Location: West Branch

Date: September 27, 2024

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

BECKMAN CATHOLIC started hot, but has since cooled. However, the schedule makers were not as kind in weeks 3 and 4 as they were the opening two weeks. For the Blazers, this is almost a “must-win” game if they want to be more comfortable once playoff scenarios are deeply discussed. RB Isaac Burlage (89 carries, 451 yards, 5 TD) is the focal point of a physical offensive scheme. The 5'11", 170 pound senior runs far bigger than his stature suggests. He can power over you, or put a foot in the ground and cut vertically for a quick gain. 42% of the 210 plays on offense have gone through Burlage. Not to be outdone, QB Dylan Recker has thrown for 294 yards and rushed for an additional 154 yards (including 4 rush TD). Julien Kramer is a defensive playmaker. His 5.5 tackles for loss pace Beckman's defensive unit. Head Coach Cole Mather is a young, up-and-comer in the coaching ranks. He is very educated in the game, and will have a plan in place to stop the Bears where they roam.

WEST BRANCH started cold, but has since warmed up. After beginning the season with not one but TWO teams who are/were ranked #1 in the respective classes, the Bears have taken care of business in weeks 3 and 4. RB Cooper Gates is really beginning to come of age. He has amassed 294 yards on the ground on just 42 carries (7 yards per carry). Not to be outdone, his housemate (aka his brother Keaton - a sophomore) has been heating up as well. The younger Gates reached the end zone in week four to collect his first varsity touchdown as a Bear. On the flip side, the WB defense has really begun to bear down. Holding opponents to less than 7 points and just 144 yards per game the last two weeks (the defense did not allow a TD in week three). Gates, of the Cooper variety, has really stepped his game up on defense as well. Last week, he posted a team high three QB sacks. In week three, his LB mate Lincoln Naber posted 2.5 sacks. Perhaps they one up each other again this week. It would go a long way in helping decide the outcome. 

VERY SPECIAL TEAM(s): Led by two blocked punts by Tate Frantz, the Bear special teams were beyond compare in week four. Frantz's blocked punt led to a Cooper Gates TD. His second blocked punt was an own goal, as the ball took a Sunday hop into his arms and he coasted into the end zone for six. In between those two wonderful plays? Brandon Pedersen returned a punt 54 yards for a Bear touchdown. Add in three touchbacks from junior kicker Reese Gingerich, and it is evident that Coach Kevin Braddock's units were clicking.  

KEEP AN EYE ON: Well, this is pretty obvious. #21 (Burlage) in white and green will touch the ball…a lot. As he goes, so go the Blazers. If he is driving forward, Beckman will have a good night. 

A BIT CAVALIER: Both starting QBs have thrown five interceptions so far this season and are eyeing opportunities to improve in the passing game. However, both are very fleet of foot. Recker, as mentioned, has gained 154 and scored 4 times on the ground. For West Branch, Connor Rios has rushed for a near identical 148 yards and scored two times.

HOLY TOLEDO: The BearCast will welcome long time Voice of The Bears Wayne Laing back to the booth this week. Also, Voice of The Bears Emeritus Jerry Fleagle will be along for the ride on the sideline. Their infectious personalities will make the broadcast a wonderful joyride back in time – and into the present.

Go Bears!!

Team Records & Rankings

Both West Branch and Beckman are 2-2 this season and are unranked in Class 1A.

Last Meeting

Media & Broadcast Coverage

The BearCast will be streaming the game live. Watch live on the West Branch Football YouTube channel. The stream goes live ~20 minutes before kickoff. Learn more about the BearCast.

Play-by-play Jason Miller will be joined by former Voices of the Bears Wayne Laing and Jerry Fleagle for the broadcast.

West Branch Times, WestBranch.Football, Your Prep Sports, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette.