Location: Van Meter

Date: November 2, 2018

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

VAN METER is the defending Class 1A state champion and is riding a 23 game win streak. In fact, over the past four seasons, the Bulldogs are a combined 45-3. This is the #1 rushing offense in all of Class 1A. Led by RB Ian Abrahamson (1646 yards) and QB Anthony Potthoff (936 yards), they certainly have a few ways to beat you on the ground. However, don't let that fool you. Potthoff has also through for just shy of 1000 yards and has 18 TD passes to just 1 interception. His number one target is JJ Richard (16 receptions, 322 yards). Keep an eye on Iowa commit Chris Reames...it will be hard to miss him at 6'7 and 220 pounds.

The Bulldogs only allow 213 yards and 7 points to opponents per game. They average just over 42 points per game on offense. Both of the scoring averages are ranked 3rd in Class 1A.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Abrahamson on offense. He is a tough nut to crack once he gets a head of steam. Very powerful but also can cut and bounce to the outside and get downfield. Reames on defense.

WEST BRANCH has an offense that is absolutely clicking on all cylinders right now. The Bears are averaging over 540 yards Tcontest over the last two weeks. QB Beau Cornwell and RB Tanner Lukavsky combined to become the first duo in WBFB history to have a 250 yard passing and 200 yard rushing effort in the same game. Cornwell holds pretty much every passing record there is for West Branch....don't look now, but the old school smashmouth Bears are back. In the first round, West Branch held Class 1A's best offense to just 260 total yards (150 below it's average) and just 14 points. Dalyn Pedersen, Jeff Bowie, and Drake Bloem hold up a stout defensive front.

It's the immovable object vs. the unstoppable force. Something has got to give in Van Meter.

QUOTABLE: "They are a very diversified team (speaking of Van Meter). There offense is balanced, but they really like to run. But if you relax they will throw it and beat you. They have all of the pressure on them because we are not supposed to win. We just hope to go up there, hit them hard, and see what happens." -- Head Coach Butch Pedersen

Team Records & Rankings

Van Meter (10-0) is ranked #4 in the Class 1A RPI rankings. West Branch finished at 9-1 and in the #5 spot.

Last Meeting

This will be the first matchup between the two schools.

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.