Getting to Know You: Iowa City West
It’s a new era for the big class schools in eastern Iowa. No more conference games or conference titles. Welcome to district football for all of the 4A schools. For Iowa City West, they are making the adjustment to district football as well. The Trojans are also making a new adjustment as Garrett Hartwig is the new head coach for the westsiders of Iowa City, replacing Brian Sauser. City West, a perennial power, bring back 8 starters, including two-way players Conner Greene, Kevin Dowell, and Tyler Eads.
The big questions for City West will be starting a new quarterback and the offensive line to complement Dowell at RB, Eads and Oliver Martin at Wide Receivers. Replacing a large number of starters is daunting, but Hartwig expects those roles to be filled with sophomores as they go after a district title.
Iowa City West Stats
2013 Record: 9-2 overall, 5-1 Mississippi Valley Conf. (Mississippi Division)
2014 Class & District: Class 4A, District 7
Coach: Garrett Hartwig, 1st season
Returning Starters – Offense
Kevin Dowell, RB
Tyler Eads, WR
Oliver Martin, WR
Conner Greene, TE
Returning Starters – Defense
John Milani, SS
Conner Greene, LB
Tyler Eads, C
Aaron Bleil, FS
Kevin Dowell, LB
Noah Fletcher, DL
Logan Stevens, DL
Returning Letterwinners: 26
Coaching Staff: Tyler Meade (Def. Coord.), Andrew Durham (Off. Coord.), Travis Meade (Off./Def. Line), Josh Flammang (Special Teams, Off./Def. Line)
Offensive scheme: Pro style
Defensive scheme: Multiple
Interesting stories about the squad, players, or upcoming season: Coach Hartwig expects some big roles will be filled by sophomores, and feels good with the depth in each position. The Trojans will face Dubuque Hempstead and Bettendorf in district play this season. City West defeated Hempstead (first round) and lost to Bettendorf (second round) of the 2013 playoffs. Iowa City West will travel to West Des Moines Valley for a non-district showdown on September 5th, and face their crosstown rivals, Iowa City High in the annual “Battle of the Boot” game on September 19th.
2014 Schedule (District games in bold)
Aug. 29 Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Sept. 5 @ West Des Moines Valley
Sept. 12 @ Cedar Rapids Washington
Sept. 19 Iowa City High
Sept. 25 (Thurs) @ Davenport Central
Oct. 3 Bettendorf
Oct. 10 @ Dubuque Hempstead
Oct. 17 Davenport North
Oct. 24 Pleasant Valley