Location: Little Rose Bowl

Date: October 25, 2019

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

BECKMAN CATHOLIC started the season with all pistons blazing. Once the district slate rolled around, injuries and tough losses have derailed their once bright playoff shine. However, don't go to sleep on the Blazers. They have weapons everywhere on the field, including the District 4 total offense leader in QB Nick Offerman (1297 passing, 413 rushing, 16 total TD). His favorite target, by receptions, is Tom Jaeger (29 rec, 318 yards), but he spreads the ball well. Trent Koelker, Derick Ludwig, and Sean Kluesner have all caught at least 15 balls this season. The Beckman rushing attack has taken an injury to its leading ground gainer, Evan Wulfekuhle, but Riley Fangman stepped right up to the plate swinging. In a Week 8 victory over North Cedar, the 5'10", 185 pound Fangman toted the ball 32 times for 278 yards and a whopping 5 rushing TD. Beckman has weapons. Be aware.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Offerman. Can beat you with his arm or his legs. The defense has to pay attention to this fine player.

WEST BRANCH and its defense have always been synonymous with gritty, tough play. That was certainly the case last Friday as the Bears worked hard and finished....a 26-7 road victory against Cascade. The Bears scored their Class 1A leading 7th defensive touchdown, a 33 yard scoop and score by Trey Eagle. It also recorded a safety in the first half courtesy of Jeff Bowie. Middle linebacker Tanner Lukavsky led the way with 11 tackles. On the offensive side of the ball, Lukavsky found paydirt two times on the ground. 

QUOTABLE: "Our seniors deserve to go out as undefeated District Champions. They've worked very hard for that. We need a good crowd to help us on Friday." - Head Coach Butch Pedersen

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

Team Records & Rankings

Beckman (5-3, 2-2) is unranked. West Branch (8-0, 4-0) is ranked 3rd in Class 1A by the DSM Register, 4th by the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and 5th in the AP poll.

Last Meeting

In the 2018 regular season finale, the Bears defeated the Blazers 48-24. 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.