Posts

Getting to know the 2015 Indianola Indians

/in /by

Photo: Des Moines Register

By Matt Gruemmer

You don’t have to travel far from the state’s capitol to find a football team that is annually committed to improving in every facet of the game. In his 11th season with Indianola, Eric Kluver looks to build on that sustained success following a 5-4 regular season and first-round playoff loss to eventual 4A state champion Dowling Catholic in 2014.

The Indians will need several fresh faces to step into roles on both sides of the football this year after many constant contributors on both offense and defense received their diplomas from last season’s squad. Brothers Trey and Cameron Bunting who totaled 23 of the team’s 31 touchdowns from a year ago are just two players whose shoes will need to be filled.

Senior QB Jack Jenson looks to lead this season’s offense after throwing for 536 yards in 2014. Jenson split roles with Trey Bunting behind center last season and completed over 63 percent of his passes for five touchdowns. Wide receiver Blake Upchurch also returns and will likely be a favored target through the air after he led the Indians with 28 receptions for three scores last year.

An upperclassmen-heavy defense looks to balance Indianola in 2015 led by DB Schaefer Orwig and LB Jimmy Aiello who combined for 90 total tackles last season. Junior Chris Brandt also brings experience in the kicking game after he hit five of nine attempts last season with a long of 36 yards.

This season’s schedule is another constant that Indianola welcomes back along with these returners. It’ll be an identical nine-game slate in 2015, beginning with a rematch against Ankeny at home on August 28.

Coach Kluver’s staff welcomes the challenge of grooming a new set of stars for this year’s Indianola squad, and it will be these incoming athletes that will set the tone in 2015.

Indianola Stats

2014 record: 5-5 overall, 2-3 conference

Head Coach: Eric Kluver, 11th season, 43-63 record

Returning offensive starters

QB Jack Jensen, SR

WR Blake Upchurch, SR

OL Nathan Woosley, SR

OL Karl Kaale, SR

OL Eagan Lickiss, JR

Returning defensive starters

LB Jimmy Aiello, SR

DL Anthony Pottebaum, SR

DL Brock VanLoon, SR

DB Schaefer Orwig, SR

K Chris Brandt, JR

Total returning letterwinners: 27

Offensive Scheme: Pro I

Defensive Scheme: 4-3

Team Goals: Have several players contribute at a high level on both sides of the ball

2015 Schedule (district games in bold)

08/28 vs. Ankeny

09/04 vs. Des Moines, Abraham Lincoln

09/11 @ Des Moines, East

09/18 @ Ottumwa

09/25 vs. Urbandale

10/02 vs. Fort Dodge

10/09 @ Waukee

10/16 vs. Mason City

10/23 @ Marshalltown

Getting to Know You: Indianola Indians

/in /by

IHS_logo

After an 1-8 season in 2011, the Indianola Indians washed away the blues by qualifying for the last two post-season playoffs. That includes back-to-back 6-win seasons for the first time in over a decade. Coach Eric Kluver feels good about this year’s squad, but is cautious. They have to rebuild the offensive and defensive line, after a good senior class, led by Keegan Render, graduated. The offense welcomes back RB Cameron Bunting (1,031 yds rushing) and his brother, QB Trey Bunting. On defense, the Indians return their three starting LBs Casey Crawford, Cameron Loew, and Jimmy Aiello.

Indianola Stats

Record: 6-4 overall, 2-3 division

2014 Class, District: Class 4A, District 4

Coach: Eric Kluver 38-58 overall (all at Indianola)

Returning Starters – Offense

Kam Hartung, WR, 12, 165

Cam Bunting, RB, 12, 175

Trey Bunting, QB, 12, 170

Scooter Hohnenke, RB, 11, 210

Returning Starters – Defense

Casey Crawford, LB, 12, 165

Ryan Lehr, DB, 12, 175

Cameron Loew, LB, 12, 170

Jimmy Aiello, LB, 11, 200

Returning Letterwinners: 14

Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Coach Kluver is excited about the upcoming season and is optimistic on the juniors that could make an impact right away including WR/DB Blake Upchurch, RB/DB Hunter Anderson, and OL/DL Nathan Woosley. The player to watch for Indianola will be RB Cam Bunting who had 248 rushing attempts for 1,031 yds last season. The Indians will be replacing their entire offensive line, and Trey Bunting has a good backup in junior QB Jack Jensen who can fill in when necessary.

2014 Schedule (district games in bold)

Aug. 29 @ Ankeny

Sept. 5 @ Des Moines Lincoln

Sept. 12 Des Moines East

Sept. 19 Ottumwa

Sept. 26 @ Urbandale

Oct. 3 @ Fort Dodge

Oct. 10 Waukee

Oct. 17 @ Mason City

Oct. 24 Marshaltown