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Montezuma looks to build off 2024 campaign
Return 1,000-yard rushers Boulton and Stockman
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MONTEZUMA — Ten-win seasons have become a common occurrence of late for the Montezuma football team.
The Braves have won 10 games in three of their last five seasons and are coming off a 10-2 season and state quarterfinal appearance in their 2024 campaign.
The team looks to build off that this season, returning several key contributors, including Brady Boulton, Broox Stockman and Braxton Plants.
“I think returning a lot of guys who played big roles for us last year is big for us,” Boulton said. “We bring that production back, but we also have a lot of guys that were waiting in the wings last year that got to learn.”
Boulton, who plays quarterback, and Stockman, running back, were part of a three-headed rushing attack last season that combined for 2,942 rushing yards and 59 rushing scores.
A dynamic rushing attack allowed each to be more fresh when they carried the ball, and the Braves will look to do so again with Dane Strong stepping into that third primary ball carrier role.
“Last year was nice having two running backs,” Stockman said. “We both would get breaks and would come in fresh. This year I think Dane can step into the Brett Plants’ role and we can have a similar attack this year.”
The Braves also showed some ability to pass last season, but three of their top four receivers in terms of yards have graduated.
“I think we have a lot of speed on the outside,” Boulton said of the team’s receiving crew. “They’ve shown a lot of promise.”
Strong, Luke Erselius, Luke Brennan and Rett Pargeon will all play a role in the passing game.
The team loses two key lineman but feels confident it can replicate that physicality this season at the line of scrimmage.
“It was a big part of our success last year,” Boulton said. “We only have one returning starter, but we have guys that played in packages last year and already have a taste of being out there.”
The Braves’ defense may be what’s most different this season.
“The part we’ve changed the most this season is our defense,” Stockman said. “We’ve added some new schemes to try and force more turnovers and get more stops.”
Montezuma’s first three weeks of the season look to be their toughest stretch — opening on the road against Springville and Wayne before their home opener against Iowa Valley.
Wayne was previously in Class A, which plays with the traditional 11 players, but was knocked down to 8-player in the latest realignment.
“We start off with some good teams this season,” Stockman said. “Having a tough schedule early is good for us because it will help us find an identity and show what we need to improve on early,” Boulton added.
As the first week of official practice finishes up, there is plenty of excitement heading into the season.
“Each team, every year has a little to find out about themselves, and I am excited to see how this team grows throughout the season,” fifth-year head coach John Beck said.
