Location: West Branch

Date: September 13, 2024

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

COLUMBUS CATHOLIC is a team looking for an identity and a victory (that's going to be a pattern here). Graduation took away the following from the Sailor lineup: leading passer, top 3 leading rushers, top 4 leading receivers (although, leading receiver in 2023 - Myles Gardner - transferred to Waterloo West), and 7 of the top ten tacklers on defense. That hits any team hard. But, at the 1A level, boats just don't come ashore with replacements. QB Amani Robinson got a bit of action against the Bears in 2023, replacing the injured Carter Lockhart. He is now entrenched in the position. He has attempted 67 passes in two games, which leads all of Class 1A. Columbus has amassed 461 total yards on offense (379 through the air). Look for them to spread the field and for Robinson to air it out. 

WEST BRANCH is a team looking for an identity and a victory. The Bears have faced, perhaps, the toughest schedule in all of Iowa through two weeks. Both opponents have been ranked #1 at one point in their respective classes. Week Three will bring about a change under center. Last year's opening week starter - Connor Rios - will take reins. Oddly, it was in week three against Columbus a season ago that Brennen Dale assumed the position. Rios, a team captain, is very athletic and has a strong arm. RB/LB Cooper Gates has been a standout for the Bears thus far. He leads the Bears in tackles and rushing yards. Not to be outdone, his LB running mate - Conner Capper - leads the team in tackles for loss and receiving yards. 

HAWKEYE PRIDE The Bears and Sailors each have representation on the Iowa Hawkeye roster. Defensive Lineman Jeff Bowie is a 5th year junior for the Hawkeyes. Freshman Mason Knipp is a preferred walk-on, playing on the offensive line (mostly getting work in as a center). 

SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE on Friday night. One team will go home with confidence…and their first victory on the young season. Entering district play on a high is key.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON #2 Aiden Hosch. Leads the team in receiving yards and tackles. Hosch has accounted for all three of the Sailor touchdowns on the young season.

Go Bears!

Team Records & Rankings

Last Meeting

In 2023, West Branch defeated Columbus Catholic 30-23 in Waterloo. View more from that game.

Media & Broadcast Coverage

The BearCast will be streaming the game live. Watch live on the West Branch Football YouTube channel. You can listen to the game via our Mixlr channel. The stream goes live 15 minutes before kickoff. Learn more about the BearCast.

Coach Randy Sexton will join Voice of the Bears Jason Miller on the call again this week.

The West Branch Times, Cedar Rapids Gazette, and Your Prep Sports will all be in attendance.