Location: Wilton High School

Date: September 18, 2020

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

WILTON is sort of an enigma. The Beavers (1-2) are very high scoring, and come at you from every direction, on offense. Unfortunately, that has not translated to wins. Yet. QB Colby Sawvell is one of those lunch pail, do-it-all kind of players. The senior athlete leads the team in passing yards (410) and rushing yards (297). You feel like you're seeing double when he is on the field...there's a reason for that. His identical twin brother Caleb is the favorite target, as he leads the team in receiving yards. Wilton has scored in the following ways so far this season: Pass, Rush, Fumble Recovery, Kickoff Return, and Punt Return. My guess is not many teams in the state of Iowa can stake that claim. 

KEEP AN EYE ON: Colby Sawvell. See above.

WEST BRANCH played 42 minutes of football in week three without a point to show for it. Then, the Bears put up 14 points in 3 minutes and were knocking on the door for more. Perhaps, week 4 will be the breakout. Defensively, West Branch has allowed just 14 ppg to its opponents thus far. QB Gavin Hierseman threw the ball 49 times against Cascade, not exactly what his father John (the offensive coordinator) had in mind. He completed 29 of those attempts and is at 64 percent on the season (507 yards). RB Andy Henson found the end zone for his first varsity rushing touchdown. The balance of rush and pass is what has made the Bears so formidable through the years. If they continue to progress on the ground, they will continue to progress on the scoreboard. 

QUOTABLE: "This is a key game for us. Our kids are getting better and maturing on the field. Wilton is a good team. We will need to be on our game to win." - West Branch Head Coach Butch Pedersen

Team Records & Rankings

Both teams are unranked and have identical 1-2 records through three games.

Last Meeting

In 2015, Cooper Koenig set a school record with 5 passing TD, all in the first half, as the Bears defeated the Beavers handily, 55-14. 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.