Location: Little Rose Bowl

Date: November 2, 2015

Time: 7:00pm CST

Game Notes

If you enjoy a team that likes to pass the football, well, then the Eagles are the team for you. David Kacmarynski has thrown for 2602 and 30 TD in 10 games. Both totals are leading all Class 1A passers. He as completed 150 of 253 passes (59.3 percent). He has also rushed for 420+ yards and another 8 scores. On top of that, Kacmarynski, a junior, is an all-state linebacker on defense. Make no mistake, his top target - and the leading receiver in Class 1A - is Levi Jungling (72 receptions, 1438 yards, 19 TD). The 5'10", 165 pound junior WR hauled 13 passes in during the Eagles' first round victory. Graham Howezyl and Caleb Roose are both reliable and dangerous weapons in Pella Christian's arsenal.

If the last name Kacmarynski sounds familiar to some Bear fans, well, it should. David's uncle, Mark, was the starting RB on the 1991 West-Bend Mallard team that West Branch defeated 42-13 for its 2nd of 3 state titles in 4 years (1989, 1992).

When the Eagles run the football, Sam Frederickson and Miles Wichhart lead the way with 619 and 617 yards rushing, respectively.

At one point this season, Pella Christian was ranked as high as #2 in the state by the Des Moines Register. Make no mistake, they are a formidable opponent. Of their 3 losses, two of them are to current number one ranked teams (Albia and Regina).

West Branch comes into the second round very well rested and riding high from a 55-20 victory over Columbus Junction. Cooper Koenig continued his strong play by rolling up 173 total yards and 3 TD (113 passing/1TD and 60 rushing/2TD). The Bears used a very balanced rushing attack, led by Koenig's 60 yards, then followed up by Aaron Barnes' 55 yards/2TD and Devin Kindon's 43 yards/1TD. Cooper Kabela hauled in a Koenig pass and rumbled 32 yards for a score in the second quarter.

The Bear starting defense continues its growth in a positive way. Holding one of the state's more electrifying players, Mauricio Ramirez, to 11 carries and (-1) yards. Barnes, Colton Dietz, Kindon, and Cale Donovan were the pacesetters in limiting the Wildcats to 75 yards of offense before they were removed from the contest at the beginning of the third quarter.

With a win, the Bears would reach the state quarterfinals for the 15th time in school history, and the first time since 2011.

Team Records & Rankings

West Branch (10-0) is ranked #2 by the CR Gazette/KGYM-KCRG and #2 by the Des Moines Register. Pella Christian (7-3) is unranked.

Last Meeting

This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools. Pella Christian defeated Wilton 42-24 in the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs. West Branch defeated Wilton 55-14 in Week 8 of the regular season.

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.