A quick look at area football teams

Several area football teams are primed to compete for a district title again this season, while others will look to improve on their 2024 campaigns.

Here is a quick glance at each area team.

BELLE PLAINE

Head Coach: Scott Nilles (1st season)

2024 recap: Finished 7-2 last season and advanced to the 8-player playoffs.

Key returners: Aidan Timm, Wade Sankot, Will Sankot and Derek Kressley.

Season outlook: Loses some key players from last season, but will now look to build off last season. Expect the Plainsmen to continue to play their typical physical brand of football with maybe a few more twists on offense this season.

BGM

Head Coach: Jerod Burns

2024 recap: Finished 4-5 last season in 8P and advanced to the playoffs. Is now back to 11-player this season in class A for first time since 2019.

Key returners: Beau Burns, Landon Hassett, Robby Tometich and Nathan Findlay.

ENGLISH VALLEYS

Head Coach: Brennen Grimm

2024 recap: Finished 1-8 with a win over HLV-TC.

Key returners: Drew Fisher, Braydon Anderson, Cael Grove, and Christian Tripses

HLV-TC

Head Coach: Ed Henning

2024 recap: Finished 1-8 with a win over Twin Cedars.

Key returners: Keegan Gorsh, Cael Weisskopf and Sean McCulloch.

IOWA VALLEY

Head Coach: Casey Krull (6th season)

2024 recap: Finished 8-2 last season. 8P District 6 champions and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

Key returners: Josh Read, Dallas Sherman, Chance Hoyt, Mason Hoyt, Nolan Kriegel, Layne Peska and Dane Smith.

Newcomers to watch: Lane Chvala, Owen Ary, Elijah Lillie, Manny Pritchard, Zavier Pedersen and Tyson Kriegel.

Season outlook: Team is in great position to shoot for another district title with bringing back a lot of guys from last season. Offense should remain high-scoring again this season with a lot of speed. Will look to improve on special teams in a competitive district.

MONTEZUMA

Head Coach: John Beck (5th season)

2024 recap: Advanced to the state quarterfinals in 8P with a 10-2 campaign. Were District 7 champions.

Key returners: Braxton Plants, Brady Boulton, Broox Stockman, Luke Erselius, Luke Brennan and Isaac Wedgewood.

Newcomers to watch: Dane Strong, Rett Pargeon and Beau Young.

Season outlook: Another district title and playoff run is the goal again this season. Return a solid core from last season. Emphasizing a lot of the little things as the district looks to be competitive at the top, highlighted by Wayne being down from class A last season.

WILLIAMSBURG

Head Coach: Austin Blythe (1st season)

2024 recap: Finished 7-3 last season and advanced to the 3A playoffs.

Key returners: Grady Wetjen, Dylan Weisskopf, Carson Grier and Sawyer Kirby.

Newcomer to watch: Team will have a new starting QB this season, with the starting position still being worked out.

Season outlook: Team will look to continue the strong culture it has built and remain competitive with a lot of newer faces stepping into bigger roles this season. A new district has the Raiders heading West in what should be competitive at the top. Team also has some good challenges in the non-district schedule.

(Not all coaches responded to questions before press time.)