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Top Dogs in 4A Set: #1 Dowling Catholic vs. #2 Waukee

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As Iowa and Iowa State will meet for their annual rivalry game. there’s another big game that you should know about, and it’s an early season showdown between the top dogs in Class 4A.

The Battle between #1 Dowling Catholic vs. #2 Waukee is your CISN Game of the Week, presented by CenturyLink.

After a 49-0 thrashing of Urbandale, the top-ranked Maroons looks to keep their 16-game unbeaten streak intact. Quarterback Ryan Boyle is the linchpin for the Maroons offensive  attack (16-25, 241 yds, 1 TD). He’s not alone, as Isaiah Patton, Cole Deskin compliments Boyle with the ground game, and Charlie Schulte is the big play guy at wide receiver. Max Morris and Jo Jo Jok continues to play solid on the defensive line, as linebacker Rodney Harris and free safety Nick Wilson continue to make big stops.

Waukee comes into Friday matchup 2-0, after a wild 48-41 win at Southeast Polk. Trevor Allen and Pat Gray has been the 1-2 punch for the Warriors, combining for 676 total (rushing & receiving) yards and 7 touchdowns. Ben Ferkin continues to be the steady hand under center (19-30, 260 yds, 5 touchdowns) for Waukee, finding multiple receivers such as Allen, Michael Jacobson, and Koy Schneiter. On the defense, you could say it’s an all-star cast, because everyone makes a play, as linebacker Kyle Boulanger leads the Warriors with 16.5 tackles, with cornerback Cedric Dobbins and defensive end Anthony Nelson involved in key plays. However, Gray is out this week with a leg injury according to Waukee Head Coach, Scott Carlson.

Dowling knocked Waukee out of the 2013 playoffs in a 14-9 contest back in November. You can bet the boys in purple have not forgotten.

Who: #2 Waukee (2-0) at #1 Dowling Catholic (2-0)

Where: Valley Stadium, West Des Moines, Iowa

When: Friday, September 12th, 7:30pm kickoff

The Facts: Waukee outlasted Southeast Polk in a 48-41 shootout last week. Dowling had no problems handling Urbandale in a 49-0 rout. Pundits predicted that this game could be a major game in Class 4A. That dream is about to become a reality, as both teams bring in a high-powered offense loaded with stars.

Things to watch:

  • Will Waukee’s defense handle Dowling’s offense, after last week’s contest with SE Polk?
  • Will this be “the game” that finally puts Waukee in the 4A elite category?
  • How will Dowling’s defense control Allen, Ferkin and the spread offense?
  • Can the Warriors find the “next guy in” to fill the void of Pat Gray?
  • Could this be a potential “game of the year” or a preview to a UNI-Dome match-up?

Waukee – Projected Starting Lineups

Offensive starters – QB Ben Ferkin, RB Trevor Allen, FB Trevor Speight, SE Adam Rose, FL Koy Schneiter, TE Michael Jacobson, T Erik Nelson and Luke Peters, G Brandon Krantz and Tyler Pfaltzgraff, C Jarrod Martin

Defensive starters – DE Anthony Nelson and Jon Rozeboom, DT Nick Tweeten and Greg Jurich, LB Kyle Boulanger, Cole Kitzman, and Drew Lienemann, CB Cedric Dobbins and Jacob Fay, FS Carter Bothwell, SS Ross Vogel

Special Teams – P Tyler Speight, K Joey Gale, KR/PR Trevor Allen, Koy Schneiter, and Nathan Keck

Dowling Catholic – Projected Lineups

Offensive starters – QB Ryan Boyle, TB Isaiah Patton, FB Gray Gochenour, SE Eric Fardal, FL Charlie Schulte, C Cole Wymore, G Joe Brett and Kevin Vaughn-Carber, T Elijah Swehla and Conner McPhee, TE Ben McNeal

Defensive starters – FS Nick Wilson, CB Dante Campero and Michael Zachary, Rover Kevin McMurray, WLB Jordan Theis, MLB, Rodney Harris, Bandit Gray Gochenour, Stud Max Morris, T Ross Carpenter, NG Steven Johnson, Whip Jo Jo Jok,

Special Teams- P/K Nick McLellan, Holder Frankie Mauro, LS Quinn Sonntag, PR Michael Zachary, KR Joe Gorsche

We will have a live blog of the game (Twitter hashtag #CISNliveblog). Check in to see any story lines develop and stats as they become available, and we’ll keep you updated on other happenings as the night progresses.

Paul Yeager, Mark Kenkel, and Jim Kirby will have the call of the game. Follow us on Twitter @CISportsNet

Our Audio Game of the Week, presented by Scheels, will be the Battle of Ankeny, as the Jaguars of Ankeny Centennial (2-0) square off against the Ankeny Hawks (1-1). Dar Danielson will have your play-by-play call on CISN. Ankeny is the home team in that one.

 

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Week 2: CenturyLink Game of the Week: Iowa City West @ WDM Valley

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Last week, one team got a last-minute win…the other team was outplayed. On Friday, one team looks to shrug off a slow start, and one team looks to even up their record with some home cooking.

Your Century Link Game of the Week this Friday returns to Valley Stadium as Iowa City West (1-0) faces West Des Moines Valley (0-1) in another big Class 4A east vs. west non-district showdown.

Valley opened the season at Waukee. Though both teams mirrored each other statistically, two Tigers interceptions and mustering two field goals proved to be Valley’s undoing, falling to the Warriors, 28-6. In his first start at quarterback, Rocky Lombardi completed 13 of 24 pass attempts for 154 yards and was picked off once. Returning starting running back Drew Gray shouldered the rushing game load for 16 carries for 117 yards, and wide receiver Dominique Dafney hauled in 8 catches for 86 yards, even after an awkward landing after a catch on his neck.

The Trojans of Iowa City West, on the other hand, were on their way to losing their home opener to Cedar Rapids Kennedy. With 1:59 left in regulation, West quarterback Aaron Bleil’s 4th-and-15 pass to Gabe Huniker for a 33-yard touchdown gave the Trojans a 12-9 win over the Cougars. Bleil was 15-31 for 201 yards and had a rushing touchdown in the Trojans first score of the night. Oliver Martin caught 7 receptions for 106 yards to spark the West offense, as the rushing game sputtered.

Who: Iowa City West (1-0) at West Des Moines Valley (0-1)

Where: Valley Stadium, West Des Moines

When: Friday, September 5th, 7:30pm kickoff

The Facts: Iowa City West escaped with a 12-9 win over Cedar Rapids Kennedy, after a 4th down touchdown pass from Aaron Bleil to Gabe Huniker. Valley fell to Waukee, 28-6, only mustering two field goals and having two passes intercepted by Waukee’s defense.

Things to watch:

  • Will West mix up their defense to confuse Valley QB Rocky Lombardi?
  • Can the Trojans play all 4 quarters?
  • Will Valley’s sophomores step up and make a difference?
  • Will the injuries hamper the Tigers?

Valley – Project Starting Lineups

Offensive starters – QB Rocky Lombardi, RB Drew Gray and Austin Koch, WR Dominique Dafney and Austin Hronich, TE John Gliniecki, T Cody Genzen and Sam Rogers, G John Rairdon and Zachary Matt, C Brady Smith

Defensive starters – NG Trey Walsh, DT Dan McCoy, Caleb Herrick, and JC Yates, RE Austin Turner, CB Matt Vertin and Noah Barr, LB Zach Downs and Ben Campos, S Gabe Honnold and Keller Prien

Special Teams – P Zach Downs, K Cole Hahn

Iowa City West – Projected Lineups

Offensive starters – QB Aaron Bleil, FB Mason Koch, TB, Kevin Dowell, WR Oliver Martin and Tyler Eads, TE Conner Greene, T Alex Kleinow and Carter Parker, G Blake Moser and Logan Stevens, C Mitch Boxwell

Defensive starters – DL Kevin Dowell, Blake Moser, Mitch Yoerger, and Chase Blatz, LB Conner Greene, Mason Koch, and Xavier Koch, C Tyler Eads and Gabe Huinker, SS John Milani, FS Oliver Martin

We will have a live blog of the game (Twitter hashtag #CISNliveblog). Check in to see any story lines develop and stats as they become available, and we’ll keep you updated on other happenings as the night progresses.

Paul Yeager, Keith Borness, and Jim Kirby will have the call of the game. Follow us on Twitter @CISportsNet

Our Audio Game of the Week, presented by Scheels, will be Des Moines Roosevelt (1-0) @ Ankeny Centennial (1-0), with Dar Danielson doing the play-by-play on CISN.  As an added bonus, our partners at High School Cube will have the live online stream of  #2 Waukee (1-0) at Southeast Polk (0-1).

 

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Getting to Know You: West Des Moines Valley Tigers

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Things don’t usually change at West Des Moines Valley, but don’t tell that to long time coach Gary Swenson. There are plenty of changes to expect, along with a few returning starters for the Tigers’ 2014 campaign. Running back Drew Gray, Wide Receiver Dominic Daffney, and highly touted junior OL John Rairdon headline a group of returning starters on offense. Gray will be asked to carry the workload after all-stater Tyus Mason’s graduation. Mason racked up 2,099 yards for the Tigers.

Sophomore Rocky Lombardi and junior Will Lounsberry will compete for the quarterback spot (Lombardi was named the starter vs. Waukee).

LB/P Zach Downs and CB Zach Grasso return to the defense from 2013, along with S Gabe Honnold patrolling the defensive backfield, that will

Valley Stats

2013 Record: 10-3 overall, 5-0 division

2014 Class, District: Class 4A, District 3

Coach: Gary Swenson, 39th year (20 at Valley), 311-100 overall (186-41 at Valley)

Returning Starters – Offense

Drew Gray, RB, 12, 5-10, 180

Trevor Bell, RB, 12, 5-7, 153

Dominique Dafney, WR, 12, 6-1, 200

Brady Smith, C, 12, 5-11, 220

Returning Starters – Defense

Zach Downs, LB/P, 12, 6-0, 215

Zach Grasso, CB, 12, 5-10, 170

Gabe Honnold, S, 12, 5-10, 165

Returning Letterwinners – 9

Coaching Staff: Randy Ripperger, Travis Young, Ryan Cooley, Dave Cochran

Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Swenson’s concern is solidifying the defensive and offensive line. Depth is a big issue, but Swenson feel confident that the junior class will help fill in some of the gaps. Sophomore quarterback Rocky Lombardi’s father is Tony Lombardi, who coached at Cedar Rapids Washington from 2006 to 2013. Lombardi guided the Warriors to four post-season berths, including two quarterfinal appearances and one semi-final appearance.

2014 Schedule (district games in bold)

Aug. 29 @ Waukee

Sept. 5 Iowa City West

Sept. 12 @ Southeast Polk

Sept. 19 Dowling Catholic

Sept. 26 @ Des Moines Hoover

Oct. 3 @ Council Bluffs Lincoln

Oct. 10 Sioux City West

Oct. 17 @ Ankeny Centennial

Oct. 24 Des Moines Lincoln

Maroons Take Rematch in Odd Opener

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The Dowling Catholic Maroons won the rematch with C.R. Xavier, 24-2 on August, 31, 2014.

by Paul Yeager and Romelle Slaughter

The highly anticipated rematch between Dowling Catholic and Cedar Rapids Xavier did not become another blowout, but Mother Nature nearly washed everything out.

The defending champions in Class 4A, Dowling, defeated the Saints, 24-2, here at a wet-soaked Valley Stadium in West Des Moines Friday night.

The old adage of offenses being behind defenses to start the season played true to form as neither team found points in the first quarter.

The Maroons struck first with a 29 yard field goal for Nick McLellan. Just two minutes later, sophomore Cole Deskin scored his first varsity touchdown on a 14-yard scamper. The score was set-up after Xavier Bryce Schulte’s pass was intercepted by Dante Campero.

Then Mother Nature took center stage with a bolt of lightning that drove fans out of the stands. Forty-five minutes later, the game would resume, but it was more of the same for Dowling Catholic. Ryan Boyle would find his childhood teammate Charlie Schulte for a 42 yard touchdown pass to put the Maroons up 17-0.

Lightning suspended play between Cedar Rapids Xavier and Dowling Catholic on Friday, August 31, 2014.

Lightning suspended play between Cedar Rapids Xavier and Dowling Catholic on Friday, August 31, 2014.

A shortened halftime just added to the oddity of the evening. The Saints offense would spend a lot of time on the field, but it was the defense that put the only points on the board on a safety to make it 17-2.

“We got outplayed tonight,” Ryan Boyle told the Central Iowa Sports Network after the game. “We had it taken to us tonight.” The Iowa Hawkeye recruit would finish 12 of 17 passing for 150 yards and 1 TD.

Isaiah Patton would cap the scoring late in the 3rd quarter on a 3 yard run to make it 24-2. The senior in his first start at tailback finished with 8 carries and 33 yards. Rushing yards were hard to come by for the Maroons, as they tallied 35 rushes for 81 yards. Xavier ‘s running game mirrored Dowling’s, gaining 74 yards on 34 rushing attempts.

“It is always nice to beat a team like Xavier, but didn’t play well,” Dowling Catholic Head Coach Tom Wilson told CISN reporter Jim Kirby after the game. “We had a lack of discipline,” added Wilson. The coach was referring to the 11 penalties worth 120 yards. Three of them were unsportsmanlike calls on plays headed out of bounds.

The Maroon defense held Xavier to 122 yards on 60 plays. The Saints were 8 of 26 passing for 48 yards behind sophomore quarterback Bryce Schulte in his first varsity start.

The Maroons head to Urbandale for a match up with the J-Hawks who escaped a resurging Hoover Huskies team, 35-28.

Xavier plays Thursday night on a short turnaround for another long road trip to Davenport to play Assumption at Brady Street Stadium.

The video team of Central Iowa Sports Network will be back at Valley Stadium as the 0-1 Tigers come home for another east-west match up as Iowa City West comes to West Des Moines.

 

Week 1 Preview: Cedar Rapids Xavier @ Dowling Catholic

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They ended 2013 in the UNI-Dome.

They will begin 2014 at Valley Stadium.

And, to add, this will be your Century Link Game of Week here on CISN.

How’s that to kick off Week 1 of the Iowa prep football season?

For Cedar Rapids Xavier, the Saints has a score to settle with the Maroons. Dowling Catholic turned a highly anticipated title game into a rout en route to their second state title in four years. Could Dowling do it again? Many pundits have predicted that this could be Tom Wilson’s best squad…even better than last year’s title team.  Xavier has now dropped down to 3A, and are in a rebuilding mode. Head Coach Duane Schulte expects his seniors to lead and for his juniors to follow suit as they begin the season in West Des Moines.

Who: Cedar Rapids Xavier (0-0) at West Des Moines Dowling Catholic (0-0)

Where: Valley Stadium, West Des Moines

When: Friday, August 29th, 7:30pm kickoff

The Facts: Dowling defeated Xavier in the 2013 Class 4A championship game, 44-13.  The Maroons return All-State QB Ryan Boyle, FS Nick Wilson, and K Nick McClelland, among 30+ letterwinners. Xavier returns three starters, RB/LB Nik Ekland, RB/LB Jay Kortemeyer, and RG/DE Louis Hasley.

Things to watch:

  • How can Xavier stop Iowa recruit Ryan Boyle?
  • How will the Saints respond to their farthest road trip in years?
  • Xavier coach Schulte says stopping the big plays is key to winning.
  • Dowling’s Tom Wilson says this game will be determined at the line of scrimmage.
  • Xavier starts a sophomore QB in Bryan Schulte, but his genetics tell you to not let age determine his effectiveness.
  • Who will be the most “dependable” in the Maroon offense?

Dowling Catholic – Projected Starting Lineups

Off. Backfield: QB Ryan Boyle, TB Isaiah Patton, FB Gray Gochenour, SE Eric Fardal, FL Charlie Schulte

Offensive Line: C Cole Wymore, G Joe Brett and Kevin Vaughn-Carber, T Elijah Swehla and Conner McPhee, TE Ben McNeal

Def. Backfield: FS Nick Wilson, CB Dante Campero and Michael Zachary, Rover Kevin McMurray, WLB Jordan Theis, MLB, Rodney Harris, Bandit Gray Gochenour

Defensive Line: Stud Max Morris, T Ross Carpenter, NG Steven Johnson, Whip Jo Jo Jok,

Special Teams: P/K Nick McLellan, Holder Frankie Mauro, LS Quinn Sonntag, PR Michael Zachary, KR Joe Gorsche

CR Xavier – Projected Lineups

Off. Backfield: QB Bryce Schulte, RB Jay Kortemeyer and Nic Ekland, FL Nick Stark, SE, Joe Welch

Offensive Line: C Ben Fahnle, G Logan Brown (or Sanders Ferring) and Louis Hasley, T Joe Constant and Tim Ottig, TE Noah Clasen

Def. Backfield: LB Jay Kortemeyer Thomas Eckes and Nic Ekland, DB Camden Stovie and Matt Downey, S Dylan Eller and Sean Murphy

Defensive Line: DE Noah Clasen and Louis Hasley, DT Nick Kellen and Mike Maher

Special Teams: K Dallas Klein and Connor Vogl, P Connor Foley

We will have a live blog of the game. Check in to see any story lines develop and stats as they become available.

Paul Yeager, Mark Kenkel and Jim Kirby will have the call of the game. Follow us on Twitter @CISportsNet

We also will have a live blog to keep you updated on other happenings as the nigh progresses.

Our other game on the website will be  Valley at Waukee, and that game will be on the audio cast, with Dar Danielson doing the play-by-play on the Central Iowa Sports Network.

 

The CISN Game of the Week is proudly presented by CenturyLink.

 

 

Getting to Know You: Cedar Rapids Xavier Saints

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The Saints of Cedar Rapids Xavier have been a force in the Mississippi Valley Conference. Xavier were runner-ups in two consecutive Class 4A championship games, losing to both Ankeny (2012) and Dowling Catholic (2013). A month after the season ended, Xavier, along with Dubuque Wahlert and Davenport Assumption, opted to move down to Class 3A.

So, as Xavier prepares for a new era in 3A, they have some unfinished business to take care of first:  exact revenge against Dowling Catholic to kick off the 2014 season. Coach Duane Schulte’s bunch, never one to shy away from big games, have some questions to answer. Will their seniors lead, and will their juniors follow suit? Returning starters Jay Kortemeyer will take over at RB, as Tim Otting and Louis Hasley will anchor the offensive line. On defense, LB Nic Ekland is the only returning defensive starter.

Johnston Stats

2013 Record: 12-2 overall, 5-1 Mississippi Valley Conference (Valley Division)

2014 Class, District:  Class 3A, District 4

Coach: Duane Schulte, 21st season, 136-73 overall (111-59 at Xavier)

Returning Starters – Offense

Jay Kortemeyer, RB

Tim Ottig, OL

Louis Hasley, OL

Returning Starters – Defense

Nic Ekland, LB

Returning Letterwinners: 3

Coaching Staff: Jim O’Connell, Dave Sullivan, Craig Jelinek, John Tursi, Eric Gilmour, Nick Garland, Stu Ballinger, Tom Ekland, Michael Freeman

Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: After 16 years as members of the Mississippi Valley Conference, Xavier is moving down to Class 3A and will play in District 4, with Wahlert and perennial power Solon. The Saints will also play Davenport Assumption and 4-time Class 1A state champions Iowa City Regina in non-district games.

Schulte coached Cedar Rapids LaSalle before the Lancers and Cedar Rapids Regis merged to become Xavier. Assistant coach Craig Jelinek was the head coach at Cedar Rapids Prairie for 25 seasons, with a 106-96 career record for the Hawks.

2014 Schedule (District games in bold)

Aug. 29 @ West Des Moines Dowling Catholic

Sept. 4 (Thurs.) @ Davenport Assumption

Sept. 12 Solon

Sept. 19 @ Dewitt Central (Clinton)

Sept. 26 Maquoketa

Oct. 3 Western Dubuque (Epworth)

Oct. 10 @ Dubuque Wahlert

Oct. 17 Iowa City Regina

Oct. 24 Marion

Getting to Know You: Southeast Polk Rams

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They may be installing a new turf at their stadium, but it’s the same winning tradition over on the east side of Polk County, when it comes to the Southeast Polk Rams. Coach Denny Muller is no rookie when it comes to playing the traditional powerhouses in the Des Moines area. He’s not alone, as RB Caleb Pavon returns to lead the Rams on offense with a veteran offense line anchored by C Zack Hamilton and OL Jake Marnin.

The defense brings back five starters with LBs Deion Mikesell and JJ Cole, and SS Brady Buchheit. Treye Spencer is back, as he’ll handle the place-kicking duties for the Rams. The Rams are favored to win Class 4A District 1, but they will have a challenging non-district schedule against Johnston, WDM Valley, Waukee, and Ankeny Centennial.

Southeast Polk Stats

2013 Record:  7-4 overall, 4-1 Division 4

2014 Class, District:  Class 4A, District 1

Coach: Denny Muller, 41st season, 240-149 overall (86-45 at SE Polk)

Returning Starters – Offense

Caleb Pavon, RB, 12, 6-0, 185

Jake Marnin, OL, 12, 6-2, 300

Kyle Wallace, OL, 12, 6-0, 250

Sam Bakeris, OL, 12, 6-4, 270

Sam Henry, WR, 12, 5-10, 150

Zack Hamilton, C, 12, 6-0, 215

Returning Starters – Defense

Deion Mikesell, LB, 12, 6-0, 220

Brady Buchheit, SS, 12, 5-8, 155

Cameron Shannon, S, 12, 6-0, 170

Treye Spencer, K, 12, 6-1, 160

JJ Cole, LB, 12, 6-0, 190

Ben Bakeris, DL, 12, 6-1, 205

Returning Letterwinners: 17

Coaching Staff (new additions): Jesse Smith and James Clark (both volunteers)

Offensive scheme: No huddle – zone read

Defensive scheme: 4-3 

Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: After years of utilizing a prolific passing game, SE Polk will be installing a new offense…the zone read. The pressing concern Muller has is inexperience at QB with the graduation of Nick Arnold. There is lack of depth in several positions, but the Rams will be senior-heavy. Outside of their non-district and district games, SE Polk will not face Dowling Catholic this season or next season. The Maroons and Rams have built a budding rivalry over the last several years.

2014 Schedule (District games in bold)

Aug. 29 @ Johnston

Sept. 5 Waukee

Sept. 12 West Des Moines Valley

Sept. 19 @ Ankeny Centennial

Sept. 26 Des Moines East

Oct. 3 Council Bluffs Jefferson

Oct. 10 @ Ames

Oct. 17 @ Sioux City North

Oct. 24  @ Ankeny

Getting to Know You: Johnston Dragons

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The Johnston Dragons would like nothing more than to bring home a state title as part of the Johnston School District’s centennial anniversary. But to do that, they’ll have to fend off the likes of Dowling Catholic, Sioux City East, and everyone else in Class 4A District 2. Coach Brian Woodley has challenged his squad to “leave no doubt” as 15 returning starters will take the field.

QB Reid Sinnett will lead the offense, with RB Grant Collison in the backfield, with four returning offensive linemen. Senior Andrew Huess (42 rec./840 yards/10 TD) and Jared Seay will be at WR, and Regen Sims will play at TE/HB. The defensive side will be led by Hezekiah Applegate at DE, LB Karl Rasmussen, and K/P Tommy Zinselmeier.

Johnston Stats

2013 Record: 5-5 overall, 4-1 division

2014 Class, District:  Class 4A, District 2

Coach: Brian Woodley, 13th year (17th overall), 91-67 overall

Returning Starters – Offense

Reid Sinnett, QB

Andrew Huess, WR

Jared Seay, WR

Logan Beguhn, OL

Dane Beery, OL

Alex Beltrame, OL

Tom Dusen, OL

Regen Siems, TE/HB

Grant Collison, RB

Returning Starters – Defense

Hezekiah Applegate, DE

Tony Tiggess, DL

Boris Petrusic, DL

Karl Rasmussen, LB

Nolan Wengert, DB

Jon May, DB

Jack Bergstrom, DB

Tommy Zinselmeier, P/K

Returning Letterwinners: 15

Coaching Staff: Brent Ksiazek (DL, Spec. Teams), Brian Lutter (OL), Rod Wiebers (Def. Coord.), Tony Kruse (Off. Coord, RB/QB), Zac Christensen (DB), Mike McCune (Soph. Vol. Off. Coach), Derek Flack (Soph HC), Brian Benson (WR), Matt Lakis, Zach Guyer

Offensive scheme: Pistol offense, with no huddle

Defensive scheme: 4-3 

Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Johnston will sport new jerseys and logos as part of the school district’s centennial anniversary. Coach Woodley is concern with inexperience at the LB positions and replacing two-year starter Jordan Weddington, who moved away over winter break. Weddington rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Dragons. Reid Sinnett shared QB duties with Mike Mahanna last season, but will be the starter, with depth behind him with juniors Jared Bacon and Logan Blackman, and senior Alex Ginsberg. Woodley’s father, Mike, is currently the head coach at Grand View University, which won the 2013 NAIA national championship.

2014 Schedule (District games in bold)

Aug. 29 Southeast Polk

Sept. 5 Ankeny

Sept. 12 @ Urbandale

Sept. 19 @ Waukee

Sept. 26 Des Moines North

Oct. 3 @ Des Moines Roosevelt

Oct. 10 Dowling Catholic

Oct. 17 @ Council Bluffs Lewis Central

Oct. 24  Sioux City East

 

Getting to Know You: Indianola Indians

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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

Getting to Know You: Sioux City East Black Raiders

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SCEast_logoThe Black Raiders of Sioux City East is one of those storied programs in Class 4A that you can depend on to show up every week, play hard, and get to the post-season. This season is no different for Coach Bob Goodvin and his squad. However, he’s going to do it without talented WR Ronald Nash, TB Ronald Carter, and CB Carter Lilly, who all graduated. With a team motto of “Dominate the Day, Success is a Sum of Our Days”, the Black Raiders 10 starters (5 on both sides, respectively) with LB Dakota Blatchford, DE Alex Stibbs, and CB Kaleb Hanks anchoring the defense, while C Jose Deanda and Tackles Ethan Farenholtz and John Alexa man the offense.

Sioux City East Stats

2013 Record: 7-4 overall, 3-2 Division 1

2014 Class & District: Class 4A, District 2

Coach: Bob Goodvin, 5th season, 33-21 overall

Returning Starters – Offense 

Jose Deanda, C, 12, 6-1, 215

Ethan Farenholtz, T, 11, 6-1, 210

John Alexa, T, 11, 6-4, 240

Alex Struve, TB, 12, 6-1, 190

Austin Ahrendt, R, 6-3, 205

Returning Starters – Defense

Alex Stribbs, DE, 12, 6-1, 210

Albert Saul, DE, 11, 6-2, 190

Dakota Blatchford, LB, 12, 5-9, 175

Ross Godfrey, CB, 11, 5-9, 145

Kaleb Hanks, 12, 5-9, 165

Returning Letterwinners: 3  

Coaching Staff:  

Offensive scheme: Multiple

Defensive scheme: 4-2-5

Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Goodvin’s concerns are if they are as good on the lines of scrimmage as they anticipate, how they shape up at the QB and skill positions, and his pressing question is can they “grow up FAST” with the schedule they will face this fall.  SC East will open their non-district docket against their city rivals, Heelan, West, and North, in the first three weeks. They will have two Thursday night games (Heelan and DM Roosevelt), a trip to Dowling Catholic, and close the season at Johnston, who they defeated in the first round of the 2013 playoffs.

2014 Schedule (District games in bold)

Aug. 28 (Thurs) Bishop Heelan Catholic

Sept. 5 @ Sioux City West

Sept. 12 Sioux City North

Sept. 19 @ Council Bluffs Lincoln

Sept. 25 (Thurs) Des Moines Roosevelt

Oct. 3 @ Dowling Catholic

Oct. 10 Council Bluffs Lewis Central

Oct. 17 Des Moines North

Oct. 24 @ Johnston