The Spartans lost 14 seniors to graduation in May – Beau Mullen, Karsyn Regennitter, Cole Carney, Charlie Karam, Oliver Owens, Ty Bell, Owen Einwalter, Eddie Johnson, Abe Houtakker, Owen Grimm, Grant Wilson, Reece Rochholz, Jackson Feuerbach, and Mike DeValk; a core that led the team to an 8-3 finish overall, a 7-6 win over rival Mount Vernon, and a postseason campaign that ended in a 35-3 quarterfinals loss to eventual runner-up Humboldt.
Seven returning starters – juniors Lucas Feuerbach, Cody Milliman, and Maddox Kelley, and seniors Eli Kampman, Kyler Jensen, Tripp Johnson, and Teague Williams will lead the Spartans’ charge this season.
Kampman (6’-1, 195 lbs.) will take over as quarterback this season, replacing Bell (154/246, 1,831 yards, 19 TDs). Coach Lucas Stanton, in his sixth year at Solon, said Kampman is poised to have a great senior year after starting at corner and playing wide receiver last year. Relieving Bell, Kampman went 15/19 with one touchdown for 172 yards last season.
“(He) has been an outstanding leader for us,” said Stanton.
Feuerbach (6’-2, 260) is an All-State pick and two year starter for Solon, and will be a lineman this season with six carries for 116 yards and one score last year with 13 receptions for 186 yards and another touchdown. Defensively Kampman made 20 solo tackles.
Jensen (6’-0, 220 lbs.) is a returning inside linebacker with a team high 42 solo tackles, 3-1/2 quarterback sacks, and ten tackles for a loss last season.
“Looking for him to really step up as a leader this year,” said Stanton. “He should cement himself in the long line of really good inside linebackers here at Solon.”
Johnson (6’-1, 200 lbs.) is a linebacker with 30 solo tackles last year. Coach Stanton noted Johnson had a breakout season last year and is on tack for a great season.
“He should be our other inside linebacker,” he added.
Milliman (6’-2, 205 lbs.) is a wide receiver and outside linebacker with eight receptions for 94 yards, and 19 solo tackles (including one sack) last year.
“(He) had a really good year as a sophomore and has had a fantastic off season,” said Stanton. “Big strong wide receiver that I think will be tough to match up with.”
Kelley (5’-10, 175 lbs.) will be a wide receiver who led the Spartans last year with 54 catches for 675 yards and seven touchdowns including a 57-yard effort. Defensively Kelley made 38 solo tackles. Stanton described Kelley as a “Dynamic athlete.”
Williams (5’-10, 185 lbs.) is a linebacker with a dozen solo tackles last year.
“He is a great leader and team guy who will contribute on either side of the ball, a lot,” said Stanton.
11 other letterwinners return to the Spartan line-up
Seniors Colby Myers (OL/DL), Dylan Branscomb (OL/DL), Westley Rohrig (OL/DL), Will Brandt (WR/ DB), and Brady White (RB/OLB), and juniors Kade Hoeper (WR/DB), Bradyn Schnoor (OL/DL), James Thomsen (DE/H), and Simon Einwalter (OL/DL) earned letters last season on the gridiron and return to bolster the Spartan ranks.
Ulch had a short, but long, season last year after sustaining a leg injury in the preseason. After sitting out nearly the full season, Ulch was cleared to play in the 3A quarterfinals game.
“(I’m) looking forward to what Ethan can do this year,” said Stanton.
Myers, the coach said, had a good season last year on the line and called him “Very versatile and explosive.”
Branscomb, Stanton said, is “…very strong and steady. Looking to be a key cog on both sides of the line.”
Rohrig, “Has had a great off season. If he can be consistent in his snaps, he should be our center.”
Hoeper, Stanton noted, has gained 15-20 lbs. of muscle.
“(He) is one of the more twitchy/ explosive players we have and has a ton of potential.”
Schnoor also bulked up between seasons gaining 30-35 lbs.
“Brayden will compete for a significant role on the offensive and defensive line,” said Stanton adding, “He’s a very tough kid.”
Another Spartan who has made himself more formidable is Thomsen.
“James has put on 15-20 lbs. We think he could be a big contributor,” the coach said.
Einwalter, the coach said, is “A very strong kid who has good fundamentals.”
The first snap in competition hasn’t occurred yet, but already Coach Stanton is noticing a difference in some of his players, including Brandt.
“Will could potentially be our most improved player. He has had a great off season.”
White, the coach said, is both strong and fast, and has the potential to be a good running back for Solon.
Einar, Stanton said, saw some playing time at running back last season in big games.
“(He) can be explosive when healthy.”
Juniors move into the varsity ranks
Grant Gordon (WR/DB) and Sawyer Hansel (OLB/H), are among the newcomers to the varsity ranks this season.
“(An) all around good athlete who is very smart,” said Stanton of Gordon. “(He) always seems to make a play. I think he could contribute at WR and DB.”
Hansel, he said is “…very dedicated and could see some action on defense.”
New season, new district
The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) reshuffles the deck every two years with new district alignments the result. After facing Williamsburg, Grinnell, Benton Community, Fairfield, and South Tama County for the ’23 and ’24 seasons in Class 3A District 5, Solon is now in District 4 with Washington, Mount Pleasant, Keokuk, Fairfield, and Fort Madison with a lot of bus time as a result.
“We have not played Mount Pleasant or Washington for a few years so we’re looking forward to those new matchups,” said the coach.
Thoughts on the new season
“We bring back much more experience than might meet the eye. This is a close group who is very competitive,” said the coach. “I think one of our physical strengths will be our wide receiver lineup.
“I think this team has a chance to be really good,” he added. “Just like any other team in the state, it will be important to stay healthy, but if we can do that I really like our chances.”
Scrimmage this week, non-district play tarts next week
The Linn-Mar Lions visit this Friday (August 22) for a 6:15 p.m. varsity scrimmage (with frosh/soph at 5:00 p.m.). Assumption Catholic (Davenport) opening the season Friday, August 29, in Spartan Stadium with frosh/soph at 5:00 p.m. and varsity at 7:30 p.m.