Game Preview: West Branch vs North Cedar

District 4 co-leaders battle for Cedar County bragging rights

October 3, 2019 — 9:13am CDT

Location: Stanwood

Date: October 4, 2019

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

NORTH CEDAR is making some moves in 2019. With just 23 players in the entire program, the statement being made is, "small numbers, big production." That production falls on the offensive shoulders of QB Ethan Yahr (887 passing yards, 8TD), RB Brody Hawtrey (597 total yards, 3TD), and WR's Kael Unruh (18 rec, 431 yds, 6TD) and Gage Walshire (13 rec, 211, 1TD). After losing its first game to Tipton, the Knights are rolling. In the last 3 games, they've limited opponents to just 7.33 points per game. That's a tough nut to crack if you're an opponent.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Hawtrey. He has touched the ball on 41.1 percent of North Cedar's plays in 2019.

WEST BRANCH took some big strides of its own in Week 5. Putting up 499 offensive yards (top 5 performance in school history), and breaking or tying three school single game records along the way. Gavin Hierseman compiled 383 total yards (313 passing - which is the third best game performance ever, 68 rushing), set a new single game total yardage record. WR Trey Eagle became the first Bear player to ever tally over 200 yards receiving. His 213 yards, along with 3 receiving TD, are both new single game records. He is tied with 6 other players in the touchdown column. The Bear defense created four turnovers, all of which led to points. Kicker Cael Fiderlein remains perfect on the season in 25 attempts (21 XP, 4 FG).

QUOTABLE: "We are just beginning to see the offense blossom a little bit...North Cedar is going to be a tough test for us. But I think we are ready for it." - Coach Pedersen

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

Team Records & Rankings

North Cedar (4-1) is unranked. West Branch (5-0) is ranked 4th in Class 1A by the Cedar Rapids Gazette and DSM Register, and 5th in the AP poll.

Last Meeting

In 2018, the Bears defeated the Knights 52-14 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.

  • Marcy Willier with Urban Acres Real Estate
  • EMS Detergent Services
  • Fidelity Bank and Trust
  • Fulwider Agency
  • Hodge Construction
  • Main Street Sweets
  • West Branch Times