Location: Little Rose Bowl
Date: November 05, 2022
Time: 12:00 am

Radio/TV

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.

Social Media

If you cannot be at the game or choose not to listen via the web and want up-to-date game action and statistics, follow the Bears on Twitter at @WBBearsFootball or like/follow the West Branch Football page on Facebook for updates. Also be sure you're subscribed to our YouTube channel to watch highlights and a full-game replay as soon as they're available.

Rankings

MFL MarMac is 9-1 on the season and is unranked. West Branch is 10-0 and is ranked #3.

Last Meeting

These two teams have never played.

Game Notes

MFL MAR-MAC is one of the really good teams in 1A that not many people give credit to. This is a team entering its fourth consecutive season playing in a quarterfinal game. They have yet to make the semifinals; it's their year, is the feeling in Monona. They do not run the new school, they are more old school. But the big play is a very big part of the Bulldog success in 2022. Sophomore QB Zach Driscoll has thrown for over 1100 yards on the season – averaging 18.8 yards per completion. Led by RB Wyatt Powell (Jr, 1036 yards, 14 TD), RB Carver Blietz-Bienten (Jr, 784 yards, 8 TD), and WR/RB Karter Decker (Sr, 484 yards, 8 TD), MFL is averaging 9.1 yards per carry. 2729 yards rushing. 1175 passing. Do the math. It's 10.8 yards PER PLAY. Basically, a first down every touch of the football. Then we move to the defense. Blitzes from everywhere. Speed off of the edge. LB Kade McElwaine (19.5 tackles for loss) and Powell (15.5 TFL) are the pistons that fire the Bulldog defensive engine. Be ready for fireworks….raining or not.

WEST BRANCH is playing in its fourth quarterfinal game since 2015, its first since 2019. The Bears have followed a blueprint all season: don't let teams gain yards. No team has gained over 100 yards rushing on West Branch in 2022. They have pitched four shutouts. Physical, smash-mouth football is what you are going to see at Butch Pedersen Field. Offensively, there is no secret. The kid wearing the number 32 jersey is going to be a focal point. Andy Henson stands 6-3 and weights 215 pounds. He leads Class 1A with 29 touchdowns. All of the credit goes up front to his offensive line (who average 227 pounds): Aiden Dingbaum, Max Lodge, Reese Trepanier, Mike Montgomery, Quintyn Rocha, and Logan Wright. Push the line. Grade the road. QB Tye Hughes (1303 yards, 12 TD – and 371 rushing yards with 8 TD) loves having the time and space to dissect defenses. The WR law firm of Boelk and Boelk (Carver and Kinnick) are his top targets.

COVERED UP: The winner of this game will not only have a tomorrow, they will be very dry next week. The semifinals and the UNI-Dome go to the victor.

QUOTABLE: “When you reach this stage of a season, you keep focus. Focus on what got you here. On disciplined football. Trying to limit turnovers and do the things you know how to do.” - Assistant Head Coach John Hierseman

GO BEARS!