Where did the summer go? Well, it came back toward us a week when Iowa Valley was scheduled, giving the Montezuma Braves an extra football game to play.
And that game is this coming Saturday, Aug. 21, in Marengo. Kickoff is scheduled for a special time – 4 p.m.
“Iowa Valley had a younger team last year and brings back a ton of athletes on both sides of the ball,” said Montezuma Coach John Beck. “They were a little banged up toward the end of last year, so their record (3-5) didn’t really show how talented they were,” he said.
“They return six starters on each side of the ball, so they’re a veteran team this year,” the coach said.
Leading passer and rusher for the Tigers last year was Brody Ward (6-0, 165). He rushed for 619 yards, a 4.6 per carry average and 12 touchdowns.
Ward threw for 361 yards on 29 completions in 76 tosses and four touchdowns.
“I expect them to try to grind the ball on the ground, mixing in a few play-action passes,” Beck said.
On defense, Brody Hoyt (5-6, 185) was the top tackler with 69. Peyton Loffer (6-2, 155) returned 10 kickoffs for 295 yards and one touchdown.
“Defensively, they are really good up front and bring back most of their secondary,” Beck said.
“It will be a great game,” the coach said, “and a good start to the season.”
DISTRICT NOTE: Montezuma is in a new Class 8 football district this season. “It’s a competitive district,” Beck said. “The teams I see bringing a lot back are Baxter and BGM. Both are very good traditionally, well-coached, and they always compete hard,” he said. So blow the whistle! Let’s go!!
A THANK YOU – On the school’s website went out to Roudabush Electronics, which helped to replace the public address speaker system at Badger-Gabriel Field.
Braves football roster
Seniors
Gabe Wearmouth, RB, 5-10, 165
Connor Van Zee, CB, 5-11, 170
Zach Benedict, DL, 5-11, 180
Eddie Burgess, QB, 6-4, 230
Camden Michalek, DE, 5-11, 180
Jack Brenner, DE, 6-0, 210
T.J. Townsend, DT, 5-11, 300
Keaton Stokoe, OG, 6-2, 320
Juniors
Masin Shearer, WR, 5-10, 140
Owen Cook, K, 6-1, 160
Brady Ogan, LB, 5-8, 140
Eli Bustamonte, S, 5-10, 140
Martavious Knox, TE, 5-11, 188
Tyler Vanderford, LB, 5-8, 190
Drake Benedict, DL, 6-1, 180
Kennen Roadcap, C, 6-3, 233
Sophomores
Garrett Watts, WR, 6-1, 145
Sammy Boughner, DL, 5-11, 200
Alex Black, WR, 6-0, 140
Cruz De Jong, TD, 5-9, 155
Landon Morrison, DE, 5-7, 180
Derek Fry, OG, 5-8, 160
Matt Karadios, DE, 5-10, 160
Braxton Simpson, C, 6-0, 160
Tod Geiger, DE, 6-2, 250
Freshmen
Nathan Borton, WR, 5-6, 120
Carter Michalek, WR, 5-6, 120
David Rose, WR, 5-9, 120
Breck Simpson, OL, 6-0, 145
Brett Plants, RB, 5-10, 190
Lars Taylor, TE, 5-10, 150
Briar Simpson, OL, 6-1, 150
Houston Van Roekel, OL, 6-0, 250
Peyton Minner, OL, 6-2, 195