Quotes from Athletes on the 2025 Football Season
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Q&A with Southeast Polk running back Drew Thompson
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think the team will be great next year, we’re returning a lot of starters and we’ll make lots of improvements.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think our hardest opponents will be Valley or Dowling, they’re always stacked with some of the best talent in the state.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Defensively the hardest player we’ll play might be Jayden McGregory just because he is so athletic.”
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Q&A with Regina athlete Savion Miller
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I believe my team will be very good next year and shock a lot of people.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I believe our toughest opponent next year will be either the West Branch or Beckham Blazers Bears.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest player we have to face will be Cooper Gates.”
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Q&A with Waukee Northwest wide receiver Jordon Green
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I have a lot of faith in our team next year especially now that we have a lot of experience coming back, I believe we can exceed next season hopefully getting a state championship.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Being in the CIML, games will always be tough and nothing will come easy but I think the same teams like Valley, Dowling, Waukee, Centennial, and all the other CIML teams will be solid in the next season.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“There are a lot of very good individuals that we will face next season but one that really stands out is Jayden McGregory because I’ve already played against him before and he’s very talented on both sides of the ball.”
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Q&A with PCM offensive lineman Hayden Shannon
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think we are losing a lot of great seniors but bringing back some good athletes and other players that know how to win.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We don’t know our schedule for next year, but whoever we play we get their best shot.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Can’t answer that without the schedule being released.”
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Q&A with Midland quarterback Anthony Harrington
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I believe our team will make great strides next season and hopefully be a playoff team.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think Ed-Co will be the toughest competition on our schedule next year.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I think Brody Koch will be the toughest player we will play against next year.”
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Q&A with Regina athlete Aaron Honore
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel we will do very well, we still have plenty of dogs on the field after only losing 7 seniors.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our toughest team next year will definitely be Beckman, it’s just hard to stop a wing t, just smash mouth football can win that game.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Gatlin Rogers, the guy is a dog, he blocks really well and can find space.”
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Q&A with Clear Lake safety Sam Dodge
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“Next season I believe many people will doubt how good we will be. With losing a lot of key role players in our senior class, we will definitely take a hit and have to replace a lot of good players. I think we can use this as motivation, and use a lot of new guys that were not seen as much of a threat last year, build them up all throughout the off season and preseason, and have a very underdog but really good team. I believe we will have better team chemistry next year as well which will majorly help out.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“With getting a new district next year, and not knowing our schedule at all, it is hard to know who our best competition we will face would be. Humboldt and Algona are always huge rivalry games however and Humboldt I would say is going to be the toughest opponent in my opinion as of right now.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Evan Allie and I have a long history of competing with each other, all throughout middle school, in football and track. We have both won against each other various times in both sports, and due to his deadly speed, I believe he will be a true threat that we will have to watch closely next year in order to stop.”
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Q&A with Cedar Rapids Washington quarterback Grady McGuire
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“There’s a different attitude going into the offseason than there has been in the last couple seasons at Wash. Having a year under our belt with coach Addy, we think we can go into every game thinking we are going to win.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our schedule isn’t set yet, but you can always look forward to the cross-town rivalries of Jeff and Kennedy. This last year was very competitive and next year should not be different, Coach Addy says if we can be the best team in Cedar Rapids, we can be one of the best teams in the state.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“With our schedule not being set, I’m not completely sure, but Vernon Benda and L.J Nyenow are extremely talented and might be the best QB and WR duo in the state. Also Reece Rettig from Liberty is a really impressive competitor.”
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Q&A with Indianola quarterback Asher Brueck
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think my team will have a lot of work to do but we will be perfectly fine no matter the class we are in.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I'm not sure because I don't have a schedule.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Not sure, don’t have a schedule.”
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Q&A with Dallas Center-Grimes running back Ozzie Grimm
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I am optimistic for next season as my teammates and I are dedicated to getting bigger, faster and stronger this offseason. And, we have a lot of players coming back. We return 7 starters on offense and 8 on defense. I am hopeful the experience we gained this year will make us better next year.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I imagine Norwalk will be tough next year as they return some great players.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Tough to say because our competition will improve in the offseason but, I do know that no one will miss facing off against Will Hawthorne from Gilbert again.”
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Q&A with BCLUW running back Wyatt Gould
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I have a lot of confidence in our team for next year, I think we have a lot of people determined and are very hard workers in the weight room, we’re ready to keep the process going and continue to improve.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I’m not sure if we’re going to be 11- or 8-man next year but if we’re 11 it would probably be Wapsie Valley or Nashua Plainfield, if we’re 8 probably GRr”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“If we’re 11-man South Winn has some pretty good backs that are returning and if we’re 8-man GR has a good running back in Treyvon.”
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Q&A with Algona running back William Weichert *
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We have a lot of good, young players coming up to varsity that I'm excited about, and also a lot of talent returning. I'm looking forward to building on last season's success. My goal is to be a part of Algona High's first championship-winning team.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We have a very strong district (Class 3A District 2), so those games are all going to be tough. The game that sticks out to me is against Humboldt. It's a big rivalry (Battle of Hwy 169) and they beat us by a point last year. They were the state runner up last year, so I expect them to be hungry.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I'd have to say Clear Lake QB Jaxon McIntire. He had a great season as a sophomore last season, and I'm sure he's only going to get better.”
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Q&A with Mount Vernon wide receiver Michael Ryan
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We are losing a great senior class which is hard, but I think we will work hard and try to get back to where we fell short this year. I’m excited to see how we progress and work on the offseason to reach our goals.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Solon always has a good team and with us being rivals, both teams tend to play better. With that being said, I think it’s more important to focus on our team and what we are doing rather than worrying about the other team.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I’m not sure, like I said I think it’s more important to focus on our players instead of worrying about theirs. Many teams can have good individuals, but not just one person wins or lose games.”
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Q&A with Springville running back Mason Hoy
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think our football team next season will be one of the best we have ever had. We return all starters that have been playing together since youth and we are all dedicated to getting better. I also think as a team we have high standards and expectations that we want to excel in.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The toughest team on our schedule next year will most likely be a non-district game we pick up.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest player we will go up against is likely to be Callan Messerich as he was an all-state WR.”
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Q&A with Mason City wide receiver Drayden Witt
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel like next season will be great. We are returning a lot of starters with that varsity experience, so I can’t wait.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Western Dubuque or Waverly.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“#25, RB from Western Dubuque.”
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Q&A with Mason City wide receiver Drew Hobart
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel like next year will be our team’s best year that we’ve had in a while. We have bits and pieces but we just need to put it all together.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The hardest team on our schedule was Western Dubuque.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest player that I’ve gone against is Will Hawthorne from Gilbert.”
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Q&A with Sibley-Ocheyedan wide receiver Dawson Kreykes
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I see ourselves competing very well next year with our team only losing 3 seniors. Reaching state for playoffs is an expectation.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“There are some pretty tough teams in our district already with MMCRU and Gehlen Catholic but we’ll have to see if anything changes with the redistricting.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I would say Brayson Mulder of MMCRU because of how fast and shifty he is at the running back position.”
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Q&A with Knoxville wide receiver Eli Fuller
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I am confident our team will put the work in and stay active during the off-season, so we are ready for the season when it arrives. I do worry that we will only have two returning juniors, but I am certain that along with our current sophomore class, we’ll be able to compete at a high level. Our coaches encourage us to hit the weights and stay active. I often talk to them at school about football and ways to get better at it. I am thankful for them.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We are unsure of who will be on our schedule next year because of redistricting. This year, I think Nevada was our toughest competition. Their O and D lines were effective and they could run and throw the ball.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“We are unsure of who will be on our schedule next year because of redistricting, so it is tough to say. If Atlantic is in our district again, I would have to say Gavin McLaren. I just watched his 2024 season highlights on Hudl and that guy is a beast.”
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Q&A with Ankeny wide receiver Andrew Brandhorst
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think that we will be really competitive next season. I believe we have the best coaching staff in the state, and we just recently hired a new offensive coordinator Coach Luther. I am really excited to see what he has planned for this coming season. We also have some really good leaders on this team such as Daniel Larmie, Lamarious Clark, Ryan Pruin, Dawson Whitinger, Kael Roush and myself that are going to push everyone to be their best.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“They are switching up the districts this year, so we don't know our exact schedule yet, but Dowling Catholic is a team we have close games with. I also am always excited to play the team up north (Ankeny Centennial).”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Playing in the CIML there is so much talent on every team that I wouldn't say there is one single player that I predict will be the toughest. We will face many exceptional players.”
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Q&A with Indianola wide receiver Rylan Hilton
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I’m really confident in my team next year whether we go 4A or 5A. I know we got a lot of talent on the roster and I think we will go out and prove that.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I have no idea what our schedule is yet because they haven’t come out with the new districts but I know we will have a tough schedule and have some tough games.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Kinda like what I just said I’m not sure who we will be playing. We will probably play Norwalk and they’ve got some good guys on their team and some really good athletes.”
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Q&A with Grandview Christian wide receiver Brayden Hoben
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel we can keep building on the positive step forward we took this season. We lost a few seniors but have a good core group returning and some younger guys ready to step up and take on bigger roles.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Woodward Granger and South Hamilton have been our toughest games on the schedule over the last two years since moving up to 1A. Big physical athletic teams that look to continue to be challenging matchups.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Not sure on this one.”
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Q&A with Lone Tree athlete Miguel Garcia
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think we will be a good team. We’re very young.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Central City will be our toughest team.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Nolan Kriegel, quarterback from Iowa Valley, very athletic and can throw and run if he needs to.”
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Q&A with Ames slot receiver Brennan Swanson
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think our team will be good next season, we just need to touch up a few things and put in the work.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I’m not sure.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Rankings don’t matter, everybody is the same to me when we line up.”
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Q&A with City High wide receiver Chayse Newton
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think we have good team chemistry that will lead us to be another successful season.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We haven't got a schedule yet for the 2025-2026 season but every team we play we treat them as if they are the number one team in the state.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Juju Manson out of West High School.”
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Q&A with Indianola long snapper Aiden Curtis
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“N/A.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“This season I would say it was North Polk, they were an all-around great team this season.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The best player we faced I would say was Eli Robbins, a great athlete.”
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Q&A with Dallas Center-Grimes wide receiver Chase Heitland
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“Got a lot of adversity coming our way but if we face it head on, we will have no problems.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Don’t know our schedule yet but anyone can beat anyone.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Eli Robbins.”
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Q&A with PCM outside linebacker Danson Drake
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think we are losing a lot of seniors, but the young guys will step up and fill the shoes of them very well.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We go head-to-head with West Marshall and Nevada pretty well so I think they could be good competition.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I think every day our toughest opponent is ourselves, if we can lock in and improve a little every day, we won’t have any problems.”
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Q&A with Dubuque Senior quarterback Joey Schlosser
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We have many returning seniors with both returning and incoming juniors/sophomores that are motivated to continue to work hard to make the needed improvements.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“With being redistricted it’s hard to tell our schedule but I would anticipate Pleasant Valley to always be tough.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Hempstead is always a great rival for us and Jaden Montgomery is always tough on both offense and defense.”
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Q&A with Waterloo West wide receiver Deztin McMurrin
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We will definitely have a tough quarterback battle this off season. We lost a few seniors but I believe we have the depth to replace the guys that we lost.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our schedule tends to change every two years so I have yet to see the schedule they have prepared for us.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“See above.”
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Q&A with Iowa City High offensive guard Preston Mensah
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We will definitely have to work a lot this summer with having a whole new O-line and a new QB, but I feel like we can perform this upcoming season because of our chemistry.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We haven’t quite gotten our schedule yet but we will treat everyone as the number one team.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Julian Manson.”
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Q&A with Southeast Polk right guard Nathaniel Sleh
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think my team is going to have the struggle that every team had but we trust our coaches to put the puzzle pieces together in who plays where. I feel that they are the best coaching staff in Iowa so I personally am not worried about anything at the moment.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We haven’t gotten our schedule yet but we will be prepared to play any team every Friday and focus on the little details on our roster that will help us win against whoever they give us.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“We game plan for each team like every team does, so trusting the process of what it takes to win will come into play against really good players in the state.”
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Q&A with Centerville running back Makoa Kaleponi
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel like we are in a great spot as a team to make a good playoff run.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“We don’t have our schedule for next year but I feel like with how we’re looking we can compete with almost anyone.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Again, since we don’t have our schedule yet we don’t know specifically who we’ll play. But they are plenty of great players in 2A. Both offense and defense.”
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Q&A with Cedar Rapids Washington running back Nicholas Riley
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think my team will improve both in culture, ethic, and record next year no doubt.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I believe we’re moving down to 4A, so I’m not sure on who we’re going to be playing, but hopefully top dogs like Xavier in the state chip.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Not sure, we’re moving down to 4A.”
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Q&A with Grand View Christian quarterback Judah Lock
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We will take another step in the right direction! Our program is building it, our defense should get better this next season, a lot of guys that are hungry.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Woodward-Granger, they have a really nice group of 2026’s and are solid across the field on both sides of the ball.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Nodaway is not a great team, but Trenton Warner is a beast. I believe he has a great chance to be the HWT champion wrestler this season, and I also believe he may be headed to UNI. Kane Mahler-Moreno is a really good football player for W-G. Dudley from Ogden is also a really really good football player.”
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Q&A with Washington athlete Kael Williams
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I am looking forward to next season and think we will do very well. We are losing a lot of seniors but we have some great underclassmen preparing to step up.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Haven’t gotten a schedule and class yet.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Haven’t gotten a schedule and class yet.”
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Q&A with Sibley-Ocheyedan linebacker Gavin Stanton
How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“Our goal as a team next year is to make it to the State Championship and I believe that we can get that done.”
What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I believe that MMCRU will be the toughest team on our schedule.”
Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I believe the toughest player will be Brayson Mulder from MMCRU.”
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