2023 was a milestone year in the rebuilding of Roland-Story football. Matt Finn took over the Norsemen in 2020 and opened his era with an 0-7 record in a COVID-shortened season. Fast-forward 3 years later, the Norsemen won their most games in a season and hosted their first playoff game since 2008.
Roland-Story football has come a long ways since that winless season of 2020, but the Norsemen’s goals now elevate after completing tasks not done in 15 years. Goal #1 being winning a district championship.
Offense
Roland-Story has built their offense with an identity of a physical and punishing running attack, and a fast, quick-hitting passing game. Senior Sam Knoll returns at quarterback after impressing in his junior campaign, throwing for nearly 800 yards and 8 touchdowns, while rushing for 2 more touchdowns. The running back room loses two of it’s top rushers from 2023 in Hesston Johnson and Jonovan Wilkinson, but incoming sophomore Fiston Carlson may be the best kept secret in Class 2A at running back. Roland-Story’s receiving core takes a hit with the departure of Jonovan Wilkinson, Riley Larson and Boaz Clark, but Cody Long and Ben Mazyck have loads of potential out wide. The offensive line will need to replace cornerstones such as Jaxson Kadolph, Christian Chelsvig, Aaron Peyton and Jake Jennings, but back are seniors Roland Yates, Carson Barber and Tristan Peterson, while Garrett Nerem will also slide inside.
Defense
The hire of former Muscatine head coach DJ Hawkins brings a change in style to the Norsemen defense, who will be employing a 3-man front in 2024. The defensive line promises to be a strength as Roland Yates, Fiston Carlson and Tristan Peterson all bring back loads of experience. The linebacking core loses a couple of horses in Hesston Johnson and Christian Chelsvig, but Charlie Watts may be one of the best linebackers in 2A. Joining Watts at linebacker will likely include Garrett Nerem, Cael Vermeer and Ben Mazyck. The defensive backfield returns its leading tackler in Cody Long at safety, as well as top cornerback Heston McIlrath. Aron Hampton, Jake Berggren and Tristen Crabbs are all possible candidates to see time in the back end as well.