Bishop Garrigan football player Jack Bradley along head coach Marty Wadle and his son Reece experienced the ora of the 2009 Shrine Bowl played at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, July 25.

Yes, it is hard to believe but football Friday nights in Iowa begins this Friday, Aug. 28. Both Algona teams start off the year on the road this week.
Bishop Garrigan, who has qualified for the playoffs five straight years, will travel to Fort Dodge to face the Gaels. The Golden Bears lost to the Gaels 21-7 at Conway Field to open the 2008 season.

Yes, it is hard to believe but football Friday nights in Iowa begins this Friday, Aug. 28. Both Algona teams start off the year on the road this week.
Bishop Garrigan, who has qualified for the playoffs five straight years, will travel to Fort Dodge to face the Gaels. The Golden Bears lost to the Gaels 21-7 at Conway Field to open the 2008 season.

Blake Pedersen's 22 touches of the football accounted for 213 yards and six touchdowns as the North Sentral Kossuth Eagle football team rolled to a 52-0 shutout win over the Ventura Vikings. The non-district clash was played at Ventura on Friday, August 28.

Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne's football team picked up where they left off in 2008 with a hard-fought 24-8 victory over the West Bend-Mallard Wolverines. The non-district season opener was played at Corwith on Friday, August 28.

The Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka Tiger football squad dropped their season opener to the Armstrong-Ringsted Mustangs by the score of 68-16. The non-district eight-man contest was played at Titonka on Friday, August 28.
The Mustangs erupted for 34 first quarter points and led 55-8 at intermission. Armstrong-Ringsted also led 62-8 heading into the final 12 minutes of play.

Blake Pedersen's 22 touches of the football accounted for 213 yards and six touchdowns as the North Sentral Kossuth Eagle football team rolled to a 52-0 shutout win over the Ventura Vikings. The non-district clash was played at Ventura on Friday, August 28.

Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne's football team picked up where they left off in 2008 with a hard-fought 24-8 victory over the West Bend-Mallard Wolverines. The non-district season opener was played at Corwith on Friday, August 28.

The Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka Tiger football squad dropped their season opener to the Armstrong-Ringsted Mustangs by the score of 68-16. The non-district eight-man contest was played at Titonka on Friday, August 28.
The Mustangs erupted for 34 first quarter points and led 55-8 at intermission. Armstrong-Ringsted also led 62-8 heading into the final 12 minutes of play.

A 45-yard scoring strike from Brett Capesius to Mark Garman with just two minutes remaining in the game rallied the Bishop Garrigan Golden Bear football team to a thrilling 28-27 victory over the West Hancock Eagles. The non-district match-up of traditional football programs was played at Conway Field on Friday, Sept. 4.

Dominating the line of scrimmage in the second and third quarters, the Algona Bulldog football team out-scored the Humboldt Wildcats and went on to a 21-13 victory over the blue-and-gold on an exciting game played at Bulldog Field on Friday, Sept. 4.

After two weeks of non-district football games for all seven of the area's teams, the real season begins Friday as district play starts with each squad hoping to be one of the top four teams in their district that will advance to the sub-state playoffs.

A big first quarter explosion totaled 38 points and helped lead the North Sentral Kossuth Eagle football team to a 58-0 non-district win over the Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka Tigers on Friday, Sept. 4 at Sentral.

A big first half deficit was too much to rebound from as the Twin River Valley Thunder football team dropped a 28-14 decision to the Ventura Vikings. The non-district contest was played at Gilmore City on Friday, Sept. 4.

A big night running the football was not enough as the West Bend-Mallard Wolverines dropped a 38-26 decision to the Northeast Hamilton Trojans. The non-district contest was played at West Bend on Friday, Sept. 4.

A 45-yard scoring strike from Brett Capesius to Mark Garman with just two minutes remaining in the game rallied the Bishop Garrigan Golden Bear football team to a thrilling 28-27 victory over the West Hancock Eagles. The non-district match-up of traditional football programs was played at Conway Field on Friday, Sept. 4.

Dominating the line of scrimmage in the second and third quarters, the Algona Bulldog football team out-scored the Humboldt Wildcats and went on to a 21-13 victory over the blue-and-gold on an exciting game played at Bulldog Field on Friday, Sept. 4.

After two weeks of non-district football games for all seven of the area's teams, the real season begins Friday as district play starts with each squad hoping to be one of the top four teams in their district that will advance to the sub-state playoffs.

A big first quarter explosion totaled 38 points and helped lead the North Sentral Kossuth Eagle football team to a 58-0 non-district win over the Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka Tigers on Friday, Sept. 4 at Sentral.

A big first half deficit was too much to rebound from as the Twin River Valley Thunder football team dropped a 28-14 decision to the Ventura Vikings. The non-district contest was played at Gilmore City on Friday, Sept. 4.

A big night running the football was not enough as the West Bend-Mallard Wolverines dropped a 38-26 decision to the Northeast Hamilton Trojans. The non-district contest was played at West Bend on Friday, Sept. 4.

A third-straight trip to the postseason is a strong possibility for the Collins-Maxwell-Baxter football team as the Raiders return 18 starters from last year's district runner-up team.

The return of several key skill players and the addition of some talented newcomers has the 2009 Ballard football team aiming to top last year's substate run.

AMES — New Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads brings a new, fresh attitude to a Cyclones program that has fallen on hard times recently.

AMES — New Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads brings a new, fresh attitude to a Cyclones program that has fallen on hard times recently.

IOWA CITY — Iowa's football team came into fall camp a year ago with questions at a number of positions.

AMES — New Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads brings a new, fresh attitude to a Cyclones program that has fallen on hard times recently.

IOWA CITY — Iowa's football team came into fall camp a year ago with questions at a number of positions.

AMES — New Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads brings a new, fresh attitude to a Cyclones program that has fallen on hard times recently.

IOWA CITY — Iowa's football team came into fall camp a year ago with questions at a number of positions.

AMES — New Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads brings a new, fresh attitude to a Cyclones program that has fallen on hard times recently.

A column by Sports Editor Ryan Kronberg IOWA CITY — Here are a few observations I had from Iowa football media day held recently at Kinnick Stadium and the practice fields next door.

IOWA CITY — Iowa's football team came into fall camp a year ago with questions at a number of positions.

CEDAR FALLS — Here's a few observations from Northern Iowa's football media day.

A column by Sports Editor Ryan Kronberg IOWA CITY — Here are a few observations I had from Iowa football media day held recently at Kinnick Stadium and the practice fields next door.

IOWA CITY — Iowa's football team came into fall camp a year ago with questions at a number of positions.

CEDAR FALLS — Here's a few observations from Northern Iowa's football media day.

A column by Sports Editor Ryan Kronberg IOWA CITY — Here are a few observations I had from Iowa football media day held recently at Kinnick Stadium and the practice fields next door.

IOWA CITY — Iowa's football team came into fall camp a year ago with questions at a number of positions.

AMES — Iowa State as a team has bounced back after the frustration of losing took a toll on the team at the end of last season, compounded by the sudden and rather unexpected departure of former coach Gene Chizek.

CEDAR FALLS — Here's a few observations from Northern Iowa's football media day.

A column by Sports Editor Ryan Kronberg IOWA CITY — Here are a few observations I had from Iowa football media day held recently at Kinnick Stadium and the practice fields next door.

IOWA CITY — A majority of teams in the National Football League have three quarterbacks in uniform on a particular Sunday.

AMES — Iowa State as a team has bounced back after the frustration of losing took a toll on the team at the end of last season, compounded by the sudden and rather unexpected departure of former coach Gene Chizek.

CEDAR FALLS — Here's a few observations from Northern Iowa's football media day.

A column by Sports Editor Ryan Kronberg IOWA CITY — Here are a few observations I had from Iowa football media day held recently at Kinnick Stadium and the practice fields next door.

IOWA CITY — A majority of teams in the National Football League have three quarterbacks in uniform on a particular Sunday.

AMES — Iowa State as a team has bounced back after the frustration of losing took a toll on the team at the end of last season, compounded by the sudden and rather unexpected departure of former coach Gene Chizek.

CEDAR FALLS — Here's a few observations from Northern Iowa's football media day.

A column by Sports Editor Ryan Kronberg IOWA CITY — Here are a few observations I had from Iowa football media day held recently at Kinnick Stadium and the practice fields next door.

IOWA CITY — A majority of teams in the National Football League have three quarterbacks in uniform on a particular Sunday.

AMES — Iowa State as a team has bounced back after the frustration of losing took a toll on the team at the end of last season, compounded by the sudden and rather unexpected departure of former coach Gene Chizek.

CEDAR FALLS — Here's a few observations from Northern Iowa's football media day.

IOWA CITY — A majority of teams in the National Football League have three quarterbacks in uniform on a particular Sunday.

AMES — Iowa State as a team has bounced back after the frustration of losing took a toll on the team at the end of last season, compounded by the sudden and rather unexpected departure of former coach Gene Chizek.

IOWA CITY — A majority of teams in the National Football League have three quarterbacks in uniform on a particular Sunday.

AMES — Iowa State as a team has bounced back after the frustration of losing took a toll on the team at the end of last season, compounded by the sudden and rather unexpected departure of former coach Gene Chizek.

IOWA CITY — A majority of teams in the National Football League have three quarterbacks in uniform on a particular Sunday.

AMES — Iowa State as a team has bounced back after the frustration of losing took a toll on the team at the end of last season, compounded by the sudden and rather unexpected departure of former coach Gene Chizek.

Charles City came into Friday's season opening football game with a large number of players stepping onto the Comet Field playing surface starting for the first time in their high school careers.

Nashua-Plainfield patrons paid their respects to one of their own during Friday’s season opening football game with North Butler.

Charles City came into Friday's season opening football game with a large number of players stepping onto the Comet Field playing surface starting for the first time in their high school careers.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

Nashua-Plainfield patrons paid their respects to one of their own during Friday’s season opening football game with North Butler.

Charles City came into Friday's season opening football game with a large number of players stepping onto the Comet Field playing surface starting for the first time in their high school careers.

DULUTH, Minn. — Charles City native Brian Peek and his University of Minnesota-Duluth football teammates went through one of the most improbable journeys anyone with the Bulldog football program could have ever anticipated in 2008.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

Nashua-Plainfield patrons paid their respects to one of their own during Friday’s season opening football game with North Butler.

Charles City came into Friday's season opening football game with a large number of players stepping onto the Comet Field playing surface starting for the first time in their high school careers.

DULUTH, Minn. — Charles City native Brian Peek and his University of Minnesota-Duluth football teammates went through one of the most improbable journeys anyone with the Bulldog football program could have ever anticipated in 2008.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

Nashua-Plainfield patrons paid their respects to one of their own during Friday’s season opening football game with North Butler.

Charles City came into Friday's season opening football game with a large number of players stepping onto the Comet Field playing surface starting for the first time in their high school careers.

CRESCO — Charles City’s football team faced a number of challenging circumstances throughout Friday’s Class 3A non-district football game with Crestwood.

DULUTH, Minn. — Charles City native Brian Peek and his University of Minnesota-Duluth football teammates went through one of the most improbable journeys anyone with the Bulldog football program could have ever anticipated in 2008.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

CRESCO — Charles City’s football team faced a number of challenging circumstances throughout Friday’s Class 3A non-district football game with Crestwood.

DULUTH, Minn. — Charles City native Brian Peek and his University of Minnesota-Duluth football teammates went through one of the most improbable journeys anyone with the Bulldog football program could have ever anticipated in 2008.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

Charles City’s football team faced nearly every kind of adversity possible during week two’s one point loss at Crestwood.

CRESCO — Charles City’s football team faced a number of challenging circumstances throughout Friday’s Class 3A non-district football game with Crestwood.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

Charles City’s football team faced nearly every kind of adversity possible during week two’s one point loss at Crestwood.

CRESCO — Charles City’s football team faced a number of challenging circumstances throughout Friday’s Class 3A non-district football game with Crestwood.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

ROCKFORD — Rockford’s football team turned heads throughout the area in 2008 with a 3-0 start after going 0-9 the year before.

Charles City’s football team faced nearly every kind of adversity possible during week two’s one point loss at Crestwood.

CRESCO — Charles City’s football team faced a number of challenging circumstances throughout Friday’s Class 3A non-district football game with Crestwood.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Charles City native Erich Feller joined the South Dakota State football program at one of the most exciting times in the long history of the Jackrabbits football program.

     Clear Lake and Ventura High School will be represented at the 2009 Iowa Shrine Bowl.  Patrick Kolker, Clear Lake, and Tyler Betz, Ventura will both be playing on the North Team.  Kolker will be playing on the defensive line and Betz will be playing tight end.
    The Iowa Shrine Bowl is an all-star football game between selected pre-college football athletes on each side of a north-south dividing line in Iowa.  The players are selected by a process of nomination by coaches, balloting by state-wide sports media professionals, and official invitation from a representative of the Iowa Shrine Bowl.
    The game will be played on Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m. at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.  Both the North and the South teams are comprised of 46 players and are coached by chosen high school coaches.  The North squad is the visiting team and will be on the east side of Jack Trice Stadium.  
    The head coach for the North team is Jerry Shultz of Estherville Lincoln Central.  He has selected as his assistant coaches:  Drew Clevenger, St. Ansgar; Marty Wadle, Bishop Garrigan; Chad Moseman, Lawton-Bronson; Jerry Shafrath, Hampton-Dumont and Doug Winkowitsch, West Delaware.
    Kolker was an integral part of the outstanding Clear Lake team which made the State football playoffs for the 11th straight year and their semi-final appearance was the fifth since 2000.
    Kolker was honored as a lineman on the Des Moines Register’s Class 3A All-State Second Team.  He also was named to the District 2 All-District First Team as an outside linebacker.  Kolker, who will be attending and playing football at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa this fall.

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    Patrick Kolker, Clear Lake, and Tyler Betz, Ventura, represented their respective schools at the 2009 Iowa Shrine Bowl on Saturday, July 25, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.
    The duo both played for the North Team, which came from behind in the second half to capture state bragging rights with a 21-17 victory over the South team.
    Kolker, who played on the defensive line for the North, will be attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in the fall where he will be playing football.
    Betz played on the kick-off team and also played tight end.  He will be attending Faith Baptist College in Ankeny, Iowa, where he will be majoring in Biblical studies with an emphasis on youth.  He will also be playing on the basketball team.
    The North team was coached by Jerry Shulz, of Estherville Lincoln Central.  Assistant coaches were Drew Clevenger, St. Ansgar; Marty Wadle, Bishop Garrigan; Chad Moseman, Lawton-Bronson; Jerry Shafrath, Hampton-Dumont and Doug Winkowitsch, West Delaware.
    Josh Lenz, an incoming Iowa State recruit, earned most valuable offensive player.  Lenz, a native of Waukee, Iowa, accounted for 249 all-purpose yards and scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to pace the North’s comeback victory.
    Clear Lake had three cheerleaders, Megan Ott, Rachel Hewitt and Casey O’Brien, cheering for the North team.

     Brian McIntire, a former Clear Lake High School standout, finished his fourth season with the Sioux Falls Storm Indoor Football League.  Personally McIntire had an outstanding season for The Storm, but the team had some set backs.
    The Storm did not return to the playoffs to defend their four consecutive league championships due to an insurance violation that forced them to forfeit five of their wins.  Their official record was 6-8, although they won 11 of their 14 games.  All of their losses came to the Billings Outlaws.
    The Storm, through owner Kent Vucurevich, also found themselves in dire straits financially.  This lead to speculation whether this would be the franchise’s last season.  But the Storm has gotten a second chance with a new owner, Todd Tryon.
    McIntire had a stellar season for the Storm and led the team in defensive statistics.  In 14 games played, he collected 50 solo tackles and assisted on 37 tackles.  He also had three interceptions for 23 yards and he broke up three pass attempts.  He had one fumble recovery and forced two fumbles.  McIntire plays strong safety and his is also the team’s long snapper.
    In the 2008 season he notched career high totals of 37.5 tackles and three tackles for a loss in 13 games.
    A 2004 NCAA Division III All-American, McIntire led Wartburg College to three consecutive Iowa Conference Championships from 2002-04.  He led the Knights in tackles with 88 in 2003 followed by 75 in 2004.  He also compiled six interceptions and five sacks during his final two seasons at Wartburg.
    Had the team made the playoffs this year, McIntire would not have made the final game anyway, because he was married Saturday, Aug. 15, the same day as the final game.

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Catch a glimpse of Clear Lake football
    Clear Lake High School football fans are invited to get a glimpse of the 2009 Lions at a Football Preview Night held on Friday, Aug. 21, at Lion's Field.  The sophomore team will take the field first at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity at 5:30 p.m. and the freshmen at 6 p.m.  The Clear Lake Evening Lions will be serving a bratwurst or hamburger meal, including cole slaw, baked beans and chips with a 20-ounce Pepsi produce for $6.

Clear Lake volleyball to hold preview
    Clear Lake High School volleyball program will hold a preview night for parents and fans on Thursday, Aug. 20.  New Head Coach Dale Ludwig will introduce his players and the girls will scrimmage at 6 p.m.  That will be followed by a parent's meeting.

Ventura to hold Preview Night Friday
    The Ventura volleyball and football teams will hold Preview Night on Friday, Aug. 21.  The volleyball team will be introduced in the high school gym at 5 p.m. and the team will scrimmage following introduction.  There will also be fan participation games with prizes.  The football team will be introduced and an inner-squad scrimmage will be held at 6 p.m.

NIACC to hold youth baseball league
    NIACC is planning a fall baseball league for 5th-12th grade.   There will be a Youth Division I league for 7th and 8th graders, a Youth Division II League for 5th and 6th graders and a High School League for 9-12 grades.  The high school league will be held Sept. 13, 19, 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 11.  The dates for both the Youth Divisions will be Sept. 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3, 10.  The High School League is $100 per player or $800 per team.  Youth Division is $75 per player or $500 per team.  For more information or to register, contact Travis Hergert at 641-422-4990 or email hergetra@niacc.edu.  Also visit www.niacc.edu/athletics/baseball/index.html.

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     According to first year Head Coach Mark Pueggel, Friday night’s game against North Sentral Kossuth will not be an indication of how the 2009 football season is going to go for the Vikings.
    “The final score is not a good indication of how this game went,” said Pueggel.  “NSK is a very tough team with great coaching and a lot of depth on their bench.”
    NSK’s experience and size proved to be too much for the Vikings, as they fell, 52-0 in the non-district match-up.
    As the Ventura offense struggled to move the ball, the defense was called on to contain the Eagles for much of the night.  They did for the most-part, except for a few big plays.
    “We played good defense at times, but gave up the big plays on third and long,” said Pueggel.  “They ran a screen play very effectively against us multiple times and we did not defend that well.”
    Cole Hanley, Trevor Jackson and Zach Tannahill led the team on offense.  Hanley picked up 26 yards on seven carries, while Tannahill had 18 yards on 12 carries and Jackson had 14 yards on five carries.  Hanley was 4/6 passing for 14 yards.
    Jackson was a defensive leader with two sacks and 10 tackles for the team.  Cal Huber also dominated on defense with 11 tackles, one fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
    “Cal and Trevor played tough defense on the inside against a tough running team,” said Pueggel.
    Also collecting tackles for the team were Tannahill with eight, Elijah Ungs had seven, Hunter Olinger had five, Jared Callison and Joel Watson each had four, Hanley and Tyler Christy had two apiece and Brenton Lackore had one.
    Other outstanding plays for the night included an interception by Hanley and a sack by Callison.

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Flag football starts for Park and Rec
    The Clear Lake Parks and Rec Department will hold their Flag Football program on Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 20, at the 12th Ave. S. rec area.  The program is open to boys and girls grades 1st-6th.  The fee is $20 per player and includes a t-shirt if registered by Wed., Sept. 2.  Mouth guards are required and will be available to purchase Sept. 2 for $1.  Parents are needed to coach, please indicate a willingness on the registration form.  A coaches clinic will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m. at the rec area.  

Parks and Rec plans outdoor soccer
    The Clear Lake Parks and Rec Department will hold Outdoor Soccer for boys and girls from kindergarten through fourth grade.  The program will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12-Oct. 17.  On Sept. 12, the kindergarten will meet at 9 a.m.; 1st and 2nd graders at 10 a.m. and 3rd and 4th graders at 11 a.m., at the 12th Ave. S. rec area.  Players will receive schedules the first week.  The fee is $20 per player and includes a t-shirt if registered by Wed., Sept. 2.  Shin guards are required.  They will be available for purchase Sept. 12 for $10.  Parents are needed to coach, please indicate a willingness on the registration form.  A coaches clinic will be held on Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m. at the rec area.  

Parks and Rec plans volleyball clinic
    The Clear Lake Parks and Rec Department will hold a volleyball clinic for girls in 5th and 6th grades.  The clinic will be held on Mondays, Spet. 14, 28 and Oct. 5 and 12 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the high school gym.  The fee is $13 per player and the registration deadline is Sept. 12.  A t-shirt is available for an additional $8.  The clinic will be coached by high school coach Dale Ludwig and the volleyball coaching staff and varsity players.

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CLINTON — Lee Camp has been around for many opening days of the high school football season.

Clinton kicks off area football season with no-doubt victory

Clinton football has extra day to prepare for Game 2

After missing last football season with injury, Lueders has become one of the area's most dynamic playmakers

After missing last football season with injury, Lueders has become one of the area's most dynamic playmakers

MORRISON, Ill.— Morrison held its opponent to fewer than 50 yards rushing for the second week in a row as it defeated Sterling Newman 20-6 on Friday night in Big Rivers Conference football.

CLINTON — The Clinton football team can do more than score points.The River Kings can prevent them, too.

Sabers ready for 'statement game' with Indians

Thunder looking for second win over EPC in school history

Breakdowns of this week's pigskin action

CHICAGO (AP) — Between a 1-6 bowl showing last season and some high-profile upsets in recent years, the Big Ten’s reputation is as bruised as an unprotected quarterback.

CHICAGO (AP) — Between a 1-6 bowl showing last season and some high-profile upsets in recent years, the Big Ten’s reputation is as bruised as an unprotected quarterback.

As Rod Woodson goes down the list of those joining him in this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame class of inductees, the former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back stops to reflect when he reaches one name.

IOWA CITY –– James Vandenberg learned quite a bit in his first season with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The redshirt freshman from Keokuk is hoping to have an opportunity to show what he can do on the football field this season.

Keokuk will hold its Sports Drink Football Scrimmage at Calvert Stadium Thursday.

The Keokuk Chiefs hired from within to fill the vacancy for their football head coaching position

KAHOKA, Mo. — The Clark County Indians football program reached the highest of heights last season, finishing a perfect 15-0 season with a thrilling 10-7 win over Maryville in the Missouri Class 2 state championship game in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

WEST BURLINGTON –– Keokuk and West Burlington-Notre Dame posted similar yards rushing in the football season opener Friday. Unfortunately, the Falcons made big plays through the air to earn the win at Bill Nelson Field.

HAMILTON, Ill. –– The West Hancock Titans opened the football season with a 48-8 loss to Mercer County Saturday at the Hamilton High School football field.

KAHOKA, Mo. –– The Clark County Indians, ranked eighth in Missouri Class 2, opened the football season with a 39-0 win over Milan in a Tri-Rivers Conference game Friday.

SCIOTA, Ill. –– The Illini West Chargers scored six touchdowns in the first quarter and cruised to a 69-6 victory over the West Prairie Cyclones in the football season opener for both teams.

KAHOKA, Mo. –– The Clark County Indians, ranked eighth in Missouri Class 2, opened the football season with a 39-0 win over Milan in a Tri-Rivers Conference game Friday.

Two football teams will meet at Calvert Stadium Friday in search of their first win before the start of the district schedule.

Fans attending Keokuk High School football games will notice a different seating configuation this year.

For the second consecutive week, the Keokuk Chiefs will face a football team that runs a spread offense.

Today BOYS GOLF West Hancock at Burlington CROSS COUNTRY Central Lee at Fairfield Invitational Clark County at Davis County Invitational SOFTBALL Clark County at Highland SWIM Macomb at Keokuk VOLLEYBALL Central Lee at West Burlington Keokuk at Mount Pleasant West Hancock at Central Friday FOOTBALL Clark County at Putnam County Clear Creek-Amana at Keokuk Mediapolis at Central Lee West Hancock at Beardstown Saturday BOYS GOLF West Hancock hosts Red Rogers Memorial Tournament GIRLS GOLF West Hancock at Rushville Invitational Monday BOYS GOLF West Hancock at Rushville-Industry SOFTBALL Scotland County at Clark County VOLLEYBALL Central Lee at Holy Trinity Tournament

IOWA CITY –– The Iowa Hawkeyes had Saturday’s game well in hand during the second half of their contest with in-state rival Iowa State. Still, the final minutes had a special meaning to some of the players taking the football field for the first time.

His 157 points have helped Barnstormers, and are most in the league.

The 37th annual Shrine Bowl will be played Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Reigning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford of Oklahoma was one of three preseason Big 12 Conference football players of the year, according to a vote of the media released Friday.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten Conference football title, as voted by members of the media.

Arlington, Texas - There’s no "couching" the obvious: Paul Rhoads is a better head football coaching fit for Iowa State than the man he replaced.

Kyle Calloway will miss Iowa’s opening football game due to a suspension. Julian Vandervelde continues to recover from an unspecified injury. As for the rest of the Hawkeyes’ offensive line, everything seems to be in flux.

Shaun Prater, a cornerback, who was arrested for drunk driving in February, will miss the Hawkeyes’ first two games.

Florida is out, Manchester is in as the Iowa Barnstormers’ first-round opponent in the arenafootball2 playoffs.

Wisconsin football team wild card in Big Ten this season.

Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads talked to reporters at the Big 12 media day on Monday in Arlington, Texas

The Register’s Andrew Logue reports Tuesday from Chicago.

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz talked to reporters Monday in Chicago.

Missouri Valley Football Conference defensive player of the year James Ruffin of Northern Iowa and Youngstown State’s Mychal Savage are among the four latest candidates added to the watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the top defensive player in FCS.

Arlington, Texas - There’s no "couching" the obvious: Paul Rhoads is a better head football coaching fit for Iowa State than the man he replaced.

Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads and two of his players got to Des Moines International Airport around 9 a.m. Monday, all spiffed up for a flight to Arlington, Texas, and the Big 12 Conference’s annual football media days.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Monday he’s hopeful running back Jewel Hampton will be healthy when practices begin in two weeks. Hampton, a projected starter, sustained a knee injury earlier this month.

New York Jets running back Shonn Greene, right, battles Craig Kobel in blocking drills during the team’s NFL football training camp in Cortland, N.Y., Saturday.

The Barnstormers were down 13 points in the first half, but finished with a 28-6 run to rally for a 70-53 victory in the first -round game before a crowd of 8,072 at Wells Fargo Arena.

Ankeny Register & Press Citizen sports editor Dan Holm recently visited the office of Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads for a one-on-one interview.

Separated from his Haitian mother at age 3, James Smith cries when he finally sees her again.

Signs point to af2 parent’s demise, but Iowa native Jim Foster disagrees.

The Arena Football League is on the brink of folding and declaring bankruptcy, an inglorious end for the 22-year-old indoor league that has suffered through a year of turmoil.

Ankeny Register & Press Citizen sports editor Dan Holm recently visited the office of Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads for a one-on-one interview.

Iowa State nose guard Nate Frere isn’t going out on a limb about anything that includes a digit or two ‑ except one.

Iowa Barnstormers tight end Michael Dansby and kicker Jeff Glas have been named to the all-American Conference team of arenafootball2.

In installment 3 of his look at the Big 12, reporter Randy Peterson previews the upcoming season for the Kansas football team.

Quarterback lost starting job to Ricky Stanzi last year.

“I know 20 points sounds like a lot,” Nate Frere said during media day Wednesday. “You always want to give up zero, but in the Big 12, there’s a lot of high-powered teams with a lot of weapons.

View photos and videos taken at the Iowa State football team’s media day on Wednesday in Ames.

Season could be a huge success if the team can survive the toughest Big Ten Conference road slate of the Kirk Ferentz era.

Iowa running back Jewel Hampton opened summer practices today, and says he felt no lingering problems from a knee injury he sustained in July.

The arenafootball2 rivals will meet in a playoff game Saturday night in Des Moines.

Iowa junior cornerback Amari Spievey is on the 2009 Jim Thorpe Award preseason “watch list” announced today. The group includes 31 of the nation’s best defensive backs.

COACH FERENTZ: I think we’re all set to go. Start off by welcoming everybody. Good to see you. Certainly we’re eager to get started. It was good to get out on the field this morning. We got one under our belts. Hopefully the weather is going to clear. Looks like it’s going to. We’ll have a good press day, move on from there.

The action after the game was even more intense than during the Iowa Barnstormers’ 51-46 loss to Green Bay in the second round of the arenafootball2 playoffs Saturday night.

Jacob Gannon is following in the footsteps of his father, Mike, who started for the Cyclones in the late 1970s.

Elvis has left the building — but Sugarland is coming.

The Aplington-Parkersburg football team gathered at the practice field this morning. It was the team’s first practice since its legendary coach was gunned down two months ago.

Aplington-Parkersburg’s Ed Thomas led the charge onto the field when his football team played. He brought the same leadership to his town’s recovery efforts in the wake of a tornado. Thomas, who died on June 24 following a fatal shooting, today has been named the Des Moines Register’s high school coach of the year.

Cyclone beat writer Randy Peterson will chat with readers about the upcoming Iowa State football season on Monday at 12:30.

The Jets already had one of the league’s best running games a year ago with AFC rushing leader Thomas Jones and the quick and versatile Leon Washington. Throw in bruising rookie Shonn Greene and a coach intent on running the football, and this group could cause plenty of trouble for defenses.

Hawkeyes beat writer Andrew Logue will chat with readers about the upcoming Iowa football season on Wednesday at 12:30.

Panthers have more spring in their steps as they chase a championship.

Panthers’ coach appreciates work on new weight room, turf for UNI-Dome.

Drake has been picked to finish sixth out of 10 teams in the Pioneer Football League’s preseason coaches’ poll.

Jordan Bernstine emerged as a highly touted recruit while playing for Des Moines Lincoln coach Tom Mihalovich, but his career with the Hawkeyes has been plagued by injuries.

The quarterback of the Iowa Barnstormers arena football team spent 11 hours in jail Wednesday after allegedly getting into a drunken argument with a Polk County sheriff’s deputy at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

John Gregory was named the arenafootball2 league’s coach of the year while defensive coordinator J.T. Smith was named the assistant coach of the year.

The most serious charge Northern Iowa football starting center Austin Steichen faced after a June 30 fight in Arnolds Park has been dismissed, online court records show.

Iowa State officials say the Cyclones home game against Army on Sept. 26 will kick off at 6 p.m.

Hawkeyes beat writer Andrew Logue talked with readers today about the upcoming Iowa football season.

Join sports columnist Sean Keeler to talk all things Iowa State Cyclones football 12:30-1:30 p.m. today.

Jordan Bernstine emerged as a highly touted recruit while playing for Des Moines Lincoln coach Tom Mihalovich, but his career with the Hawkeyes has been plagued by injuries.

Running back’s availability for Sept. 5 opener is uncertain.

Klein enters the second week of two-a-days as one of the early stars of camp.

Sports columnist Sean Keeler talked all things Iowa State Cyclones football on Friday.

Cyclone beat writer Randy Peterson will chat with readers about the upcoming Iowa State football season on Tuesday at 12:30.

The Oct. 3 Big 12 Conference football opener between Iowa State and Kansas State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City may spur ticket sales, a high-ranking Cyclones athletic official said Monday.

Download and print football schedules for 15 area CIML schools.

Add your school’s football schedule to your computer screen. Choose from H.S. Sports Insider wallpapers for every CIML school.

Hawkeyes beat writer Andrew Logue talks with readers Wednesday about the upcoming Iowa football season.

If there’s one thing Steve Platek has learned playing football at Drake, it’s adjusting to change.

Quarterbacks Ricky Stanzi and Austen Arnaud landed on the watch list for the Manning Award, given annually to the nation’s top quarterback.

Cyclone beat writer Randy Peterson talked with readers about the upcoming Iowa State football season on Tuesday at 12:30.

The 2 p.m. starting time for the Oct. 3 Big 12 Conference football opener between Iowa State and Kansas State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City may spur ticket sales, a high-ranking Cyclones athletic official said Monday.

Iowa State’s top returning receiver may be the team’s top sideline cheerleader during the season-opening Sept. 3 football game against North Dakota State.

Hawkeyes beat writer Andrew Logue talked with readers Wednesday about the upcoming Iowa football season.

FieldTurf installation ends more than two decades of the Hawkeyes playing on natural grass.

This season’s first set of Des Moines Sunday Register rankings in all six classes will be unveiled this weekend.

Pick the winners of each NFL game each week for a chance to win prizes. Create a private group for your friends, family or co-workers - or compete against everyone.

Iowa State offensive tackle Matt Hulbert has left the team, coach Paul Rhoads said today, and he appears headed to Western Illinois.

The coaching reputation of Kirk Ferentz helped Iowa land a spot in the Associated Press preseason top 25 college football poll, which was released Saturday. “I’ll start paying attention in November,” he says.

There’s a good-natured quarterback-center squabble these days at Iowa State, and it centers on the placement of Reggie Stephens’ shotgun formation snaps.

As Iowa’s first full slate of high school games opens this week, coaches across the state are sizing up their talent and evaluating whether players have the right stuff to play both offense and defense in the same game.

The Iowa Hawkeyes, 9-4 last season, debuted at No 22. Florida is ranked No. 1.

Council Bluffs St. Albert has a new head coach with a defensive background, but the Falcons’ success this season will be largely determined by star senior quarterback Jake Waters.

Solon rolled to a 14-0 record capped by a 60-14 victory in last year’s state championship game, and there are some words from coach Kevin Miller that must be really disconcerting to the rest of the Class 2-A field.

One team accounted for Harlan’s two losses last season. That team, Sioux City Heelan, rolled unbeaten to the Class 3-A state title. And the Crusaders happen to be the top-ranked Cyclones’ opponent in week two.

Dream, interrupted. That’s how Iowa City High views its blemish-free run through the regular season in 2008 and stinging playoff quarterfinal loss to Cedar Rapids Xavier.

Southern Cal of Lake City survived a 22-21 overtime win against North Tama of Traer to win the Class A championship last fall. Now the Mustangs want to add to the hardware in the school’s trophy case.

Lenox plays with heart. When your team has a roster of 19 players, you need to offset the numbers.

The stars seemed to rain down on Iowa’s football recruiting class of 2005. Four-star high school players were overshadowed by five-star prospects. So when Pat Angerer, a three-star linebacker, joined the Hawkeyes, he tried not to be blinded by the hype.

If Tony Moeaki lives up to expectations this fall, he could be the next Iowa tight end to hear his name called in the spring - when the NFL holds its annual draft.

Daryll Clark’s interception last season at Kinnick Stadium altered Penn State’s shot at the BCS title.

It feels a little like 2005 for defensive coordinator Norm Parker.

Register reporter Andrew Logue breaks down the Big Ten