Location: Waterloo

Date: September 8, 2023

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

WATERLOO COLUMBUS seems to be a team on a mission. After falling short in 2022 (losing two times to West Branch), the Sailors are hoping to climb the hill. Through two weeks, they've done just that - winning by a combined 83-22. The Sailors are a multi-dimensional squad. QB Carter Lockhart is a dual threat who completes passes with surgical precision. Nick Merrifield and Myles Gardner are his two biggest targets. RB Parker Kjeldsen will be the main ball carrier, and will slip out into a receiving position as well. When they flip over to the defensive side of the ball, you are going to keep an eye on Mason Knipp (6'3, 260). He is a menace to a backfield. A physical presense with a non-stop motor. One of the better players in all of Iowa.

WEST BRANCH is a team looking for an identity. Having lost its first two games of the season, the Bears need a victory to get back on track. Playing on the road against a ranked foe isn't always the best medicine - but it won't slow the efforts. On defense, the Bears have a pretty good lineman in his own (w)right in Logan Wright. Also a very big, physical presence who loves a backfield tackling party. Offensively, West Branch will hope to get its passing game going…but it feeds off the run. It always has. Zach Capper and his backfield mates have a nice, big line to run behind. Reese Trepanier returns to the center position he held in 2022. His leadership qualities cannot be discounted. 

KEEP AN EYE ON: #65 Knipp. It will not be difficult to spot him. 

ODD FAMILIARITY: This will be the third time these teams have played in 371 days. That probably hasn't happened too much in Iowa football history.

QUOTABLE: “We just need to play smashmouth football and execute. That will help this team as we move forward (for the rest of the season).” Co-Head Coach John Hierseman.

Team Records & Rankings

Columbus Catholic is 2-0 on the season and is ranked #4 in the state. West Branch is 0-2 and is not ranked.

Last Meeting

In the 2022 playoffs, the Bears defeated the Sailors 27-14 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 6:45 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.