Location: Wilton

Date: October 6, 2023

Time: 7:00pm CDT

Game Notes

WILTON was expected to make a big jump in 2023. They took those expectations, trampled them, and paved an even better path. The scary thing: nearly all of their key players are underclassmen. QB Drew Keith has thrown for 757 yards, and rushed for another 559. He has accounted for 11 total touchdowns. RB Owen Hassell leads Class 1A, District 5 in both rushing yards (658) and rushing touchdowns (14). Keith has four different receivers with at least 10 receptions: Cade Souhrada, Kale McQuillen, Gatlin Rogers, and Landon Putman. Defensively, the Beavers are leading all of Class 1A in points allowed at 5.7 per game. LB Owen Milder is a hammer in the middle of the defense. Teammate Jordan Dusenberry takes care of the backside with (5) interceptions – that is tied for the lead in all Class 1A. The only non-superlative type statement you can make about Wilton: this week will be the first time they faced a team with a winning record. Their previous six opponents have a combined 6 wins, 30 losses. However, do not let that fool you. This team will be onthe wheel and driving hard.

WEST BRANCH is coming off its biggest win of the season, and its most emotional. They hope there has been room left to shine in Week 7. Given the play of late, I am guessing there is. It sounds like a broken record, but QB Brennen Dale is improving and playing better each week. He used his feet and arm to collect three total touchdowns: two by land, one by air. WR/DB Cale Seydel had the inevitable task of manning up on the leading receiver (statistically) in Class 1A, and did so successfully. Sophomore DT/LB Cooper Gates had a breakthrough game, leading the team in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss. He hopes to keep the motor churning in order to slow down Keith and Co. It has been the defense that has been what the Bears have hung their hat on: allowing just 20 points over the last 14 quarters of play. Wilton has put big numbers on the board, so that stat will be tested tonight.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Dusenberry. He will make his presence felt in more ways than one.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: The winner is in the Class 1A, District 5 driver's seat. With a Beaver win, they will need a win next week vs. Regina to clinch. With a Bear win, they are the District 5 number one seed no matter the outcome next week.

CONNECTIONS: West Branch assistant coach Dan Zuniga played high school football with the father of Wilton's Owen Milder (Tony). 

ANOTHER WEEK, ANOTHER RANKED FOE: Wilton is the 5th ranked team in seven weeks for the Bears. Williamsburg, Dike-New Hartford, Waterloo Columbus, and Regina all were ranked when they faced WB. The Beavers are #6 in the latest IAHSAA Class 1A poll.

Go Bears!

Team Records & Rankings

Wilton is 6-0 on the season and is ranked #6 in the state. West Branch is 4-2 and is ranked #7.

Last Meeting

In 2022, the Bears defeated the Beavers 54-7 at Wilton High School. 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 6:45 for the pregame where Mike Quinlan and Jarod Tylee 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.