The 2023 campaign for the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Cowboys was an up and down roller coaster from start to finish. A senior-laden group managed to get the Cowboys into the playoffs for the 2nd straight season.
2024 will see a younger team take the field for the Cowboys, but it’s a young group with individuals that have a mountain of potential.
Offense
A senior-heavy offense from a year ago, the Cowboys will try and replace their quarterback, running back and leading receiver from 2023. The Quarterback battle is currently between junior Kolton Hefti and sophomore JD Morrical, while running back duties will likely be split between sophomore Charlie Campbell and seniors Caleb Seaba and Selvin Gonzalez. Huxley Lingenfelter is someone to watch on both sides of the ball, but the sophomore is ready for a larger role in the passing game at his tight end spot after 3 catches, 56 yards and a touchdown in 2023. The receiving room is a young and inexperienced one overall, which could see some shifting of players from different spots to receiver. The offensive line loses a number of starters, but still return and add some large bodies in Bryce Lindaman, Cole Rothman, Cooper Nosbush and North Iowa-transfer JT Kelso.
Defense
The Cowboys have made speed and quickness their defensive identity with their 3-3 stack defense under Caleb Vogel, and the Cowboys will have some firepower back in the front seven, with Bryce Lindaman and Cole Rothman back to lead a talented defensive line room. The linebacking core is anchored by senior Caleb Seaba, while Huxley Lingenfelter can shift between linebacker and defensive back after leading the Cowboys in tackles as a freshman. Selvin Gonzalez and Charlie Campbell are back to lead a young, yet very talented defensive back room, trying to replace the production from Colin Kirstein and Wyatt DeCoster.