DURANT — The Durant Wildcats lost a lot of senior talent from last season’s 1-8 year. The Wildcats record was not an indication of the way the team played however, as the Wildcats lost two games by 14 points or less and another game that got away late in the second half. Three football players from last year will play college athletics with two playing football this fall. This is a season of opportunity for the Wildcats who look to improve on their 2015 record.
The Wildcats won one game last season, a 24-13 victory at Wapello in the third game of the season. The Arrows finished the season 3-6. In that game the Wildcats had two senior running backs over 100 yards with Brandon Dykes rushing for 182 yards and Gavin Blake rushing for 129 yards.
Both Dykes and Blake were all-district selections last season. Both ended their careers with over 1,000 yards rushing. Blake led the Wildcats in rushing last season with 822 yards and 4 touchdowns while Dykes was second on the team in rushing with 650 yards. Dykes also caught 26 passes for 351 yards while Blake caught 20 passes for 326 yards.
Both Dykes and Blake graduated as did senior quarterback Will Bentley. Bentley passed for 1,284 yards and 10 touchdowns and ended his career as one of the best quarterbacks in Durant history. He also was an All-State punter.
Durant will turn the keys of the offense over to Leo Callison. Callison saw limited time last season, but has guided the junior varsity team and has confidence to step under center.
The Wildcats will have to replace most of their running back stable from last year. Only Jacob Prunchak returns from last year. Durant is a little better in the receiving corps as leading receiver Mason Compton is back after a team leading 25 receptions for 426 yards and a touchdown. Jake Conley and Curtis Lilienthal also are back. Conley could be a versatile option on the offensive side of the football.
Defensively, Blake led in tackles with 117 tackles and earned All-State honors. Dykes had 89 tackles and 6 sacks. Stewart Brennen is the top returning tackler back after totalling 38 tackles last season.
Callison will handle placekicking duty while the Wildcats will look to replace Bentley as the team's punter.
Durant will be in class 1A district 3 with Cedar County teams Tipton, North Cedar and West Branch. The Wildcats will have five home games this year, with every other week playing a game on their home field. Durant opens the 2016 season at home against non-district foe Columbus Junction. The Wildcats other non-district game is at rival Wilton on September 2. The Wildcats will have home games with Maquoketa Valley September 9, North Cedar on September 23, Tipton October 7 and Jesup on October 21.
Gone From 2015: Will Bentley, Chris Saley, Lake Koenig, Gavin Blake, Noah Cawiezell, Brandon Dykes, Tanner Kleppe, Jacob Mangels, Austin Keppy, Chase Voelkers, Drew Larion, Shane Harris, Reece Bird, Ty Chenault, Jordan Craig, Nathan Heick, Drake Miller, Cole Stineman.
Back From 2015: Cole Miedema, Bryce Lafrenz, Leo Callison, Curtis Lilienthal, Jacob Conley, Tristan Hughes, Isaiah Werthmann, Gage Finke, Cale Frett, Dawson Frett, Mason Compton, Jacob Prunchak, Jarad Custer, Clayton Miller, Mason Bird, Collin Merschman, Jonah Werth, Alan Hammell, Stewart Brennen, Denver Feuerbach,
Ethan Schlapkohl, Zac Badtram,
New Faces: Jacob Nietfeldt, Bruce Dillabough, Matt Fisher, Jared Gothals, Christian Gottsche, Tanner Hoon, Kody Koberg, Joe Lilienthal, Marcus Engstler, Drew DeLong, Logan Callison, Lucas Callison, Jake Willkomm, Brendan Paper, Will Lossi, Luke Whitlock, Caine Dominquez.
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