Clarion-Goldfield-Dows overcame a big obstacle in 2022, qualifying for the playoffs in Class 2A for the first time since 2014 by grabbing the 4-seed out of District 2. The Cowboys were led by a sizable senior class led by quarterback Preston Gardner and running back Nevan Foss, who gave CGD a formidable 1-2 ground attack to prepare for. With those 2 now departed, CGD is looking for suitable replacements on both sides of the ball for the two, as well as other key seniors such as Colin Kirstein and Ethan Traub. But with a new-look District 2, the Cowboys have a chance to get acclimated with their new leaders.
Offense
As mentioned above, Preston Gardner and Nevan Foss delivered a formidable 1-2 punch for the Cowboys offense in 2022. Gardner only threw for 450 yards and 6 touchdowns, but ran for over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns. Nevan Foss was a swiss-army knife out of the backfield, rushing for over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns, while catching another 148 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Carson Nesheim will be in-line to replace Gardner at quarterback, providing another dual-threat presence, while Diego Gonzalez, Caleb Seaba and Jaxon Engstrom are in line to take running back reps. CGD will also need to replace their top 2 receivers in Ethan Traub and Mack Seaba, but the Cowboys strength will be the offensive line, which returns Caden Hankins, Mason Allen and Cole Rothman.
Defense
The Cowboys defense will look to shore up even more in 2023, even after making big strides in 2022. CGD does lose big playmakers in Nevan Foss and Mack Seaba in the linebacking core, but have players such as Caleb Seaba and Jaxon Engstrom ready to fill the gaps. Uli Frias and Diego Gonzalez return, who combined for nearly 80 tackles, 6 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. The defensive line will be anchored by Mason Allen, who led CGD with 6 sacks and 9 tackles for loss as a junior, while the Cowboys also return Cole Rothman, and will see Caden Hankins and Bryce Lindaman step into the fold to replace Nash Lienemann and Erick Perez.
In the defensive backfield, the Cowboys need to replace leading-tackler Ethan Traub, who played a rover-like safety spot in CGD’s 3-3-5 scheme, leading the team with 54.5 tackles. Top cornerback Cale Kirstein is also gone, as well as safety Preston Gardner. The top returner is cornerback Colin Kirstein, who will replace brother Cale as the Cowboys top corner. Carson Nesheim, Owen Sweeny, Wyatt DeCoster and Reed Reiland will all vie for the other spots to fill.
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows opens their season on Friday, August 25th when they take on rival Eagle Grove at Eagle Grove.