MP goes for 3rd Homecoming win

MT. PLEASANT — The word “playoffs” hasn’t had much of a ring in the past five years on the Mt. Pleasant football field, but the postseason path does seem to be clearing up in the fall of 2025.

This Friday night in Keokuk, the implications will be quite high, as the Panther football team goes for its third-straight Homecoming win after winning their own two weeks ago against Washington and spoiling Ft. Madison’s last Friday.

Mt. Pleasant is 5-1 overall and 2-0 in Class 3A District 4 play, tied with Solon atop the standings. Keokuk is 3-3 overall and 1-1 in district play, tied with Washington for third place.

Mt. Pleasant, which has been getting a little statewide attention, being ranked No. 9 by the Iowa High School Athletic Association, has just three games left on its schedule, but they’re all big ones. A win this week would give the Panthers a chance to clinch a playoff spot next week when perennial power Solon comes into town.

  Buy Photo

Mt. Pleasant’s team rushing total has now eclipsed over 1,00 yards, thanks in large part to senior Ramzy Davis, who continues to lead the team with 463 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.

Ryan Helling has rushed for 307 yards and three scores. Griffen Jones has 163 rushing yards and six scores, and has also scored a touchdown on a kick return.

Mt. Pleasant quarterback Grayson Walker continues to impress with his consistency, completing 52 of 78 passing attempts for 730 yards and eight touchdowns, while throwing just one interception.

Kaden Schadt and Brody Clark have both hit 200 yards receiving. Shadt has 211 yards and a score through the air, while Clark had 207 yards and three touchdowns. Isaiah Lange has rushed for 135 yards and two scores.

Lange’s 20.5 tackles leads the Panthers. Mt. Pleasant’s defense has eight interceptions, including a pick-six by Clark, and five fumble recoveries on the season.

The Panther defense will get quite the test against Keokuk sophomore Jadyn Burton, who has been one of the most electric quarterbacks in Class 3A. Burton has thrown for 1,374 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also throwing eight interceptions.

Fellow sophomore Kurt Joy has been a star in the receiving game. Joy has caught 30 passes for 537 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, senior Chayce Smith has 266 yards receiving and five scores.

The Chiefs don’t run the ball a lot. Junior Jarod Anderson has 169 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Keoku’s defense is led by Mason Claus, who has 42.5 tackles on the year. The Chiefs have seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

It will be the first of three-straight games against Union area teams for Keokuk. The Chiefs play at Fairfield next week and end the season back at home against Washington.