McNutt talks Southeast Iowa football

KEOKUK — The sidelines will be looking a little different in the Class 3A Southeast Iowa ranks next fall, but for Iowa Hawkeye fans in the stands, there will be plenty of familiarity.

Earlier this month, former Iowa football star Marvin McNutt, who recently took the helm as head coach for Keokuk Chiefs football, talked with Round Guy Radio and the Southeast Iowa Union about beginning his head coaching career in Southeast Iowa.

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“I love the state of Iowa, and everything that it has done for me,” McNutt said. “We love the Hawks, and we love supporting Iowa, and for me, being right in this Southeast Iowa realm is perfect.”

McNutt was a member of Iowa football during a very memorable run. He caught the infamous game-winning touchdown at Michigan State and a touchdown in the 2010 Orange Bowl. He was a former teammate of Keokuk legend James Vandenberg.

McNutt says he’s excited to be a part of Keokuk’s historic rivalries with other local teams. The Chiefs play Fairfield, Washington and Mt. Pleasant this fall.

“Competitiveness is what we feed on,” McNutt said. “It's exciting to have those types of rivalries around here.”

And the former Hawkeye says he sees plenty of healthy competition in the area.

“I think the Southeast part of this state is doing a good job of promoting that, and bringing it to the towns,” McNutt said. “We want to beat you, and you want to beat us, and that's how we get better.”

Fairfield gets the first shot at Keokuk this fall, playing the Chiefs in Week 4. Washington takes on the Chiefs in Week 5, and Mt. Pleasant gets them in Week 7.

All three of the Union area teams will be looking for revenge after a loss against Keokuk last season.