Location: Little Rose Bowl

Date: November 1, 2019

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

NORTH LINN is a team that started the season very confidently. Rolling out to a 4-0 start, the Lynx were in high gear. Current top five team Dike New-Hartford ended the run in Week 5 (62-14) and Regina defeated North Linn (37-28) in week 7. However, in between and following those contests, the Troy Mills crew did what it needed to do and qualified for the postseason. On paper, they are the underdog - but don't let that fool you. Seedings mean nothing. Every team begins 0-0 on November 1st. 

Leading the way is do everything QB Austin Miller (1120 passing, 10 TD; 944 rushing, 18 TD). He is the straw to stir the drink. Not many players in the state of Iowa possess the statistical argument this talented player does. Miller will beat you through the air and afoot. In the week 7 loss against Regina, Miller averaged 12 yards per carry in a 23 rush, 277 yard, 4TD performance. His main weapon through the air is Austin Hilmer... a very recognizable name in Eastern Iowa. Brennan Becker (634 rushing, 5TD) is another name to keep your eye on. Oh, by the way, Miller leads the team in tackles on defense as well.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Um, who else could it be? Austin Miller is a special player that comes around very rarely in a small community. 

WEST BRANCH ended the season a perfect 9-0, earning the number two seed in the final RPI rankings. The Bears rushed for over 280 yards in a week 9 victory over Beckman Catholic. Additionally, QB Gavin Hierseman connected with WR Trey Eagle two times in the end zone. Eagle now has 12 receiving TD on the season, a new school record (Ben Thompson had 11 in 2017). The Bear defense continued to do what it has all season. Less two long pass plays, the team held one of the better 1A offenses to less than 100 total yards. 

The weather is projected to be quite cold and the ground could be soft with 2-4 inches of snow on the ground Wednesday evening into Thursday morning (perhaps melted). 

QUOTABLE: "We are now a November football team. Any time you have that opportunity, it is a good season. Winning next Friday will make it a better season. We hope to do just that against a quality opponent (like North Linn)." - Head Coach Butch Pedersen

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

Team Records & Rankings

North Linn (7-2) is unranked. West Branch (9-0) is ranked 3rd in Class 1A by the DSM Register, 3rd by the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and 4th in the AP poll. 

Last Meeting

In 2003, the Bears defeated the Lynx at the Little Rose Bowl in a 1A district game, 42-0. 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.