Comets fueled by 2022 success, look to improve

Published by editor on Thu, 08/24/2023 - 12:52pm

Front row left to right: Bodie Butler, Sam Garber, Orlando Montoya, Alex Paxson, Chance Cordes, Carter Gallentine, Jonas Nilson, Liam Speicher, Logan Scafferi, Cael Keller, Wyatt Guiles, Jeffrey Conaway, Evan Andrews. Second row: Marissa Grant, Delaney Legg, Jayden Muschick, Zaeden Eggers, Vance Hoyt, Carson Wayman, Ryan Busch, Owen Meyers, Hayden Holladay, Emitt PeterMeier, Kevin Hill, Abram Leimbacher, Wyatt Gould, Maverick Grafke. Third row: Nolan Freeman, Theo Baldus, Marissa McLeland, Aiden Barker, Beau towne, Owen case, Daniel Zoske, Lucas Vibbard, Nate Bishop, Kaleb Mehaffy, Edwin Wankin, Aiden Frank, Damien Caron, Eathan PeterMeir, Patrick McCreedy, Coach Trevor bakker, Coach Jeff Pikna all the way on the right. Photo courtesy of TFD Photo & Film

By:

CJ Eilers

Regional Sports Editor

2022 Record: 4-4 (Missed Playoffs)

Head Coach: Jeff Pikna

Even Coach Jeff Pikna didn’t see it coming. Entering his first year as head football coach, Pikna had faith the Comets could take a step up from a 0-8 the previous year. Yet in a turnaround unseen at BCLUW in years, the Comets put up a 4-4 record and flirted with reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

“I’m not going to sit here and lie saying I thought we would go from 0-8 to .500 in our first year, but it was absolutely amazing,” coach Jeff Pikna said. “We never thought about playoffs at the start of the season, but once we were knocking on the door I wished we had opened it. Last season was a nice building block and it brought excitement to the community. We’ve set a standard.”

But to open the door to the playoffs, the Comets will first need to figure out their offense. BCLUW lost their top skill guys at quarterback, running back and receiver. The quarterback position will come down to whatever offense the Comets’ staff decides to run. Junior Owen Myers put up 110 all-purpose yards (73 rushing, 37 receiving, one rushing touchdown) and senior Cael Keller had 332 yards on 32 receptions with two touchdowns. BCLUW’s greatest strength lies in an offensive line that returns junior Emmitt Petermeier (44.5 tackles), senior Alex Paxson (24.5 tackles) and senior Orlando Montoya (20.5 tackles).

“I trust this o-line with my life,” Pikna said. “All but two of our seniors last year were skill guys, so young guys have to step up there. We have guys who will play varsity for the first time or maybe played in a limited role last year who will need to shoulder a bigger role this year.”

The Comets will face six of the same eight teams from last season in this year’s schedule, only gaining South Winneshiek in the district schedule and Martensdale-St Marys in their non-e district schedule. East Marshall will be their second non-district. Several games last year were close for the Comets, including a two-point loss to AGWSR. Pikna noted playing a familiar schedule is a benefit for everyone as the athletes have been playing these teams since sixth or seventh grade and it helps build rivalries.

“We want to keep things rolling, keep the community proud of us,” Pikna said. “We want players to be proud of playing in this new system they’ve helped start. Obviously, we’re looking to improve from last year. If that means reaching the playoffs, that’s awesome.”

BCLUW football will open its season at East Marshall on Friday, Aug. 25.

2023 BCLUW Football Schedule

Friday, Aug. 25 @ East Marshall

Friday, Sept 1 vs AGWSR

Friday, Sept. 8 vs Nashua-Plainfield

Friday, Sept. 15 @ North Tama

Friday, Sept. 22 vs North Butler

Friday, Sept. 29 vs Martensdale-St Marys

Friday, Oct. 6 @ Wapsie Valley

Friday. Oct. 13 @ South Winneshiek

Friday. Oct. 20 First Round Playoffs TBA