Ahead of the start of the 2024 season this coming week, Your Prep Sports has been counting down the top returning players across multiple position groups, and four West Branch Bears have been mentioned.

Brennen Dale — Quarterback

Dale stepped into the starting spot in week three and provided a major boost leading the Bears to a 6-2 record including a win over Pleasantville in the opening round of the Class 1A playoffs. Read more…

Mike Montgomery — Offensive Line

West Branch has a long and storied history of producing outstanding lineman on both sides of the ball. Montgomery is well on his way to being next on that list of stellar Bear lineman. Read more…

Cooper Gates — Defensive Line

Gates doesn’t have prototypical defensive linemen size but after making the move from linebacker to defensive line last season Gates demonstrated a knack from making plays. Read more…

Nolan Staker — Special Teams

After sharing the punting duties two seasons ago as a freshman Staker took over full-time last season and flourished earning all-district honors. Read more…