Looking ahead to 3A Football Title Contenders

[TLCBF]

Pella is still riding a 28 game winning streak, but will lose multiple key seniors (QB/LB Clayberg, WR/DB/K Warner, RB Henry, TE/LB Schulte, OL Terpstra, OL/DL Vande Weerd, WR/DB Vande Lune, etc). They have a talented junior class who gained experience due to many blowout games where the starters were taken out at half time, but is it enough to make another run at the title? What other teams are looking to have a strong shot at heading to the Dome this year?

Pella will definitely rely much heavier on the passing game. They had a junior quarterback who would rotate at times with Clayberg and has gained some great experience against good teams. Along with that, they return two receivers (Van Wyk & Holterhaus). Offensive line wise, they will need to replace 4 seniors with the only returner being the younger Vande Weerd. The defense will have two sophomores (younger Warner and Van Zee) from last year that led the team in tackles back on that side of the ball. Other key contributors include Wassenar, Poole, and Finney on defense as well.

IMO other teams that have a good shot are Creston, Norwalk, and Washington. Creston returns Schiltz as well as nearly the entire offensive line and were knocked out of the playoffs by Pella. Washington was very young last year and will be looking to make great strides in the 2016 season. Brandsfield for Norwalk is a talented player, as he showed in his play at the Dome but will lose his main target Schamel.

Thoughts?

 

[PNation]

Other teams to watch for include, Xavier, Assumption, and Heelan, just because they will always be there. But other than the parochial schools. Glenwood returns a lot off of an 8-1 team. Spirit Lake will be right there even if they are moving up a class, Decorah made a nice run to the quarterfinals with a younger team last year after a sub par regular season

 

[TLCBF]

Meant to pose this question earlier also, but what does the future of West Deleware look like for the upcoming season? They played Pella tough last year in the semifinals but will be loosing a key player in Roussell.

 

[IOU1]

Meant to pose this question earlier also, but what does the future of West Deleware look like for the upcoming season? They played Pella tough last year in the semifinals but will be loosing a key player in Roussell.

WD also loses top WR, QB, Leading Tackler, and 2-3 lineman. Bring back TE. WD will never be terrible, but they will be hard pressed to reload as they have in recent years...just my opinion.

 

[PNation]

That's a pretty accurate statement

 

[cidhawkeye]

I have heard Solon is looking at being much improved. Some improved chemistry and some talent returning.