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Tigers aim to improve passing attack
High-scoring offense returns Kriegel and lots of speed
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MARENGO — Iowa Valley scored a lot of points on offense last football season, even by 8-player standards.
Its 7.9 offensive touchdowns a game ranked second in the class, just slightly behind Don Bosco.
A big chunk of those scores came from quarterback Nolan Kriegel.
In his sophomore campaign, Kriegel was second statewide in total touchdowns (60) and rushing touchdowns (40). He added 18 passing touchdowns.
The Tigers advanced to the second-round of the playoffs last season before falling to state runner-up Gladbrook-Reinbeck.
But can the Tigers take the next step this season?
Returning a bulk of last season’s contributions is a good start, but key starters Caleb Haack and Owen Bral have graduated.
“We’re a different team then last year,” Kriegel said. “We’re still young, but I think our speed is going to kill this year.”
The biggest way the Tigers hope to improve on offense is through their passing game, especially against tougher opponents when the run game is being limited. Their total of 106 pass attempts last season ranked 46th in 8-player.
“Our passing needs a lot of work from last season,” Kriegel said as official practice began Monday. “We’re a run first team, but being able to have those packages will be a big key for us on offense.”
Kriegel has put the time in to improve as a passer.
“It’s really kind of fixing everything,” Kriegel said. “I didn’t think I was that great of a passer last year. I have a good arm but just have to change some things up.”
With the Tigers’ top two receivers from last season gone, look for production to come from the likes of Layne Peska, Josh Read and Dane Smith. Chance Hoyt also provides some versatility offensively.
“We got more packages, and our receivers will be tough to guard with their speed,” Kriegel said on the passing game.
Kriegel also put on another 10 pounds of muscle, and he feels that he has gotten faster heading into his junior season.
“Coach Krull does a really good job with that,” Kriegel said of his strength and conditioning.
The Tigers also hope to see improvement on special teams this season, especially on kickoffs, Coach Krull said.
Even with district realignment this year, the Tigers will play six of the same opponents from last season. Their two biggest games may come in non-district play in the first three weeks of the season.
The team opens with powerhouse Don Bosco at home. The Dons have won four state titles since 2013, their last one in 2019.
In week three, the Tigers travel to play Montezuma, a state quarterfinalist from last season.
“It’s going to be tough,” Kriegel said of the schedule. “I think if we do what we’re capable, we can be dominant. I’m excited to see what we can do as a team.”
As official practice began Monday, the Tigers began their quest which they hope ends with a trip to the UNI-Dome.
“We have big goals, and I think we will surprise some people,“ Kriegel said.
