Location: Wilton High School

Date: October 14, 2022

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

WILTON is going through a youth movement. The majority of its top statistical performers are underclassmen. QB Drew Keith has thrown for Class 1A-5 leading 860 yards thus far. The sophomore signal caller has also rushed for 374 yards (5.1 yards per carry). His backfield mate, Owen Hassel - another sophomore, has totaled 677 yards and 8 TD. The Beaver receiving trio of Cade Souhrada (Soph), Landyn Putman (Jr), and Hassell are the numbers 3, 4, and 5 leading yardage receivers in the district, respectively. On the defensive side of the ball, senior Alex Kaufman leads the team with an impressive 10 tackles for loss. The Beavers are going to bring a diversified offensive attack, and multiple defensive look, to the field on Friday. They are not going to qualify for the playoffs. However, you can bet they'll want nothing more than to knock the Bears off.

WEST BRANCH is looking to complete yet another undefeated regular season. Through 7 weeks, the Bears are playing very spirited football on both sides. RB Andy Henson is 67 yards shy of reaching the 1000 yard rushing plateau for the second consecutive season. He has been an absolute workhorse this season. QB Tye Hughes needs 165 passing yards to eclipse the 1000 mark. The weather may dictate the pace and style of play. As of Wednesday evening, the projected high for kickoff is around 45 degrees with a 10-15 mph breeze. West Branch's lunch pail mentality on defense is perfectly built for a night like that. It will be challenged from all over by the Beavers. The (9) members of the senior class: Henson, Hughes, Jack McCullough, Jaxson Kaalberg, Wyatt Fiderlein, Aiden Dingbaum, Kinnick Boelk, Carver Boelk, and Evan Striegel will be ready to lead the squad. So, pack a lunch and strap on the helmet tightly. You know what you need to do. Come hungry.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Hassell. He will be all over the field for Wilton.

QUOTABLE: “They (Wilton) are well coached and very young. They are hungry. They want nothing more than to eat up our perfect record and spit it out. We need to come with a physicality that matches what we've been showing or else it could be a long night.” – Head Coach Butch Pedersen

STAY UP LATE ON FRIDAY: Playoff matchups are scheduled to be released at midnight on www.iahsaa.org…but, that is, obviously, up for possible change.

Go Bears!

Team Records & Rankings

Wilton is 4-3 on the season and is unranked. West Branch is 7-0 and is ranked #3.

Last Meeting

In 2021, the Bears defeated the Beavers 28-12 at 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 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.