2014 Class 1A, District 4 Preview
Who will win the 1A, District 4 championship? Who is our preseason MVP? Iowa
Preps takes a look at this district and breaks down those questions and much
Advertisement
more. Get inside today and don't miss any of our previews for the 2014 football
season!
Clayton Ridge
With their losses coming against two of the elite
teams at the Class 1A level, it was a strong run for Clayton Ridge as they won
nine games before falling to the eventual champions from Iowa City Regina.
The team welcomes back an all state lineman in Ryan Moser. This bigman
has played his way into a scholarship from Illinois State while also being
evaluated by a wide range of other schools as well. Offensively, a
number of their top skill players have graduated but it will open the door for
Colten Rastetter to step up as a playmaker. He excelled catching passes
but expect his coaches to put the football more in his hands as a senior.
The defense, which gave up just ten points a game on average, hopes to get a
similar effort from Moser, Rastetter, Jared Gerner, and a few others.
Most Valuable Player: Ryan Moser
2014 1A District Previews
1A, District 1
1A, District 2
1A, District 3
1A, District 4
1A, District 5
1A, District 6
1A, District 7
1A, District 8 - 8/24
Dike-New Hartford
Reloading was the name of the game for
Dike-New Hartford last fall on the gridiron on their way to ten victories.
A wide range of playmakers have moved on so it will be up to their younger
classes to step up in a hurry. Players like Connor Ragsdale, Connor
McCleeary, Preston Wheat, and Tommy Irvin all had a chance to get a good taste
of varsity football last fall. Each must be improved both as a player as
well as leader. Their success thriving in bigger roles could determine
just how high the ceiling will be the Wolverines. On paper, many expect
this team to struggle but the fact that they have been one of the most
consistent football programs in the state over the last few years will make
them dangerous before everything is said and done.
Most Valuable Player: Connor Ragsdale
Hudson
The Hudson football program did some excellent work at
times on the gridiron before finishing the year at 5-5. This club needs
to find a way to take their game to another level and that job will be
squarely on the shoulders of their returning playmakers. Shane Karkosh
went over the 100 tackle mark as a junior and could be a potential all state
candidate if this team can improve. He was a leader on a senior laden
team and there is little doubt that this will be his defense in 2014.
Offensively, Dylan Hassman and Ross Anderson are two playmakers who will be
asked to continue making plays. The Pirates will be counting on each to
help this unit continue making big plays.
Most Valuable Player: Shane Karkosh
Jesup
After a 2-1 start out of the gate, the roof collapsed on
Jesup as they lost seven straight games to end the 2013 season. A new
year is on the horizon and there is hope that this club can do what it takes
to turn the corner. Riley Murray, Ryan Even, Devante Miller, Brendan
Murray, Garret Richter, and Rodney Ciesielski all bring back a wealth of
experience and will be a strong core for the coaches to build around.
Both sides of the football must be better and Ciesielski will be working hard
to make strides defensively. He totaled 120 tackles as a sophomore and
has a bright future to follow over the next two years. The J-Hawks have
some work to do but could be dangerous if they get some confidence under their
belts.
Most Valuable Player: Rodney Ciesielski
MFL MarMac
With an offense that scored on average 3.9 points
per game, MFL has a very long way to go if they hope to compete with any of
their district opponents this fall on the gridiron. Their 35 total
points that they scored during the entire 2013 season was among the worst in
the state. The hope for this program is that there is nowhere to go but
up with athletes like Colby Ferguson, Chas Strub, Andrew Zeeh, Matthew Meyer,
and others back for another go around. The first goal is to move the
chains more often this time around and build on that. The more yards
that they rack up, the easier it will be for this club to move the chains
throughout the fall.
Most Valuable Player: Colby Ferguson
South Winneshiek
Winning nine games and having one of the most potent offenses in the state is
just part of what South Winneshiek accomplished last year on the gridiron.
Some key players have moved on the talent pool has not dried up for this
program. Sixteen starters are back for the fall and each is confident that
they can do even bigger things within their new district. The Warriors
will be asking a lot once again from athlete Jordan Rommes but he has the
abilities needed to dominate. He totaled over 1,300 receiving yards as a
junior and will be the focal point of this offense as a senior. Expect
production once again from Logan Schweinefus, Christian Kleve, Carson Lensing,
Ryan Hageman, and their three returning starters in the trenches. Tyler
Numedahl, Hageman, Landers Kuboushek all were among the top four tacklers
defensively for this team and are a very formable trio to build around.
The overall experience of this group along with their speed and depth are areas
that could help them to a great run in 2014.
Most Valuable Player: Jordan Rommes
Sumner-Fredericksburg
Sumner-Fredricksburg made the playoffs
and did some solid things a year ago but they had hoped to finish stronger
following a 4-1 start out of the gate. A small but talented group of
seniors must be replaced but there is plenty of talent back in the fold for
this group to build on. Offensively, Derek Kohlmeyer rushed for over 500
yards as a junior and is working hard this off-season to make a much bigger
impact in his final year of varsity football. Five of their top seven
tacklers are back defensively with Tyler Schmitz, Kohlmeyer, Mason Schwake,
Kyser Allen, and Trevor Pagel all hungry to make an even larger impact
throughout the fall. The Cougars must add depth from their younger
levels but will be dangerous early on.
Most Valuable Player: Derek Kohlmeyer
2014 Preseason All State Teams
1A, First Team Defense
1A, First Team Offense - 8/23
1A, Second Team Defense
1A, Second Team Offense
FREE:
1A, Third Team Defense
On their team:
If we work and come ready to play, the sky is the limit
for us. This team can be as good as everyone else and be a state contender. If
we don't want to come to work, then it will be the end of the road."
South
Winneshiek athlete Jordan Rommes
"We'll do pretty good throughout the
season. We have a lot of kids coming back but we still lost a lot of kids from
last year. We'll be pretty tough."
Clayton Ridge lineman Ryan Moser
On the toughest opponent in the district:
"We like our district pairing. I like Dike in there and
playing against them. We also have Sumner and teams like that are in there.
Playing them one last time will be fun."
South Winneshiek athlete Jordan
Rommes
"It will probably be South Winn and Dike-New Hartford."
Clayton Ridge lineman Ryan Moser
On the toughest individual opponent in the district:
"Probably Jordan Rommes from South Winneshiek."
Clayton Ridge lineman Ryan
Moser
Sleeper Team:
Dike-New Hartford
Preseason Offensive MVP:
Jordan Rommes, South Winneshiek
Preseason Defensive MVP:
Ryan Moser, Clayton Ridge, Guttenberg
Preseason District Champion:
South Winneshiek
Predicted
District
Standings:
South Winneshiek
Clayton Ridge
Dike-New Hartford
Sumner-Fredericksburg
Hudson
Jesup
MFL MarMac
