The Roland-Story Norsemen football team opens their 2024 regular season on Friday Night, as they welcome in the South Tama County Trojans to Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City. South Tama leads the all-time series with a 2-1 record in 3 meetings, however Roland-Story won last season’s matchup in Tama by a score of 40-0.
2023 was a tough season for the Trojans, who finished with a record of 0-9 and struggled in one of the toughest districts in Class 3A, which included Solon, Benton Community and eventual State Champions Williamsburg. South Tama replaces a lot of production from 2023, starting at quarterback as Cody Blocker is set to step into the role, after playing running back in 2023. Kinzer Jaennette and Michael Henry are poised to step into big roles in the backfield, while Anthony Thompson and Carver Cecak are expected to start on the outside.
Defensively, the Trojans lose their top 2 tacklers in Gavin Bridgewater and Kyan McBride to graduation, but they do return Kinzer Janette at linebacker, while Cody Blocker returns in the secondary as well. Tyrus Clegg will also provide experience in the secondary, while the defensive line will be led by sophomore Kyle Youngbear, who recorded 15.5 tackles and 4 TFL as a freshman in 2023.
Roland-Story appears ready to build off of a highly successful 2023 season and chase a district title in 2024. The ground attack will be at the forefront for the Norsemen, led by Fiston Carlson, Ben Mazyck, with Cody Long splitting time at back and receiver. Senior quarterback Sam Knoll will be tasked with breaking in a young, yet talented receiving core, while the lines on both sides of the ball appears to be a strength for the Norsemen.
Kickoff is slated for 7 PM on Friday Night at Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City.