Location: Alburnett

Date: October 23, 2015

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

As if the schedule makers knew what was up or something. West Branch and Alburnett both enter this game with district title hopes on the line. The Bears have already clinched a share of the title at a minimum and will be alone at the top with a victory. The Pirates want to shipwreck West Branch on Friday to claim a share of the D5 championship bounty and possible homefield advantage in round 1 of the postseason.

Alburnett is a dual threat, balanced team. QB Dillon Caves will give you the shakes in your dreams. He has thrown for 1200+ yards and gained just shy of 600 on the ground. He accounts for nearly 61% of the team's total offense. RB Connor Shulista is almost over the 1000 yard barrier himself. Two weeks ago against Wilton, he rushed for over 200 yards in the game. Joey Phillip is a weapon on special teams and will play a key role in field position and in the scoring column for Alburnett.

West Branch had the engine running on all cylinders last week while dropping 55 points on previously unbeaten (in district play) Wilton. QB Cooper Koenig had a first half for the ages as he completed 5, count 'em FIVE, touchdown passes to four different receivers (Aaron Barnes 2, Hunter Wargo, Devin Kindon, and Matt Shawver). That is a school record previously held by Caleb Walter in 2005 and Aaron Vincent in 1996. In addition, when Brandon Rummelhart connected with Shawver for a score in the 2nd half for the team's 6th TD pass in a game the Bears set a new single game TD pass record (previous record: vs Clear Creek in 1996). RB Luke Lenoch crossed over the 200 yard rushing barrier for the first time this season and also added two TD rush to bring his total on the year to 20. Cale Donovan continues to pace the Bears in tackles on defense, with Kindon creeping up.

The Bears have clinched a home game in the 1st round of the playoffs on October 28th.

Here are the seeding scenarios:

WITH A WEST BRANCH and WILTON VICTORY:

- The Bears will be the champions of D5 alone and clinch the #1 seed

- The Beavers would be #2 and Alburnett #3

WITH AN ALBURNETT and WILTON VICTORY:

- 3 way tie for the district crown, but WB will still have the #1 seed by way of the 13 point rule

- Wilton will be the #2 and Alburnett the #3

WITH AN ALBURNETT VICTORY and WILTON LOSS (to North Cedar)

- Co-champion for the district, but WB moves to #2 seed.

- Alburnett is the #1 seed, Wilton the #3 seed

#4 SEED

- If Bellevue wins, they are in at #4

- If Bellevue loses and North Cedar loses, Bellevue is still the #4 by way of beating the Knights 37-20 on October 2nd.

- If North Cedar beats Wilton and Bellevue loses to Durant, the Knights would be the #4 seed.

Team Records & Rankings

West Branch (8-0, 5-0 in Class 1A District 5) is ranked #3 by the CR Gazette/KGYM-KCRG and #2 by the Des Moines Register. Wilton (7-1, 4-1 in Class 1A District 5) is unranked.

Last Meeting

In 2014, the Bears defense was spectacular - as was its offensive counterpart - en route to a 42-0 victory on Senior Night at the Little Rose Bowl. View more from that game.

Media & Broadcast Coverage

The BearCast will be on the play-by-play call. If you cannot be at the game, let us bring the game to you on your computer or smartphone. Head to the BearCast page here on the website, or, on iOS and Android devices, download the Mixlr app and search for "West Branch Football."

Tune in to the BearCast at 6:30 for the pregame where Steven Grace, Mike Quinlan, and Jerry Fleagle will be calling the game live, offering in-game analysis and halftime/postgame interviews.

For print media, the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the West Branch Times, YourPrepSports.com, and WestBranch.Football will be at the the game.