Location: Solon High School

Date: September 11, 2020

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

CASCADE is lighting up the scoreboard so far in 2020. The Cougars are averaging 34.5 points per game, as well as just shy of 400 yards of total offense in each contest. Sophomore Jack Menster is the bell cow for the squad. The new lead back is gaining 9.8 yards per carry (40 rush, 398 yards) and has five rushing TD. He has chipped in an additional TD receiving to go along with 60 yards (12 yards per reception). But the cupboard is stacked with weapons. Cascade QB Justin Roling (286 passing yards, 2 TD) has completed passes to six different receivers. Five of the benefactors AVERAGE a minimum of 12 yards per reception: Menster, Tanner Simon, Jackson McAleer, Keegan Lamey, and Cael McDermott. The Cougars have been quite giving on defense so far, unfortunately. They are allowing 32 points per game as well as 430.5 yards of total offense.  

KEEP AN EYE ON: McAleer. At 6'6", he is difficult to miss. The senior WR has played QB in his career as well. So far this year, he has thrown completed a pass, rushed for a TD, and has a TD reception. 

WEST BRANCH took a step back in its second game of the season. Yes, the Bears were without returning all-district QB Gavin Hierseman. Yes, the Bears were without starting LB Cole Bailey and DB Brady Hunger. However, tackling and positioning on the field were not Bear strongsuits...and it was exploited. However, with a district schedule brings a "new season" - and the Bears will be near full health, as the three aforementioned players will suit up in Week 3. Andy Henson will look to score his first varsity rushing TD, and the Peyton Miller-Hierseman connection hopes to be renewed. WR Simon Palmer continued his strong play, hauling in three balls for 27 yards. All three receptions either kept a drive going, or put the Bear offense in position to gain a first down. QB Kelby Burger completed 12 of 19 passes in his first varsity start.

QUOTABLE: "On film, this team (Cascade) is the best offense we have seen. They always have a lot of talented kids there. We just hope to get better each week. That is our theme: Get Better 1% each play." - WB Coach Butch Pedersen

Team Records & Rankings

Cascade (1-1) is unranked. West Branch (1-1) is ranked 9th in the CR Gazette; 10th in the Des Moines Register. and 10th in the AP.

Last Meeting

In 2019, the Bears defeated the Cougars 26-7 at Cascade High School. 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.