Location: Little Rose Bowl

Date: October 28, 2015

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

The Wildcats return to the postseason for the first time since 1997. On the feet and back of Mauricio Ramirez. The speedy senior back can score any which way on any given play. He has 26 total touchdowns (15 rush, 7 receiving, and 4 special teams) and over 1700 yards of total offense. QB Carter Colby has passed for over 1100 yards, making the Wildcats one of just 7 teams in Class 1A with a 1000 yard passer and rusher. CJ enters this contest with a playoff clinching 68-22 victory in its final game of the season.

The Bears are one of the other 6 teams who boast a 1000 yard passer (Cooper Koenig) and 1000 yard rusher (Luke Lenoch). Clinching the top seed in District 5, a 13th undefeated season in school history, and a 23rd postseason berth since 1988, West Branch is riding high into the playoffs. Perhaps the most balanced offence in Class 1A, the Bears have rode the tails of an ever improving defense. Led by a strong LB trio of Cale Donovan, Aaron Barnes, and Devin Kindon, you get the feeling the hat will hang or fall on the play of the defense going forward.

If you need a bit of convincing or inspiration to make the decision to attend the game, here is an informational video...and...Go Bears!

Team Records & Rankings

West Branch (9-0) is ranked #2 by the CR Gazette/KGYM-KCRG and #2 by the Des Moines Register. Columbus Junction (3-6) is unranked.

Last Meeting

Let's just talk about a couple of key games in the annuls. In 1991, the Bears completed what is known as "The Drive" to West Branch fans by scoring a late touchdown to defeat the Wildcats 29-26 in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs (en route to the school's 2nd state championship). In 1993, CJ got its revenge against West Branch. The 'Cats defeated the Bears 27-19 in the quarterfinals of the Class 1A playoffs and ended WB's 36 game win streak....Sticking with a theme of 2015 (rain and lightning), before this season the last time the Bears had a game postponed to a Saturday morning due to storms was against...yep...Columbus Junction. in 2000. The Bears went on to win that game 35-6.

In 2001, the Bears defeated the Wildcats 13-12 at Little Rose Bowl.

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.