Location: Tipton High School

Date: September 20, 2019

Time: 7:30pm CDT

Game Notes

TIPTON runs an offense that I liken to being at a circus. So many moving parts and you never know exactly what you are watching. Misdirection at its finest. Led by a three back attack, the Tigers have a strong running game...that can bite you. RB Austin Lenz (261 yards, 6TD), QB Blake Wilkins (218 yards, 1TD), and HB/FB Frank Biermann (176 yards, 2TD) all tote the pigskin for at least six yards per carry. Tipton doesn't throw the ball very often. However, when they do, Biermann along with Connor Hermiston and Peyton Elijah, are all big play threats.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Defensive Back Peyton Elijah - he leads all of Class 2A with five interceptions on the season.

WEST BRANCH is coming off a victory at Williamsburg that one might call "odd". Odd, in the sense that it dominated the statistical battle on offense and defense. However, the Bears were shown vulnerable on special teams to the tune of around 300 total yards. That will be and has been remedied during practice. Offensively, Gavin Hierseman had his finest performance (241 yards, 3TD) and is beginning to come of age under center. His number one target Trey Eagle (10 rec, 227 yards, 4TD on the season) now has 2TD receptions in consecutive games. Wyatt Goodale and Tanner Lukavsky have also become safety blankets. Defensively, Dakota Kaalberg and Cam Howsare helped guide a stingy Bear squad who is giving up just 129 yards per outing.

QUOTABLE: "We were resilient (last week), but need to clean up our penalties. Too many mistakes for this point in the season. The kids are better prepared for this week." - Head Coach Butch Pedersen.

Our weekly game preview is presented by EMS Detergent Services and Main Street Sweets.

Team Records & Rankings

Tipton (2-1) is unranked. West Branch (3-0) is ranked 4th in Class 1A by the AP, CRG, and DSM Register.

Last Meeting

In 2018, the Bears defeated the Tigers 56-13 at Little Rose Bowl. View more from that game.

Media & Broadcast Coverage

The BearCast will be on the play-by-play call. If you cannot be at the game, let us bring the game to you on your computer or smartphone. Head to the BearCast page here on the website, or, on iOS and Android devices, download the Mixlr app and search for "West Branch Football."

Tune in to the BearCast at 6:30 for the pregame where Steven Grace, Mike Quinlan, and Jerry Fleagle will be calling the game live, offering in-game analysis and halftime/postgame interviews.

For print media, the Cedar Rapids Gazette, the West Branch Times, YourPrepSports.com, and WestBranch.Football will be at the the game.