Cougars look to get back on winning track

Published by editor on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 12:51pm

Front row left to right: Alex Bausman, Carver Brown, Kaden Abbas, Ryley Bohner, Jaedrek Bowles, Noah Clikeman, Aiden Heitland, Gabe Nederhoff, Bryce Cruzan, Talan Mutschler, Eli Kuper. Second row: Kade Urban, Collin Willems, Easton Kerns, Carter Roder, Diego Lazo, Clayton Van Loh, Jesus Garibay, Twan De Roode, Kealain Urban. Third row: Lane Rose, Blake Willems, Jariyah Bowles, Tyler Nederhoff, Lucas Siems, Jayden Pates, Tristen Dennis, Bo Starr, Will Hofmeister, Fourth row: Trace Eiten, Isidro Guerrero, Kingston Holman, Colton Diamond, Brady Abbas, Gauge Van Loh, Eli Holmgaard, Kael Dodd, Sylar Bandow, Emmitt Kieliszek. Fifth row: Coaching Staff. Sixth row: Catelynn Koop, Taylor LaFrenz, Carlie Hoodjer, Treye Metzgar, Grant Solberg, Cooper Struck, Jade Wood, Preston Wood, Kinnick Mutschler, Angel Vera.

By:

CJ Eilers

Regional Sports Editor

2022 Record: 4-4 (Did not make Playoffs)

Head Coach: James Koop

After a nine-year streak of winning seasons between 2012-2020, AGWSR football has found itself stuck in a rut the last two seasons with 4-4 records and missing out on the playoffs both years. A group of talented 2023 seniors had hoped to get the program back on track, but a 2-4 record in District play wasn’t enough to move the Cougars back into the playoffs in 2022.

“We were one win away from the playoffs and you’re not happy about it,” coach James Koop said. “Bo Gerbracht started at quarterback for three seasons and Ben Puente led the state tackles during the regular season. Both of them and their class will be sorely missed, but every year do lose impactful guys and have to look to the nice group of guys stepping up.”

Senior Kaden Abbas had over 1,000 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns last season, also making his presence felt on the defensive end with 42.5 tackles as a linebacker. Senior Noah Clikeman punched through 154 yards on 44 carries and a touchdown. Junior Collin Willems rushed for 106 yards and is set to be the new Cougar quarterback this season.

“There's going to be a learning curve there for Collin,” Koop said. “What will benefit him is an offensive line with Aiden Heitland, Eli Kuper, Bryce Cruzan, Carter Roder all back. If we can have a solid run game, there's far less pressure on a new starting quarterback.”

Beyond Puente last season, the Cougars had balance on defense with Abbas, Clikeman (28 tackles), Heitland (26.5 tackles) senior Gabe Nederhoff (21.5 tackles) and senior Ryley Bohner (17.5 tackles) all back. Heitland was solely responsible for punting in 2022, booting the ball 687 yards on 20 punts.

We have a good portion of the same guys in the same spots as last year,” Koop said. “With more consistency and hopefully running the same defense, we continue to make improvements. We’re looking for more seniors to step up and fill varsity spots.”

The Cougars will face Belmond-Klemme for the third time in three seasons in non-district alongside a new opponent in Lake Mills. Many familiar faces make up their district schedules, including North Tama, BCLUW and Wapsie Valley, the latter Koop noted is the favorite to win the districts. Nashua Plainfield has defeated AGWSR the last two seasons and the Cougars had a “dogfight” with BCLUW last season.

“We want to get over the hump this season, but obviously no one is going to just give it to us,” Koop said. “We’re going to go out and earn it. There are a lot of tough teams in this District. If these guys all play to their potential, no matter what the record is, I can live and be proud of what we do this season.”

AGWSR football will open their season at home against Lake Mills on Friday, Aug. 25.

2023 AGWSR Football Schedule

Friday, Aug. 25 vs Lake Mills

Friday, Sept. 1 @ BCLUW

Friday, Sept. 8 @ North Tama

Friday, Sept. 15 vs Nashua-Plainfield

Friday, Sept. 22 @ South Winneshiek

Friday, Sept. 29 vs Wapsie Valley

Friday, Oct. 6 @ Belmond-Klemme

Friday, Oct. 13 vs North Butler

Friday, Oct. 20 First Round Playoffs TBA