Location: Sigourney-Keota

Date: October 25, 2024

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

SIGOURNEY-KEOTA is a team with a mechanism of success and drive. The Cobras run an offense predicated upon 11 players with being on the same page. Players will spin, dive, run, pull, and block. As I've stated in the past: it is like watching Barnum and Bailey's circus, because you may never know what's coming at you. SK's only loss came in the first week of the season at the hands of PCM, the second ranked team in Class 2A. In Class 1A district play, the Cobras absolutely rolled their competition. Including a 79-6 win a week ago. It is the third time this season they have scored 60 or more points. Having attempted just 33 passes in eight games, it's no secret that SK wants to run the football. Led by senior Isaac Bruns (1285 yards, 21 TD, 9.2 yards per carry), the Cobras have four ball carriers with over 200 yards rushing. Bruns will be the bell cow. Follow the guards, follow the ball…if you can. Ike Molyneux is a key cog in the armor as well - a special teams stalwart and an able back.

 WEST BRANCH is a team who figuratively limped into the playoffs. Having won a three-way tie for the fourth and final playoff berth in 1A-District 5, the Bears are just trying to stay afloat. Injuries have plagued the squad all season, especially on the offensive line. No less than four starters are currently in street clothes on the sideline. It's a tough pill to swallow, obviously. But, as legendary coach Butch Pedersen would say, “Football is a tough sport, played by tough people.” …. The effort and fight has not fallen into the cracks, however. Kids are still giving all they have, and steps (forward) are being taken. A 2-6 record is not the norm in SW Cedar County, as Bear fans know. NOW, every team is 0-0, and the Bears have a fresh start. RB/LB Cooper Gates, OL/DL Tate Frantz, and OL/LB Lincoln Nabor, among others, will push this team to the brink. There is no give up in West Branch. 

KEEP AN EYE ON #21 Bruns, if you can. This offense can play tricks on your eyes. Misdirection.

THE STREAK sits at 17 for West Branch…as in consecutive years in the playoffs. The Cobras qualify for the 5th consecutive season.

GETTING A KICK OUT OF YOU Reece Gingerich is now the school record holder for longest FG after his 49 yard boot in week 8. It eclipsed a 21-year old record set by Josh Griebahn in 2003 (48 yards). Griebahn went on to kick for Iowa State. Oddly, when Griebahn achieved his school record kick – it had been 21 years since the previous record of 44 yards set by Marv Cook in 1982. 

Go Bears!

Team Records & Rankings

Sigourney-Keota is 7-1 this season, the Class 1A District 6 champion, and is ranked #8 in the state. West Branch is 2-6 and is not ranked, finishing fourth in District 5.

Last Meeting

In 2014, West Branch defeated Sigourney-Keota 49-22 in West Branch. View more from that game.

Media & Broadcast Coverage

The BearCast will be streaming the game live! Tune in to listen to the game live on our Mixlr channel: Listen here.