Area High School Football Coaches Sound Off After Week 1

Several area teams had strong showings in their season opening games this past Friday. Things kicked off around Iowa and here locally in week 1 and provided some sense of normalcy to a year that has been anything but normal. Fort Dodge, St. Edmond, and Southeast Valley won comfortably in their season debut’s. The Humboldt Wildcats sent a message heard around the state, knocking off #7 Algona 33-20 in the 1st game at the new Algona football facility. Fort Dodge set school records for single game total offense and points scored, in an 81-54 win over Ames. The Dodgers also ranked 2nd in Iowa in touchdowns scored, rushing yards, total offensive yards and had a state best in all purpose yards with 922 in week 1. Dodger RB Dayson Clayton led all rushers in Iowa in week 1 with 325 rushing yards and was 2nd in Iowa in rushing TD’s in week 1 with 5. Dodger Coach Nik Moser says Clayton set the tone for the Dodger offense.

WR Tyler Schreier had 3  Total TD’s on the night for the Dodgers and broke big plays on 2 of them. Dodger Safety Sam Daniel had a complete performance with 2 interceptions, a kick return for TD and a rushing TD. Here’s Dodger Coach Nik Moser with his thoughts on his team’s performance.

The St. Edmond Gaels cruised in their 2020 season opener downing Eagle Grove 61-16. The Gaels trailed 16-14 before reeling off 47 unanswered points, including a 34-0 scoring advantage in the 2nd half. St. Edmond QB Drew Schaeffer threw for 4 TD’s in the season opening win. Kase Baker scored 3 times for St. Edmond while RB Sean Flattery had 2 rushing TD’s. FB Tyler Rossmanith carried 12 times for 148 yards, including a 69 yard TD run. Parker Oswald had a TD catch and two interceptions. The Gaels defense forced 5 turnovers. St. Edmond Coach Matt Dillon said once his squad made some early adjustments they were able to gain momentum.

Elsewhere around the area, Humboldt had its biggest win in Coach Derrick Elman’s tenure knocking off #7 Algona 33-20. It was the first road win over a ranked opponent in Elman’s time at Humboldt. Humboldt QB Caden Matson with 117 rushing yards, 3 rushing TD’s, a TD pass and he also had an interception on defense. Multipurpose threat Gabe Gidel had 40 rushing yards, 60 receiving yards, 86 yards on 2 kick returns, 2 Total TD’s, an interception and 8 tackles in the game. Here’s Humboldt Coach Derrick Elman’s post game reaction.

Southeast Valley cruised in their opener a 54-0 road win over Clarke. Southeast Valley QB Kolson Kruse was a perfect 8 for 8 passing on the night and had a rushing TD. RB Lathe Muench had 4 rushing TD’s on 9 carries and gained 100 yards. Jags DE and Iowa commit Aaron Graves set the tone up front for Southeast Valley on both sides of the ball. Graves won a match up against Clarke Offensive Tackle Spruceton Buddenhagen who has offers from Nebraska and Iowa State. Jags Head Coach Mike Swieter said his team controlling the line of scrimmage fueled their win in the opener.

The comments from all the coaches were made this past Saturday Morning on the “Hy-Vee Fort Dodge Coaches Corner” on “Sunny” 99.7 and here on our website.