Location: Little Rose Bowl

Date: October 15, 2021

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

WILTON is the embodiment of a fighter who trails on the card headed in the final round. Presently, the Beavers are on the outside of the postseason circle looking in. If they win on Friday, they will be the District 5 runners-up. With a loss, they need some help. You can bet Coach Ryan Hetzler will have the team prepared to battle. Leading the way on offense is senior RB Jackson Hull (621 yards, 12 TD). He has been the focal point. They are hoping for the return off the IL from two key cogs: QB Aiden Walker and WR/DE Caden Kirkman. On defense, Tyrell Hughes and Alex Kaufmann lead the way. Hughes has amassed 13.5 tackles for loss, that is top 10 in all of Class 1A.

KEEP AN EYE ON: The Beaver offensive line. They are as big as any West Branch has faced.

WEST BRANCH is coming off its first loss in 5 weeks. Defensively, the Bears are a linchpin squad. Offensively, the Bears will need a turn back the clock performance. QB Carver Boelk will certainly play a unique role in the on field production of “West Branch Comes Home." His feet can be a weapon. Boelk and WR Peyton Miller have found a connection. RB Andy Henson will obviously be leaned upon and is thankful for the size he has in front of him. The defensive front of Drake Berry, Logan Wright, Aidan Dingbaum as well as the linebacker core of Brady Hunger, Cole Bailey, Henson, and Wyatt Fiderlein will need to be on point. 

QUOTABLE: “They are well coached. Ryan (Hetzler) was on my Shrine Bowl staff a couple of years ago. He is a very good young coach. We will need to play our best to win this game." – Head Coach Butch Pedersen

Team Records & Rankings

Both teams are unranked. West Branch has already clinched a postseason berth. Wilton will need a win to be guaranteed a spot in the 2021 playoffs.

Last Meeting

In 2020, the Bears defeated the Beavers 43-8 at Wilton 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 Jarod Tylee 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.