PARKER HESSE NAMED BIG TEN FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa defensive end Parker Hesse has been named Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance in Iowa’s 28-20 win at Nebraska.

The Big Ten honor is the first for Hesse (6-foot-3, 240-pounds), a native of Waukon, Iowa (Waukon HS), who redshirted in 2014.

Hesse is the sixth Hawkeye to earn weekly honors from the Big Ten in 2015.  QB C.J. Beathard earned the offensive award following Iowa’s win at Iowa State, PK Marshall Koehn was the special teams winner after Iowa’s last-second victory over Pittsburgh, DB Desmond King earned co-defensive honors for his play in Iowa’s win at Wisconsin, RB Jordan Canzeri garnered the offensive honor for his play in a win over Illinois, and RB Akrum Wadley collected the offensive honor for his play in a win at Northwestern.

Hesse equaled his career best with six tackles in the win at Nebraska. With the scored tied in the second period, Hesse tipped a Cornhusker pass in the air, grabbed the deflection for his first career interception and ran four yards to the end zone for his first career touchdown.

Hesse played in all 12 regular season games, with seven starts after taking over for injured senior Drew Ott. He has recorded 19 solo tackles and 19 assists, including three tackles for loss and two sacks.  He also has one pass break-up, one caused fumble and one fumble recovery. 

Iowa shares the Big Ten lead and ranks fourth nationally with Michigan State with a plus-14 turnover margin. Iowa has scored 83 points off turnovers and leads the Big Ten with 17 interceptions. The Hawkeyes have returned four interceptions for touchdowns.

The Hawkeyes are ranked third in the latest coaches poll and fourth by the Associated Press. The Hawkeyes are also ranked fourth in the most recent CFP rankings.

Iowa (12-0, 8-0) has established a school record for wins in a season and will meet Michigan State in the Big Ten Conference Championship game Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (7:17 p.m. CT, FOX).

Drake Signs With Western Illinois To Play Baseball

Sign me up!  Wilton senior Javin Drake signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Western Illinois on Wednesday, November 11 at the Wilton High School media center. One of the best pitchers in the state, Drake has compiled 25 wins going into his senior season.  PIctured here are, front row, l-r: Reggie Drake, father; Javin Drake; and Melanie Drake, mother. Pictured second row: Wilton pitching coach Ed Sawvell and Wilton head baseball coach Jake Souhrada.  Photo by Ryan Stonebraker.

By Ryan Stonebraker

Sports Editor, Tipton Conservative

WILTON  — One of the most decorated Wilton baseball players in the past ten years saw all of his hard work pay off recently.  Wilton senior baseball player Javin Drake signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Western Illinois, a Division 1 program in Macomb, Illinois.  Drake verbally committed to the Leathernecks this past July.

"The sky is the limit for Javin. He is a very projectable athlete” Western Illinois baseball coach Ryan Brownlee said in a release on goleathernecks.com Wednesday. “He commands three pitches and has had great success at the high school level. We are excited to see his development over the next four years."

Drake becomes the 22nd Beaver player to continue his career at the college level and 7th to do so at the Division 1 level.

“I grew up watching a lot of those guys play. They were always my role models growing up,” Drake said. “To be talked about in the same group of guys, that’s really an awesome feeling.”

Drake joins a Leatherneck program that finished 17-33 last spring in Brownlee’s third season in charge. Western Illinois will graduate two of its top three returning pitchers after the 2016 season.  Drake along with Connor Rektorski, one of the three other players that also signed with the Leathernecks look to figure into making an early impact.

The 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher, has a 25-5 record entering his senior season with a 1.15 earned run average in his career so far. He has struck out 250 batters and walked 57.  Drake has only given up 31 earned runs in 188.2 innings. Drake is also a power bat for the Beaver.  In three seasons, he has a .484 batting average with 81 RBIs.  He has 109 hits, 22 doubles and an on-base percentage of .574.  In 272 plate appearances he has struck out only 11 times.

Drake is a two-time All-State selection by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association including being selected to the IHSBCA Elite Team last summer.  He also was a second team, class 2A All-State selection by the Iowa Newspaper Association all-state selection as a junior.

Wilton baseball coach Jake Souhrada said that Drake throws a lot of pitches for strikes.

“He’s got a lot of pitches he throws for strikes. He has a good body type, the over-top delivery. He’s a kid that’s smart when he pitches. He knows what he wants to throw and what he wants to do to get guys out. He doesn’t just pitch. He has a plan when he attacks each batter,” Souhrada said.

“He could be a guy that plays past college if he fills in and continues to develop. Coach Brownlee at Western Illinois is very good at getting pitchers moved on, and I think that was a selling point for him,” Souhrada said.

A four-sport athlete, Drake is coming off of an All-State football season and hopes to help lead the Beaver basketball team to a deep tournament run.  

This summer, he will anocher a Beavers pitching staff that led the entire state in any class in ERA (1.01).  Drake led the Beavers with a 9-2 record, 0.33 ERA, 85 strikeouts and 17 walks. The hope is that the Beavers will be able to cap their season in Des Moines.

Himes Signs With Upper Iowa University

Sign on the dotted line.  Tipton senior Caitlin Himes signed a letter of intent to continue her track and field career at Upper Iowa University, on Wednesday, November 18 in the Tipton High School media center.  One of the top throwers in the area, Himes will take her talents to the Division-2 school in Fayette, Iowa.  Pictured here are, front row, l-r: Rachel Lewis, mother, Caitlin Himes; and Tom Himes, father.  Pictured second row: Tipton throwing coach Nate Anderson and Tipton head track and field coach Mike Wehde. 

By Ryan Stonebraker

Sports Editor, Tipton Conservative

TIPTON — Tipton senior Caitlin Himes knows where she will continue her athletic career, after signing a letter of intent to join the Upper Iowa University track and field team.  The Peacock women’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs were reinstated effective the 2015-16 academic year.  The Northeast Iowa University had reinstated four programs since becoming Iowa’s only D-II school.  Upper Iowa competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

UIU suspended all of its cross country, track and tennis programs for men and women following the 2003-04 academic year as the University moved up to the NCAA Division II.

Upper Iowa was a member of the Iowa Conference prior to making the move to Division II.  The Iowa Conference is a premiere Division III conference made up of Iowa colleges.

Head Tipton track and field coach Mike Wehde said that Himes had a skill set that colleges look for.

“Caitlin posses a unique skill set.  When you have an athletic girl in the shot put or discus ring it allows her to do things that some can’t.  She has been successful in her throws and has been exposed to larger meets at state and Drake.  You take those three aspects and put them together and it makes her appealing to colleges,” he said.

Himes said that Upper Iowa felt comfortable.

“It was the feeling I was on campus.  I like the coach and the team was nice,” she said.

Himes said that she did consider playing softball in college, but after reaching the state meet as a freshman, things changed.

“I was considering softball for a while.  Then freshman year I made it to state and that’s when I knew that I could maybe do something in college for track and excel in it.  I started working hard and it has paid off,” she said.

Himes is a rare four-sport athlete in this day of specialization.  Himes swims, plays basketball, participates in Track and plays softball.  Wehde said that being a four-sport athlete at Tipton didn’t hurt her chances at competing at the next level.

“I can’t help think that, that helped her in this.  You read that the trend is to specialize in athletics.  But, there is some validity in being a multi sport athlete.  You gain that athleticism and become a better athlete and have more coaches to learn from.  It makes it easier to take those skills to the next level,” he said.

Himes said that she considered the University of North Dakota and the University of Central Missouri, visiting both along with Upper Iowa.  

Himes will look to help the Tiger girl’s basketball team rebuild this winter before starting her quest to qualify for the state track meet for the third time in four years.  Himes is the daughter of Rachel Lewis and Tom Himes and will pursue a major in athletic training.

Undefeated!

The Iowa Hawkeyes capped of a perfect 12-0 regular season Friday with a 28-20 road win at Nebraska.  It's the first time since 1922 that Iowa has had an undefeated regular season.  Iowa (Big Ten West champs) will play Michigan State (Big Ten East champs) Saturday in Indianapolis for a chance to be one of four teams in the College Football Playoff this year.  Hard to believe that before the season, that many thought Kirk Ferentz would be fired after this 'mediocre' season.

Here is a photo of the front page of the Des Moines Register for Saturday, November 28.

The front page of the Des Moines Register for Saturday, November 28, 2015.

UNI's Ben Jacobson Captures 200th Win; UNI Defeats Dubuque, 83-63

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The University of Northern earned head coach Ben Jacobson his 200th career victory on Wednesday night in the McLeod Center with a 83-63 triumph over the Dubuque Spartans.

Jacobson becomes the ninth Missouri Valley Conference coach to post 200 wins as a head coach in the league. He has posted a career mark of 200-106 in his 10th year at UNI.

UNI (3-1 overall) was led by Wes Washpun's 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Jeremy Morgan added his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Junior college transfer Aarias Austin recorded season-highs with 12 points and five rebounds for the Panthers. Dubuque fell to 2-2 on the year.

UNI led by eight points at 23-15 with 10:34 left in the half, only to see Dubuque come racing back and knot the game at 23-23 with 7:49 on the clock. UNI used a 9-0 that was capped by a Wes Washpun dunk with 3:50 left before halftime. UNI extended the run to 15-2 to take a 38-25 advantage. But Dubuque came back again and scored the final six points of the half to cut the lead to 38-31.

The Panthers began the second half by stretching the lead to 12 at 46-34 but the Spartans would not yield and pulled to within six at 51-45. UNI pushed it back to 12 at 57-45 with 10:49 left following a jumper from Jeremy Morgan. Dubuque fired in a pair of 3-pointers and cut the margin again to six at 57-51 with 9:20 remaining in the game. The Panthers pushed the lead back into double figures on the strength of buckets from Bennett Koch and Washpun. Washpun's three-pointer with 5:51 left gave UNI a 69-56 lead. Wyatt Lohaus drained a pair of three-pointer in the closing minutes to push the winning margin to 20 points at 83-63.

Iowa Hawkeye Football Team Gets Regional Cover

Look who is on the Regional cover of Sports Illustrated this week! It's the Hawkeyes' fourth appearance on an SI cover, the previous three coming in 2009 (when Iowa started 9-0), 1985 (Heisman Trophy voting with Chuck Long and Bo Jackson) and 1954 (Calvin Jones).

This Regional Sports Illustrated cover for the week of November 23, 2015 will be available throughout the Midwest - Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Missouri.  The Hawkeyes were last on the cover in 2009 when they began that season 9-0.

Scarbrough's Take: History Will Repeat Itself...1984, 2009 or 2012?

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) makes a long run for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

By Lyn Scarbrough

Lindy's Sports

History will repeat itself when Alabama travels to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday to play Auburn in the 80^th renewal of college sports’ biggest rivalry, the Iron Bowl.

This game is anticipated every year more than any other in college football. No series comes close to delivering the elements that make this annual match-up the nation’s best.

Both teams are usually ranked, almost always bowl eligible. One of these teams has been a contender at the end of the season for the national championship for the past seven years. Both teams are among the best programs in the nation historically (Alabama the 7^thwinningest program in the past 60 years, Auburn the 11^th winningest during that period).

Both teams are located in the same comparably small state with avid fans of each team living next door, working side by side and being members of the same Sunday School classes 365 days a year. There’s no playing the game in Dallas, South Bend or Ann Arbor, then traveling hundreds or thousands of miles back home to another state in this one. If you lose, it’s in your face every day for the next 52 weeks.

So, what will happen in Auburn in a few days? While you can’t know for certain, one thing is for sure.

History will repeat itself. But which year will be repeated … 1984, 2009 or 2012?

1984 – Will the underdog play over its head, the favored team make mistakes, and an upset happen?

Alabama was the underdog in 1984, having already lost six games, including losing by 11 points to Vanderbilt in Tuscaloosa, and would not be eligible for a bowl game. The season was a major disappointment.

Auburn, with a backfield that included Bo Jackson and Brent Fullwood, was nationally ranked, had several significant wins (Tennessee, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Georgia) and was headed to a bowl game. The Tigers were double-digit favorites.

The Crimson Tide led the game by 10 points in the third quarter before Auburn mounted a comeback. The Tigers trailed by just 17-15 late in the game and were in scoring position. But, in the infamous “Wrong Way Bo” play, they failed to score the go-ahead touchdown, then missed a field goal near the end which would have earned the victory.

The underdog won it.

2009 – Will the underdog outplay the favorite, create drama until the end, but lose in a close one?

Auburn was the underdog in 2009, having already lost four SEC games, including three in a row at midseason. The Tigers were coming off a seven-point loss to Georgia, but headed to a bowl game.

Alabama, with a running attack led by Heisman winner Mark Ingram, was undefeated with wins over four nationally ranked teams. The Tide was a double-digit favorite.

The Tigers struck early, led 14-0 after one quarter, and controlled the game until midway through the fourth quarter. Then, in the famous possession known as “The Drive,” Alabama marched 79 yards for a late touchdown, holding on for a 26-21 win. Auburn led in total yardage 332-291 and held the vaunted Bama running game to only 73 yards.

But, the favorite still won it.

2012 – Will the underdog fail to show up, perform as poorly as expected and get blown out in a game that’s never competitive?

Auburn was the underdog in 2012, just two seasons after winning the national championship. The season was a major disappointment. Nationally ranked to start the season, the Tigers entered the Iron Bowl coming off a 51-7 win over Alabama A&M, but were last in the SEC Western Division, having lost every conference game.

Alabama had lost one game, a five-point defeat at Bryant-Denney, this time against Texas A&M, and were ranked No. 2 in the Bowl Championship Series rankings. Alabama was a double-digit favorite.

The Crimson Tide scored its first time with the ball, held Auburn to three-and-out, then scored again. The 14-0 first quarter lead was expanded to 42-0 by halftime. The game mercifully ended at 49-0, the second largest margin in the history of the series. For the game, Auburn had seven first downs, 163 total yards, 77 penalty yards and three turnovers.

The underdog was annihilated.

Six weeks later, Alabama won the national championship, while Auburn had a new head coach.

So what about the 2015 game?

How about Auburn? This team is better than the 2012 Tiger team and the 1984 Alabama team. The team was nationally ranked to start the season, and has been a major underachiever. They’ll enter the Iron Bowl coming off a seven-point loss to Georgia and a blowout win over Idaho. They will be going to a postseason bowl game.

How about Alabama? This team isn’t unbeaten like 2009, has one loss and is ranked No. 2 like 2012. Its loss was in Bryant-Denney against Ole Miss, a game when it never had the lead on its home field, had five turnovers and gave up 433 yards. The Tide has one of the leading Heisman Trophy candidates in running back Derrick Henry and the best defensive front seven in the country.

So, what will it be … 1984, 2009 or 2012?

At this point, it looks more like 2012. With a couple of exceptions this season, Alabama’s running game has been unstoppable; its defensive front has been impenetrable; its confidence has been immeasurable. The Tide has bludgeoned the opposition, playing like they expect to dominate every game.

With a couple of exceptions, Auburn’s offense has been unable to score touchdowns even when it’s near the goal; its defense has been unable to make the big play even when it could win a close game; its swagger has been non-existent when it’s needed the most. The Tigers’ play-calling has been baffling, as if they acknowledge being unable to just line up and dominate anybody, anywhere, any time.

History will repeat itself. The Tigers hope it’s more like 1984 … an upset. The Tide hopes for another 2012 outcome … domination.

The latter seems more likely.

Lyn Scarbrough works for Lindy's sports publications.  He is a columnist, editor and radio personality based in SEC country.

IHSAA Announces New Director of Officials

 Boone, IA -- The Iowa High School Athletic Association has hired J. Lewis (Lewie) Curtis of Underwood as the new Director of Officials beginning March 1, 2016. Curtis replaces Roger Barr, who joined the IHSAA in 2003 and is retiring at the end of December.
 Curtis is currently the Activities Director at Underwood Community Schools in western Iowa, a position he has held since 2000 along with serving as the middle school principal. He holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell College (Mount Vernon) in Special Studies, Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from the University of Northern Iowa. 
 Curtis began his career in education in 1989 as a fourth grade elementary teacher. “The IHSAA is committed to education-based activities,” said Alan Beste, IHSAA Executive Director. “Lewie brings a wealth of experience at all levels of high school athletics, and he will work to forge positive relationships with officials, coaches and administrators across the state.”
 Beste noted that officials’ recruitment, training and retention will be key duties for Curtis as he joins the IHSAA staff.
 Prior to his administrative career, Curtis was a classroom instructor and a coach in the sports of wrestling, baseball, football and golf. He has been a registered official with the IHSAA in the sports of football and baseball. Under his watch as head coach, Underwood captured the 1999 and 2000 Class 1A State wrestling titles.
 Along with his work in athletics, Curtis has also been involved in technology initiatives within his school district in the past.
 His professional career has included service awards from the Iowa High School Athletic Director’s Association, along with being named as the Middle School Activities Director of the Year in Southwest Iowa in 2012. In 2000, he was selected as the Southwest District Wrestling Coach of the Year. He has also previously served as an Iowa Baseball Coaches Association All Star Series Umpire.
 Curtis and his wife, Julie, have three children, Bryan, Taylor and Olivia.

Iowa Earns Big Ten Football Championship Game Berth and Outright West Division Title

Hawkeyes to face Michigan, Michigan State or Ohio State in Indianapolis on Dec. 5

Iowa tight end Henry Kreiger-Coble tries to pick up extra yards after catching one of his four passes in #5 Iowa's 40-20 win over Purdue this afternoon.  Kreiger-Coble had 4 receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown as Iowa remained unbeaten at 11-0 heading into their Big Ten finale next Friday at Nebraska.  Photo courtesy of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

ROSEMONT, Ill. – With a victory on Saturday and a Northwestern win over Wisconsin, Iowa secured a berth in the Big Ten Football Championship Game and the outright Big Ten West Division title, while the East Division will be decided on the final Saturday of the regular season.
Iowa defeated Purdue 40-20 today to improve to 11-0 for the first time in program history, and 7-0 in the West Division. The Hawkeyes secured their first division title and first berth in the conference title game. Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard finished the game 12-20 for 213 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Canzeri rushed for a game-high 95 yards, including a 42-yard touchdown to close out the scoring.
In the East Division, Michigan defeated Penn State and Michigan State edged Ohio State to leave the Wolverines, Spartans and Buckeyes tied for first in the division at 6-1. Michigan State can advance to the Big Ten Football Championship Game and earn at least a share of the division title with a victory over Penn State next Saturday. If the Nittany Lions defeat the Spartans, the winner of the Ohio State at Michigan game will earn the title game berth and the outright division title.
The 2015 Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played on Saturday, Dec. 5, at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium and will be broadcast nationally on FOX with kickoff set for 8:17 p.m. ET. The winner will earn the Amos Alonzo Stagg Championship Trophy and a chance to play in one of the six bowls that comprise the College Football Playoff, including the Rose Bowl Game.
Ticket blocks are being held for Iowa and the representative from the East Division and will be sold through university ticket offices. Those interested in purchasing a suite should contact Melissa Caito of Indiana Sports Corp at (317) 237-5039.
Every Big Ten Football Championship Game ticket will allow complimentary admission to the Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr Pepper, to be held at the Indiana Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5. For more information on Big Ten Football Championship Game tickets, go to www.bigten.org.

PODCAST - Fall 2015 Athletic Directors

TIPTON — Every season of the school year, I catch up with the athletic directors from the four schools that I cover and make a podcast with their comments.  AD's from Tipton, North Cedar, Wilton and Durant are on this podcast this week.  Follow the link below or subscribe in iTunes.  Look for the logo below.

Coaches Corner PODCAST - Fall 2015 AD's

Wilton and Tipton to play at preseason Jamboree Monday in Iowa City

IOWA CITY — Two Conservative sports boy’s basketball teams take one step closer to beginning the 2015-16 season by taking part in the Iowa City, City High tip-off jamboree in Iowa City on Monday, November 23.

Tipton will play Anamosa at 7:30 while Wilton will play Iowa City, City High’s White team at 9:00.

2015 Iowa City, City High Boy’s Basketball Jamboree

Monday, November 23

At Iowa City, City High, High School

7:30 — Anamosa vs. Tipton

8:15 — Iowa City, City High Red vs. West Liberty

9:00 — Iowa City, City High White vs. Wilton

North Cedar Boys To Play Jamboree At Cedar Rapids Jefferson

CEDAR RAPIDS — The North Cedar boy’s basketball team will play in a jamboree on Tuesday, November 24 at Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School.

The Knights will play Cedar Rapids Washington at 7:45.

Girl’s Teams’ to Open with Jamborees This Week

Two area girl’s basketball teams will compete at the North Linn basketball jamboree on Thursday, November 19.  The Tipton Tigers and the North Cedar Knights are the two teams that will be there.  

Tipton will play North Linn at 7:30 while a split squad from North Cedar will play Springville at 6:45.

The same night, two area schools will compete at the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk jamboree.  Durant and a split squad team from North Cedar will compete there.

Durant will play Ottumwa at 6:15 and North Cedar’s split squad will play IMS at 7:00.

2015 North Linn Girl’s Basketball Jamboree

Thursday, November 19

At North Linn High School - Troy Mills, IA

6:00 p.m. — Central City vs. Jesup

6:45 p.m. — North Cedar vs. Springville

7:30 p.m. — Tipton vs. North Linn

2015 Mid-Prairie Girls Basketball Jamboree

Thursday, November 19

At Mid-Prairie High School, Wellman, IA

5:30 p.m. — Clear Creek-Amana at Washington

6:15 p.m. — Durant vs. Ottumwa

7:00 p.m. — IMS vs. North Cedar

7:45 p.m. — Highland vs. Mid-Prairie

Wildcats Go 1-8 In 2015, Graduate A Lot

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Durant Postseason Podcast — Wildcats Postseason Podcast

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DURANT — The Durant Wildcats won just one football game all season, however, they were in the class 1A playoff chase until week 7 of the season.  The Wildcats fought hard, but came up short in two key district football games, ultimately ending their playoff chances.  

Durant will graduate most of their statistical leaders on offense and some on defense.  Despite that, the Wildcats will no doubt work hard and bring a tough nosed mentality into the 2016 season.

What to Look Forward In 2016:

1. Durant will have new starters at the skill positions.  Mason Compton and Jacob Conley will be the more recognizable names next year while either quarters Leo Callison or Reece Bird will take the snaps.

2. Who will the Wildcats play in the non-district games next season?  The format for making the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s playoffs changes this next year.  There are rumblings whether or not their will be two or three non-district football games.  Durant, has a rivalry with Tipton, however, will the Wildcats opt for teams to the South like Columbus Junction, WACO, Lone Tree, Highland or even a NE Goose Lake team?

3. Opportunity knocks.  That was the title for the third thing to watch for in 2015, and it applies for what to watch for in 2016 as well.  Opportunity will be available for those that want to invest the time on both sides of the football.  Whoever works hard in the off season, will be ready to go in with a leg up next fall.

Question Marks In 2016:

1. Who will step up and be the top running back, quarterback and receiver?  Leading receiver Mason Compton is back, but quarterback Will Bentley and running backs Brandon Dykes and Gavin Blake graduate. Bentley threw for over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, and, both Blake and Dykes topped the 1,000-yard rush mark for their careers.

2. How will a new group adjust to the multiple offensive sets the Wildcats run?  Will the Wildcats change things up?  Long known for putting up yards, the Wildcats run many different formations.  Also, will the Wildcats get new opponents for the new season or will they face many of the same teams on their 2015 schedule?

3. Can the Wildcats win the close games in 2016?  Durant's playoff chances were hurt in 2015 by close losses to district foes Wilton (28-14) and North Cedar (28-8).  The win oer Wapello was big, but the losses to those other teams hurt their chances at the playoffs.

2015 Results:

August 2015

8/28 Mid-Prairie L 54-22

September 2015

9/4 @ Tipton L 48-8

9/11 @ Wapello W 24-13

9/21 Wilton L 28-14

9/25 Alburnett L 56-14

October 2014

10/2 @ West Branch L 55-13

10/9 North Cedar L 28-8

10/16 @ Bellevue L 35-0

10/23 Camanche L 34-32

Individual Statistics:

Durant senior quarterback Will Bentley passed for 1,258 yards and 10 TD's this season.

Passing: Will Bentley 88-for-189 1,258 yards, 10 TD’s, 9 INT’s; Leo Callison 2-for-3 22 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s; Reece Bird 1-for-2 14 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s; Brandon Dykes 0-for-2 0 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s.

Senior Gavin Blake led Durant in rushing with 822 yards and 4 TD's.  He also caught 20 passes for 326 yards and 4 TD's.

Rushing: Gavin Blake 119-822 yards, 4 TD’s, 6.9-yard ave.; Brandon Dykes 121-601 yards, 2 TD’s, 5.0-yard ave.; Will Bentley 45-189 yards, 2 TD’s, 4.2-yard ave.; Tanner Kleppe 27-80 yards, 0 TD’s, 5.0-yard ave.; Noah Cawiezell 10-50 yards, 0 TD’s, 5.0-yard ave.; Jacob Prunchak 1-6 yards, 0 TD’s, 6.0-yard ave.

Durant's Mason Compton caught a team high 25 passes for 400 yards and 1 TD.

Receiving: Mason Compton 25 catches 400-yards, 1 TD, 16.0-yard ave.; Brandon Dykes 25 catches 351 yards, 2 TD’s, 14.0-yard ave.; Gavin Blake 20 catches 326 yards, 4 TD’s, 16.3-yard ave.; Jacob Conley 6 catches 88 yards, 1 TD, 14.7-yard ave.; Chris Saley 7 catches 60 yards, 1 TD, 8.6-yard ave.; Noah Cawiezell 5-52 yards, 1 TD, 10.4-yard ave.; Tanner Kleppe 2 catches 17 yards, 0 TD’s, 8.5-yard ave.; Curtis Lilienthal 1 catch 14 yards, 0 TD’s, 14.0-yard ave.

Defensive Statistics:

Brandon Dykes (36) rushed for over 600 yards, had over 350 receiving yards and had 76 tackles on defense this season.

Tackles (S-A-T): Gavin Blake 48-44 92, Brandon Dykes 39-37 76, Austin Keppy 10-39 49, Noah Cawiezell 29-10 34, Tanner Kleppe 6-22 28, Brennan Stewart 13-11 24, Andrew Larion 6-11 17, Denver Feurbach 2-14 16, Chris Saley 8-3 11, Dawson Frett 2-8 10, Will Bentley 3-6 9, Reece Bird 4-5 9, Leo Callison 5-4 9, Bryce Lafrenz 6-1 7, Jacob Conley 2-4 6, Cole Miedema 3-2 5, Jacob Prunchak 3-0 3, Mason Compton 1-1 2, Curtis Lilienthal 1-0 1, Zac Badtram 1-0 1, Drake Miller 1-0 1.

Tackles For Loss (22): Brandon Dykes 7.5, Gavin Blake 3.5, Tanner Kleppe 2.5, Leo Callison 1, Chris Saley 1, Noah Cawiezell 1, Austin Keppy 1, Will Bentley 1, Denver Feurbach 1, Brennan Stewart 0.5.

Forced Fumbles (3): Gavin Blake 2, Jacob Prunchak 1.

Sacks (2): Andrew Larion 1, Brandon Dykes 1.

Interceptions (6): Noah Cawiezell 2, Brandon Dykes 2, Gavin Blake 1, Will Bentley 1.

Pass Blocks (3): Noah Cawiezell 3.