Fresh off a trip to the 3A state semifinals, the Spartan football team is looking to finish the job. Last season, the team led by head coach Lucas Stanton, went 10-2 before a disappointing end to the season against Williamsburg.
Graduation led to the departure of seniors Cole Buffington, Barret Schade, Brayden Miller, Ben Kampman, Jack McCarty, Keenan Kruse, Nash Kotar, Gavin Sieverding, Charlie Brandt, Jace Janssen, Cole Farnsworth, Ryan Walsh, Austin Knight, Nicholas Johnson, Milo Ashbacker, Grant Knipper, Brayden Moore, Brett White, Trevor Meyers, Marcus Richard, Mason Scott, Weston Steinbrech, CJ Tabor, Carter Grimm, Kaleb Behrends, Josh Henneberry, Davin Walker, Will Cusick, and Noah Kottenstette.
Even with the loss of 29 seniors, key starters return for Stanton’s Spartans as they eye a run to the championship.
Ty Bell, a senior, is back under center for the Spartans. After taking over the starting quarterback job last season, Bell broke out for over 1,400 yards with 14 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. Stanton said Bell has improved his arm strength and speed over the offseason.
The center snapping the ball to Bell is one of the highest decorated players returning. Grant Wilson, a senior, received second-team All-State and first-team All-District honors last season. Wilson will anchor an offensive line that is on the younger side, but still has a lot of snaps under their belt.
On the other side of the ball is the other returning All-State player, Cole Carney, a junior. The outside linebacker is the only returner to the starting lineup on defense. The defense may not have any other returning starters, but there will be some talented players getting their chance after sitting behind defensive studs last season. Senior Eddie Johnson, freshman Oliver Owens, junior Kyler Jensen, and Wilson will all try to fill the holes left by the class of 2024.
Stanton noted that they are not as deep as they have been in recent years, so they will need to stay healthy this season. It will be a good opportunity for many younger players to show their talent and potential.
Stanton expects the district to be one of the toughest in 3A yet again. The reigning state champions, Williamsburg, will remain a tough team to beat. Stanton believes Grinnell and Benton will be two teams in contention for the district title. But the Spartans have the talent to be right up there competing with those teams. Stanton said, “We will be right there in the mix. Our non-district schedule will have us battle tested.”
The Spartans open the season at home on August 30 against Assumption. They will have three other home games with arch-rival Mount Vernon, Grinnell, and Fairfield all coming to town. September 20 will be Armed Forces Night as Solon hosts Mount Vernon. The following day will be the Punt/Pass/Kick fundraiser.
Homecoming and Youth Recognition Night will both be Friday, September 27. Their opponent will be Grinnell and will be the Spartans’ first district test. October 18 will be the final regular season home game for the Spartans and will be Senior Night. They will play Fairfield that night after a pair of tough road trips against Benton and Williamsburg.
Stanton said, “We are excited for the season to begin. Our Spartan football players have put in the time and have worked hard to have a successful season. We look forward to the challenge that lies ahead of us and appreciate all the support from the community.”