Location: West Liberty High School

Date: August 30, 2019

Time: 7:30pm CDT

Game Notes

WEST LIBERTY was hit hard by graduated after the 2018 season. All everything QB Seth Feldman (2400 total yards) graduated, as did all-state DL Spencer Daufeldt (preferred walk-on at Iowa) and RB Gabriel Melendez. Most of the defense graduated as well....However, the Comets do return speed. In the form of RB/DB Will Esmoil (first team all-state 2018 at DB), leading WR Lake Newton, and big time OL Kobi Simon. From all indications, Simon has been moved to TE on offense, along with fellow 2018 starting OL Gavin Chown. With the Comets, you can expect alot of moving pieces pre-snap, and misdirection with blocking. They are like novocaine, sooner or later it is going to wear on you.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Simon. He is a hammer on the wrestling mat as well as the gridiron. His step-father, Pat Gates, played for the Bears in the 1990's. 

WEST BRANCH returns the vast majority of its defensive lineup, but graduated the most prolific QB (statistically speaking) in the history of the program in Beau Cornwell. But, the Bears return three starting offensive linemen, an all-district WR in Trey Eagle, and an all-state caliber starting running back in Tanner Lukavsky (10.1 yards per carry and 18 TD in 2018). Jeff Bowie, a high level D1 recruit, returns to anchor the defense that returns 8 of 11 starting positions. 

QUOTABLE: "We just hope to improve each day and come to play on Fridays. If we can limit our turnovers and penalties, we can be a pretty good football team." - Coach Pedersen

Our weekly game preview is presented by EMS Detergent Services and Main Street Sweets.

Team Records & Rankings

West Liberty enters the season ranked t-9th in 2A by the CR Gazette and 7th by the DSM Register. West Branch is ranked 4th in Class 1A by both the DMR and CRG.

Last Meeting

In 2018, the Bears defeated the Comets 32-6 in week one at Little Rose Bowl. 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.