Location: Dyersville

Date: September 22, 2023

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

BECKMAN CATHOLIC has seen a bit of an overhaul in 2023. A new head coach. Player turnover. Both of which can either send a team to the moon, or to the ground level. Unfortunately, the latter has been the case thus far. Maybe the return of senior QB TJ Thier will be the spark that leads Beckman back on track. The majority of the key leaders are underclassmen: a build for future success. RB duo of Isaac Burlage and Cody Hageman come at you in different ways. Defensively, Tanner Ostwinkle will muck things off for would be ball carriers. He always seems to be in position to make a play. 

WEST BRANCH is hoping to continue with their winning trend of late. QB Brennen Dale has been a shot of energy and precision under center. He has amassed 5 total touchdowns (3 rushing, 2 passing), and completed 61 percent of his passes. WR Joe Hamann has become his security blanket, and, also, a special teams gem (92 yard KO return TD). Perhaps much of the offensive resurgence should be placed on the on the broad shoulders of the big fellas up front. Led by seniors Max Lodge, Reese Trepanier, and Logan Wright, that unit seems to be getting it done. 

KEEP AN EYE ON: Ostwinkle. You really have to admire his tenacity on defense. He's like an upset hornet: always on the attack.

DON'T LOOK FORWARD: Week 6 will see Regina come to the Little Rose Bowl for a key district battle. However, week 5 is not going to be given. Beckman and the Bears have always had spirited, battle tough contests.

PLAYOFFS…PLAYOFFS?? : At the completion of week 5, the Iowa HS Athletic Association will roll out their first week of “playoff rankings”. Read more about that process.

Go Bears!

Team Records & Rankings

Beckman is 0-4 on the season and is unranked. West Branch is 2-2 and is not ranked.

Last Meeting

In the 2021 playoffs, the Blazers defeated the Bears 24-7 at Dyersville. 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.