Location: Little Rose Bowl

Date: September 23, 2022

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

MEDIAPOLIS is a team with a mission: beat West Branch…and Durant, Wilton, and L-M. But, first things first. After last year's 24-21 instant classic loss to the Bears, you can bet the Bulldogs have this game circled on the calendar. RB Anthony Isley (790 rushing yards, 9TD) is the focal point of the Mepo rushing attack. 60 percent of the teams 159 carries have gone through the senior do-it-all player. The Bulldogs have run exactly 200 plays through four weeks, 158 (or 79 percent) have been on the ground. It's no secret. QB Ben Egan and RB Noah Schmidgall will play a key role, also. On defense, look for Chett Mohr to muck things up. But, the Dogs aren't hiding from anyone - and they aren't hiding the fact they want Isley to be the focal point of the offense. Why would you? He is a generational talent for a small school. Special Teams are a huge strength for the Dogs, also. PK/P Drew Miller is one of the most highly sought after players at his position in the Midwest. He has 21 touchbacks on kickoffs, and a 47 yard punting average.

WEST BRANCH is well rested coming into this game. Which means they are, on the whole, healthy and ready to go. RB Andy Henson is no slouch himself, fresh off a school record tying 6 rushing TD (all in the first 20 minutes of the game). The Bears are a bit more balanced of an offense, with QB Tye Hughes under center (74.4 percent completion, 6TD, and also also 121 rushing yards). Look for West Branch to spread things out on offense, while also implementing a ground and pound style. C/LB Reese Trepanier has been a sparkplug on both sides of the football. Being one of the tone setters and a very vocal on field leader. PK Wyatt Fiderlein has also been a key to the Bear success (7 touchbacks). 

KEEP AN EYE ON - Isley. He will be all over the field on both sides of the ball, and on special teams.

QUOTABLE: “They (Mediapolis) are going to be the best team we've faced. Their back (Isley) is one of the best in the state. It is going to be a challenge. We need our fans, the 12th man, to help us out.” – Head Coach Butch Pedersen

Team Records & Rankings

Mediapolis is 4-0 on the season and is #10. West Branch is 4-0 and is ranked #3.

Last Meeting

In 2021, the Bears defeated the Bulldogs 24-21 at Mediapolis. 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 Mike Quinlan and Jarod Tylee 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.