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M A N S O N

N O R T H W E S T

W E B S T E R

F O O T B A L L INDEX

TEAM PREVIEWS

Fort Dodge.................................................3 St. Edmond..............................................12 Iowa Central.............................................55 Algona.....................................................42 Bishop Garrigan.......................................44 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows...........................40 Eagle Grove.............................................38 East Sac County.......................................50 Emmetsburg............................................31 Greene County........................................34 Humboldt.................................................24 Manson Northwest Webster....................20 Newell-Fonda...........................................48 North Union.............................................52 Pocahontas Area......................................30 South Central Calhoun.............................32 Southeast Valley......................................22 Webster City............................................28 West Bend-Mallard..................................46

DISTRICT PREVIEWS

Eight Player-1...........................................17 Class 4A-1...............................................26

PHOTOS

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

THE MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER FOOTBALL TEAM returns nine all-district players in 2026 as they build on their run of consecutive district championships.

THE COUGAR CLIMB By CHRIS JOHNSON, Assistant Sports Editor

o have a successful football program, a lot of variables come into play. As such, Zach Noffsinger likes to make sure Manson Northwest Webster controls what it can. There are a lot of factors and situations that go into a productive season. A clear-cut and defined expectation in many of the areas that don’t necessarily require skill or talent, in Noffsinger’s eyes, helps breed achievement and consistency. That’s what Noffsinger has applied during his stint as the MNW football coach. The result? Two consecutive district titles. “There have to be expectations that are the same no matter what type of team you have,” said. “Success breeds success, but the

players have to understand what is expected and buy into those concepts. “They know that they’ll have to commit and compete first and foremost here.” Noffsinger, who enters his fifth year as the program’s head coach, went 1-7 in his first season. The Cougars won three times in year two, then started to turn a corner. They’ve won 14 of 19 since. “Winning solves a lot of issues,” Noffsinger said. “My first year we were only 1-7, but the guys continued to believe in everything. They wanted to help turn all of this around.” See MNW, Page 37

Fort Dodge................. 3, 4, 5, 6, 26, 27, 39 St. Edmond........12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 36 Iowa Central.............................................55 Algona.....................................................42 Bishop Garrigan.......................................44 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows...........................40 East Sac County.......................................50 Eagle Grove.............................................38 Greene County........................................34 Humboldt.................................................24 Manson Northwest Webster....................20 Newell-Fonda...........................................48 North Union.............................................52 Pocahontas Area......................................30 South Central Calhoun.............................32 Southeast Valley......................................22 Webster City............................................28 West Bend-Mallard..................................46

COMPOSITE SCHEDULES

Area districts...................................... 58-59 Major in-state college..............................35 NFL..........................................................60 ON THE COVER: Manson Northwest Webster returning all-district players are (left to right): Coy Moline, Aiden Nelson, Charlie Sturgis, Tegan Thoma, Jaggar Wolfe, Elliott Droste, Jackson McGuire, Isaiah Daggett and Logan Salazar.

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D O D G E

Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS AND SENIORS FOR FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Will Jones, Cael Adams, Patrick Clay, Javion Soppeland, Kyree Rochon, Conrad Greathouse, Ezrah Barkhaus, Jayce Skow and Kingston Phillips. Middle: Jayden Stanley, Kellin Crouse, Aiden Grady, Zak Jorgensen, Will McElroy, Sam Moser, Kason Exhevarria, Amari McCaleb and Rylan Crouse. Back: Luke Beckley, Reggie Pederson, Alex Beekman, Brody Maehl, Coy Nichols, Tru McBride, Spencer Smith, Max McQuillen and Korben Davis. Not pictured: Jayon Preston-Grady.

DODGERS EYE SUSTAINED SUCCESS By ERIC PRATT, Sports Editor

Preseason expectations were sky high for the Fort Dodge football team a year ago. The Dodgers responded by posting an 8-1 regular-season record and securing a Top-10 ranking before bowing out against eventual state runner-up Newton in the Class 4A playoffs. Head coach Nik Moser’s squad isn’t getting the same amount of attention or notoriety heading into the 2026 campaign.

First team all-state superstar Dreshaun who is 33-23 overall Ross is gone, along with University of through six seasons at the Iowa recruit Noah Daniel and nine other helm. “And that’s fine. all-district performers. Nothing matters (opinion There is a quiet confidence in FDSH’s wise) or is decided in the camp as a new year approaches, though. summer. You have to The Dodgers maybe aren’t as proven as prove it on the field; things they were last fall at this time, but they’re may change and evolve more ready to prove themselves than ever Nik Moser with this sport, but that before. 7th season never does. “This group likes to compete, and “We’re just focused, like they also feel like they’re being a little always, on getting better every day and overlooked and undervalued,” said Moser, going from there. The rest will take care of

itself. I’m way more worried about Mason City (the Dodgers’ opening opponent on Friday) than what’s going to happen come Week 8 or Week 9. We have no idea where we’ll be at that point. If we keep working hard and improving, though, we have the ability to accomplish some of our main goals.” Fort Dodge has a combined record of 15-5 over the last two seasons. The See DODGERS, Page 4

2026 DODGER FOOTBALL

Seniors (21) — Jayon Preston-Grady, 225, DL; Tru McBride, 220, QB; Will McElroy, 190, RB; Ezrah Barkhaus, 175, DB/RB; Kyree Rochon, 150, WR; Sam Moser, 196, DB; Jayce Skow, 190, LB; Alex Beekman, 240, DL; Cal Pederson, 160, WR; Javion Soppeland, 150, DB; Patrick Clay, 165, DB; Kason Echevarria, 225, LB; Will Jones, 180, DB; Kingston Phillips, 210, FB; Kellin Crouse, 230, OL; Korben Davis, 230, OL; Zak Jorgensen, 215, TE; Rylan Crouse, 165, K; Jayden Stanley, 190, LB; Teddy Johnson, 210, DL; Conrad Greathouse, 140, K. Juniors (19) — Luke Beckley, 230, DL/RB; Cael Adams, 210, LB/FB; Reggie Pederson, 175, DB/QB; Dexter Johnson, 145, WR; Spencer Smith, 175, WR; Anthony Roberts, 175, LB; Eli Pritchard, 145, DB; Riley Klein, 150, DB; Caleb Heath, 165, DB; Zach Palm, 160, DB; Amari McCaleb, 185, LB; Fernando Ortega, 170, RB; Jesse Flores, 215, DL; Brody Maehl, 265, OL; Coy Nichols, 265; Kaden Nichols, 235, DL; Landon Johnson, 300, OL; Nolan Ahrens, 210, OL; Bryce Tessandori, 255. Sophomores (10) — Mason Hughes, 165, WR; Lane Peed, 150, QB; Mykel Benedict, 200, LB/RB; Jon Lockner, 150, DB; Jaysawn Jackson, 185, DB; Andrew Olson, 170, RB; Lance McQuillen, 260, OL; Max McQuillen, 291, OL; Teagan Grandors, 260, DL; Mason Dornath, 144, WR.

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Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

RECEIVERS AND TIGHT ENDS FOR FORT DODGE are, front row (left to right): Mason Dornath, Dexter Johnson, Kyree Rochon and Michael Hall. Back: Joshua Fuller, Zak Jorgensen, Spencer Smith, Mason Hughes and Kingston Phillips.

DODGERS, Continued from Page 3 Dodgers haven’t finished with three consecutive winning campaigns since 1950-52, and their playoff victory drought currently stands at 31 years. In order to change both, Moser will rely on the experience of 14 returning starters — including 11 with all-district honors already on their resume. “There is potential, but that can be a scary word,” said Moser, the 2025 Class 4A, Region 2 coach of the year. “You never really know. There will be ups and downs and adversity you can’t predict or anticipate. It all depends on how you respond to both the good and the bad and if you can keep a level head through it all.” OFFENSE The Dodgers were relatively productive moving the ball last fall, averaging 338.5 yards per game and reaching the 35-point mark on five different occasions. Yet

Moser’s squad also had four contests — including their playoff opener — in which they scored less than 10 points. With eight veterans back in the stable, Moser sees his team’s identity being built around this seasoned group. “I think maybe we’re a little more ‘offense’ than ‘defense’ in who we are compared to (2025),” Moser said. “We have four offensive linemen back with experience, a three-year starter at quarterback, a three-year starter at running back, and a lot of guys who have already been effective and productive catching the ball.” First team all-district tailback Will McElroy and first team wideout Cal Pederson join returning second teamers Tru McBride (quarterback), Zak Jorgensen (tight end) and Brody Maehl (offensive line) as the core veterans. McElroy rushed for 873 yards and five touchdowns a year

ago; the 6-foot-3, 220-pound McBride — an all-state baseball player this past summer — passed for 1,247 yards and eight scores. Jorgensen and Pederson joined classmate Kyree Rochon as reliable McBride targets in 2025. “Will is a little lighter and quicker than last fall,” Moser said. “He’s very tough and physical. Tru looks as good as he has so far. He’s really embraced both the understanding of what we’re doing and his leadership role. The game continues to slow down for him. “Zak and Cal became very dependable and have only continued to get better. Zak is 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds. He’s steady, consistent and versatile. Cal emerged in district play and was good with the pressure on to make a catch.” Ezrah Barkhaus (231 yards rushing last season) gives Moser both another option and dimension in the backfield. “He

knows everything we do and is a terrific complement and change of pace next to Will,” Moser added. Rochon can “turn a five-yard catch into something big. He’s dynamic,” Moser said. Junior Dexter Johnson, junior Spencer Smith and sophomore Mason Hughes “will all get their chance” at times from another deep Dodger receiving corps. Maehl is now 6-6 and 265 as a junior. He’ll be flanked up front by fellow veteran linemen Coy Nichols (6-5, 260) and Korben Davis (6-1, 230). Nichols is a junior; Davis, a senior. “Our line is really coming along,” Moser said. “Brody is an outstanding overall athlete. Coy can be both a guard and a tackle. Korben has spent time at both guard and center. They’re the anchors.” See DODGERS, Page 5

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D O D G E

Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

DEFENSIVE BACKS FOR FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Eli Pritchard, Caleb Heath, Zach Palm, Jon Lockner, Riley Klein and Jaysawn Jackson; Back: Javion Soppeland, Ezrah Barkhaus, Reggie Pederson, Sam Moser, Patrick Clay and Will Jones.

DODGERS, Continued from Page 4 Moser likes what he sees early from sophomore Max McQuillen (6-2, 291), and also pointed to the progress of junior Bryce Tessandori (6-2, 255), senior Kellin Crouse (6-0, 230) and sophomore Lance McQuillen (5-11, 260). “You need depth on the lines, so we’re going to keep building,” Moser said. “When you have a quarterback like Tru (nearly 2,800 career yards and 26 TD passes) and a strong nucleus around him, you can push the envelope a little as far as what you can do and how you do it. “I think we’ll be pretty balanced offensively and can make adjustments depending on the opponent.” Senior Conrad Greathouse will kick.

McBride, McElroy and Jorgensen have team defensive line), as well as junior all been voted captains for 2026. regulars Cael Adams, Reggie Pederson and Luke Beckley. DEFENSE “We will continue to be physical, and Even without the ubiquitous Ross and I like our speed on the defensive side,” linchpins like Daniel and Jesse Egli, the Moser said. “We’re not afraid to hit and cupboard is far from bare for a defense that swarm to the ball.” held seven different opponents to 14 points Preston-Grady and Beekman were or less last year. both effective up front as juniors, as was Seniors Sam Moser (defensive back) Beckley as a sophomore. and Jayon Preston-Grady (defensive line) “A lot of athleticism there,” Moser said. are ready for a third season of varsity “Alex is 6-5 and 235. He can play any of ball after both attaining first team all- our three defensive line positions. He’s a district and third team all-state honors in man. He works hard and does a nice job. “Jayon’s made a lot of plays for us the 2025. They will be flanked by fellow alldistrict selections Jayce Skow (first team last two years. He runs really well. So does linebacker) and Alex Beekman (second Luke. He’s 6-3 and 230, yet he’s a 100-

yard dash kid in track.” Fort Dodge has plenty of length. The Dodgers will roster 14 players who are listed at 6-foot-2 or taller, including seven projected starters. Sophomore Teagan Grandors (230) has been a drain clogger in the middle at nose guard so far. Junior Kaden Nichols (235) adds to the depth in the trenches as well. The linebacker unit is anchored by Skow, another three-year starter, in the middle. “He knows the defense really well and understands leverage. Jayce is just another See DODGERS, Page 6

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DODGERS, Continued from Page 5 hard-nosed, tough kid,” Moser said. “It’s nice having him back with everything else being kind of a work in progress.” Adams, a second team all-district fullback, is joined by junior Amari McCaleb and sophomore Mykel Benedict in the running next to Skow. “They all have a high ceiling, but they’re still learning how to be both consistent and efficient,” Moser said. “They’re going to be really good once they grasp what they’re doing, where they’re going and why at this level on a regular basis.” Sam Moser — like McBride, a Div. II Wayne State (Neb.) College recruit — quarterbacks the secondary in his third season on the varsity field. The 6-foot-1, 196-pound safety is the son of Moser — a former Dodger all-stater himself and Iowa State defensive back — and the grandson Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver of Hall of Fame FDSH football coach Sam Moser. RUNNING BACKS FOR FORT DODGE in 2026 include (left to right): Ezrah Barkhaus, Luke Beckley, Will McElroy and “I’m obviously a proud dad, but from a Andrew Olson. Not pictured: Cael Adams. sheer football perspective, Sam’s progress is the kind of thing you can really point to as a point of emphasis and pride with our program,” Nik Moser said. “He was 5-9 and 145 pounds as a sophomore. He put in the time and the effort in the offseason for two years to get to this point. “He’s grown into a really solid football player. And he’s done a nice job of adjusting See DODGERS, Page 39 Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

Have a Great 2026 Football Season

S 19 inc 67 e

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN for Fort Dodge are (left to right): Jesse Flores-Polanco, Teagan Grandors, Alex Beekman, Kaden Nichols, Luke Beckley. Not pictured: Jayon Preston-Grady.

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CODE RED 2026-2027

Code Red Photo Row 1 L to R: Ray' Zaria Parker, Casey Alexander, Sophie Brown, Kiersten Schumacher, Jersey Grall, Kenleigh Simonson, Evie Barlow, Gretta Pratt Row 2 L to R: Finley Farrell, Eliana Yeoman, Aubrey Rees, Maddy Potts, Madi Smith, Makenna Brown, Catherine Bristow, Lexi Grim, Kinley Walker, Kennedy Eastwood, Leia Hruska Row 3 L to R: Alyssa Waldera, Macy Jones, Olivia Daniel, Jayde Naeve, Izzabella Prather, Taleyah Douglas, Evelyn Deal, Breylin Feeley, Carson Lamoureux Row 4 L to R: Valyn Friedrichs, Emerson Pender, Piper Sheda, Leah Myer, Hadley McKinney, Auda Sells, Carley Johnson, Emma Mason

L to Right : Row 2 L to R: Row 3 L to R:

Aubrey Rees, Evie Barlow, Gretta Pratt, Finley Farrell, Makenna Brown, Kiersten Schumacher, Sophie Brown, Casey Alexander, Kinley Walker , Jersey Grall Eliana Yeoman, Maddy Potts, Audra Sells, Valyn Friedrichs, Alyssa Waldera, Carley Johnson, Leah Myer, Madi Smith, Ray' Zaria Parker Carson Lamoureux, Breylin Feeley, Emerson Pender, Olivia Daniel, Jayde Naeve, Izzabella Prather, Evelyn Deal, Emma Mason, Kenleigh Simonson, Hadley McKinney

Row 1 L to R: Kinsley Huse, Mya Flogstad Row 2 L to R: Olivia Archibald, Nayeli Brown, Maurynn Grell, Millie Potts

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GAELS HOPE TO KEEP BUILDING By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

For the first time in a decade, the St. Edmond football team finished off backto-back winning campaigns in 2025. That helped the Gaels reach the playoffs in both years, and for the third time since 2020 under head coach Matt Dillon. That’s all in the past now, though, as the page turned to 2026 and a new version of the Green and White is prepared to tackle what is to come. “A lot of unknowns right now,” said Dillon, who is entering his ninth season at the helm. “We’ve got talent, that’s for sure, but how we put it together will be the biggest piece of the puzzle. “We graduated a pretty Matt Dillon big senior class that helped 9th season us lay the foundation for what we want, and with just three seniors this year, we’re going to be pretty young.” Ty Mericle, Griffin Laufersweiler and Jacob Nieland form that senior class, as they are joined by returning varsity regulars Matthew Crimmins, Blake Bartlett, Coltin Fevold and Julian Blanco. “We’re going to use the early start we got to try and figure things out before the district games begin,” Dillon said. “Those guys like Ty, Griff, Jacob, Matthew, Blake, Coltin and Julian...we know we’re getting big-time play out of them. “What we need is to figure out who we are putting next to them out on the field.” See GAELS, Page 13

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Ty Mericle, Matthew Crimmins, Jack Webster and Coltin Fevold. Back: Griffin Laufersweiler, Jacob Nieland, Thomas Ehn, Julian Blanco and Blake Bartlett. 2026 GAEL FOOTBALL

ROSTER Seniors (3): Ty Mericle, 170, QB/WR/DB; Griffin Laufersweiler, 150, WR/ DB; Jacob Nieland, 265, OL/DL. Juniors (5): Thomas Ehn, 200, QB/TE/DB; Jack Webster, 185, OL/LB; Matthew Crimmins, 175, RB/LB; Coltin Fevold, 210, TE/WB/LB; Hunter Singer, 225, OL/DL. Sophomores (10): Cal Reisner, 150, QB/DB; Jace Stanley, 140, WR/DB;

Keenan Isaacson, 160, OL/LB; Cainan Cooper, 155, WR/DB; Julio Galvan, 140, RB/LB; Blake Bartlett, 215, TE/DE; Tate Mundie, 210, OL/DL; Sam Touney, 190, OL/DL; Julian Blanco, 245, OL/DL; Parker Webb, 140, OL/DL. Freshmen (9): Quynton Clark, 125, WR/DB; Jack Stucky, 150, QB/RB/LB; Max Mundie, 135, QB/DB; Gavin McClain, 160, RB/LB; Mark Crimmins, 125, WR/DB; Kason McNeil, 150, OL/DL; DJ Hinds, 150, WR/DB; Joe Alvarez II, 245, OL/DL; Corbyn Clark, 125, RB/DB.

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E D M O N D

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

DEFENSIVE BACKS FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Corbyn Clark, Quynton Clark, Jack Stucky and Jace Stanley. Back: Ty Mericle, Griffin Laufesweiler, Thomas Ehn, Cal Reisner and Cainan Cooper.

GAELS, Continued from Page 12 The Gaels added a Week 0 game with West BendMallard after Siouxland Christian canceled its season earlier this year. St. Edmond dropped the opener to the Wolverines. That also meant, though, the squad has been on the practice field since Aug. 3. “It’s been huge for us,” Dillon said. “Getting in not only that extra week of practice, but a live game before Week 1 is going to help us.”

OFFENSE Two-year starter Ethan Swisher was part of that senior class that has moved on, leaving the quarterback position to Thomas Ehn. The junior, who turned himself into a key piece of the Gael pitching staff this past summer on the diamond, threw six passes last year. “Thomas has all the tools,” Dillon said. “He’s very confident, can make all the throws and has a big arm.

We’ve got the guys around him to have a very succesful season.” Crimmins is the leading returning rusher after racking up 108 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries a year ago. Fevold, who played along the line as a sophomore, will move to a new role this fall. See GAELS, Page 14

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Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

RECEIVERS FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Qynton Clark, Jace Stanley and Max Mundie. Back Row: Griffin Laufersweiler, Ty Mericle, Coltin Fevold, Blake Bartlett and Cainan Cooper.

GAELS, Continued from Page 13 “Matthew is as tough as they come,” Dillon said. “He loves contact. Coltin is in the same mold, and I feel like we’ll have a strong 1-2 punch in those two guys, with both being able to play either wingback or tailback.” Top rushers Kinnick Henning and Aaron Hindt are gone, taking with them over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns. Mericle is the leading returning receiver, as he caught 14 passes for 142 yards a year ago. He was also the sixth-

man on the state championship basketball team for St. Edmond in 2025-26, with Bartlett — another baseball standout — back at tight end. “Ty and Griff give us two really good receivers that can play inside or outside,” Dillon said. “Blake is a strong kid that has the size to be very effective over the middle.” They will be counted on to replace Grant Galles and Jakob Koopman. Galles was an all-stater and Koopman led the squad with 34 receptions for 548 yards and seven

touchdowns in 2025. Nieland, Blanco and Hunter Singer will handle offensive line duties. “I’ve always been a big believer in building a team around the talent that you have,” Dillon said. “It’s great to be able to say you can do this or do that, but if you don’t See GAELS, Page 15

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E D M O N D

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Hunter Singer, Kason McNeil, Sam Touney, Jack Webster and Keenan Isaacson. Back: Parker Webb, Julian Blanco, Jacob Nieland, Coltin Fevold and Joe Alvarez.

GAELS, Continued from Page 14 have the people do to it, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to “I feel like our defense is going to be a strength for us,” try and run through the meat grinder.” Dillon said. “We’ve got some real talent there in guys like Coltin and Matthew. Gavin has been playing very well for DEFENSE us as a newcomer.” Fevold was one of the leading tacklers for the Gaels a Bartlett, Blanco and Nieland are slated to start along the year ago, making 38 stops with six tackles for loss and a defensive line. Bartlett had 31 tackles with four for loss quarterback sack while forcing three fumbles. and a sack as a freshman. Blanco, a sophomore, added 18 He will be joined at linebacker by Crimmins, who tackles with four for loss and two sacks. Nieland had 18 had 18 tackles with four for loss and two sacks, Ehn and tackles with three for loss and a sack. potentially freshmen Gavin McClain and Jack Stucky. “Those guys all do a great job of rushing the

quarterback,” Dillon said. “We’ve got some good size and strength in our front-six.” Mericle and Laufersweiler provide stability in the secondary. Both played last year on that side of the ball. “In eight-player football, those guys are your last line of defense,” Dillon said. “They’ve got to be able to contain the big play and not let guys get behind them.” See GAELS, Page 16

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GAEL SCHEDULE

Aug. 28.........................................Glidden-Ralston Sept. 4......................................... at Newell-Fonda Sept. 11....................................Remsen St. Mary's Sept. 18................................... at Bishop Garrigan Sept 25............................................................ Bye Oct. 1........................................................ at GTRA Oct. 9.......................................at Harris-Lake Park Oct. 16.........................................Kingsley-Pierson

GAELS, Continued from Page 15 SPECIAL TEAMS St. Edmond shined on special teams over the past few years thanks to the play of Galles and Koleman Hanson. Galles returned two punts for touchdowns as a senior and had four TDs on kickoffs as a junior. Hanson, meanwhile, recorded 40 touchbacks on 45 kickoffs, making 28 extra-points and three field goals during his Gael career. “We kind of took for granted all that Koleman did — especially on kickoffs,” Dillon said. “We’ll be a two-point (conversion) team for the most part this year.” Ehn will add kicking duties to his plate, with Stucky also a candidate. SCHEDULE AND COACHES St. Edmond got an early start on the season with the Week 0 game vs. West Bend-Mallard, which they dropped by a final of 60-26 after giving up the last 30 points of the contest. The Gaels will play three of four to start the year at Dodger Stadium, hosting Glidden-Ralston on Friday. The first district game for St. Edmond will be on the road at Newell-Fonda, followed by an early Homecoming on Sept. 11 vs. Remsen St. Mary’s. A road trip to defending state champion and long-time rival Bishop Garrigan comes up a week later, before a bye due to Siouxland Christian forfeiting the season and joining with Remsen St. Mary’s. St. Edmond opens October at defending district champion GTRA and Harris-Lake Park, before closing out the regular season back home for the first time in over a month vs. Kingsley-Pierson. Dillon will once again be assisted by Mark McDermott, Lucas Daniels, Rod Riessen and Kevin Astor. Daniels is also the head junior varsity coach. “It’s a great group of guys,” Dillon said. “We’ve been together now for several years, with Kevin coming on at the start of last season. “We have fun and joke around with each other, but at the end of the day, we’re here for the kids and football.”

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

LINEBACKERS FOR ST. EDMOND are, (left to right): Coltin Fevold, Matthew Crimmins, Mark Crimmins, Jack Stucky and Gavin McClain.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

QUARTERBACKS for St. Edmond are (left to right): Thomas Ehn and Cal Reisner.

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D I S T R I C T

Friday, August 28, 2026

P R E V I E W

PARITY A THEME IN DISTRICT RACE By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

The teams of Eight-Player, District 1 received some interesting offseason news when Siouxland Christian opted to cancel its upcoming season. While the Eagles agreed to share with Remsen St. Mary’s, that left schools looking to add a game to their planned schedule. A year ago, Siouxland Christian cancelled its entire season and Remsen St. Mary’s — the defending state champions going into the season — was forced to sit for multiple weeks after injuries ravaged the roster. On the field, GTRA returns as the reigning champs, as the Titans went a perfect 6-0 to claim the title. But like many programs, they lost a strong senior class to graduation. “It’s going to be interesting to see who gets off to a good start with so many unknowns in the district,” SEHS head coach Matt Dillon said. “Most of us will be using the early non-district games to get a feel for what exactly we have.” Quarterback Teagan Hanson graduated for GTRA, but another Hanson could be the favorite to replace him. Brooks Hanson completed 9 of 14 passes as a freshman for 106 yards, including a touchdown. All but just over 100 rushing yards also graduated, with sophomore Jaxson Nock and senior Landen Dietrich the top returners. Dietrich is the top receiver back after catching six passes for 115 yards. Brady Harris will anchor the GTRA defense, as the senior recorded 73 tackles last year, with Callaway Kajewski recording 42, including four for loss. The Titans have gone 15-3 over the past two seasons, and own 35 wins since 2021. Another playoff trip for St. Edmond resulted in a second straight five-win campaign last fall. The Gaels will be replacing much of that production, though, including all-stater Grant Galles. Junior Thomas Ehn is set to replace Ethan Swisher at quarterback, while Matthew Crimmins — who had 108 yards rushing and two scores a year ago — and Coltin Fevold will get the majority of the snaps out of the backfield. Ty Mericle and Blake Bartlett will be tasked with replacing the production

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

OFFENSIVE BACKS FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Max Mundie, Matthew Crimmins, Jace Stanley, Mark Crimmins and Jack Stucky. Back: Gavin McClain, Coltin Fevold, Thomas Ehn, Cainan Cooper and Jack Webster.

of Galles and Jakob Koopman. Mericle caught 14 passes for 142 yards in 2025, while Bartlett had two for 21. Fevold, Bartlett, Crimmins, Julian Blanco and Jacob Nieland anchor the defense for the Gaels. Kingsley-Pierson finished behind St. Edmond in the district race after falling to the Gaels in the final week of the 2025 regular season, 24-20. The Panthers went on to fall to eventual state champion Bishop Garrigan in the opening round of the playoffs. Landon Howe led the Kingsley-Pierson offense a year ago, but he graduated.

Junior Darius Rasmussen rushed for 151 yards and two scores on 16 carries, while Sam Wyatt Klaschen and Sam Doeschot each had over 100 yards receiving and caught three TDs each. The Panthers will have senior Kieryn Schmid and juniors Ryker Ross, Alexander McCoy and Jackson Neumann back along the line. On defense, Klaschen had 56 tackles, with seven for loss. One benefit to the injury bug that hit Remsen St. Mary’s was that it forced the Hawks to play a number of underclassmen. Dalton Klein complted 54 of 108 passes for 732 yards and 14 touchdowns as a

sophomore, adding 453 yards and four scores on the ground. He is joined in the backfield by classmate Dayton Kneip, as he rushed for 158 yards and had 227 yards receiving with four total TDs. Beau Johnson, another junior, led the way with 26 receptions for 453 yards and 10 touchdowns. On defense, Johnson, Klein, Reece Homan, Tre Galles, Lucas Sheehan, Ty Schuttpelz and Sam Gerrietts are all back. Klein had 42 tackles to lead the squad. See 8 PLAYER-1, Page 36

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2026 ST EDMOND GAELS CHEERLEADERS

Front row: Alex Leiting, Sophia Schlienz, Abby Tofilon, Lizzy Tiernan Second row: Jade Rock, Greenlee Crimmins, Charlie Stucky, Abby WebsterBreckyn Ulrich, Aislynn Axne Back row: Kiersten Schumacher, Clara Brown, MiaBella Johnson, Grace Schlegel, Brooklyn Swisher, Lauren Scott

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GO GAELS! 2026 Football Schedule School

Date

St. Edmond, Fort Dodge

School

Date

JV Schedule St. Edmond

Week 2

Aug. 28

at Glidden-Ralston

Week 1

9/1/26

Don Bosco Football

Week 3

Sept. 4

Newell-Fonda

Week 2

9/8/26

Collins-Maxwell High School

Week 3

9/14/26

St. Edmond Arena

Week 4

9/21/26

St. Edmond Arena

Week 5

9/28/26

North Union High School

Week 4

Sept. 18

Bishop Garrigan, Algona

Week 5

Sept. 25

at Siouxland Christian

Week 6

Oct. 1

GTRA

Week 6

10/5/26

West Bend-Mallard High School

Week 7

Oct. 9

Harris-Lake Park

Week 7

10/12/26

Iowa Central Community College

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M A N S O N

N O R T H W E S T

W E B S T E R

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

COUGARS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER are, front row (left to right): Jackson McGuire, Parker Ollinger, Brody Bush, Tyler Jaeschke, Cameron Wood, Elliott Droste and Jaggar Wolfe. Back: Isaiah Daggett, Mason Prince, Charlie Sturgis, Tegan Thoma, Aiden Nelson, Logan Salazar and Coy Moline.

MNW TARGETS THE NEXT LEVEL By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Two-time defending district champion Manson Northwest Webster returns a number of key players from a six-win season in 2025, which included a postseason victory. The Cougars will be leaning heavily on seniors Isaiah Daggett, Coy Moline, Charlie Sturgis, Tegan Thoma, Jaggar Wolfe, Aiden Nelson, Elliott Droste, Jackson McGuire and Cameron Wood. Moline, Sturgis, Thoma, Wolfe, Nelson, Droste, McGuire and junior Logan Salazar were all starters a

Zach Noffsinger

year ago. Juniors Mason Prince and Parker Ollinger, along with sophomores Tyler Jaeschke and Brody Bush, provide more varsity experience. “We return a strong senior group,” MNW head coach Zach Noffsinger said. “Assuming we stay healthy, I believe we can compete

See COUGARS, Page 21

COUGARS AT A GLANCE MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER Returning letterwinners (14): Isaiah Daggett, sr.; Coy Moline, sr.; Charlie Sturgis, sr.; Tegan Thoma, sr.; Jaggar Wolfe, sr.; Aiden Nelson, sr.; Elliott Droste, sr.; Jackson McGuire, sr.; Logan Salazar, jr.; Cameron Wood, sr.; Tyler Jaeschke, soph.; Brody Bush, soph.; Mason Prince, jr.; Parker Ollinger, jr. Top prospects: Cole Judisch, jr.; Hayden Irwin, soph.; Drake Young, soph.; Ben Hart, soph. 2025 record: 6-3 overall, 5-0 in district. Coach: Zach Noffsinger begins his fifth season

with the Cougars and eighth overall as a head coach.

COUGAR SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ........................................ at Southeast Valley Sept. 4 .................................................... MVAOCOU Sept. 11 ........................................................at Ogden Sept. 18 ...................................... at East Sac County Sept. 25 .......................................... Pocahontas Area Oct. 2 .......................................................Emmetsburg Oct. 9 .............................. at South Central Calhoun Oct. 16 ..............................................South Hamilton

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COUGARS, Continued from Page 20 among the top teams in our district. I believe most teams in the district will be better, so we need to be at our best.” Moline is one of the leading returning rushers after piling up 1,268 yards with 15 touchdowns. He also had 67 tackles on defense and picked off three passes. Daggett looks to build off his junior season at quarterback, where he completed 28 of 48 for 540 yards with three TDs. Sturgis had over 100 yards receiving, and Thoma was just under that mark. Sturgis added 230 yards rushing. Wood and McGuire contributed in the ground game as well. On defense, Sturgis ranked among MNW’s leaders with 54 tackles. He had 12 for loss, with three quarterback sacks. Nelson, Wolfe, Droste, Thoma and McGuire each had over 20 tackles. “I look for us to be carried by a lot of our seniors on both sides of the ball,” Noffsinger said. “We return a lot of guys, but many of them have been shuffled to different positions that they did not play last year. “We have a few sophomores that will be playing that need to show they are ready for Friday nights.” Cole Judisch, who had a strong track and field season this past spring, is among the top prospects for Noffsinger along with sophomores Hayden Irwin, Drake Young and Ben Hart.

THE CREDITS The 69th 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 data. Pictures were taken by Britt Kudla, Brandy Mills-Carver and Greg Grabianowski. Michelle Colshan designed the cover. Kudla took the cover photo in Manson. 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! —The Messenger Sports Staff

Messenger file photo

COY MOLINE was a Class 1A second team all-state selection as a junior in 2025 for two-time defending district champion Manson Northwest Webster.

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S O U T H E A S T

V A L L E Y

Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News

JAGUARS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR SOUTHEAST VALLEY are, front row (left to right): Conner Rentz, Mason Bahr, Logan Jaeschke, Bryce Harrison, Alex Burger, Casey Hanson and Evan Frana. Back: Josh Martens, Owen Pudenz, Jake Patterson, Clay Lambert, Deegan Brandel, Korbin Spangler, Trevynn Anderson, Ian Brunner, Kolton Ollinger, Kyle Eastman and Spencer Peterson.

STRONG NUCLEUS BACK FOR JAGS By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

The Southeast Valley football team saw first-hand some of the top Class 2A programs last year, including the eventual state champion Carroll Kuemper. The schedule will once again feature the Knights, along with playoff qualifiers Manson Northwest Webster, Emmetsburg, Okoboji, Spirit Lake and OABCIG. With 19 returning letterwinners, including several key starters, the Jaguars will try to navigate that run with more success.

Mike Swieter

Seniors Logan Jaeschke, Casey Hanson, Ian Brunner, Bryce Harrison, Alex Burger, Kyle Eastman, Clay Lambert, Evan Frana, Spencer Peterson, Trevynn Anderson, Mason Bahr, Kolton Ollinger and Owen Pudenz are flanked by juniors Korbin Spangler, Deegan Brandel, Connor Rentz, Josh Martens See JAGUARS, Page 23

JAGUARS AT A GLANCE SOUTHEAST VALLEY Returning letterwinners (19): Logan Jaeschke, sr.; Casey Hanson, sr.; Korbin Spangler, jr.; Ian Brunner, sr.; Bryce Harrison, sr.; Alex Burger, sr.; Deegan Brandel, jr.; Kyle Eastman, sr.; Clay Lambert, sr.; Connor Rentz, jr.; Evan Frana, sr.; Spencer Peterson, sr.; Trevynn Anderson, sr.; Mason Bahr, sr.; Kolton Ollinger, sr.; Owen Pudenz, sr.; Colton Haug, jr.; Josh Martens, jr.; Jacob Patterson, jr. 2025 record: 3-5 overall, 1-4 in district. Coach: Mike Swieter has spent the past 24 seasons with the program, leading them to a

state championship. He is 147-98 overall in his coaching career. JAGUAR SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ..............................................Manson NW Sept. 4 ...........................................at Emmetsburg Sept. 11 ...................................at South Hamilton Sept. 18 .......................................... Estherville-LC Sept. 25 ................................ at Carroll Kuemper Oct. 2.......................................................at Okoboji Oct. 9 ...................................................... Spirit Lake Oct. 16 ......................................................OABCIG

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JAGUARS, Continued from Page 22 and Jacob Patterson. “We have some very good speed at the wide receiver position,” Southeast Valley head coach Mike Swieter said. “We are not very big along either line.” Bahr and Hanson shared quarterback duties last year, as the duo completed 89 of 144 passes for 1,235 yards and 18 touchdowns. Hanson was the leading rusher for the Jaguars, piling up 621 yards with nine touchdowns. Jaeschke had 44 receptions for 551 yards and eight TDs, Harrison caught 26 passes for 450 and five, and both Brunner and Burger had big plays. Brandel led the Southeast Valley defense with 68 tackles including seven for loss, as Jaeschke had 61 stops and Harrison 53. Jaeschke picked off two passes on defense and Harrison averaged 21 yards per kickoff return. Peterson returns to handle the kicking duties, as he made 25 of 33 extra-point attempts and a field goal while averaging over 35 yards per punt. The Jaguars went 3-5 a season ago, posting wins over Eagle Grove, Clarion-Goldfield/Dows and Saydel. Two of their five defeats came by a total of five points.

Messenger file photos

SOUTHEAST VALLEY’S MASON BAHR (top photo) tries to complete a pass against Manson Northwest Webster last season in Manson. Logan Jaeschke (left photo) makes a catch against the Cougars.

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H U M B O L D T

Photo by Phil Monson, The Humboldt Independent

WILDCATS SENIORS FOR HUMBOLDT are, front row (left to right): Jaxson Kirchhoff, Cooper Theesfeld, Nash Palmer, Weston Vik, Joe Constable and Noah Lange. Back: Carter Reed, Broedy Hendricks, Cash McIntire, Levi Rieck, Griffin Groat and Karter Simonson.

KEY ATHLETES POWERING ‘CATS By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

A handful of key returning players will mix with a large group of top prospects for Humboldt head coach Derrick Elman this fall. The Wildcats put together a 4-5 mark a year ago, just missing out on a playoff appearance in Class 3A. Seniors Cash McIntire, Broedy Hendricks, Jaxson Kirchhoff, Griffin Groat, Karter Simonson and Nash Palmer are joined by junior Dane Clark to form the nucleus of what Humboldt wants to do this season. McIntire led the team with 822 yards

rushing and nine scores as a junior, adding 10 receptions for 156 yards and another score. Kirchhoff had 14 receptions for 140 and two TDs while Clark hauled in five passes for 80 yards. “I feel the strength of this team will be our run game,” Elman said. “It starts with Derrick our offensive line, as Noah Elman Lange and Griffin Groat See WILDCATS, Page 25

WILDCATS AT A GLANCE HUMBOLDT Returning letterwinners (7): Cash McIntire, sr.; Broedy Hendricks, sr.; Jaxson Kirchhoff, sr.; Dane Clark, jr.; Griffin Groat, sr.; Karter Simonson, sr.; Nash Palmer, sr. Top propspects: Noah Lange, sr.; Cooper Theesfeld, sr.; Levi Rieck, sr.; Luke Olberding, jr.; Dawson Sleiter, jr.; Joe Constable, sr.; Braden Downs, jr.; Brady Roth, jr.; Carter Fischer, jr.; Caden Fredin, jr.; Carter Strait, jr.; Noah Elman, soph. 2025 record: 4-5 overall, 2-3 in district. Coach: Derrick Elman enters his ninth season leading the Wildcats, where he has gone 52-31

overall with two appearances in the Class 3A state championship game. WILDCAT SCHEDULE Aug. 28 .......................................................at Spencer Sept. 4 ...................................................at Clear Lake Sept. 11 ............................................................ Carroll Sept. 18 ............................................................. Ballard Sept. 25 ............................................ at Webster City Oct. 2 ..................................................................Algona Oct. 9 ............................................. MOC-Floyd Valley Oct. 16 ............................................ at Bishop Heelan Oct. 23 ...................................................Sioux Center

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Friday, August 28, 2026

H U M B O L D T

Messenger file photos

HUMBOLDT SENIORS Broedy Hendricks (left) and Cash McIntire are both back to help lead the Wildcats in 2026.

Check out The Messenger every week for scores and highlights

WILDCATS, Continued from Page 24 have started games for us. We add in Joe Constable, along with Karter Simonson, Luke Olberding, Carter Fischer and Grant Goodell, to support both Cash McIntire and Jaxson Kirchhoff. “Dane Clark looks to have a breakout junior year, with Levi Rieck, Cooper Theesfeld, Dawson Sleiter and Brady Roth competing at receiver. Both Caden Fredin and Noah Elman are battling for the quarterback spot.” Hendricks anchors the defense, as the all-stater and fouryear starter racked up 61 total tackles with eight for loss. Groat had 63 tackles in 2025, and Palmer had 54 stops. Constable, a two-year starter at Fort Dodge, is set to play on both the offensive and defensive lines. “Broedy will shift to linebacker, where he will be joined by both Griffin Groat and Nash Palmer to give us three senior starters,” Elman said. “We have a number of key players we need to replace, but those seniors did a tremendous job of molding the current seniors.” Since the 2020 season, Humboldt has gone a combined 46-19, including two 11-win and one 10-win campaigns. The schedule will be a tall task for the Wildcats, as they play three of five games on the road to start, including trips to North Central Conference rivals Clear Lake and Webster City. Humboldt also heads to Sioux City to play Sioux City Heelan in Week 8. The Crusaders reached the 3A title game last fall.

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NO SHORTAGE OF TALENT IN 4A-1 By ERIC PRATT, Sports Editor

The Class 4A, District 1 race is expected to be extremely competitive top to bottom in 2026. Defending champion Sergeant BluffLuton, which reached the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome for a second consecutive season, has a combined record of 21-3 over the last two years. The Warriors return University of Northern Iowa recruit Xavier Jones at linebacker, along with fellow first team all-district performers Beckett Verros (running back), Brody Wegher (kicker) and Alex Brodersen (offensive lineman). Six other 2025 second team all-district choices are back in the SB-L stable as well. The Warriors have won 10 or more games an impressive six times in the last 11 years under the direction of Justin Smith. They’ve advanced to the semifinals in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2024 and 2025. Smith is 98-38 overall in 13 years at the SB-L helm. “They’re the frontrunner until proven otherwise,” Fort Dodge head coach Nik Moser said. “A lot of really solid pieces coming back again. They’ve been to the semifinals each of the last two years and were hands-down the best team in the district (last fall). “They’re going to be tough again, without question.” The Dodgers were the league runnerup last season, going 4-1 with a loss to the Warriors. All-state superstar Dreshaun Ross — the district’s defensive MVP — graduated and is now wrestling for Oklahoma State. Fort Dodge also lost current Iowa Hawkeye Noah Daniel, along with nine other all-district selections. Moser does welcome back 14 athletes with starting experience, though, including 11 who have garnered previous district honors. “I think we could have a pretty high ceiling, but there’s a lot to prove and we need to stay healthy,” said Moser, who is trying to guide the Dodgers to their third consecutive winning campaign for the first time in 74 years. “We have some question marks and uncertainty like every other team does right now. It’s all a matter of how we develop (the newcomers) to

Messenger photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN FOR FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Nolan Ahrens, Aiden Grady, Lance McQuillen, Kellin Crouse and Bryce Tessandori. Back: Coy Nichols, Korben Davis, Landon Johnson, Brody Maehl and Max McQuillen.

complement our veterans, because we have a good senior group (21) and almost all of them will have a chance to see the field on a regular basis.” Like SB-L and Fort Dodge, Le Mars also reached the postseason a year ago. The Bulldogs were ousted in the opening round by the Warriors. First team all-district defensive lineman Chase Hammons joins second teamers Joaquin Hernandez (running back) and Jaxen Hoag (defensive lineman) as the key veteran pieces anchoring the squad in 2026. “Le Mars is just a really well-coached program,” Moser said. “They’ll be ready. They always are. Coach (Ken) Vigdal does an outstanding job of getting the most out of each group he has (the Bulldogs have been .500 or better every season since 2022).” Spencer had a rare down year in 2025, going 3-6. Moser doesn’t expect that

to become a trend with the Tigers, who have second team all-district talents Cole Farrell (offensive line), Ryan Berends (linebacker), Talen Lorenzen (defensive line) and Larson Vulk (defensive back) returning this fall. “Spencer will be better,” Moser said. “That’s another program that knows its identity and what works under (veteran head) Coach (Jim) Tighe. Like Le Mars, they’re always gritty with a lot of hardnosed kids.” Storm Lake has “arguably the best receiver in 4A” coming back in David William, according to Moser. Last year, the 6-foot-1 William — like Fort Dodge’s Tru McBride and Sam Moser, a Wayne State (Neb.) College recruit — caught 58 passes for 987 yards and 10 touchdowns. See 4A-1, Page 27

Messenger photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

FORT DODGE QUARTERBACKS are (left to right): Reggie Pederson, Tru McBride and Lane Peed.

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4A-1, Continued from Page 26 Second team running back Marco Cortes-Oropeza and second team defensive utility player Ta Eh Soe are seniors alongside William for the Tornadoes. “They’ve always got talented pieces,” Moser said of Storm Lake. “That’s our Homecoming game (Oct. 9), so we’ll have to be ready and focused without (succumbing to) distractions.” Sioux City West’s Tavin Irvine threw for 561 yards and ran for 501 more as just a sophomore a year ago, accounting for 10 total touchdowns. Irvine’s father, Frank, is the Wolverines’ head coach. “They played a lot of young guys (in 2025), and Irvine is a multi-faceted kid who can beat you in a lot of different ways,” Moser said. “This is going to be a tough district top to bottom. You’ll have to really work to get to the upperechelon, and there won’t be any easy nights.”

Messenger photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

FRESHMEN FOR FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Mark Cook, James Kavanaugh, Kai Lewis, Zar Mericle, Kinnick Phillips, Davontrae Dungy and Kaelib Mersch. Second: Talen Beekman, Teegan Rees, Ronan Kavanaugh, Maxten Ruhnke, Jimmy Dillard, Lou Moser and Andrew Heath. Third: Emilio Cardenas, Ethan Tjalsma, Tyler McKenzie, Brody Evans, Jacob Caldwell, Ryker Woodruff, Jerry Crockett. Back: Zion Craig, Makai Kliegl, Lucas Terranova, Brenley Wertz, PJ Mosley, Walker Sanders, Gavin Blow, Krewe Seltz and Nolan Lawler.

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W E B S T E R

C I T Y

Photo by Patrick Coons

LYNX RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR WEBSTER CITY are, front row (left to right): John Wilwerding, Grant Arends, Coyce Bertran, Alex Staley, Kaleb Hansen and Zack Lahr. Back: Peyton Weisberg, Grayson Simonton, Boston Farley and Israel Torres.

LYNX TRY TO GET BACK ON TRACK By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Eight starters return from a three-win campaign in 2025 for Webster City, led by senior Coyce Bertran, Grant Arends, Luke Blake, Israel Torres, Kaleb Hansen, John Wilwerding and Zack Lahr, along with junior Boston Farley. The Lynx, under the direction of third-year head coach Andy Brim, have high hopes this fall. They also boast two other letterwinners in junior Peyton Weisberg and sophomore Grayson Simonton. “The goals remain the same: to be competitive against the best teams in this part of the state on a weekly basis,” Brim said. “Our offensive line

should be a strength, along with Kaleb Hansen at tailback, Coyce Bertran on defense and Israel Torres handling kicking duties.” Hansen split carries in the backfield a year ago, rushing for 562 yards and four touchdowns. Bertran, Blake, Torres and Farley are all candidates to help Andy replace the production lost due to Brim graduation. Wilwerding and Lahr return along the lines, with Weisberg joining them. See LYNX, Page 29

LYNX AT A GLANCE WEBSTER CITY Returning letterwinners (10): Coyce Bertran, sr.; Grayson Simonton, soph.; Grant Arends, sr.; Luke Blake, sr.; Israel Torres, sr.; Kaleb Hansen, sr.; Boston Farley, jr.; John Wilwerding, sr.; Peyton Weisberg, jr.; Zack Lahr, sr. 2025 record: 3-6 overall, 2-3 in district. Coach: Andy Brim begins his third season as head coach of the Lynx after spending 17 years as an assistant.

LYNX SCHEDULE Aug. 28 .............................at Iowa Falls-Alden Sept. 4 ...................................... at Fort Dodge Sept. 11 ...........................................Clear Lake Sept. 18 .............................................at Gilbert Sept. 25 ............................................Humboldt Oct. 2 ...................................... at Sioux Center Oct. 9 ......................................... Bishop Heelan Oct. 16 ................................................at Algona Oct. 23 ................................MOC-Floyd Valley

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LYNX, Continued from Page 28 Bertran had 44 tackles a year ago, with Arends recording 42, including 10 tackles for loss. Farley made 11 stops, two of which were for loss. Torres made 21 of 24 extrapoint attempts and one field goal, averaging over 32 yards per punt. “We have a lot of new faces,” Brim said. “We’ll need to replace quite a bit of our offensive production.”

Messenger file photo

WEBSTER CITY makes a group tackle against Fort Dodge at Lynx Field last season. The Dodgers won in a defensive slugfest, 7-6.

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A R E A

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

INDIANS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR POCAHONTAS AREA are, front row (left to right): Xander Small, Coen Hammen, Brody Reis, Isaiah Dolan and DJ Buhsmann. Back: Blake Shimen, Adam Marsh, Bailey Hoover, Braden Hudson, Gabe Halligan and Karson Welander.

BIG NUMBERS BACK FOR PAC By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

The Pocahontas Area football team returns 11 key letterwinners, with 10 of them having starting experience, to the field in 2026. Seniors Brayden Hudson and Coen Hammen are joined by juniors Karson Welander, Adam Marsh, Xander Small, Gabe Halligan, Isaiah Dolan, Bailey Hoover and Brody Reis, along with sophomore Blake Shimon. Senior DJ Buhsmann is a returning letterwinner. Welander was second on the team a year ago with 276 yards rushing, scoring two touchdowns,

Mike Ehn

as he led with 35 receptions for 392 yards and three more scores. Hudson and Small both ahd over 100 yards receiving. “We must stay healthy,” Pocahontas Area head coach Mike Ehn said. “We can compete each week if we can develop some depth and play together.” Marsh is the top returning tackler, as the junior recorded 89 See INDIANS, Page 31

INDIANS AT A GLANCE POCAHONTAS AREA Returning letterwinners (11): Brayden Hudson, sr.; Coen Hammen, sr.; Karson Welander, jr.; Adam Marsh, jr.; Xander Small, jr.; Gabe Halligan, jr.; Isaiah Dolan, jr.; Bailey Hoover, jr.; Brody Reis, jr.; Blake Shimon, soph.; DJ Buhsmann, sr. Top prospects: Collin Ihde, sr.; Levi Meier, sr.; Ryan Hauswirth, soph.; Micah Clark, soph. 2025 record: 2-6 overall, 1-4 in district. Coach: Mike Ehn enters his 13th season

as head coach of the Indians, with this being his 25th season overall in the program. INDIAN SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ......................................Sioux Central Sept. 4 .............................at Lawton-Bronson Sept. 11 ........................................Alta-Aurelia Sept. 18 ....................................... Emmetsburg Sept. 25 ................................. at Manson NW Oct. 2 ................................. at South Hamilton Oct. 9 .................................... East Sac County Oct. 16 .................at South Central Calhoun

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E-HAWKS RIDING HOT STREAK By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Friday, August 28, 2026

E-HAWKS AT A GLANCE

EMMETSBURG The Emmetsburg football team will look to return to Top returning players: Brennan Hasbrouck, jr.; Joe Fischer, sr.; the postseason behind a handful of key returning players. Junior Brennan Hasbrouck ran for 689 yards as a Drake Heim, jr.;Aidyn Opheim, sr.; Gage Ditch, sr.; Jovani Barragan-Peters, sophomore, which ranked second on sr.; Marc Maina, jr. 2025 record: 6-3 overall, 4-1 in district. the team behind Bradyen Yates and Coach: Ben Thomsen returns to lead the E-Hawks this fall. Tyce Jenness, who have both graduated. Hasbrouck scored five touchdowns last E-HAWK SCHEDULE year on the ground. Aug. 28 ................................................................................ at Estherville-LC The E-Hawk defense will also be leaning Sept. 4 ..................................................................................Southeast Valley on Hasbrouck, as he had 61 tackles a year ago with eight for loss and two sacks. Gage Sept. 11 ................................................................................................ Okoboji Ditch recorded 60 tackles, as the senior Sept. 18 ............................................................................at Pocahontas Area Sept. 25 .................................................................... South Central Calhoun had eight tackles for loss, and senior Joe Ben Oct. 2 .................................................................................. at Manson NW Thomsen Fischer recorded 30 tackles. Oct. 9 .................................................................................. South Hamilton Both Hasbrouck and Ditch picked off Oct. 16 ............................................................................ at East Sac County two passes, with Marc Maina making 14 extra-point attempts. Emmetsburg will head to defending district champion Cougars posted a 36-22 victory over the E-Hawks, Manson Northwest Webster on Oct. 2. Last year, the denying them the district title.

A R E A

INDIANS, Continued from Page 30 stops with five quarterback sacks. Small had 79 tackles while Welander recorded 55. Welander also handles kicking duties, making eight extra-points and averaging 38 yards per punt. “We return good experience on both sides of the ball,” Ehn said. “We are not deep right now on the offensive or defensive lines, so developing depth there is key.” The Indians will close the regular season with three of four games on the road, starting with a trip to two-time defending district champion Manson Northwest Webster. CHECK OUT THE MESSENGER EVERY WEEK: www.messengernews.net/sports

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Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

LINEBACKERS FOR FORT DODGE in 2026 include (left to right): Jayden Stanley, Amari McCaleb, Mykel Benedict, Jayce Skow, Cael Adams and Kason Echevarria.

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S O U T H

C E N T R A L

C A L H O U N

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

TITANS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN are, front row (left to right): Avery Patterson, Reid Meyer, John Patterson, Luke Patterson, Coltley Timmerman, Hayden Stickrod, Tucker Berner and Halas Steig. Back: Darius Eigstl, Garrett Krause, Evan Myers, Cooper Nattress, Cade Higgins, Sam Harkins, Max Hardy, Trendon Daniel and Payton Stickrod. Not pictured: Tucker Freimuth.

TITANS READY TO CLIMB THE LADDER By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

South Central Calhoun head football coach Bryan Case will have plenty of experience and depth to work with on the gridiron this fall. Case and the Titans return 19 letterwinners from a playoff team in 2025, led by 10 starters. Among the returning starters for South

Central Calhoun will be seniors Garrett Krause, Evan Myers, Luke Patterson and Hayden Stickrod. They are joined by juniors Trendon Daniel, Max Hardy, Cade Higgins, Cooper Nattress, Halas Steig and Coltley Timmerman. “A new year brings about new challenges and new opportunities,” Case said. “We’re excited about this season and we’re looking forward to seeing what this

Bryan Case

team brings to the table. “We’ve had a great camp and great attitudes, and the effort has been outstanding.” Higgins completed 54 percent of his passes for almost 1,000 yards a year ago, throwing five touchdowns and running

in two. Nattress led the ground attack with 408 yards, scoring 11 touchdowns, as Patterson added 361 yards and three scores. Krause is the leading returning receiver after catching 19 passes for 306 yards and a touchdown, as he averaged over 16 yards See TITANS, Page 33

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TITANS, Continued from Page 32 per catch. Hayden Stickrod had two TD receptions. Aidan Albright, Tucker Berger, Darius Eigstl, Sam Hawkins, John Patterson and Payton Stickrod are juniors with varsity experience back, along with sophomores Tucker Freimuth, Reid Meyer and Avery Patterson. Timmerman, Hayden Stickrod, Myers, Krause and Nattress all recorded at least 20 tackles on defense last year. Timmerman, Stickrod, Steig, Myers and Krause each picked off a pass. Case has put together a record of 117-49 leading the Titans and is 193-70 overall in his coaching career. “We have awesome kids that are working hard on competing the right way and to the best of their abilities,” Case said. “It will be interesting to see where this 2026 team ends up, as only time will tell.” South Central Calhoun reached the 1A playoffs last year, falling to quarterfinalist Underwood in the opening round.

SPORTS DEPARTMENT 713 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Contact information Telephone: (515) 573-2141, ext. 435, 436, 438 Email: sports@messengernews.net Website: www.messengernews.net Twitter: @ByEricPratt @ChrisJohnson_17 @DanaBecker

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—The Messenger Sports staff

C A L H O U N

TITANS AT A GLANCE SOUTH CENTRAL CALHOUN Returning letterwinners (19): Garrett Krause, sr.; Evan Myers, sr.; Luke Patterson, sr.; Hayden Stickrod, sr.; Aidan Albright, jr.; Tucker Berner, jr.; Trendon Daniel, jr.; Darius Eigstl, jr.; Max Hardy, jr.; Sam Hawkins, jr.; Cade Higgins, jr.; Cooper Nattress, jr.; John Patterson, jr.; Halas Steig, jr.; Payton Stickrod, jr.; Coltley Timmerman, jr.; Tucker Freimith, soph.; Reid Meyer, soph.; Avery Patterson, soph. Top prospects: Brayden Werneburg, sr.; Dustin Dean, sr.; Layth Witte, sr.; Ayden Crowder, jr.; Brandan Best, jr.; Elias Hiler, jr.; Lane Anderson, soph.; Noah Blair, soph.; Dane McKenna, soph.; Hayden McFarland, soph.; Ayden Melody, soph.; Memphis Sease, soph. 2025 record: 4-5 overall, 3-2 in district. Coach: Bryan Case enters year 26 as a head coach, holding a career record of 193-70. Case is 117-49 leading South Central Calhoun.

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TITAN SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ...............................................................................at Earlham Sept. 4 ............................................................................... Ridge View Sept. 11 ....................................................................at IKM-Manning Sept. 18 .................................................................... South Hamilton Sept. 25 ..................................................................... at Emmetsburg Oct. 2 .................................................................. at East Sac County Oct. 9 .............................................................................. Manson NW Oct. 16.................................................................... Pocahontas Area

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Eric Pratt, Sports Editor..................Chris Johnson, Assistant Sports Editor Dana Becker, Sports Writer.....................Britt Kudla, Sports Photographer Coaches or scorekeepers are asked to report results of their events as soon as possible. Writers and call-takers are typically in the office from 4 until midnight every day of the week; please phone, fax or e-mail information to our department in a timely manner. Thank you for your cooperation. Do you have a story idea or tip? Your collective awareness of the area sports scene is an invaluable resource for our department. Feel free to contact us at any time with news, notes, feature possibilities, etc. that may interest our loyal readers.

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C O U N T Y

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RAMS

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR GREENE COUNTY are, front row: Kading Winters, Brennan Jacobs, Jaron Jacobs and Matthew Gannon. Back: Eli Hardaway, Trevon Keely, Mason Haley, Jameson Daubendiek, Lincoln Schwander, Nehemiah Hoyt, Aryan Sweatt, Jayden Aldrich, Degan Miller and Moses Brown. Not pictured: Bryce Stephenson and Paul Thorp.

RAMS LOOK FOR RESURGENCE By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Over the last eight seasons, Greene County has had just two losing campaigns, including a 4-5 mark a year ago. But with 16 returning letterwinners and seven starters back, the Rams are hoping to get back to their winning ways in 2026. Seniors Zack Stalder, Jaron Jacobs, Brennan Jacobs, Trevon Keely, Lincoln Schwander, Mason Haley and Degan Miller will lead the charge, with Moses Brown, Bryce Stephenson, Nehemiah Hoyt, Aryan Sweatt, Jayden Aldrich, Matthew Gannon, Jameson Daubendick, Kading Winters and Paul Thorp providing experience.

“We want to be more competitive in the district this year,” Greene County head coach Caden Duncan said. “Last year being our first in Class 3A was a challenge, but with a year of experience and some returning firepower, we are looking to be more physical, compete toward the top of the district and a playoff Caden spot.” Duncan Stalder will once again control the offense, as the quarterback threw for 1,49 See RAMS, Page 35

RAMS AT A GLANCE GREENE COUNTY Returning letterwinners (16): Zack Stalder, sr.; Jaron Jacobs, sr.; Brennan Jacobs, sr.; Trevon Keely, sr.; Lincoln Schwander, sr.; Mason Haley, sr.; Degan Miller, sr.; Moses Brown, sr.; Bryce Stephenson, sr.; Nehemiah Hoyt, sr.; Aryan Sweatt, jr.; Jayden Aldrich, jr.; Matthew Gannon, jr.; Jameson Daubendick, soph.; Kading Winters, soph.; Paul Thorp, soph. Top prospects: Blaise Schilling, sr.; Joe Higgins, soph.; Jase Haley, soph.; James Eliserio, soph. 2025 record: 4-5 overall, 1-4 in district.

Coach: Caden Duncan returns for his eighth season leading the Rams, where he has gone 44-24 during that time. RAM SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ................................................... Boone Sept. 4 ...................... at Woodward-Granger Sept. 11 .......................Grand View Christian Sept. 18 .............................................. at Saydel Sept. 25 .................................................... Perry Oct. 2 ................................................. at Carroll Oct. 9 .................................................at Atlantic Oct. 16 .................................................Creston Oct. 23 ....................................................Harlan

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F O O T B A L L

G R E E N E

IOWA STATE SCHEDULE

yards and 15 touchdowns last year. He was also the leading rusher for Greene County with 504 yards and seven TDs. Keely had a standout track and field season this past spring after catching 17 passes for 220 yards and a pair of scores, as Jaron Jacobs led all receivers in 2025 with 33 receptions for 508 yards and four touchdowns. Jaron Jacobs, Brennan Jacobs and Miller were key pieces to the defense a year ago, with Jaron Jacobs recording 71 tackles and Miller 53. Greene County forced 11 turnovers a year ago. “We return a lot of skill players on both sides of the ball,” Duncan said. “Our team speed and playmaking ability should be strengths. We will be rebuilding our lines a little bit and we won’t be as deep as most of the teams we play, so we’ll need to combat that on a weekly basis.”

IOWA SCHEDULE

NORTHERN IOWA SCHEDULE

C O U N T Y

RAMS, Continued from Page 34

CYCLONES Sept. 5............................................................ Southeast Missouri, noon Sept. 12.......................................................................... Iowa, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19............................................................. Bowling Green, 11 a.m. Sept. 26................................................................................... Utah, TBA Oct. 3........................................................................ West Virginia, TBA Oct. 9..........................................................................at BYU, 9:15 p.m. Oct. 24........................................................................... at Arizona, TBA Oct. 31.................................................................. Oklahoma State, TBA Nov. 7................................................................................... Baylor, TBA Nov. 14...........................................................................Cincinnati, TBA Nov. 20............................................................at Central Florida, 5 p.m. Nov. 28...................................................................... Kansas State, TBA

HAWKEYES Sept. 5......................................................... Northern Illinois, 3:15 p.m. Sept. 12.................................................................Iowa State, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19................................................................Northern Iowa, 3 p.m. Sept. 26........................................................................ at Michigan, TBA Oct. 3.............................................................................Ohio State, TBA Oct. 9...................................................................at Washington, 8 p.m. Oct. 24.......................................................................at Minnesota, TBA Oct. 31........................................................................... Wisconsin, TBA Nov. 7....................................................................at Northwestern, TBA Nov. 14............................................................................... Purdue, TBA Nov. 21............................................................................ at Illinois, TBA Nov. 27......................................................................Nebraska, 11 a.m.

AP Photos

AIDEN FLORA OF IOWA STATE (above) and DJ Vonnahme of Iowa (below) will help lead their respective teams into the 2026 season.

PANTHERS Sept. 5..................................................... at Eastern Washington, 6 p.m. Sept. 12............................................................................. Drake, 1 p.m. Sept. 19............................................................................at Iowa, 3 p.m. Sept. 26....................................................................Illinois State, 4 p.m. Oct. 10.................................................................. North Dakota, 4 p.m. Oct. 17....................................................... at Youngstown State, 5 p.m. Oct. 24.......................................................... at Southern Illinois, 1 p.m. Oct. 31................................................................... Indiana State, 1 p.m. Nov. 7........................................................... South Dakota State, 1 p.m. Nov. 14............................................................. at South Dakota, 1 p.m. Nov. 21.............................................................. at Murray State, 1 p.m. DRAKE SCHEDULE

BULLDOGS Aug. 27................................................... South Dakota Mines, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5........................................................................ at Montana, 2 p.m. Sept. 12............................................................. at Northern Iowa, 1 p.m. Sept. 26....................................................................... at Davidson, noon Oct. 3..................................................................................Dayton, noon Oct. 10.....................................................................at Valparaiso, 1 p.m. Oct. 17................................................................................. Marist, noon Oct. 24 .................................................................................Butler, noon Oct. 31............................................................... at Morehead State, TBD Nov. 7.............................................................................San Diego, noon Nov. 14.................................................................. at St. Thomas, 1 p.m.

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8 PLAYER-1, Continued from Page 17 Over the last five games they played last fall, Newell-Fonda averaged almost 39 points a week. The Mustangs will feature veterans Gunnar Baron, Jackson Bellcock and Andrew Greenfield. “This district has been one of the toughest in eight-player football,” N-F head coach Nathan Baron said. “This year, I look for St. Edmond and Kingsley-Pierson to be the leading teams for the district race. “I would like to say that if we can improve each day and each week, we can be right there with them at the end.” Baron, a junior, did a little bit of everything, throwing for 251 yards, running for 112 a year ago. He also caught 32 passes for 344 yards, and had eight combined touchdowns while tossing four more scores. Bellcock rushed fo.r 445 yards and had 219 yards receiving, scoring 10 touchdowns for N-F. Greenfield had 197 yards receiving and three scores on just eight catches. The defense was led by Bellcock, as the senior tallied 93 tackles. Baron, Drayton Heun, Liam Gauley, Brayden Johnson, Lincoln Gauley, Levi Lindgren and Will Voyles all recorded at least 27 stops. Harris-Lake Park has Beckett Rahe back under center, leading rusher Tayten Huff back, and top receiver Karter Evans. Rahe threw for almost 400 yards, Huff had 446 yards from scrimmage with seven touchdowns. Evans caught 17 passes for 165 and a score. Up front, Ryder Bobzien finished with 11 pancake blocks as a junior for the Wolves, while making 25 tackles on defense with a sack.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN FOR ST. EDMOND are, front row (left to right): Kason McNeil, Sam Touney, Jack Webster and Keenan Isaacson. Back: Parker Webb, Julian Blanco, Jacob Nieland, Joe Alvarez and Hunter Singer. EIGHT-PLAYER, DISTRICT 1

GTRA Top returning players: Brooks Hanson, soph.; Jaxson Nock, soph.; Landen Dietrich, sr.; Brady Harris, sr.; Caleb Manwarren, jr.; Callaway Kajewski, sr. 2025 record: 8-1 overall, 6-0 in district. Coach: Todd Hough returns to lead the Titans.

HARRIS-LAKE PARK Top returning players: Beckett Rahe, jr.; Tayten Huff, jr.; Jausten Baumgarn, sr.; Karter Evans, sr.; Ryder Bobzien, sr.; Grady Olson, sr.; Gavin Garloff, jr. 2025 record: 2-6 overall, 1-5 in district. Coach: The Wolves will be led by Ross Wargula this fall.

TITAN SCHEDULE Aug. 21 .................................................at North Iowa Aug. 28 ........................................ West Bend-Mallard Sept. 4 .......................................at Remsen St. Mary’s Sept. 11 .................................................Newell-Fonda Sept. 25 ............................................. at North Union Oct. 1 ...........................................................St. Edmond Oct. 9 ........................................... at Kingsley-Pierson Oct. 16 ..............................................Harris-Lake Park

WOLVE SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ......................................................North Iowa Sept. 4 ..................................at Northwood-Kensett Sept. 11 ............................................ Kingsley-Pierson Sept. 18 ............................................ at Newell-Fonda Sept. 25 ......................................... Remsen St. Mary’s Oct. 9 ..........................................................St. Edmond Oct. 16 ............................................................at GTRA

KINGSLEY-PIERSON Top returning players: Darius Rasmussen, jr.; Wyatt Klaschen, sr.; Sam Doeschot, jr.; Eli Schroeder, soph.; Alexander McCoy, jr.; Jackson Neumann, jr.; Kieryn Schmid, sr.; Major Finagua, soph.; Porter Hackett, jr.; Kayden Bottorff-Beeson, jr. 2025 record: 6-4 overall, 4-2 in district. Coach: Travis Neumann, who played college baseball at Mount Marty University, is the head coach of the Panthers. PANTHER SCHEDULE Aug. 21 ......................................Coon Rapids-Bayard Aug. 28 ..............................................Bishop Garrigan Sept. 4 ..................................... at West Bend-Mallard Sept. 11 .......................................at Harris-Lake Park Sept. 18 ......................................... Remsen St. Mary’s Sept. 25 .................................................Newell-Fonda Oct. 9 ...................................................................GTRA

Oct. 16 ................................................... at St. Edmond REMSEN ST. MARY’S Top returning players: Dalton Klein, jr.; Dayton Kneip, jr.; Beau Johnson, jr.; Lucas Sheehan, jr.; Reece Homan, jr. 2025 record: 3-5 overall, 2-4 in district. Coach: Tim Osterman, who has won three state titles, leads the Hawks. HAWK SCHEDULE Aug. 21 ......................................................... Ar-We-Va Aug. 28 ...........................................................Audubon Sept. 4 .................................................................GTRA Sept. 11 ................................................. at St. Edmond Sept. 18 ....................................... at Kingsley-Pierson Sept. 25 .......................................at Harris-Lake Park Oct. 2 ................................................ at Newell-Fonda Oct. 16 ..................................................at North Iowa

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N O R T H W E S T

MNW, Continued from Page 2 Manson Northwest Webster had won a combined six games in the previous fouryear span before Noffsinger’s arrival. The victories weren’t the only proof of something changing. The culture became a collective belief system — for the program, the school and the community. “We had a very good senior group (in 2024). They stepped up even more, and we started to turn a corner both on and off the field,” Noffsinger said. “They all improved and wanted to see others improve. They bought in to what we were trying to do.”

he past two seasons have been memorable for many reasons. In 2024 the Cougars ended a 30-year drought of playoff losses. They also secured the program’s first district championship since 1994. Last year, MNW solidified itself as a contender by successfully defending its district crown. “We know we have to be consistent and execute,” Noffsinger said. “We have a target on our back now, so we have to take care of business and handle success despite (the opponent) feeling Zach Noffsinger differently when they play us.” MNW also cleared what felt like an annual hurdle: beating perennial power Emmetsburg. “Winning the Emmetsburg game (in 2024) was a big upset, and it earned us Messenger photo by Britt Kudla our first district title,” Noffsinger said. “We were underdogs and we had a chip on THE MANSON NORTHWEST WEBSTER football team returns nine all-district players that will help them push our shoulder about that. toward a potential third consecutive district crown. “Our guys earned their recognition after that win.” (33) were also keys to the defense. We have a good junior high staff that Aiden Nelson, Charlie Sturgis, Tegan Daggett threw for 540 yards and we have a strong line of communication Thoma, Jaggar Wolfe, Elliott Droste, offsinger has also opened three touchdowns. Thoma ran for four with.” Jackson McGuire, Isaiah Daggett and the lines of communication touchdowns and Sturgis had two. The honors have rolled in for the Logan Salazar. with the youth programs “This senior group has been great,” Cougars. Kamdin Birkey and Matt and junior high squad to oline had 19 combined Noffsinger said. “They’ve been a part Condon were second team all-state picks help establish continuity across the board touchdowns in 2025, of all of it and we had a lot of veteran in 2024. Do-it-all senior Coy Moline, — not just with his own team at the high rushing for 1,268 yards players who have stepped into leadership returns for his final campaign after school. and 15 scores. He threw roles (this past offseason). They are garnering second team all-state honors in “There has been really good three touchdowns and caught one. Moline holding guys accountable. 2025. communication with our lower levels,” was the third leading tackler for MNW “This is a player-led team — not the Manson Northwest Webster landed 16 Noffsinger said. “Our community has coaches. We give direction, but this is players on the all-district team a year ago, with 67, and had three interceptions. rallied behind us to get on the same page. their team — not ours.” with nine now returning in 2026: Moline, Sturgis (54), Thoma (46) and Droste

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E A G L E

G R O V E

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

EAGLES RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR EAGLE GROVE are, front row (left to right): Arturo Salazar, Christian Schild and Kylar Sisson. Back: Trenton Robinson, Jackson Babcock, Dylan Terwilliger, Cam Sisson, Keegan Eisentrager and Gavin Pedersen. Not Pictured: Adrian Whipple, Aaron Alaniz and Colson Schafer.

EAGLES BANKING ON EXPERIENCE By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Of the dozen letterwinners back for Eagle Grove head coach Logan Willard, nine of them gained valuable starting experience a year ago. Seniors Trenton Robinson, Jackson Bellcock, Adrian Whipple, Dylan Terwilliger, Cam Sisson, Aaron Alaniz, Gavin Pedersen and Arturo ReynaSalazar are joined by sophomore Christian Schild to provide the backbone to the 2026 version of Willard’s squad. Keegan Eisentrager, Kylar Sisson and Colson Schafer are returning letterwinners for Eagle Grove, as they

are coming off a two-win season. “We will be a seniorled team looking to get back to the playoffs,” Willard said. “To do that, we must control the clock with the ground attack and capitalize on mismatches with Gavin Pedersen.” Logan Whipple is back to Willard lead the offense, as he threw for 637 yards and six touchdowns a year ago, averaging See EAGLES, Page 47

EAGLES AT A GLANCE EAGLE GROVE Returning letterwinners (12): Trenton Robinson, sr.; Jackson Babcock, sr.;Adrian Whipple, sr.; Dylan Terwilliger, sr.; Cam Sisson, sr.; Aaron Alaniz, sr.; Keegan Eisentrager, soph.; Kylar Sisson, soph.; Gavin Pedersen, sr.; Colson Schafer, soph.; Arturo ReynaSalazar, sr.; Christian Schild, soph. Top prospects: Andres Reyes, jr.; Tyler Alesch, jr.; Zander Brensel, soph.; Carter Nielsen, sr.; Lucas Willard, jr. 2025 record: 2-7 overall, 1-4 in district. Coach: Former Eagle Grove standout Logan

Willard enters his seventh season leading the program. EAGLE SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ...........................................................Lake Mills Sept. 4 .............................................................at Ogden Sept. 11 .................................................... at West Fork Sept. 18 ................................................... South Hardin Sept. 25 ...........................................at Central Springs Oct. 2 .................................... Clarion-Goldfield/Dows Oct. 9 ............................... at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Oct. 16 ................................................. Grundy Center

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F O R T

Friday, August 28, 2026

D O D G E

DODGERS, Continued from Page 6 DODGER SCHEDULE

Aug. 28 ................................ at Mason City Sept. 4 ...................................Webster City Sept. 11 ...........................at Waterloo East Sept. 18...............................Waterloo West Sept. 25................. at Sergeant Bluff-Luton Oct. 2.............................................Spencer Oct. 9........................................Storm Lake Oct. 16 ...................................... at Le Mars Oct. 23 ..............................Sioux City West to a senior leadership role (Moser will join the three aforementioned offensive talents as a captain).” Moser will be a hybrid defender. The safety is joined by the 6-3 Pederson, another returnee who “is very athletic and versatile,” Moser added. “Sam and Reggie complement each other well. They can line up in different spots. They can play man or zone. They can run and set the edges.” Senior Patrick Clay, McCaleb and 6-2 sophomore Jaysawn Jackson are other safety options. “Patrick has done a nice job so far,” Moser said. “He will hit you. He seeks contact. Sometimes we have to rein him in a little, but I’d rather have the starting point of overaggressiveness. That’s a good problem to have.” The cornerbacks are an untested lot, with seniors Javion Soppeland and Will Jones joined by sophomore Eli Pritchard. Barkhaus and Rochon will see time there as well. “Javion is ready to take on this responsibility, and Ezrah will be a nice addition there,” Moser said. “Will has a lot to learn as a first-year (football) player (Jones was a state track qualifier last spring), but he’s getting there in man-toman coverage. He’s physical, too.” McBride or Skow will likely punt. “We maybe don’t have the overall depth we did a year ago, so we’ll have to stay healthy,” Moser said. “We have 16 or 17 seniors that will play, which is good, but a few who haven’t seen the field much at this level. We lost basically a dozen senior starters and almost as many all-district athletes. So there is a transition going on. But that’s a normal thing for a program to go through.”

Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver

COACHES FOR FORT DODGE are front row (left to right): Blake Utley, Keaton Martin, Jerry Chada, Connor McLeod, Drake Miller, Jerry Ellendson and Tom McClimon. Back: Tyler Winter, Mike Minikwu, Tysen Kershaw, Nik Moser, Jon Koenig, Dan Adams and Ben Schnurr.

The Dodgers have 21 seniors, 19 juniors qualifier. Having the two Waterloo schools and 10 sophomores in their preseason on the schedule is great from a tradition camp. standpoint especially (as old conference rivals).” SCHEDULE AND COACHES The Dodgers jump right into the deep end Fort Dodge and the Riverhawks square of District 1 play on Sept. 25 at Sergeant off this Friday in Mason City. It will be the Bluff-Luton — the defending league 111th all-time meeting between the rival champion. The Warriors are a combined programs, dating back to 1912. 21-3 with a pair of Class 4A UNI-Dome The Dodgers have won 20 of the last 21 appearances the last two years. games in the series. Consecutive home dates with Spencer From there, FDSH prepares for its home and Storm Lake follow. Homecoming is opener on Sept. 4 against Webster City. Oct. 9 against the Tornadoes. A trip to Waterloo East and a contest Fort Dodge heads to Le Mars the next against Waterloo West inside Dodger week, before concluding the regular season Stadium will wrap up the non-district at home against Sioux City West on Oct. portion of the schedule. 23. “Mason City is always a fun game, but Moser will again be assisted by Blake it’s a challenge to play them in the opener Utley, Dan Adams, Jon Koenig, Jerry and on the road,” Moser said. “They have Ellendson, Tyler Winter, Ben Schnurr one of the better quarterbacks around and Mike Minikwu. Keaton Martin is Photo by Brandy Mills-Carver coming back in (Jameer) Falls. a volunteer coach. He is joined in that “Webster City has been such a solid capacity this fall by former Dodger allKICKERS FOR FORT DODGE are program for the last decade or so especially. staters Drake Miller and Tysen Kershaw. They’re always tough. East will be better Tom McClimon, Connor McLeod and (left to right): Rylan Crouse and Conrad Greathouse. and West is a returning (5A) playoff Jerry Chada are freshman coaches.

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C L A R I O N - G O L D F I E L D / D O W S

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

COWBOYS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS are, front row (left to right): Caleb Sweeney, Jallen Stewart, Maxton Downing, JD Morrical, Daven Duncalf, Colin Sesker, Spencer Scheffel and Reed Campbell. Back: Huxley Lingenfelter, Paxton Lingenfelter, Traesyn Cope, Easton Beyer, Armando Melenez, Charlie Campbell, Mason Warnke and Adam Hodson.

COWBOYS RIDING MOMENTUM By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Not only did Clarion-Goldfield/Dows make the playoffs in 2025, they secured a postseason victory, finishing with six wins overall. The Cowboys will enter 2026 looking for even more, as they return 18 letterwinners. Of those 18, a number of them provided key production on both sides the ball, led by all-stater Huxley Lingenfelter. The senior had 89 tackles, including 12 for loss, and was the leading receiver. “We have a great group of young men,” C-G/D head coach Caleb Vogel said. “We

are coming together as one team. We have players stepping up and becoming great leaders. “The team is excited about this season with the right kind of goals to lay out our year. The standard has been set and they are exceeding Caleb that standard.” Vogel Clarion-Goldfield/Dows must replace top rushers Joel Meier and See COWBOYS, Page 41

COWBOYS AT A GLANCE CLARION-GOLDFIELD/DOWS Returning letterwinners (18): Mason Warnke, sr.; Huxley Lingenfelter, sr.; Jallen Stewart, sr.; JD Morrical, sr.; Charlie Campbell, sr.; Adam Hodson, sr.; Cooper Nosbush, sr.; JT Kelso, sr.; Caleb Sweeney, jr.; Easton Beyer, sr.; Traesyn Cope, jr.; Armando Melendez, jr.; Daven Duncalf, jr.; Colin Sesker, jr.; Paxton Lingenfelter, soph.; Maxton Downing, soph.; Spencer Scheffel, soph.; Reed Campbell, soph. Top prospects: Nolyn Torsell, soph.; Drew Smith, soph.; Paul Schull, sr. 2025 record: 6-4 overall, 3-2 in district.

Coach: Caleb Vogel begins his eighth season with the Cowboys overall, as the last five he has served as head coach. COWBOY SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ............................... at Belmond-Klemme Sept. 4 ..........................Hampton-Dumont/CAL Sept. 11 ..................................... at Estherville-LC Sept. 18 ........................................Central Springs Sept. 25 ...................................at Grundy Center Oct. 2 .............................................. at Eagle Grove Oct. 9 ................................................ South Hardin Oct. 16 ......................... Garner-Hayfield/Ventura

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C L A R I O N - G O L D F I E L D / D O W S

Messenger file photo

CLARION-GOLDFIELD-DOWS PLAYERS DAVEN DUNCALF (55) AND COOPER NOSBUSH (8) look to make a tackle for the Cowboys last season. Duncalf will enter his junior season and Nosbush is a senior.

COWBOYS, Continued from Page 40 Selvin Gonzalez, as they produced over 2,000 yards on the ground. Colin Sesker returns after piling up 415 yards and six touchdowns, along with quarterback JD Morrical and a number of others looking to fill the void. Mason Warnke, Jallen Stewart, Charlie Campbell, Adam Hodson, Cooper Nosbush, JT Kelso, Caleb Sweeney, Easton Beyer, Traesyn Cope, Armando Melendez, Daven Duncalf, Paxton Lingenfelter, Maxton Downing, Spencer Scheffel and Reed Campbell are other returning letterwinners. “The hard work we have put in during the offseason with weights, speed and agility have been great,” Vogel said. “Our energy is high, as is the love of football and the want to be great.” Cope caused problems on defense, recording 37 tackles with 13 for loss and five quarterback sacks. Sesker, Paxton Lingenfelter, Downing, Morrical, Nosbush and Reed Campbell all had double figures for tackles. The Cowboys forced 23 turnovers, as Paxton Lingenfelter picked off three passes.

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A L G O N A

Photo by Greg Grabianowski

BULLDOGS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR ALGONA are, front row (left to right): Landon Campe, Brody Shipler, Wyatt Kelly, Owen Moe, Cael Rotert, Mason Ulrich and Seth Moreno. Middle: Caden Kuecker, Logan Alt, Runier Trujillo, Owen Noyed, Coyer Spear, Grayson Terwilliger and Gage Gatton. Back: Nathan Manske, Gage Meints, Jacob Burns, Micah Kitzinger, Will Limbaugh, Tayten Rummel and Avery Anderson. Not pictured: Brooks Kuhlmann.

ALGONA IN LINE FOR RETURN TO TOP By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

After back-to-back winning seasons, Algona slipped to 4-5 last year with a young roster full of promise. Head coach Andy Jacobson hopes that experience helps the Bulldogs get back to the postseason. Algona returns 21 letterwinners, with several starters back among the group that knocked off Class 3A state runnerup Bishop Heelan to conclude the regular season. Quarterback Nathan Manske is set for his senior season after throwing for over

1,500 yards and running for 745 more. He tossed 14 TD passes and ran in a team-high 10. He will need to find replacements for his leading receivers, as Micah Kitzinger is the top target back after catching Andy Jacobson 12 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns. Seniors such as Cael Rotert, Seth Moreno See BULLDOGS, Page 43

BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE ALGONA Returning letterwinners (21): Wyatt Kelly, sr.; Nathan Manske, sr.; Micah Kitzinger, sr.; Owen Moe, sr.; Caden Kuecker, sr.; Cael Rotert, sr.; Seth Moreno, sr.; Brody Shipler, sr.; Mason Ulrich, sr.; Will Limbaugh, sr.; Logan Alt, jr.; Avery Anderson, jr.; Jacob Burns, jr.; Gage Getton, jr.; Brooks Kuhlmann, jr.; Gage Meints, jr.; Owen Noyed, jr.; Tayten Rummel, jr.; Runier Trujillo, jr.; Coyer Spear, soph.; Greyson Terwilliger, soph. 2025 record: 4-5 overall, 1-4 in district action. Coach: Andy Jacobson enters his 13th season

leading the Bulldogs, where he has won 62 games overall. BULLDOG SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ....................................................Spirit Lake Sept. 4 .................................... at Carroll Kuemper Sept. 11 ................................................. Forest City Sept. 18 .............................. at Waverly-Shell Rock Sept. 25 ..................................... MOC-Floyd Valley Oct. 2 ....................................................at Humboldt Oct. 9 ..............................................at Sioux Center Oct. 16 ............................................... Webster City Oct. 23 .................................. at Sioux City Heelan

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A L G O N A

Messenger file photo

ALGONA’S LOGAN ALT goes up for the ball against Webster City on the road last season. The 6-foot-2 Alt will be entering his junior campaign for Algona. He is a receiver and a defensive back.

BULLDOGS, Continued from Page 42 and Owen Moe are also back. “We have a lot of returning guys with experience,” Jacobson said. “We need to build depth and learn to close out close games.” Manske was the leading tackler on defense with 70 stops, as Moe, Caden Kuecker, Rotert, Tayten Rummel, Gage Meints, Brody Shipler, Mason Ulrich and Will Limbaugh all reached double figures. Ulrich had eight tackles for loss, as Rummel recorded seven and Limbaugh five. “This is a great senior class that has worked hard and will lead our team,” Jacobson said. “We lost a lot of skill players that were really good, so we need to find playmakers to replace them.” Runier Trujillo will handle kicking duties after making 24 extra-point attempts and a field goal as a sophomore. Coyer Spear and Shipler are the punters.

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B I S H O P

G A R R I G A N

Photo by Greg Grabianowski

GOLDEN BEARS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR BISHOP GARRIGAN are, front row (left to right): Carter Cink, Karson Sidles, Titan Troyer, Sean Thilges, Hayden Miller, Dalton Klenz and Gage Meyer; Back: Matt Besch, Michael Joyce, Leo Snyder, Nate Leerar, Karson Kramer, Weston Rosenmeyer, Sawyer Herrick, Madden Miller and C.J. McGregor.

GOLDEN BEARS OUT TO DEFEND TITLE By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Just like last season, Bishop Garrigan enters the year as the defending eight-player state champions. The Golden Bears boast 15 returning letterwinners, with eight of them being fulltime starters on a 13-0 team from a year ago. Seniors Madden Miller, Nate Leerar, Mike Joyce, Weston Rosenmeyer and Dalton Klenz are flanked by juniors Karson Kramer, Titan Troyer and CJ McGregor. Carter Cink, Gage Meyer, Leo Snyder, Sawyer Herrick, Karson Sidles, Sean Thilges and Hayden Miller all saw extensive playing time in 2025.

“We have a lot of potential,” BGSH head coach Marty Wadle said. “We should be very competitive, we just need to stay healthy and mature. Our schedule is going to be tough and we are breaking in a new quarterback. Marty Three-year starter Tate Wadle Foertsch, who led the Golden Bears to state titles as a sophomore and senior, along with a semifinal appearance his junior season, has graduated. Joyce, the top receiver a year ago, is expected to See GOLDEN BEARS, Page 45

GOLDEN BEARS AT A GLANCE BISHOP GARRIGAN Returning letterwinners (15): Madden Miller, sr.; Nate Leerar, sr.; Mike Joyce, sr.; Weston Rosenmeyer, sr.; Carter Cink, jr.; Gage Meyer, jr.; Leo Snyder, sr.; Sawyer Herrick, sr.; Karson Kramer, jr.; Dalton Klenz, sr.; Karson Sidles, sr.; Sean Thilges, jr.; Hayden Miller, jr.;Titan Troyer, jr.; CJ McGregor, jr. Top prospects: Jack Muller, sr.; Brad Meister, jr. 2025 record: 13-0 overall, 6-0 in district (eight-player state champion). Coach: Marty Wadle led the Golden Bears to their second state title in the past three years last season and is now 252-98 heading into his 35th season leading Bishop Garrigan.

GOLDEN BEAR SCHEDULE Aug. 28 ..................................... at Kingsley-Pierson Sept. 4 .......................................................... Riceville Sept. 11 .............................................at North Iowa Sept. 18 ...................................................St. Edmond Sept. 25 ....................................................at Bedford Oct. 2 ....................................................North Union Oct. 9 ...................................... Northwood-Kensett Oct. 16 ..................................at West Bend-Mallard

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GOLDEN BEARS, Continued from Page 44

replace him under center. Joyce is an all-state basketball player, as he was part of the Bishop Garrigan team that reached the elite eight this past winter. Last year, he had 29 receptions for almost 500 yards and eight touchdowns. McGregor is the top rusher back after piling up 650 yards with 12 scores, as Cink had 301 yards and four rushing touchdowns. As a team, Bishop Garrigan rushed for 3,778 yards and 72 touchdowns. Madden Miller, Kramer, McGregor, Cink, Troyer, Joyce and Rosenmeyer all had over 30 tackles a year ago. Joyce picked off five passes and also returned two kickoffs back for scores. “We should be solid along the offensive and defensive lines,” Wadle said. “We have good depth at running back, as well.”

Messenger file photos

BISHOP GARRIGAN’S Karson Kramer (75 in top photo) raises his hands after the Golden Bears scored a touchdown last season in the UNI-Dome. Michael Joyce (9) and Tate Foertsch (7) join the celebration. CJ MCGREGOR (right) runs for Bishop Garrigan the ball at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

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W E S T

B E N D - M A L L A R D

Photo by Greg Grabianowski

WOLVERINES RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR WEST BEND-MALLARD are front row (left to right): Otis Fehr, Braxton Osorio, Cesar Falcon, Leyton Veon, Carter Stalzer and Lex Christensen. Back: Easton Montag, Kacen Flynn, Trevin Montag, Abner Zaugg, Grady Goodard and Trent Morey.

WOLVERINES LEANING ON RETURNEES By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Nine returning starters are back among 11 letterwinners for West Bend-Mallard after the Wolverines finished with four victories last fall. Senior quarterback Trent Morey will once again look to lead the offense after finishing with over 1,000 yards of total offense and 16 touchdowns. He is joined in the backfield by Cesar Falcon and Carter Stalzer, as both rushed for over 100 yards. Abner Zaugg is back as the leading receiver after hauling in 16 passes for 236 yards with six touchdowns as a junior. Both Falcon and Grady Goddard had over 100 yards receiving, with

Kacen Flynn adding a touchdown. “We have a number of returners for this year, so we are hopeful to build on last year’s growth,” West Bend-Mallard head coach Tyson Wirtz said. “We have a very tough schedule again this year, Tyson including six playoff Wirtz teams and the returning state champions. Our goal is always to make the playoffs, and we will continue to work hard to that end.” See WOLVERINES, Page 47

WOLVERINES AT A GLANCE WEST BEND-MALLARD Returning letterwinners (11): Trent Morey, sr.; Kacen Flynn, jr.; Lex Christensen, sr.; Carter Stalzer, soph.; Otis Fehr, sr.; Cesar Falcon, sr.; Trevin Montag, jr.; Leyton Veon, sr.; Easton Montag, jr.; Abner Zaugg, sr.; Grady Goddard, sr. Top prospects: Braxton Osorio, sr.;Toban grimm, fr.; Wyatt Hanson, jr.; Daniel Bahler, soph. 2025 record: 4-5 overall, 3-3 in district. Coach: Tyson Wirtz returns for his sixth season as head coach of his alma mater, where he has gone

29-28 overall. WOLVERINE SCHEDULE Aug. 20 ........................................................at St. Edmond Aug. 28 .................................................................at GTRA Sept. 4 ....................................................Kingsley-Pierson Sept. 11 .......................................... Northwood-Kensett Sept. 18 ......................................................... North Iowa Sept. 25 .............................................................at Riceville Oct. 9 ........................................................ at North Union Oct. 16 ................................................at Bishop Garrigan

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Friday, August 28, 2026

E A G L E

G R O V E

EAGLES, Continued from Page 38

Submitted photos

WEST BEND-MALLARD is in the process of creating a memorial for the late Koy Goodchild at the entrance of the school’s football field. This is a rendering of the sign, which would include a plaque and a bio of Goodchild’s accomplishments on a commemorative pillar.

WOLVERINES, Continued from Page 46 Stalzer, Zaugg and Otis Fehr were three of the leading tacklers a year ago, with Stalzer recording 49 stops, Zaugg nine tackles for loss and Fehr six tackles for loss. Easton Montag, Trevin Montag, Leyton Veon, Goddard and Lex Christensen all saw extensive playing time. Stalzer averaged almost 18 yards per kickoff return and handled punt return duties, as Falcon made two field goals and posted over 37 yards per punt. “Returning leadership and experience are strengths,” Wirtz said. “We graduated to great seniors, but otherwise, the rest of the team is back. They have been working hard in the offseason to get better every day. “We hope to lean on our toughness and hard work to buld even better results than last year.”

yards per completion. He also ran for 278 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Joining him in the backfield will be Robinson, as he produced an 850-yard season with six touchdowns. Pedersen added a pair of rushing scores while also catching 15 passes for 391 yards and five more touchdowns. Alaniz was a playmaker, averaging almost seven yards per carry with a touchdown and over 26 yards per reception with another score. He had 43 offensive touches for 384 yards. Terwilliger is the leading returning tackler, as he had 88 total stops as a junior. Reyna-Salazar was right behind him with 72, including a team-best 15 tackles for loss. Robinson, Camden Sisson and Pedersen each had over 40 stops while Schild recorded seven tackles for loss as a freshman. “We have strong leadership and return a lot of our production on both sides of the ball,” Willard said. “We have to replace Hayden Schafer and a few other holes on the defensive side.” Pedersen picked off three passes, returning one for a score.

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N E W E L L - F O N D A

Submitted photo

MUSTANGS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR NEWELL-FONDA are, front row (left to right): Ian Harrer, William Witham, Gunnar Baron, Avery Melohn, Titus Olsen and Levi Lindgren. Back Row: Tom Mercer, Lincoln Gauley, Brayden Johnson, Liam Gauley and Jackson Bellcock.

MUSTANGS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT CHANCES By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Newell-Fonda head coach Nathan Baron is hoping an experienced roster can lead the Mustangs back to the postseason. A quartet of three-year starters return in Lincoln Gauley, Liam Gauley, Jackson Bellcock and Brayden Johnson for NewellFonda, who won three games a year ago. “Those four seniors have set some very

attainable goals for this season, including making a trip to the playoffs,” Baron said. “For us to have a successful year, we will need to stay healthy and we will need some newcomers to step up their games. “We are very fortunate

Nathan Baron

to have Lincoln, Liam, Jackson and Brayden leading the way.” Bellcock ran for over 400 yards and scored six touchdowns a year ago, adding 219 yards receiving with four more scores. Gunnar Baron, a junior, is slated to replace Trevor Tauber at quarterback after throwing for 251 yards, running for 112 and adding 344 yards receiving in 2025. “The strength of our team will be our

offensive and defensive lines,” Baron said. “We are going to lean heavily on those young men to make it happen for us. I also see our linebackers as being a strength. “We have some very aggressive football players at those positions. I’m excited to see how they will perform this season.” See MUSTANGS, Page 49

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2025-2026 FINAL AREA STANDINGS CLASS 4A, DISTRICT 1 Dist. All Sergeant Bluff-Luton.....................4-0......................... 10-2 Fort Dodge....................................3-1........................... 8-2 Le Mars.........................................2-2........................... 5-5 Spencer.........................................2-2........................... 3-6 Storm Lake....................................1-3........................... 2-7 Sioux City West.............................0-4........................... 1-8 CLASS 3A, DISTRICT 1 Dist. All Bishop Heelan...............................4-1......................... 10-3 Sioux Center..................................4-1........................... 9-2 MOC-Floyd Valley.........................2-3........................... 5-4 Humboldt.......................................2-3........................... 4-5 Webster City..................................2-3........................... 3-6 Algona...........................................1-4........................... 4-5 CLASS 2A, DISTRICT 2 Dist. All Carroll Kuemper............................5-0......................... 13-0 Okoboji..........................................4-1........................... 7-2 OABCIG........................................3-2........................... 6-4 Spirit Lake.....................................2-3........................... 3-6 Southeast Valley...........................1-4........................... 3-5 Estherville-LC................................0-5........................... 0-8 CLASS 1A, DISTRICT 2 Dist. All Manson Northwest Webster..........5-0........................... 6-3 Emmetsburg..................................4-1........................... 6-3 South Central Calhoun..................3-2........................... 4-5 East Sac County............................2-3........................... 3-6 Pocahontas Area...........................1-4........................... 2-6

File Photo

TRU McBRIDE throws a pass last season for Fort Dodge inside Dodger Stadium. McBride, who will play football at Wayne State, is a senior for the Dodgers and now a three-year starter at quarterback.

Friday, August 28, 2026

N E W E L L - F O N D A

MUSTANGS, Continued from Page 48

South Hamilton..............................0-5........................... 1-8 CLASS 1A, DISTRICT 3 Dist. All Grundy Center...............................5-0......................... 11-1 South Hardin.................................4-1......................... 10-2 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows..................3-2........................... 6-4 Central Springs..............................2-3........................... 4-5 Eagle Grove..................................1-4........................... 2-7 Garner-Hayfield/Ventura...............0-5........................... 0-8 8-PLAYER-1 Dist. All GTRA.............................................6-0........................... 8-1 St. Edmond....................................5-1........................... 5-4 Kingsley-Pierson...........................4-2........................... 6-4 Newell-Fonda................................3-3........................... 3-7 Remsen St. Mary’s........................2-4........................... 3-5 Harris-Lake Park...........................1-5........................... 2-6 Siouxland Christian.......................0-6........................... 0-8 8-PLAYER-2 Dist. All Bishop Garrigan............................5-0......................... 13-0 Riceville.........................................4-1........................... 6-3 North Union...................................3-2........................... 5-4 West Bend-Mallard........................2-3........................... 3-5 Northwood-Kensett........................1-4........................... 4-4 North Iowa.....................................0-5........................... 0-7

Bellcock anchored the defense with 93 tackles last fall, as Baron had 45 and Lindgren 44. Liam Gauley and Lincoln Gauley combined on 70 stops. MUSTANGS AT A GLANCE NEWELL-FONDA Returning letterwinners (12): Lincoln Gauley, sr.; Liam Gauley, sr.; Brayden Johnson, sr.; Jackson Bellcock, sr.; Gunnar Baron, jr.; Ian Harrer, jr.; Tom Mercer, jr.; William Witham, soph.; Levi Lindgren, soph.; Titus Olsen, soph.; Will Voyles, soph.; Avery Melohn, soph. 2025 record: 3-6 overall, 3-3 in district. Coach: Nathan Baron enters his third season as head coach, having spent over two decades as the defensive coordinator for the Mustangs. MUSTANG SCHEDULE Aug. 28 .......................................................................................North Union Sept. 4 ........................................................................................... St. Edmond Sept. 11 ............................................................................................. at GTRA Sept. 18 ............................................................................... Harris-Lake Park Sept. 25 ...........................................................................at Kingsley-Pierson Oct. 2 ..................................................................................Remsen St. Mary’s Oct. 9 ............................................................................................ at Ar-We-Va Oct. 16 ............................................................................................ at Riceville

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C O U N T Y

Photo by Dale Wegner, The Sac Sun

RAIDERS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR EAST SAC COUNTY are, front row (left to right): Gabe King, Dawson Allen, Brooks Ludwig, Ryan Peterson and Carson Schmitt. Back: Reef Lankford, Cal McCollough, Kade Snyder, Weston Julin, Seth Donelson, Mike Manzer and Tyler Renze.

HIGH HOPES IN RAIDER GRID CAMP By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

Following a playoff appearance in 2025, East Sac County is hoping that 14 returning letterwinners will lead them back to the postseason this fall. The Raiders finished 3-6, securing a spot in the Class 1A playoffs with a late-season win on Homecoming over Pocahontas Area. Returning starters Dawson Allen, Zach Jacobsen, Colson Kies, Gabe King, Brooks Ludwig, Reef Lankford, Cal McCollough, Carson Schmitt, Weston

Julin and Beckem Kluver are flanked by Carter Rudd, Cain Gullett and Joe Hayes for East Sac County. “We have a great senior class and potential if we can avoid the injury bug and limit turnovers,” ESC head coach Eric Eric McCollough said. “Our McCollough goal is to finish in the See RAIDERS, Page 51

RAIDERS AT A GLANCE EAST SAC COUNTY Returning letterwinners (14): Dawson Allen, sr.; Zach Jacobsen, sr.; Colson Kies, sr.; Gabe King, sr.; Brooks Ludwig, sr.; Reef Lankford, sr.; Cal McCollough, sr.; Carson Schmitt, sr.; Tyler Renze, sr.; Carter Rudd, sr.; Weston Julin, jr.; Cain Gullett, soph.; Joe Hayes, soph.; Beckem Kluver, soph. Top prospect: Carter Popp, jr. 2025 record: 3-6 overall, 2-4 in district. Coach: Eric McCollough has won 76 games in 21 seasons leading the Raiders, and owns 87 overall in his head coaching career.

RAIDER SCHEDULE Aug. 28...................................................... IKM-Manning Sept. 4 .....................................................at Alta-Aurelia Sept. 11 .................................................at MVAOCOU Sept. 18 .................................................... Manson NW Sept. 25 ............................................at South Hamilton Oct. 2 ........................................South Central Calhoun Oct. 9 ...............................................at Pocahontas Area Oct. 16 ........................................................ Emmetsburg

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C O U N T Y

RAIDERS, Continued from Page 50 Top-2 in our district and earn a home playoff game.” Julin returns at quarterback after throwing for nearly 500 yards and rushing for almost 500 more last year with six touchdowns, as Schmitt led the team with 586 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. “Experience will be a strength for our team,” McCollough said. “We don’t have a lot of depth or team speed.” Schmitt was also the leading receiver, as Jacobsen had over 200 yards and Jacobsen more than 100. Gullett, Julin, Schmitt, Allen, Ludwig and McCollough all had over 20 tackles on defense, with King ranking among the state leaders in tackles with 107. He also had 10 tackles for loss to pace the Raiders. Julin and Gullett will once again handle kicking duties.

SAM MOSER was a Class 4A second team all-state selection as a junior for Fort Dodge, which went 8-2 in 2025. Moser will continue his football career at Wayne State College in Nebraska.

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2025 AREA ALL-STATE SELECTIONS

CLASS 4A Dreshaun Ross........................Fort Dodge....................1st team Jesse Egli..................................Fort Dodge.................. 2nd team Sam Moser..............................Fort Dodge.................. 2nd team Jayon Preston-Grady................Fort Dodge.................. 2nd team

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CLASS 3A Jack Guy..................................... Humboldt....................1st team Chase Flaherty........................... Humboldt....................1st team Cael Donahe.............................. Humboldt....................1st team Cole Nohrenberg.................. Webster City....................1st team Broedy Hendricks...................... Humboldt.................. 2nd team Jaxon Griffith......................... Webster City.................. 2nd team Tate Garman.................................. Algona.................. 2nd team CLASS 1A Huxley Lingenfelter.........Clarion-Goldfield....................1st team Joel Meier........................Clarion-Goldfield.................. 2nd team Coy Moline............. Manson NW Webster.................. 2nd team Ryan Wirtz.............................Emmetsburg.................. 2nd team EIGHT-PLAYER Tate Foertsch.................. Bishop Garrigan, ...................1st team Weston Rosenmeyer....... Bishop Garrigan....................1st team Carter Schwab................. Bishop Garrigan....................1st team Ethan Marso..................... Bishop Garrigan....................1st team

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MICHAEL JOYCE was a first team 8-player all-state selection as a junior for Bishop Garrigan. Michael Joyce.................. Bishop Garrigan....................1st team Grant Galles............................ St. Edmond.................. 2nd team Nathan Leerar.................. Bishop Garrigan.................. 2nd team

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N O R T H

U N I O N

Submitted photo

WARRIORS RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR NORTH UNION are, front row (left to right): Kyan Walter, Gabe Whaley, Caden Zotz, Jackson Hutchinson and Carson Crouch. Back: Casey Rezac, Cooper Hoye, Dyson Wikert, Kael Vaske, Christian Reyes, Drake Nelsen, Max Merrill and Greyson Colegrove.

LOFTY EXPECTATIONS FOR WARRIORS By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

For North Union and head coach Matt Ernster, the goals this fall on the football field are as high as ever. The Warriors return 11 letterwinners from a 5-4 team a year ago that reached the eight-player postseason. Quarterback Greyson Colegrove is among six starters back alongside Max Merrill, Cooper Hoye, Carson Crouch, Kyan Walter and Christian Reyes. “We want to compete at a high level every week of the season,” Ernster

Matt Ernster

said. “We want to put ourselves in the thick of the district race, and potentially earn a home playoff game. “We know we will have to play well week in and week out while maintaining health throughout the season to do that.” Colegrove had 770

See WARRIORS, Page 53

WARRIORS AT A GLANCE NORTH UNION Returning letterwinners (13): Greyson Colegrove, sr.; Max Merrill, sr.; Cooper Hoye, sr.; Gabe Whaley, sr.; Jackson Hutchinson, sr.; Caden Zotz, sr.; Carson Crouch, jr.; Kyan Walter, jr.; Casey Rezac, sr.; Dyson Wikert, sr.; Kael Vaske, sr.; Drake Nelsen, jr.; Christian Reyes, jr. Top prospects: Hunter Geitzenauer, jr.; Kaden Grimm, jr.; Noah Hersleff, jr. 2025 record: 5-4 overall, 3-2 in eight-player district action. Coach: Matt Ernster returns for his 10th season

leading the Warriors, as he has earned 31 wins during that time. WARRIOR SCHEDULE Aug. 21 ................................................... Collins-Maxwell Aug. 28 .................................................. at Newell-Fonda Sept. 4 ............................................................North Iowa Sept. 11 ............................................................ at Riceville Sept. 18 ....................................................................GTRA Sept. 25 ............................................. at Bishop Garrigan Oct. 9 ................................................. West Bend-Mallard Oct. 16 ....................................... at Northwood-Kensett

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Friday, August 28, 2026

F O O T B A L L

N O R T H

U N I O N

WARRIORS, Continued from Page 50

Messenger file photo

SOUTHEAST VALLEY PLAYERS celebrate after winning the Class 2A state championship in 2021 with a 30-13 victory over West Lyon. AREA TEAMS IN TITLE GAMES 2025 ........................Bishop Garrigan 44, Woodbine42 (8-Man) 2024 ........................................... Wahlert 49, Humboldt 14 (3A) 2023 .......................... Bishop Garrigan 39, Bedford 30 (8-Man) 2021 ........................... Southeast Valley 30, West Lyon 13 (2A) 2016 ...........................................Pella 28, Webster City 18 (3A) 2016 ..............Gladbrook-Reinbeck 20, Bishop Garrigan 19 (A) 2014 ...................... Newell-Fonda 39, Fremont Mills 35 (8-Man) 2013 ............................Iowa City Regina 35, St. Edmond 0 (1A) 2009 ...........Southern Cal 28, Mason City Newman 27 (OT) (A) 2008 ......................... Southern Cal 22, North Tama 21 (OT) (A) 2006 .........................................Humboldt 27, Clear Lake 9 (3A) 2005 ................... Iowa City Regina 19, Bishop Garrigan 8 (1A) 2005 .................... North Mahaska 21, West Bend-Mallard 6 (A) 2004 .................... West Bend-Mallard 40, North Mahaska 7 (A) 2003 ..................................... Emmetsburg 24, Clarinda 14 (2A) 2003 ...................... Sentral Fenton 28, Adair-Casey 20 (8-Man) 2002 .............................. Emmetsburg 35, Williamsburg 32 (2A) 2002 ............................ Sentral Fenton 44, Farragut 34 (8-Man) 2000 ............................................Emmetsburg 21, Solon 3 (2A) 2000 .................Southern Cal 26, Aplington-Parkersburg 8 (1A) 1999 ......................West Marshall 24, Bishop Garrigan 15 (1A) 1999 ............................... West Bend-Mallard 32, Madrid 29 (A) 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-Mount Union 15 (OT) (A) 1994 ............................... Hudson 42, Pocahontas Area 22 (1A) 1993 ..........Aplington-Parkersburg 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) 1989 ................... Laurens-Marathon 41, North 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, Cedar Rapids LaSalle 14 (2A) 1984 .................................. Pocahontas 15, Center Point 6 (1A) 1984 ............................. Grundy Center 21, Emmetsburg 7 (2A) 1983 ...................................... Sutherland 13, Graettinger 12 (A) 1983 ..................Cedar Rapids LaSalle 26, Emmetsburg 7 (2A) 1982 ..............................Pekin Packwood 15, West Bend 6 (1A) 1979 .................................... Emmetbsurg 10, Urbandale 9 (3A) 1978 .....................Cedar Rapids Regis 42, Emmetsburg 7 (3A) 1977 .................................... Emmetsburg 40, Audubon 13 (3A) 1976 ................................... Conrad-BCL 14, Graettinger 8 (1A) 1976 ..................... Waterloo Columbus 13, Emmetsburg 7 (3A) 1975 .................................. Urbandale 38, Emmetsburg 11 (3A)

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yards passing and 11 touchdowns, adding almost 500 more yards on the ground with 12 scores. A replacement for 1,200-yard rusher Draven Keeler will need to be found, as Crouch is the early favorite after rushing 33 times for 252 yards with three scores. Hoye caught 16 passes for 320 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns as a junior while Crouch had 103 yards receiving. Gabe Whaley, Jackson Hutchinson, Caden Zotz, Casey Rezac, Dyson Wikert, Kael Vaske and Drake Nelsen are also returning with varsity experience. Colegrove, Crouch, Hoye, Whaley, Merril and Walter all were key players on defense, with Merrill recording 51 tackles and both Crouch and Hoye in on a combined 12 tackles for loss and three sacks. “We have a lot of individuals who will contribute to our success,” Ernster said. “I feel like we have good depth and a number of guys that will make impacts on our team.” Crouch also had two kickoff returns for scores, averaging 27.5 yards per kickoff return and over 14 yards per punt return. Reyes made 35 of 46 extra-point attempts and both of his field goals.

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2026 IOWA CENTRAL TRITON DANCE TEAM

Front row L-R - Lila Swenson, Kennady Beeson, Lorna Tucker, Sophie Aman, Gabrielle Kruger, Ava Hultquist, Leah Kalsem, Morgan Hathaway, Mylee Merritt, Suri Shatto Middle row L-R - Renae Cowgill, Olivia Derr, Arianna Miller, Lilly Dingman, Sophia Santman, Hannah Davies, Malia Lansink, Aliza Vander Leest, Ava Dietrich, Leia Coley, Arrianna Jones Back row L-R - Garrett Hemmingsen, Rosanne Ricke, Kailee Vandewater, Fiona Tinken, Miguel Calles, Chloe Dickey, Ann Cornell, Seneca Freeze, Peyton Aleksieiczvk

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Friday, August 28, 2026

C E N T R A L

KRATCH TAKES OVER PROGRAM By DANA BECKER, Sports Writer

The Colby Kratch era begins for Iowa Central football this year. Kratch is replacing Jesse Montalto, who left to become the offensive coordinator at Louisiana-Monroe — an NCAA Div. I program. Under Montalto, Iowa Central won eight consecutive bowl games and posted an 8-4 record last year. Before accepting the position at Iowa Central, Kratch was a member of Matt Campbell’s coaching staff at Iowa State. He had two stints with the Cyclones and a year spent at North Texas. “It’s gone really well so far,” Kratch said. “We’ve had just about 20 fall camp practices with the group, and I feel like we’ve done a lot of really positive things. We’re teaching situational football with a focus on fundamentals and techniques. “Our super power has to be an attention to detail and discipline.” Kratch played junior college football for North Dakota State College of Science and was a two-year letterwinner at the University of Toledo, where he first started coaching under Campbell as a graduate assistant. As is typically the case, the roster has been turned over, with just a handful of key players returning. One of those is running back Ethan Johnson, who rushed for 665 yards and five touchdowns on just 91 carries as a freshman. Clearing holes for Johnson will be Zavian Chones-Ashmore, Moustafa Daoud and Michael Smith II. Chones-Ashmore holds offers from the likes of Arkansas, Auburn, Tulsa and UTSA. Daoud is a Kent State commit. Smith has offers from Georgia State and Florida Atlantic, among others. “It all starts with Ethan on offense,” Kratch said. “He does everything you ask of him both on and off the field. He’s a tremendous leader and we have some really strong players around him.” Both Chones-Ashmore and Daoud were standouts at West Des Moines Valley. JaCari Patton from Des Moines Roosevelt, is expected to take snaps at quarterback this fall. Ahmad Grayer is back to anchor the defense. He had 58 tackles with four interceptions and two forced fumbles a year ago, earning All-American status. Michael Lane and Batpiny Riak are also returning.

Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Athletics

THE IOWA CENTRAL FOOTBALL SQUAD celebrates its 2025 Game One Bowl win last December at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. The program has won eight consecutive postseason games.

“We have a lot more new faces on defense,” Kratch said. “But those guys are working extremely hard.” SCHEDULE/COACHING STAFF The 15th-ranked Tritons will be road warriors this fall, as they play six games away from home after starting out with back-to-back dates inside Dodger Stadium. Up first will be No. 14 Butler at home this Saturday, followed by the ICCAC opener vs. Ellsworth the next weekend. From there, Iowa Central heads to Kansas for four consecutive contests, playing Highland, eighth-rated Coffeyville and Dodge City. They get a bye to begin October, then return to Kansas to face No. 10 Garden City. The Tritons finally return home on Oct. 17 to face No. 1 and defending national champion Iowa Western, followed by a trips to Kansas to face Independence and Oklahoma to play Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Iowa Central concludes the regular season inside Dodger Stadium on Nov. 7 vs. second-rated Hutchinson, which won the na-

cy Griffith, Tommy Feazell, Kyle Goldman, Devonta Davis and Bryce Kensey. “I cannot say enough about our staff — especially Coach Conley,” Kratch said. “He has been a huge resource for me and has been so critical to helping me along here. His knowledge of the conference and junior college football is priceless. “We would not be where we are right now without these guys. They have done a great job helping me and leading our team.” TRITON SCHEDULE Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Athletics

COLBY KRATCH was named football coach at Iowa Central last January.

tional title in 2024 and finished as run. Kratch is just the third head football coach for Iowa Central over the last 30 years, after Montalto and long-time leader Kevin Twait. Kratch is assisted by veteran coach Jeremy Conley, along with newcomers Quin-

Aug. 29.......................................Butler, noon Sept. 5.................................. Ellsworth, noon Sept. 12 ..........................at Highland, 1 p.m. Sept. 19........................ at Coffeyville, 1 p.m. Sept. 26......................... at Dodge City, noon Oct. 10......................at Garden City, 11 a.m. Oct. 17.........................Iowa Western, 1 p.m. Oct. 24 ................... at Independence, 5 p.m. Oct. 31 .........at NE Oklahoma A&M, 11 a.m. Nov. 7..............................Hutchinson, 5 p.m.

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2026 IOWA CENTRAL TRITON FOOTBALL SCHEDULE AUGUST 29 VS Butler Community College - KS ...................@12:00 PM Dodger Stadium | Fort Dodge, lowa

OCTOBER 10 at Garden City Community College ................@11:00 AM Broncbuster Stadium | Garden City, KS

SEPTEMBER 05 VS Ellsworth Community College * ...........@12:00 PM Dodger Stadium | Fort Dodge, IA

OCTOBER 17 VS lowa Western Community College * ...........@1:00 PM Dodger Stadium | Fort Dodge, IA

SEPTEMBER 12 at Highland Community College - Kansas..@1:00 PM Porter Family Stadium | Highland, KS

OCTOBER 24 at Independence Community College ...............@5:00 PM Emmot Field | Independence, KS

SEPTEMBER 19 at Coffeyville Community College ...............@1:00 PM Veterans Appreciation Day

OCTOBER 31 at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College ......@11:00 AM Red Robertson Field | Miami, OK

SEPTEMBER 26 at Dodge City Community College ............@12:00 PM Memorial Stadium | Dodge City, KS

NOVEMBER 07 VS Hutchinson Community College ..............@5:00 PM Homecoming | Dodger Stadium | Fort Dodge, IA

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PRESEASON AP TOP 25 POLL

Big Ten Teams At Top BY ERIC OLSON

AP College Football Writer

hio State and Oregon give the Big Ten Conference the top two teams in The Associated Press Top 25 preseason rankings for the first time in 65 years and the second time ever. The Buckeyes received 40 first-place votes in the poll released Monday. Oregon was No. 1 on 14 ballots in voting by 69 media members who cover college football. Ohio State will go into a season No. 1 for the ninth time, and first since 2015. The Buckeyes are now tied with Alabama for second most preseason No. 1 rankings behind Oklahoma’s 10. Oregon has its highest preseason ranking in program history after having opened No. 3 four times. Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas round out the top five. Defending national champion Indiana starts at No. 6 and is followed by Miami, Texas A&M, Mississippi and Oklahoma. Notre Dame received six first-place votes, Indiana got eight and Miami one. The last time the Big Ten had the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in the preseason was 1961, when Iowa and Ohio State topped the poll. The Hawkeyes lost four of their last five games after a 4-0 start and finished that season unranked. The Buckeyes went 8-0-1 and ended the season No. 2 behind an unbeaten Alabama. The Big Ten has won three straight College Football

No. 1 Ohio State

2025: 12-2, CFP first round, No. 5 final ranking. Key games: at Texas, Sept. 12; at Indiana, Oct. 17; vs. Oregon, Nov. 7; vs. Michigan, Nov. 28. Players to watch: QB Julian Sayin, WR Jeremiah Smith, RB Bo Jackson, LB Payton Pierce, S Jaylen McClain.

No. 6 Indiana

2025: 16-0, CFP champion, No. 1 final ranking. Key games: at Ohio State, Oct. 17; vs. Michigan, Oct. 24; vs. USC, Nov. 14; at Washington, Nov. 21.

No. 7 Miami

2025: 13-3, CFP runner-up, No. 2 final ranking. Key games: at Clemson, Oct. 3; vs. Pitt, Oct. 24; at Notre Dame, Nov. 7.

No. 8 Texas A&M

2025: 11-2, CFP first round, No. 8 final ranking. Key games: at LSU, Sept. 26; at Alabama, Oct. 24; at Oklahoma, Nov. 21; vs. Texas, Nov. 27.

No. 9 Mississippi

2025: 13-2, CFP semifinal, No. 3

No. 2 Oregon

Playoff championships (Michigan, Ohio State, Indiana) and will be going for an unprecedented fourth straight national title. This is the fourth consecutive year the Big Ten has had two of the top three teams in the preseason rankings. The Southeastern Conference leads all conferences with nine teams in the preseason poll, marking the third straight year it has had at least that many. Five of the top 10 are from the SEC for the first time since 2013. Four Big 12 teams are ranked, with conference champion Texas Tech the highest at No. 12. The Atlantic Coast Conference has three ranked teams. There are no Group of Six schools in the Top 25.

ANOTHER BUCKEYES TITLE RUN?

The Ohio State offense is loaded. Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin was the most accurate passer in the nation by a wide margin last season, Jeremiah Smith leads the nation in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns over the last two years and Bo Jackson is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season as a freshman. There is little concern about the defense even though eight starters must be replaced for a second straight year. At least six transfers are projected to start or play major roles. Ohio State will get tested early and often. The Buckeyes visit Texas on Sept. 12 and five of their nine conference games are against preseason ranked teams, including at Indiana and against Oregon at home.

2025: 13-2, CFP semifinal, No. 4 final ranking. Key games: at USC, Sept. 26; at Ohio State, Nov. 7; vs. Michigan, Nov. 14; vs. Washington, Nov. 28. Players to watch: QB Dante Moore, TE Jamari Johnson, DT A’Mauri Washington, DB Koi Perich, DB Brandon Finney Jr.

final ranking. Key games: vs. Louisville, Sept. 6, at Nashville; vs. LSU, Sept. 19; at Texas, Oct. 24; vs. Georgia, Nov. 7; at Oklahoma, Nov. 14.

No. 10 Oklahoma

2025: 10-3, CFP first round, No. 13 final ranking. Key Games: at Michigan, Sept. 12; at Georgia, Sept. 26; vs Texas, at Dallas, Oct. 10; vs. Mississippi, Nov. 14; vs. Texas A&M, Nov. 21.

No. 11 LSU

2025: 7-6, unranked. Key games: at Mississippi, Sept. 19; vs. Texas A&M, Sept. 26; vs. Alabama, Nov. 7; vs. Texas, Nov. 14; at Tennessee, Nov. 21.

No. 12 Texas Tech

2025: 12-2, CFP quarterfinal, No. 7

No. 3 Georgia

2025: 12-2, CFP first round, No. 6 final ranking. Key games: vs. Oklahoma, Sept. 26; at Alabama, Oct. 10; vs. Florida, in Atlanta, Oct. 31; at Mississippi, Nov. 7. Players to watch: QB Gunner Stockton, RB Nate Frazier, C Drew Bobo, S KJ Bolden, CB Ellis Robinson IV.

final ranking. Key games: vs. Houston, Sept. 18; vs. Arizona State, Oct. 17; vs. Arizona, Oct. 31; vs. TCU, Nov. 26.

No. 13 Alabama

2025: 11-4, CFP quarterfinal, No. 9 final ranking. Key games: vs. Georgia, Oct. 10; at Tennessee, Oct. 17; vs. Texas A&M, Oct. 24; at LSU, Nov. 7.

No. 14 (tie) BYU

2025: 12-2, No. 11 final ranking. Key games: vs. Arizona, Sept. 12; at TCU, Oct. 3; vs. Notre Dame, Oct. 17; at Utah, Nov. 7.

No. 14 (tie) USC

2025: 9-4, No. 20 final ranking. Key games: vs. Oregon, Sept. 26; vs. Washington, Oct. 3; at Penn State, Oct. 10; vs. Ohio State, Oct.

BULLDOGS BEST OF THE SEC?

The beat goes on for Georgia, which is in the preseason top five for the ninth straight year. The two-time defending SEC champion Bulldogs are favored to play in a sixth straight conference title game and appear in the CFP for the sixth time in 10 years. Texas, the preseason No. 1 last year, opens in the top five for the third straight year. No. 8 Texas A&M is in the preseason top 10 for the first time since it was No. 6 in 2022, the year that marked the beginning of the end for Jimbo Fisher. Pete Golding’s first full season as Mississippi head coach starts with the No. 9 Rebels in a preseason top 10 for the second time in three years and third time since 1970. No. 10 Oklahoma is in the preseason top 10 for the first time since 2022, when it was in the Big 12.

POLL NUGGETS

• Ohio State will try to become the 12th team to start and finish No. 1 since the AP preseason poll debuted in 1950. The last team to do it was Alabama in 2017. • Notre Dame has its highest preseason ranking since it was No. 2 in 2006. The Irish, who have a Heisman candidate in quarterback CJ Carr, bring a 10-game win streak into the season and are still smarting from being left out of the playoff. • Ten of the 12 CFP teams last season are ranked. The two that aren’t are James Madison and Tulane from the Group of Six. CONTENT BYTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS DESIGN BY ADAMS PUBLISHING GROUP/PAGINATION CENTER

No. 4 Notre Dame

2025: 10-2, No. 10 final ranking. Key games: vs. Wisconsin, at Green Bay, Sept. 6; at BYU, Oct. 17; vs. Miami, Nov. 7, vs. SMU, Nov. 21. Players to watch: QB CJ Carr, OL Anthonie Knapp, DB Leonard Moore, LB Kyngstonn ViliamuAsa.

31; at Indiana, Nov. 14.

No. 16 Michigan

2025: 9-4, No. 21 final ranking. Key games: vs. Oklahoma, Sept. 12; vs. Iowa, Sept. 26; vs. Penn State, Oct. 17; vs. Indiana, Oct. 24; at Ohio State, Nov. 28.

No. 17 Washington

2025: 9-4, unranked. Key games: at USC, Oct. 3; vs. Iowa, Oct. 9; vs. Penn State, Nov. 7; vs. Indiana, Nov. 21; at Oregon, Nov. 28.

No. 18 Penn State

2025: 7-6, unranked. Key games: vs. USC, Oct. 10; at Michigan, Oct. 17; at Washington, Nov. 7; vs. Minnesota, Nov. 14.

No. 19 SMU

The Buckeyes have ended a season No. 1 in the AP poll six times (1942, 1954, 1968, 2002, 2014, 2024).

No. 5 Texas

2025: 10-3, No. 12 final ranking. Key games: vs. Ohio State, Sept. 12; vs. Oklahoma, at Dallas, Oct. 10; vs. Mississippi, Oct. 24; at LSU, Nov. 14; at Texas A&M, Nov. 24. Players to watch: QB Arch Manning, WR Cam Coleman, OL Trevor Goosby, DE Colin Simmons, LB Rasheem Biles.

2025: 9-4, unranked. Key games: at Florida State, Sept. 7; at Louisville, Sept. 19; vs. Virginia Tech, Nov. 6; at Notre Dame, Nov. 21.

No. 20 Tennessee

2025: 8-5, unranked. Key games: at Georgia Tech, Sept. 12; vs. Texas, Sept. 26; vs. Alabama, Oct. 17; at Texas A&M, Nov. 14; vs. LSU, Nov. 21.

No. 21 Utah

2025: 11-2, No. 14 final ranking. Key games: vs. Houston, Oct. 24; vs. BYU, Nov. 7; at Arizona, Nov. 14; at TCU, Nov. 21.

No. 22 Iowa

2025: 9-4, No. 17 final ranking. Key games: at Michigan, Sept. 26; vs. Ohio State, Oct. 3; at

Washington, Oct. 9; at Minnesota, Oct. 24; at Illinois, Nov. 21.

No. 23 Houston

2025: 10-3, No. 22 final ranking. Key games: at Texas Tech, Sept. 18; at Kansas State, Oct. 10; at Utah, Oct. 24.

No. 24 Louisville

2025: 9-4, unranked. Key games: at Mississippi, Sept. 6; vs. SMU, Sept. 19; at Georgia Tech, Nov. 7; vs. Pitt, Nov. 21.

No. 25 Missouri

2025: 8-5, unranked. Key games: vs. Florida, Oct. 3; vs. Texas A&M, Oct. 10; at Mississippi, Oct. 18; vs. Texas, Nov. 7; at Georgia, Nov. 14.

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4A DISTRICT 1

3A DISTRICT 1

2A DISTRICT 2

Friday, Aug. 28 Fort Dodge at ............................................................. Mason City Bishop Heelan at ..........................................Sergeant Bluff-Luton Storm Lake at ................................................. Denison-Schleswig CB Lincoln at ...................................................................Le Mars Humboldt at .................................................................... Spencer Sioux City West at .................................................... CB Jefferson

Friday, Aug. 28 Humboldt at .................................................................... Spencer Spirit Lake at ..................................................................... Algona Webster City at .................................................. Iowa Falls-Alden Central Lyon/G-LR at .......................................MOC-Floyd Valley Bishop Heelan at...........................................Sergeant Bluff-Luton Unity Christian at .....................................................Sioux Center

Friday, Aug. 28 Manson NW at ................................................... Southeast Valley OABCIG at ..................................................................Ridge View Carroll Kuemper at ........................................................Cherokee Hartley-HMS at ................................................................Okoboji Spirit Lake at ..................................................................... Algona Emmetsburg at ........................................................Estherville-LC

Friday, Sept. 4 Webster City at .......................................................... Fort Dodge Sergeant Bluff-Luton at ........................................... Lewis Central CB Jefferson at ........................................................... Storm Lake Le Mars at ............................................................. Bishop Heelan Carroll at ......................................................................... Spencer South Sioux City at .............................................. Sioux City West

Friday, Sept. 4 Humboldt at .................................................................Clear Lake Algona at ............................................................ Carroll Kuemper Webster City at .......................................................... Fort Dodge MOC-Floyd Valley at ............................................. Unity Christian Le Mars at ............................................................. Bishop Heelan Sheldon at ................................................................Sioux Center

Friday, Sept. 4 Southeast Valley at................................................... Emmetsburg OABCIG at ................................................................... Tri-Center Algona at ............................................................ Carroll Kuemper Okoboji at .............................................Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley Hull Western Christian at .............................................Spirit Lake Estherville-LC at ............................................................Cherokee

Friday, Sept. 11 Fort Dodge at ......................................................... Waterloo East Sergeant Bluff-Luton at ............................................ CB Jefferson MOC-Floyd Valley at .................................................. Storm Lake Sioux Center at ................................................................Le Mars Spencer at ................................................Hull Western Christian Sioux City West at .............................................. Sioux City North

Friday, Sept. 11 Carroll at .......................................................................Humboldt Forest City at ..................................................................... Algona Clear Lake at ............................................................Webster City MOC-Floyd Valley at .................................................. Storm Lake Bishop Heelan at ................................................... Sioux City East Sioux Center at ................................................................Le Mars

Friday, Sept. 11 Southeast Valley at ...............................................South Hamilton Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley at ............................................OABCIG Shenandoah at ................................................... Carroll Kuemper Okoboji at ................................................................ Emmetsburg Spirit Lake at .................................................. Central Lyon/G-LR Clarion-Goldfield/Dows at ......................................Estherville-LC

Friday, Sept. 18 Waterloo West at ....................................................... Fort Dodge Glenwood at ................................................Sergeant Bluff-Luton Storm Lake at ................................................................... Atlantic Le Mars at ........................................................MOC-Floyd Valley Spencer at ...............................................................Sioux Center Sioux City East at ................................................ Sioux City West

Friday, Sept. 18 Ballard at .......................................................................Humboldt Algona at ........................................................Waverly-Shell Rock Webster City at ..................................................................Gilbert Le Mars at........................................................ MOC-Floyd Valley Sioux City North at ................................................ Bishop Heelan Spencer at ...............................................................Sioux Center

Friday, Sept. 18 Estherville-LC at ................................................. Southeast Valley Carroll Kuemper at ..........................................................OABCIG Spirit Lake at ....................................................................Okoboji

Friday, Sept. 25 Fort Dodge at ...............................................Sergeant Bluff-Luton Sioux City West at....................................................... Storm Lake Le Mars at ....................................................................... Spencer

Friday, Sept. 25 MOC-Floyd Valley at ......................................................... Algona Humboldt at .............................................................Webster City Sioux Center at ..................................................... Bishop Heelan

Friday, Oct. 2 Spencer at ................................................................. Fort Dodge Sergeant Bluff-Luton at .............................................. Storm Lake Sioux City West at ............................................................Le Mars

Friday, Oct. 2 Algona at .......................................................................Humboldt Webster City at ........................................................Sioux Center Bishop Heelan at ..............................................MOC-Floyd Valley

Friday, Oct. 9 Storm Lake at ............................................................. Fort Dodge Le Mars at ....................................................Sergeant Bluff-Luton Spencer at .......................................................... Sioux City West

Friday, Oct. 9 Algona at ..................................................................Sioux Center MOC-Floyd Valley at .....................................................Humboldt Bishop Heelan at ......................................................Webster City

Friday, Oct. 16 Fort Dodge at ...................................................................Le Mars Sergeant Bluff-Luton at ....................................... Sioux City West Storm Lake at .................................................................. Spencer

Friday, Oct. 16 Webster City at ................................................................. Algona Humboldt at .......................................................... Bishop Heelan Sioux Center at ................................................MOC-Floyd Valley

Friday, Oct. 23 Sioux City West at ...................................................... Fort Dodge Spencer at ...................................................Sergeant Bluff-Luton Le Mars at .................................................................. Storm Lake

Friday, Oct. 23 Algona at ............................................................... Bishop Heelan MOC-Floyd Valley at ................................................Webster City Sioux Center at .............................................................Humboldt

Friday, Sept. 25 Southeast Valley at ............................................. Carroll Kuemper OABCIG at ...................................................................Spirit Lake Okoboji at ...............................................................Estherville-LC Friday, Oct. 2 Southeast Valley at ...........................................................Okoboji OABCIG at ..............................................................Estherville-LC Carroll Kuemper at .......................................................Spirit Lake Friday, Oct. 9 Spirit Lake at ...................................................... Southeast Valley Okoboji at .......................................................................OABCIG Estherville-LC at ................................................. Carroll Kuemper Friday, Oct. 16 OABCIG at ......................................................... Southeast Valley Carroll Kuemper at ...........................................................Okoboji Estherville-LC at ...........................................................Spirit Lake

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

P R E P

Friday, August 28, 2026

S C H E D U L E S

1A DISTRICT 2

1A DISTRICT 3

8-PLAYER 1

8-PLAYER 2

Friday, Aug. 28 Sioux Central at ......................Pocahontas Area Emmetsburg at ............................ Estherville-LC South Central Calhoun at ..................... Earlham IKM-Manning at ...................... East Sac County Manson NW at ........................Southeast Valley South Hamilton at ............................ St. Ansgar

Friday, Aug. 28 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows at ... Belmond-Klemme Lake Mills at ...................................Eagle Grove West Hancock at ....... Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Grundy Center at ..........Aplington-Parkersburg South Hardin at .......................... West Marshall Mason City Newman at ............ Central Springs

Friday, Aug. 28 Glidden-Ralston at ......................... St. Edmond North Union at ............................Newell-Fonda West Bend-Mallard at ..............................GTRA Bishop Garrigan at ................. Kingsley-Pierson Audubon at ......................... Remsen St. Mary’s North Iowa at ..........................Harris-Lake Park

Friday, Aug. 28 West Bend-Mallard at ..............................GTRA Bishop Garrigan at ................. Kingsley-Pierson North Union at ............................Newell-Fonda North Iowa at ..........................Harris-Lake Park Riceville at ................................... Turkey Valley

Friday, Sept. 4 Pocahontas Area at ................ Lawton-Bronson Southeast Valley at ........................Emmetsburg Ridge View at ................South Central Calhoun East Sac County at ......................... Alta-Aurelia MVAOCOU at ...............................Manson NW Panorama at ............................. South Hamilton

Friday, Sept. 4 Hampton-Dumont/CAL at .Clarion-Goldfield/D Eagle Grove at ........................................Ogden Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at ....................Osage Waterloo Columbus at .............. Grundy Center Iowa Falls-Alden at .......................South Hardin Central Springs at ............................. Lake Mills

Friday, Sept. 4 St. Edmond at .............................Newell-Fonda GTRA at .............................. Remsen St. Mary’s Harris-Lake Park at ............ Northwood-Kensett

Friday, Sept. 11 Alta-Aurelia at ........................Pocahontas Area Okoboji at .....................................Emmetsburg South Central Calhoun at ............ IKM-Manning East Sac County at ..........................MVAOCOU Manson NW at .......................................Ogden Southeast Valley at ................... South Hamilton

Friday, Sept. 11 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows at .......... Estherville-LC Eagle Grove at ...................................West Fork Aplington-Parkersburg at .............. GH/Ventura Dike-New Hartford at ................ Grundy Center South Hardin at .................................... Hudson Nashua-Plainfield at ................. Central Springs

Friday, Sept. 18 Emmetsburg at .......................Pocahontas Area South Hamilton at .........South Central Calhoun Manson NW at ........................ East Sac County

Friday, Sept. 18 Central Springs at ....... Clarion-Goldfield/Dows South Hardin at ..............................Eagle Grove Grundy Center at ...... Garner-Hayfield/Ventura

Friday, Sept. 25 Pocahontas Area at .......................Manson NW South Central Calhoun at ..............Emmetsburg East Sac County at ................... South Hamilton

Friday, Sept. 25 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows at ........ Grundy Center Eagle Grove at .......................... Central Springs Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at .........South Hardin

Friday, Oct. 2 Pocahontas Area at .................. South Hamilton Emmetsburg at ..............................Manson NW South Central Calhoun at ........ East Sac County

Friday, Oct. 2 Clarion-Goldfield/Dows at .............Eagle Grove Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at ....... Central Srings Grundy Center at .........................South Hardin

Friday, Oct. 9 East Sac County at .................Pocahontas Area South Hamilton at .........................Emmetsburg Manson NW at ..............South Central Calhoun

Friday, Oct. 9 South Hardin at ........... Clarion-Goldfield/Dows Eagle Grove at ........... Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Central Springs at...................... Grundy Center

Friday, Oct. 16 Pocahontas Area at .......South Central Calhoun Emmetsburg at ........................ East Sac County South Hamilton at .........................Manson NW

Friday, Oct. 16 GH/Ventura at ............ Clarion-Goldfield/Dows Grundy Center at ...........................Eagle Grove Central Springs at ........................South Hardin

Friday, Sept. 11 Remsen St. Mary’s at...................... St. Edmond Newell-Fonda at .......................................GTRA Kingsley-Pierson at .................Harris-Lake Park Friday, Sept. 18 St. Edmond at ......................... Bishop Garrigan Harris-Lake Park at ......................Newell-Fonda Kingsley-Pierson at ............. Remsen St. Mary’s Friday, Sept. 25 Newell-Fonda at ..................... Kingsley-Pierson GTRA at ........................................ North Union Remsen St. Mary’s at ..............Harris-Lake Park Thursday, Oct. 1 St. Edmond at ..........................................GTRA

Friday, Sept. 4 Riceville at ............................... Bishop Garrigan North Iowa at ................................ North Union Friday, Sept. 11 Northwood-Kensett at ....... West Bend-Mallard Bishop Garrigan at .......................... North Iowa North Union at .....................................Riceville Thursday, Sept. 17 Riceville at ......................... Northwood-Kensett Friday, Sept. 18 North Iowa at ..................... West Bend-Mallard St. Edmond at B......................... ishop Garrigan Friday, Sept. 25 West Bend-Mallard at ..........................Riceville GTRA at ........................................ North Union Northwood-Kensett at .................... North Iowa

Friday, Oct. 2 Remsen St. Mary’s at ..................Newell-Fonda

Friday, Oct. 2 North Union at ........................ Bishop Garrigan Riceville at ....................................... North Iowa

Friday, Oct. 9 St. Edmond at .........................Harris-Lake Park Newell-Fonda at ................................ Ar-We-Va GTRA at ................................. Kingsley-Pierson

Friday, Oct. 9 West Bend-Mallard at ................... North Union Bishop Garrigan at ............ Northwood-Kensett Janesville at ..........................................Riceville

Friday, Oct. 16 Kingsley-Pierson at ........................ St. Edmond Newell-Fonda at ...................................Riceville Harris-Lake Park at ...................................GTRA Remsen St. Mary’s at ...................... North Iowa

Friday, Oct. 16 Bishop Garrigan at ............. West Bend-Mallard Remsen St. Mary’s at ...................... North Iowa North Union at .................. Northwood-Kensett Newell-Fonda at ...................................Riceville

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ARIZONA CARDINALS Sept. 13.............. at LA Chargers........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20........................... Seattle........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 27............at San Francisco........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 4...................... at NY Giants............... noon Oct. 11..............................Detroit........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 18......................at LA Rams........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 25.............................Denver........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 1............................at Dallas............... noon Nov. 8.......................... at Seattle........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 15.........................LA Rams........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 22................ at Kansas City............... noon Nov. 29.....................Washington........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 6......................Philadelphia........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 20...........................NY Jets........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 27...............at New Orleans............... noon Jan. 3..........................Las Vegas........ 3:05 p.m. TBD......................San Francisco................ TBD ATLANTA FALCONS Sept. 13.................. at Pittsburgh............... noon Sept. 20......................... Carolina............... noon Sept. 24........at Green Bay (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 5....... at New Orleans (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11......................... Baltimore........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 18........................... Chicago............... noon Oct. 25..................San Francisco............... noon Nov. 1................... at Tampa Bay............... noon Nov. 8........... Cincinnati (Madrid)........ 8:30 a.m. Nov. 15.................... Kansas City............... noon Nov. 29...................at Minnesota............... noon Dec. 6...............................Detroit............... noon Dec. 13....................at Cleveland............... noon Dec. 20.................at Washington............... noon TBD.......................... Tampa Bay................ TBD Jan. 3......................New Orleans............... noon TBD........................... at Carolina................ TBD BALTIMORE RAVENS Sept. 13............... at Indianapolis............... noon Sept. 20..................New Orleans............... noon Sept. 27................at Dallas (Rio)........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 4.........................Tennessee............... noon Oct. 11......................... at Atlanta........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 18.....................at Cleveland............... noon Oct. 25.........................Cincinnati............... noon Nov. 1.......................... at Buffalo............... noon Nov. 5.............Jacksonville (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 16.........LA Chargers (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 22...................... at Carolina............... noon Nov. 29...................... at Houston............... noon Dec. 13..................... Tampa Bay............... noon Dec. 20................... at Pittsburgh............... noon Dec. 27........................Cleveland............... noon Dec. 31.......... at Cincinnati (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. TBD............................ Pittsburgh................ TBD BUFFALO BILLS Sept. 13..................... at Houston............... noon Sept. 17.................. Detroit (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27.................. LA Chargers............... noon Oct. 4..................... New England............... noon Oct. 12........... at LA Rams (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18....................at Las Vegas........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 1.......................... Baltimore............... noon Nov. 9...........at Minnesota (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 15.......................at NY Jets............... noon Nov. 22..............................Miami............... noon Nov. 26.................... Kansas City........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 6................ at New England........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 13.................. at Green Bay........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 19.......................... Chicago........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 25................ at Denver (Fri)........ 3:30 p.m. Jan. 3.............................at Miami............... noon TBD................................NY Jets................ TBD CAROLINA PANTHERS Sept. 13......................... Chicago............... noon Sept. 20....................... at Atlanta............... noon Sept. 27...................at Cleveland............... noon Oct. 4................................Detroit........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 18.................at Philadelphia............... noon Oct. 25...................... Tampa Bay............... noon Oct. 29..........at Green Bay (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 8..............................Denver............... noon Nov. 15...............at New Orleans............... noon Nov. 22........................ Baltimore............... noon Nov. 30.......at Tampa Bay (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 6.....................at Minnesota........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 13...................New Orleans............... noon Dec. 20........................Cincinnati............... noon TBD........................ at Pittsburgh................ TBD Jan. 3............................... Seattle............... noon TBD................................. Atlanta................ TBD CHICAGO BEARS Sept. 13..................... at Carolina............... noon Sept. 20......................Minnesota............... noon Sept. 28.........Philadelphia (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4..............................NY Jets............... noon Oct. 11................... at Green Bay........ 3:25 p.m.

Friday, August 28, 2026

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa www.messengernews.net 2026 NFL SCHEDULE

Oct. 18......................... at Atlanta............... noon Oct. 22..........New England (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 2................at Seattle (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 8....................... Tampa Bay........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 22...................New Orleans............... noon Nov. 26.........................at Detroit............... noon Dec. 6...................... Jacksonville............... noon Dec. 13..........................at Miami............... noon Dec. 19........................ at Buffalo........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 25...............Green Bay (Fri)............... noon Jan. 3................................Detroit........ 3:25 p.m. TBD........................at Minnesota................ TBD CINCINNATI BENGALS Sept. 13.................... Tampa Bay............... noon Sept. 20..................... at Houston............... noon Sept. 27.................. at Pittsburgh............... noon Oct. 4....................... Jacksonville............... noon Oct. 11...........................at Miami............... noon Oct. 25..................... at Baltimore............... noon Nov. 1........................Tennessee............... noon Nov. 8............at Atlanta (Madrid)........ 8:30 a.m. Nov. 15....................... Pittsburgh........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 23...............at Wash. (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 29...................New Orleans............... noon Dec. 6......................at Cleveland............... noon Dec. 13.................... Kansas City........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 20...................... at Carolina............... noon TBD..................... at Indianapolis................ TBD Dec. 31...............Baltimore (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. TBD.............................Cleveland................ TBD CLEVELAND BROWNS Sept. 13............... at Jacksonville............... noon Sept. 20................ at Tampa Bay............... noon Sept. 27......................... Carolina............... noon Oct. 1.................Pittsburgh (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11........................at NY Jets............... noon Oct. 18......................... Baltimore............... noon Oct. 25...................at Tennessee............... noon Nov. 1..................... at Pittsburgh............... noon Nov. 8.................at New Orleans............... noon Nov. 15.......................... Houston............... noon Nov. 29.......................Las Vegas............... noon Dec. 6..........................Cincinnati............... noon Dec. 13............................ Atlanta............... noon Dec. 20................... at NY Giants............... noon Dec. 27.................... at Baltimore............... noon Jan. 3....................... Indianapolis............... noon TBD.........................at Cincinnati................ TBD DALLAS COWBOYS Sept. 13.................. at NY Giants........ 7:20 p.m. Sept. 20....................Washington........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 27...............Baltimore (Rio)........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 4......................... at Houston............... noon Oct. 8...............Tampa Bay (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18................... at Green Bay........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 26.......at Philadelphia (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1............................. Arizona............... noon Nov. 8.................. at Indianapolis............... noon Nov. 15.................San Francisco........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 22......................Tennessee............... noon Nov. 26....................Philadelphia........ 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7................at Seattle (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 20.....................at LA Rams........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 27.................... Jacksonville........ 7:20 p.m. Jan. 3.......................... NY Giants............... noon TBD......................at Washington................ TBD DENVER BRONCOS Sept. 14.....at Kansas City (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Sept. 20................... Jacksonville........ 3:05 p.m. Sept. 27........................LA Rams........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 4................at San Francisco........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 11................ at LA Chargers........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 15....................Seattle (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 25........................ at Arizona........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 1...................... Kansas City........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 8........................ at Carolina............... noon Nov. 22.......................Las Vegas........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 27............at Pittsburgh (Fri)............. 2 p.m. Dec. 6................................Miami........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 13.......................at NY Jets............... noon Dec. 20...................at Las Vegas........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 25.....................Buffalo (Fri)........ 3:30 p.m. TBD................... at New England................ TBD TBD........................ LA Chargers................ TBD DETROIT LIONS Sept. 13..................New Orleans............... noon Sept. 17..............at Buffalo (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27..........................NY Jets............... noon Oct. 4......................... at Carolina........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 11........................ at Arizona........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 25....................... Green Bay........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 1.........................Minnesota............... noon Nov. 8............................at Miami............... noon Nov. 15.......N. England (Munich)........ 8:30 a.m. Nov. 22..................... Tampa Bay............... noon Nov. 26.......................... Chicago............... noon

Dec. 6.......................... at Atlanta............... noon Dec. 13......................Tennessee............... noon Dec. 20...................at Minnesota........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 28.............NY Giants (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Jan. 3......................... at Chicago........ 3:25 p.m. TBD....................... at Green Bay................ TBD GREEN BAY PACKERS Sept. 13..................at Minnesota........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20......................at NY Jets............... noon Sept. 24..................Atlanta (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4.................... at Tampa Bay............... noon Oct. 11........................... Chicago........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 18...............................Dallas........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 25..........................at Detroit........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 29..................Carolina (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 8................ at New England........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 15.......................Minnesota............... noon Nov. 25..........at LA Rams (Wed)............. 7 p.m. Dec. 6.................at New Orleans............... noon Dec. 13............................ Buffalo........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 20..............................Miami............... noon Dec. 25...............at Chicago (Fri)............... noon Jan. 4...................Houston (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. TBD..................................Detroit................ TBD HOUSTON TEXANS Sept. 13........................... Buffalo............... noon Sept. 20.......................Cincinnati............... noon Sept. 27............... at Indianapolis............... noon Oct. 4.................................Dallas............... noon Oct. 11...................at Tennessee............... noon Oct. 18............ at J’ville (London)........ 8:30 a.m. Oct. 25........................ NY Giants............... noon Nov. 8................. at LA Chargers........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 15....................at Cleveland............... noon Nov. 19...........Indianapolis (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 29........................ Baltimore............... noon Dec. 6..................... at Pittsburgh........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 13.................at Washington............... noon Dec. 20.................... Jacksonville............... noon Dec. 24...... at Philadelphia (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Jan. 4...........at Green Bay (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. TBD...........................Tennessee................ TBD INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Sept. 13....................... Baltimore............... noon Sept. 20............... at Kansas City........ 7:20 p.m. Sept. 27......................... Houston............... noon Oct. 4.............at Wash. (London)........ 8:30 a.m. Oct. 11.................... at Pittsburgh............... noon Oct. 18.......................Tennessee............... noon Oct. 25....................at Minnesota............... noon Nov. 1.................. at Jacksonville............... noon Nov. 8................................Dallas............... noon Nov. 15..............................Miami............... noon Nov. 19.............at Houston (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 29....................... NY Giants............... noon Dec. 13................at Philadelphia............... noon Dec. 20..................at Tennessee............... noon TBD.............................Cincinnati................ TBD Jan. 3.......................at Cleveland............... noon TBD......................... Jacksonville................ TBD JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Sept. 13.......................Cleveland............... noon Sept. 20.......................at Denver........ 3:05 p.m. Sept. 27................. New England............... noon Oct. 4.......................at Cincinnati............... noon Oct. 11......Philadelphia (London)........ 8:30 a.m. Oct. 18............Houston (London)........ 8:30 a.m. Nov. 1...................... Indianapolis............... noon Nov. 5.............at Baltimore (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 15..................at Tennessee............... noon Nov. 22................... at NY Giants............... noon Nov. 29......................Tennessee........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 6........................ at Chicago............... noon Dec. 14.............Pittsburgh (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 20...................... at Houston............... noon Dec. 27..........................at Dallas........ 7:20 p.m. TBD..........................Washington................ TBD TBD..................... at Indianapolis................ TBD KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Sept. 14.................Denver (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Sept. 20................... Indianapolis........ 7:20 p.m. Sept. 27.........................at Miami............... noon Oct. 4......................at Las Vegas........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 18.................... LA Chargers........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 25......................... at Seattle........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 1..........................at Denver........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 8.............................NY Jets............... noon Nov. 15........................ at Atlanta............... noon Nov. 22........................... Arizona............... noon Nov. 26........................ at Buffalo........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 3............. at LA Rams (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 13....................at Cincinnati........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 21........New England (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27.................San Francisco........ 3:25 p.m. TBD.................... at LA Chargers................ TBD TBD............................Las Vegas................ TBD

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS Sept. 13.......................... Arizona........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20......................Las Vegas........ 3:05 p.m. Sept. 27....................... at Buffalo............... noon Oct. 4........................... at Seattle........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 11.............................Denver........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 18................. at Kansas City........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 1.......................at LA Rams........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 8............................ Houston........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 16..........at Baltimore (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 22...........................NY Jets........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 29.................. New England........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 6................... at Tampa Bay............... noon Dec. 13...................at Las Vegas........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 17.......San Francisco (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27..........................at Miami............... noon TBD......................... Kansas City................ TBD TBD.............................at Denver................ TBD LOS ANGELES RAMS Sept. 10............S.F. (Melbourne)........ 7:35 p.m. Sept. 21............NY Giants (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27.......................at Denver........ 7:20 p.m. Oct. 4...................at Philadelphia............... noon Oct. 12...................Buffalo (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18............................ Arizona........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 25....................at Las Vegas........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 1..................... LA Chargers........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 8...................at Washington............... noon Nov. 15....................... at Arizona........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 25............Green Bay (Wed)............. 7 p.m. Dec. 3.............Kansas City (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 13.............at San Francisco........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 20..............................Dallas........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 25.................at Seattle (Fri)........ 7:15 p.m. TBD...................... at Tampa Bay................ TBD TBD................................. Seattle................ TBD LAS VEGAS RAIDERS Sept. 13.............................Miami........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20.............. at LA Chargers........ 3:05 p.m. Sept. 27..............at New Orleans........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 4....................... Kansas City........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 11............... at New England............... noon Oct. 18............................. Buffalo........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 25..........................LA Rams........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 1.........................at NY Jets............... noon Nov. 8...............at San Francisco........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 15............................ Seattle........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 22........................at Denver........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 29....................at Cleveland............... noon Dec. 13................... LA Chargers........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 20............................Denver........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 27......................Tennessee........ 3:05 p.m. Jan. 3.......................... at Arizona........ 3:05 p.m. TBD..................... at Kansas City................ TBD MIAMI DOLPHINS Sept. 13..................at Las Vegas........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20............at San Francisco........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 27................... Kansas City............... noon Oct. 4......................at Minnesota........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 11.........................Cincinnati............... noon Oct. 25........................at NY Jets............... noon Nov. 1.................... New England........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 8...............................Detroit............... noon Nov. 15................ at Indianapolis............... noon Nov. 22........................ at Buffalo............... noon Nov. 29...........................NY Jets............... noon Dec. 6..........................at Denver........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 13.......................... Chicago............... noon Dec. 20.................. at Green Bay............... noon Dec. 27................... LA Chargers............... noon Jan. 3............................... Buffalo............... noon TBD................... at New England................ TBD MINNESOTA VIKINGS Sept. 13..................... Green Bay........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20..................... at Chicago............... noon Sept. 27................ at Tampa Bay........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 4.................................Miami........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 11................at New Orleans............... noon Oct. 25..................... Indianapolis............... noon Nov. 1...........................at Detroit............... noon Nov. 9....................Buffalo (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 15.................. at Green Bay............... noon Nov. 22.......at S.F. (Mexico City)........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 29............................ Atlanta............... noon Dec. 6............................ Carolina........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 10........ at N. England (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 20.............................Detroit........ 7:20 p.m. TBD..........................Washington................ TBD Jan. 3..........................at NY Jets............... noon TBD............................... Chicago................ TBD NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Sept. 9...............at Seattle (Wed)........ 7:20 p.m. Sept. 20...................... Pittsburgh............... noon Sept. 27............... at Jacksonville............... noon Oct. 4........................... at Buffalo............... noon Oct. 11........................Las Vegas............... noon

Oct. 18............................NY Jets............... noon Oct. 22..............at Chicago (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1............................at Miami........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 8........................ Green Bay........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 15..........at Detroit (Munich)........ 8:30 a.m. Nov. 29............... at LA Chargers........ 7:20 p.m. Dec. 6.............................. Buffalo........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 10............. Minnesota (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 21......at Kansas City (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27.......................at NY Jets............... noon TBD.................................Denver................ TBD TBD...................................Miami................ TBD NEW ORLEANS SAINTS Sept. 13........................at Detroit............... noon Sept. 20................... at Baltimore............... noon Sept. 27......................Las Vegas........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 5.....................Atlanta (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11........................Minnesota............... noon Oct. 18.................... at NY Giants............... noon Oct. 25.............Pittsburgh (Paris)........ 8:30 a.m. Nov. 8..........................Cleveland............... noon Nov. 15.......................... Carolina............... noon Nov. 22...................... at Chicago............... noon Nov. 29....................at Cincinnati............... noon Dec. 6........................ Green Bay............... noon Dec. 13...................... at Carolina............... noon Dec. 20................. at Tampa Bay............... noon Dec. 27........................... Arizona............... noon Jan. 3........................... at Atlanta............... noon TBD.......................... Tampa Bay................ TBD NEW YORK GIANTS Sept. 13.............................Dallas........ 7:20 p.m. Sept. 21......... at LA Rams (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27.....................Tennessee............... noon Oct. 4.............................. Arizona............... noon Oct. 11..................at Washington............... noon Oct. 18....................New Orleans............... noon Oct. 25....................... at Houston............... noon Nov. 8..................at Philadelphia............... noon Nov. 12...........Washington (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 22.................... Jacksonville............... noon Nov. 29................ at Indianapolis............... noon Dec. 6...................San Francisco............... noon Dec. 13........................ at Seattle........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 20........................Cleveland............... noon Dec. 28...............at Detroit (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Jan. 3.............................at Dallas............... noon TBD.........................Philadelphia................ TBD NEW YORK JETS Sept. 13.................at Tennessee............... noon Sept. 20..................... Green Bay............... noon Sept. 27........................at Detroit............... noon Oct. 4......................... at Chicago............... noon Oct. 11.........................Cleveland............... noon Oct. 18............... at New England............... noon Oct. 25...............................Miami............... noon Nov. 1.........................Las Vegas............... noon Nov. 8.................. at Kansas City............... noon Nov. 15............................ Buffalo............... noon Nov. 22............... at LA Chargers........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 29..........................at Miami............... noon Dec. 13............................Denver............... noon Dec. 20....................... at Arizona........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 27.................. New England............... noon Jan. 3..........................Minnesota............... noon TBD............................. at Buffalo................ TBD PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Sept. 13....................Washington........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20.................at Tennessee............... noon Sept. 28...........at Chicago (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4............................LA Rams............... noon Oct. 11............ at J’ville (London)........ 8:30 a.m. Oct. 26.................... Dallas (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1...................at Washington........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 8......................... NY Giants............... noon Nov. 22....................... Pittsburgh........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 26..........................at Dallas........ 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6......................... at Arizona........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 13.................... Indianapolis............... noon Dec. 19............................ Seattle............. 4 p.m. Dec. 24.................Houston (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Jan. 3................at San Francisco........ 7:20 p.m. TBD........................ at NY Giants................ TBD PITTSBURGH STEELERS Sept. 13........................... Atlanta............... noon Sept. 20............. at New England............... noon Sept. 27.......................Cincinnati............... noon Oct. 1.............at Cleveland (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11..................... Indianapolis............... noon Oct. 18.................. at Tampa Bay............... noon Oct. 25.... at New Orleans (Paris)........ 8:30 a.m. Nov. 1..........................Cleveland............... noon Nov. 15....................at Cincinnati........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 22................at Philadelphia........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 27.................... Denver (Fri)............. 2 p.m. Dec. 6............................ Houston........ 7:20 p.m.

Dec. 14......at Jacksonville (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 20........................ Baltimore............... noon TBD............................... Carolina................ TBD Jan. 3.....................at Tennessee............... noon TBD......................... at Baltimore................ TBD SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Sept. 10.L.A. Rams (Melbourne)........ 7:35 p.m. Sept. 20.............................Miami........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 27.......................... Arizona........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 4...............................Denver........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 11......................... at Seattle........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 19........... Washington (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 25......................... at Atlanta............... noon Nov. 8.........................Las Vegas........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 15..........................at Dallas........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 22.....Minnesota (Mex. City)........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 29............................ Seattle........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 6..................... at NY Giants............... noon Dec. 13.........................LA Rams........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 17......at LA Chargers (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27................ at Kansas City........ 3:25 p.m. Jan. 3.......................Philadelphia........ 7:20 p.m. TBD............................ at Arizona................ TBD SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Sept. 9........ New England (Wed)........ 7:20 p.m. Sept. 20...................... at Arizona........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 27................at Washington............... noon Oct. 4...................... LA Chargers........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 11..................San Francisco........ 3:25 p.m. Oct. 15............... at Denver (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 25..................... Kansas City........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 2..................Chicago (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 8............................. Arizona........ 3:25 p.m. Nov. 15...................at Las Vegas........ 3:05 p.m. Nov. 29.............at San Francisco........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 7..................... Dallas (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 13....................... NY Giants........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 19................at Philadelphia............. 4 p.m. Dec. 25................. LA Rams (Fri)........ 7:15 p.m. Jan. 3......................... at Carolina............... noon TBD..........................at LA Rams................ TBD TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Sept. 13...................at Cincinnati............... noon Sept. 20.......................Cleveland............... noon Sept. 27......................Minnesota........ 3:05 p.m. Oct. 4......................... Green Bay............... noon Oct. 8...................at Dallas (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18........................ Pittsburgh............... noon Oct. 25....................... at Carolina............... noon Nov. 1.............................. Atlanta............... noon Nov. 8........................ at Chicago........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 22.........................at Detroit............... noon Nov. 30................Carolina (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Dec. 6..................... LA Chargers............... noon Dec. 13.................... at Baltimore............... noon Dec. 20...................New Orleans............... noon TBD............................. at Atlanta................ TBD TBD..............................LA Rams................ TBD TBD....................at New Orleans................ TBD TENNESSEE TITANS Sept. 13..........................NY Jets............... noon Sept. 20...................Philadelphia............... noon Sept. 27.................. at NY Giants............... noon Oct. 4....................... at Baltimore............... noon Oct. 11........................... Houston............... noon Oct. 18................. at Indianapolis............... noon Oct. 25.........................Cleveland............... noon Nov. 1......................at Cincinnati............... noon Nov. 15.................... Jacksonville............... noon Nov. 22..........................at Dallas............... noon Nov. 29................ at Jacksonville........ 3:05 p.m. Dec. 6.......................Washington............... noon Dec. 13.........................at Detroit............... noon Dec. 20.................... Indianapolis............... noon Dec. 27...................at Las Vegas........ 3:05 p.m. Jan. 3.......................... Pittsburgh............... noon TBD........................... at Houston................ TBD WASHINGTON COMMANDERS Sept. 13...............at Philadelphia........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 20.........................at Dallas........ 3:25 p.m. Sept. 27........................... Seattle............... noon Oct. 4........Indianapolis (London)........ 8:30 a.m. Oct. 11........................ NY Giants............... noon Oct. 19... at San Francisco (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1......................Philadelphia........ 7:20 p.m. Nov. 8...........................LA Rams............... noon Nov. 12..........at NY Giants (Thu)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 23............. Cincinnati (Mon)........ 7:15 p.m. Nov. 29....................... at Arizona........ 3:25 p.m. Dec. 6....................at Tennessee............... noon Dec. 13.......................... Houston............... noon Dec. 20............................ Atlanta............... noon TBD........................at Minnesota................ TBD TBD..................... at Jacksonville................ TBD TBD...................................Dallas................ TBD

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