peterson and Reef Lankford saw time on that side of the football.
“We will be strong along the lines and at linebacker, as Gabe is the leading returning tackler in
1A,” McCollough said. “Carson is a playmaker, and Cal McCollough will be key on the offensive line. “We don’t have a lot of roster depth and are pretty young at quarterback, along with needing to overcome the loss of a lot of decent skill players.”
A pair of juniors looking to help in that department are Zach Jacobsen and Colson Kies.
The Raiders are looking for their first winning season since going 5-4 in 2018.
East Sac County kicks off the year at IKM-Manning on Friday.
IOWA CENTRAL
THE IOWA CENTRAL FOOTBALL TEAM CELEBRATES after winning the Game One Bowl in Cedar Falls last season. The Tritons have won seven straight bowl games under head coach Jesse Montalto.
TRITONS CONTINUE TO CLIMB
By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer
Jesse Montalto reached the 50-win mark last year as head coach of the Iowa Central football team.
Under Montalto’s guidance, the Tritons have taken seven consecutive postseason games, highlighted by a convincing victory over North Dakota State College of Science in the Game One Bowl to finish 6-6.
Injuries played a key for Iowa Central, as they used six different players at quarterback in 2024, including four who made a start. The good news, though, is three of them return in sophomores Tyler Smith, Ty Purdy and Trevon Taylor, who threw a combined 21 touchdowns with just four interceptions.
“All three of those guys are capable of leading us,” Montalto said. “Trevon should be cleared from ACL surgery soon. We brought in Demarcus Creecy, who is one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen at quarterback. He’s a smart player, and was at Delaware (with former ICCC star) Zach
Marker.
“It’s going to be another grind week after week. The Kansas schools just reload each season, and Iowa Western is always going to be tough.”
JESSE MONTALTO
Iowa
Central football coach
receivers. He is joined by Dalen Huston, Darrion Gilliam and Jacob Kania.
“Kamare might be the best receiver I’ve ever had,” Montalto said. “We’ve got some really good pieces around him back, too.”
Kuinan Kunary from Marshalltown and Alan Pond from Storm Lake anchor the offensive line, along with Jordan Jensen, Jaime Johnson and Nolan Anderson, the younger brother of Bryce Anderson.
“One thing that came out of all the injuries we went through last year is the number of kids we were able to get on the field. They gained some valuable experience because they were thrown out there.”
The Tritons will need to replace AllAmerican Cyncir Bowers, as he is now competing for carries in the backfield at West Virginia. Bowers racked up over 1,000 yards rushing and more than 800 more all-purpose yards while scoring 15
times.
Also gone are the Top-6 receivers from 2024, including Bryce Anderson, who is now at Memphis.
Anthony Hall, the second-leading rusher last year with 224 yards, returns. So does CJ Phillip, who helped Southeast Polk capture the 2023 Class 5A state championship with five TDs in the finals.
Kamare Williams, who previously committed to Louisville and held offers from the likes of LSU, Miami, Florida and Penn State, leads a new crop of wide
“We had a really good scrimmage against Morningside,” Montalto said. “We did a lot of really good things, but did get some guys banged up that we’ll hopefully have back here soon.”
The defense will feature a number of Div. I transfers, including Will Norman and Andre Morris from Florida, Austin Chambers from Auburn, Tristan Davis from Arizona and Jalil Muhammad from LSU.
“We just felt like (the defensive front)
Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Athletics
IOWA CENTRAL
IOWA CENTRAL’S ANTHONY HALL cuts upfield during last year’s Game One Bowl game in Cedar Falls. Hall will be back for his sophomore season.
TRITONS , Continued from Page 54
was a position we needed to improve on,” Montalto said. “We were working on several in-state kids, but instead we hit the transfer portal hard and came away with some really high-end impact players.
“I feel like we are way more talented at that spot than we have been in the past.”
Taylor Schaefer, Caleb Chebuhar from Southeast Polk, Christian Barney from Iowa City Liberty and Batpiny Riak of Bondurant-Farrar are at linebacker, while returnee Kadarius Williams leads the secondary that brought in Michigan State transfer Ahmad Grayer along with Jaden Turner and Aiden Burrell-Warfield.
Montalto, who previously served as head coach at Ellsworth, is now 50-29 with Iowa Central. He is a
IOWA CENTRAL SCHEDULE
TRITONS
Aug. 30 Central Lake College, 2:30 p.m.
Sept. 13 at Highland, 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 Hutchinson, Noon
Sept. 27 at Iowa Western, 2:30 p.m.
Oct. 4........................................................................... Dodge City, Noon
Oct. 11 ....................................................... at College of DuPage, 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 .................................................................... at Coffeyville, 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 ....................................................................... at Ellsworth, Noon
Nov. 8 Independence, Noon
Nov. 15 at Garden City, 11 a.m.
Nov. 22 Butler, Noon
perfect 11-0 in bowl games over his coaching career.
The 2025 schedule will see the Tritons match up with the defending national champion in Hutchinson and the runner-up from a year ago in Iowa Western. Those two start the season ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the country.
Also on the docket is fourtime defending NJCAA Div. III champion College
of DuPage, 14th-ranked Butler and No. 7 Garden City. Coffeyville and Dodge City are both receiving votes and are opponents for Iowa Central this fall along with Highland, Ellsworth and Independence.
“It’s going to be another grind week after week,” Montalto said. “The Kansas schools just reload each season, and Iowa Western is always going to be tough.”
Photo courtesy of ICCC Athletics TRITON TEAMMATES
(left to right) Ty Purdy, Derrion Gilliam and Jacob Kania celebrate a play.
Veteran members of the coaching staff include Jeremy Conley, Mitch Buhler, Justice Clegg, Dave Mann and Gavin Blomberg, as Shawn Simmons, Otis Yelverton and Tyran Finley complete Montalto’s group.
Conley is the defensive coordinator and Buhler directs the offense.
