2023 was a rather one-sided year in Class 1A, District 7, as the South Hamilton Hawks ran rough shot over everyone in their path to a second-consecutive district title. The Hawks outscored their district opponents by a total of 268-35 to emphatically win the district.
But in 2024, will the field catch up to the boys of South High? Or will it be business as usual?
South Hamilton
The defending district champions see a lot of turnover from their team that dominated in 2023, replacing all but 2 offensive lineman, as well as working in a new quarterback and new fullback. Fortunately for South Hamilton, they return running back Nick Severseike, who ran for over 1,100 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2023, as well as Kolby Hodnefield, who ran for 658 yards and 6 touchdowns. Braden Young is the leader in the clubhouse to take over the quarterback spot, while fullback duties may be split between Ashton Williams and Jose Babcock. The offensive line will be rather green, as players such as Connor Deppe, Gaige Willis, Titus Herrick, Davien Henderson and Parker Stuck will be fighting for spots up front to join Brock Zorn and Landon Sogard.
Defensively, the Hawks will have to try and rebuild nearly their whole front seven, as Ashton Williams is the lone returner at linebacker, and is expected to be joined by Landon Sogard, Jose Babcock and possibly Braden Young or Kolby Hodnefield. The defensive line will be brand new, with Brock Zorn leading the charge and other mentioned for the offensive line spots in line to compete for defensive line spots. The defensive backfield does have good experience with Nick Severseike, Kolby Hodnefield and Braden Young all back.
Woodward-Granger
It was a tale of two halves of the season for Woodward-Granger in 2023, the first half saw the Hawks come up short in their first 3 games against Madrid, Pleasantville and Interstate 35 due to a stagnant offense. Insert Talan Fuson at quarterback and the Hawks put up 46, 45 and 56 points in the following 3 weeks for a chance to compete for a district title. Fuson is back as a junior, after throwing for 554 yards and 4 touchdowns, while running for 539 yards and 7 touchdowns. Fuson also returns his favorite targets in Max Dalton and Kane Mahler-Moreno, who combined for 59 receptions, 832 yards and 7 touchdowns. Woodward-Granger will have to try and rebuild their running game, with the graduation of Oliver Potter as well as offensive linemen Brock Tiernan, Tanner Ramey and Dylan Major.
Defensively, the Hawks will try to replace their 2-time all-state linebacker Oliver Potter, as younger brother Oscar appears ready to step into the role after missing much of 2023 with an injury. The defensive line does bring back a couple of big playmakers in seniors Tabor Lettow and Kainen Schirman, while a player like a Brady Seeman will see an expanded role. The linebacking core will be very new with the likes of Potter, as well as Ethan Dunlavey and Kane Mahler-Moreno, while the defensive backfield is experienced in returning Max Dalton, CJ Petersen and Talan Fuson.
Ogden
Year one of the Tyler Lloyd era in Ogden was an up and down ride as the Bulldogs started the year 3-1, before finishing the year 1-4 for a 4-5 overall record and a playoff appearance. Priority #1 for the Bulldogs will be replacing senior quarterback Colby Rohe, who threw for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 4 more touchdowns. Sophomore CeJay Jones appears to be in line to take over the QB spot, and will have help with the return of leading rusher Cayden Dudley, who ran for 508 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Bulldogs will also have to rebuild their receiving core with the graduation of Caleb Wisecup, Quentin Hoskins and Keaton Westberg, but do return senior Tanner Rohe. The offensive line will also be a rebuilding project in 2024.
Defensively, the Bulldogs return some key pieces, headlined by junior Cayden Dudley. The junior defensive end recorded 41.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in 2023. Carson Mueggenberg is also back on the defensive line as well. The linebacking core will be nearly fully replaced, with the exception of Tanner Rhoe and Treyton Mitchell. Connor Moe will headline a young defensive back room.
Grand View Christian
2023 was the first year of 11-man football for the Thunder of Grand View Christian, and with a 5-4 record, many would label that a success. However, 2024 provides the challenge of trying to replace many of the key pieces to the 2023 team. Judah Lock appears to be the front runner to take over at quarterback for Noah John, while junior Jake Albright and sophomore Luke Jordan are two guys to look at to fill in at running back. The receiving core does bring back many key players including leading receiver Austin Jordan and second-leading receiver Brayden Hobern, who accounted for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. The offensive line will be a more veteran group in 2024.
Defensively, the Thunder will try and replace 2 of their top 3 tacklers, but do return key players in linebackers Gabe Miguez and Brayden Hoben. Up front, the Thunder will try and replace Miguel Vazsquez-Sanchez, but senior Gabe Burg and junior Coen Folkerts are the two in line to step up. Austin Jordan is back to lead the defensive backfield.
West Central Valley
2023 saw the West Central Valley program again reach the goal of qualifying for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. The Wildcats will have pieces coming back in 2024, but will break in a new quarterback in sophomore Colton Lindsay. Running backs Trent Naragon and Jordon Robinson are back after combining for over 650 yards and 10 touchdowns. Tyson Partlow and Micah Speichenger will be seen as the leaders in the receiving room, while the offensive line returns bell cows in Jacob Hill, Tyler Abbot and Marshall Dickson.
Defensively, the linebacking core will be a strong one for the Wildcats, returning Jacob Hill, Jordan Robinson and Wyatt Mangano. The defensive line brings back a couple of strong bookends in defensive end Micah Speichenger and junior Marshall Dickson. Trenton Naragon returns to lead a green defensive backfield.
Nodaway Valley
There may not be a program that had a more turbulent 2023-24 school year than Nodaway Valley, who lost their head coach before he ever coached a game, followed by an 0-8 record and capped off by much of Greenfield being destroyed by an EF4 tornado. Despite all that, the Wolverines have a great chance to not only rally their community, but be an improved football team. Quarterback Eli Harris is back, as well as leading rusher Ashton Honnold and 3rd-leading rusher Titus Hamer from a team that was mostly comprised of freshman and sophomores. The offensive line returns a bona fide leader in senior Trenton Warner.
Defensively, the aforementioned Warner will lead the defensive line after accumulating a team-high 49 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Ashton Honnold also helps headline a talented defensive line, as he recorded 48.5 tackles, 6 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. The linebacking core will be a solid one with returners in Bryan Gonzalez and Remington Woosley. Eli Harris will lead another young defensive backfield for the Wolverines.
District Projection
1. South Hamilton
2. Woodward-Granger
3. Grand View Christian
4. West Central Valley
5. Ogden
6. Nodaway Valley
South Hamilton is the favorite despite the turnover from last year’s team as the Hawks still showcase an physical and powerful rushing attack. Woodward-Granger will be improved with a returning quarterback and receiving core, Grand View Christian and West Central Valley have great opportunities to take a step forward into playoff contention.