Location: Little Rose Bowl

Date: October 1, 2021

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

DURANT is coming off of a week in which they recorded their first victory of the season. The Wildcats are hoping to win a couple more games down the stretch to secure a playoff berth. Any additional losses could put them on the brink of district relegation. If the Cats are to play beyond Week 8, it will be due to the play of junior RB Nolan DeLong. Of the team's 1014 rushing yards, DeLong has 939 of them. To say he is the focal point of their offense would be an understatement. Additionally, he is a ball hawk on defense - leading the team with 28 tackles. If Durant chooses to throw the ball, more than likely it will be to either Ethan Gast or Ben Orr. 

KEEP AN EYE ON: Delong. I mean, why wouldn't you?

WEST BRANCH won a thriller in Mediapolis last week. Down 4 points in the final stanza, the Bears put together a long scoring driving that was capped by QB Carver Boelk finding his twin Kinnick in the endzone. West Branch's defense then held the Bulldogs from getting six points, forcing them to attempt a game-tying FG instead…and it was unsuccessful. Andy Henson rushed for 173 yards and two scores, but hats off to DB Kinnick Boelk. He ran 70 yards to make a touchdown saving tackle. That led to the aforementioned FG attempt. Carver Boelk is beginning to find a stride under center as well. A win would guarantee West Branch a playoff spot.

QUOTABLE: “[Durant] have a very good offense and one of the best backs in the state (DeLong). We are excited for homecoming week, but need to focus on what is ahead of us." – Coach Butch Pedersen

Team Records & Rankings

Durant is 1-4 (1-1 in Class 1A-5). West Branch is 4-1 (2-0). Neither team is ranked.

Last Meeting

In 2020, the Bears flipped a halftime deficit for a comeback victory in Durant, 28-21. 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.