Eight-Player — Bishop Garrigan Golden Bears vs. Woodbine Tigers

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It is Championship Thursday. Look at the UNI-Dome they have made their way from Western Iowa, from north central Iowa, all over the state, and we are happy to have you from wherever you may be around the world, watching us today inside the UNI-Dome as we get ready for the Eight-Player Championship. It's a new era of sports coverage here at Iowa PBS. Hello everybody. I'm Paul Yeager welcoming you to the Iowa High School athletic Association's football championships. Here we go. Over the next two days, we're going to bring you seven classes of exciting high school football for free. We are just minutes away from our first championship as the two teams take the field right now behind me, let's tell you how Bishop Garrigan and Woodbine made it to the championships in the eight player class. Early on it was Gladbrook-reinbeck and Woodbine. That's Trevor Madden on an 18 yard pass to Trayvon Herron. And then it's Brodie Pryor to Micah Moores. Moores does the rest. 41 yard sprint to the end zone. Tigers are cookin. Then Herron steps in front of the pass, goes 32 yards the other way. We're tied at 30 and then Pryor an incredible catch by Landon Blum the huge recruit ices it away 3830 for Woodbine and Audubon and Garrigan. Audubon's Aidan Kierkegaard 44 yards down the sideline. He was at state track in the distance met. He really ran. And how about a really good throw from Tate Foertsch nine yard pass or a pass to Michael Joyce for 38, and then it's a 72 yard touchdown return on a kickoff by Jorgen Nowacki. And then Foertsch is going to seal it for the Bishop. Golden Bears from Garrigan. And that is how they win, 6036. And we have a lot of things we're going to show you. And one of them is the national anthem, which is now on our floor and field here at the UNI-Dome.

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We do ask that you please rise as able. Remove your hats and direct your attention towards the flag in the south end of the UNI-Dome. As we honor America with the singing of our national anthem. Rylan is a sophomore at Cascade under the direction of Kayla Brokaw. She is a daughter of Tim and Stephanie Smith and is involved in various activities at Cascade, including choir, jazz choir, band, volleyball, swim, drama, speech, and Fccla. She has participated in numerous honor choirs, honor bands, auditioned for the Iowa All-State choir, and performed the National anthem at the 2025 State Wrestling Tournament. Ladies and gentlemen, Rylan Smith, with the singing of our national anthem.

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All right. We've done all the formalities. We have the two teams on the field. There's Woodbine and Bishop Garrigan. It's the state finals in Eight-Player. We'll be right back in a moment. Trevor Maeder and Tom Petersen will join us. They have the call coming up next on Iowa PBS.

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Woodbine elected to defer Bishop Garrigan will receive Braxden Miller.

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Hey, good morning from the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, in a state synonymous with the Field of dreams. Over the next two days, this place will be the Dome of Dreams. We start Eight-Player championship action here today. Woodbine and Bishop Garrigan going to collide for the state title. Trevor Maeder alongside Tom, Petersen and Tom. After a season long journey to get here, one of these teams is going to waste a big trophy tonight.

Yeah, you know, preseason one and two Trevor. And then you look at the first rankings that came out September 29th on week five, with Bishop Garrigan number one in Woodbine number two. What a great opportunity for these young men to get to compete for a championship. And this is where you want to finish your season.

Woodbine going for their first ever state title. This is a team that was really good last year. Made that leap this year and they are hoping to get that state title Bishop Garrigan going for their second in three years, and you see the impact players on your screen. A couple of young men that if their team is to win today, a lot of it probably going to revolve around them.

Yeah. Ethan Marso last week was just an absolute beast running the football. They rode him the entire game. But you know, they also got the dynamic quarterback and Tate Foertsch. He's a dual threat guy. But then on the opposite side with Woodbine, you've got Landon Blum number one prospect in the state of Iowa in 2027. He was electric last week. So what an exciting time here to be able to be with you up here in the booth and get a call this game.

It is almost go time here in Cedar Falls. Woodbine won the toss. They elected to defer. So that means it'll be Bishop Garrigan football to get things started. Bishop Garrigan we mentioned top two teams in the state rankings all year. Bishop Garrigan 12 zero Woodbine 11 zero. Ranked number two right behind Garrigan. And we are off and running in this Eight-Player state championship game. The first of seven this week. Michael Joyce on the return along the sideline and that now will get to see this Garrigan offense go to work for the first time today under the guidance of quarterback Tate Foertsch and Tom. As we get rolling here, you know, taking a look at our keys to the game, what are they on both sides?

Well, for Bishop Garrigan, obviously you can see they want to make sure that they limit Woodbine playmakers, but they also want to control the line of scrimmage for Woodbine, they got to make Bishop defend the entire football field and let their big guys up front do the job.

So first down for Garrigan. They'll start this drive, start this game at their own 20 yard line. Foertsch will put it in the belly of Marso and Marso plugs forward for about a yard or two, and Ethan is. I think he's a bruiser. I think he's the best way to put his playing style.

Yeah, and they're going to ride him all game long. You know, last week I think he only averaged three and a half yards per carry. But they had 53 rushes last week. And if they can get three yards two yards he's usually falling forward. They're going to be very happy with that.

So now second down coming up for Garrigan here early on in this Eight-Player state championship game they put a man in motion and they give left side Michael Joyce up to the 28 yard line just shy of the first down. And Tom. This is a Garrigan team. They are totally fine in second and short. Third and short situations.

Yeah, absolutely. And you know, the way you look at this situation, probably looking at two down territory, especially with the dual threat quarterback with Foertsch.

So now on third and short, the Golden Bears will go out of the eye for the first time today. And Foertsch quarterback run right side has the first down. And you know Tate Foertsch had a really, really big game with his legs. And that semifinal win over Audubon.

Yeah, because you can't get caught with the eye candy back in the backfield. Trevor. Because you know a lot of times they're going to be focusing obviously on Marso. But you know he does a great job of reading and then he'll go ahead and keep it.

Gain of three by Foertsch. You see the Bishop Garrigan starting offense on your screen first and ten for the Golden Bears on their opening drive. Foertsch hand off Marso Marso got maybe a yard or so before Cal Pryor makes the tackle and a second down coming up for Bishop Garrigan on this opening drive of this Eight-Player state championship game here in Cedar Falls. So Tom so far, I mean, Garrigan's been able to to move the ball kind of at the rate they want to.

Yeah. And they're going to continue to pound it. You know, it's one of his keys to success. Last week he had told us pound the rock I don't see anything different. This entire series.

On second down they will pound the rock again. Foertsch right side pulls forward for a couple yards and a third down coming up, and maybe a passing situation here. Tom for this Garrigan offense. Not a team that throws the ball a lot, but will as you see the Woodbine defense here on your screen.

Yeah the guys up front you know especially Jax Pryor right in the middle at nose guard. He's got to be very disruptive today. But you know once again it's third and six. I still have see them having two downs to try to pick up the first down.

Garrigan converted their first third down of this drive. They'll try to keep the drive alive with another third down conversion just south of midfield. Foertsch will keep it after faking the give to Joyce, and it's going to be close, but a good run by Tate Foertsch and it looks like it'll be enough for a first down and we'll see the chains move and you see the replay here. What'd you see here, Tom?

Well, you're going to see they had one of their guys pulling to the outside. Had a great kick out block there. And once again that's just a great read by the quarterback. He can either obviously hand that off or he can keep it. And just a great decision there.

Garrigan. Now into Woodbine territory. They'll put Joyce in motion. Left to right. Foertsch running right side. Got about a yard out of that, but not much more. A second down coming up for this Garrigan offense. Joe friend made the tackle for the Woodbine Tigers.

You know, Trevor. Something's got to give today. Woodbine is the number one defense in the state in yards allowed, points allowed, and rushing yards allowed. So you look at the guys that they've got down there, something's got to give. Either way today.

First down has not been a good down for Garrigan so far. They've netted two yards on first down but second and third have been a little bit better. As you see their run forward for a handful of yards for Tate Foertsch. And now a third and manageable coming up for this Bishop Garrigan offense.

Yeah, it must have just seen something there. Obviously. You know a little bit of a quarterback sneak for an easy six yards.

So now a third and short coming up for Bishop Garrigan with the football at the 33 yard line. Very efficient drive so far. They're two for two on third down so far on this drive. And Foertsch will put it in the belly of his running back. CJ McGregor first down and more. McGregor ten five. The first touchdown of the day goes Garrigan's way as CJ McGregor finds the end zone and the Golden Bears are on the board first.

Yeah, just a little bit of an off balance play. Handing the ball off here to the tailback. Great blocking, especially number 11. Especially number 11 leading up through you know picks up a great block there on the defensive end. So just paydirt right there all the way to the end zone.

So a efficient first drive for the Golden Bears results in a touchdown. And now they line up and go for two and try to make this an eight point possession. And they will keep it with Foertsch. And he gets gobbled up and thrown down as Joe friend and company there to thwart the two point attempt. But Tom a very, very nice drive by the Garrigan offense to get things started.

Yeah, absolutely. And you'll see here in the replay it's going to be play action pass. But this is a great job coming off the edge there. Obviously by number six.

Joe friend making the tackle there for Woodbine and keeps it a six point possession. But the Golden Bears get on the board first here early on in the first quarter. And now we'll get to see the Woodbine offense go to work for the first time. Stay. Stay connected with Iowa PBS sports. No matter where you're watching from. Join the conversation. Follow us on Facebook and X and use hashtag Iowa PBS. Sports to enjoy championships with other fans and Tom. Now we get to see this Woodbine offense. What are you looking for?

Well, one way to control Woodbine offense is not to let him get on the field. Trevor and you know, just a nice methodical drive there. Once again, running the football the entire length of the field, not having to worry about passing even though sometimes they were in some behind the chains situations. So I'm looking for, you know, the same thing Woodbine they're able to pass the ball, obviously, they're very dynamic. So we'll see.

Bishop Garrigan tries to short kick that rolls out of bounds. So Woodbine will have pretty good field position to start their first drive of the game is first penalty of the game. Is the kickoff out of bounds on the Woodbine sideline and now the Tigers getting ready to get the football led by dynamic quarterback Brody Pryor. So of course, with.

Fraction kicking, team ball will be placed at 25. First down Woodbine.

So of course, with the kickoff out of bounds, you get the choice on what you want to do with that. And Woodbine is going to take the football at the 25 yard line. And now this Tigers offense goes to work. Brody Pryor has been electric for them this year. 35 passing touchdowns 14 rushing touchdowns. And he's got a bevy of weapons at his disposal. First play for Woodbine is a pass. Pryor will decide to tuck it and run instead, and Pryor will pick up a nice gain on first down. Might actually be enough for a first down and Tom that's kind of a hidden part of Brody Pryor's game is what he's able to do with his legs.

Yeah, and you know, they went with a two man front up there. And obviously they just broke contained to the outside. Obviously they're trying to defend the pass the best they can. Brody Pryor last week with 231 passing yards and four touchdowns. He's going to be a problem all day. I feel, and I just think that those receivers are going to be able to find some of the pockets.

So Woodbine offense, not afraid to air it out. They lead the state in touchdown passes with 47. Pryor responsible for 35 of those on first down. Michael Morse running left side and Morse will turn forward and make it a second short and Tom. It really felt like in their semifinal win over Gladbrook-reinbeck, he was the key with how well he was able to run the football.

Yeah, absolutely. He just ran so hard throughout the entire game. Here's their starting offense for Woodbine and Nawrocki. You can see the weapons that they've got. They're all the way through their lineup.

A whistle and a stoppage. Yeah. All kinds of playmakers for Woodbine. You mentioned Micah Morse Landon Blum a multi-sport star athlete gaining interest from the Division one, not just Division one level, but from some from some Premier Division one programs. Second Sean Pryor pass Scot to the aforementioned Blum. Blum does a good job of cutting upfield and he'll keep the drive going with a first down. And Blum was the hero of that semifinal win over Gladbrook-reinbeck.

Yeah, you can just see here he runs a great route here with just a quick curl of about six yards. Just kind of sitting down. Great job of timing there by the quarterback.

First down for Woodbine Pryor will dump it out of the backfield. Micah Moores. And he does get a handful of yards out of it. But Madden Miller able to make the good open field tackle. And we talked about Blum being the hero in their semifinal win. Well, Madden Miller maybe the unsung hero in Garrigan semifinal win over Audubon had a pick late in the first half and then caught a touchdown pass as well.

Yeah, and had a sack in that game. He's just very dynamic. I know last week he's really stuck out for you and I Trevor and I he's just a special, special athlete. And obviously it's somebody they got to recognize.

Second and seven. Now coming up for Woodbine into Garrigan territory. Pryor rolling right throws down incomplete. Just overthrew his intended receiver Aidan Keenan. And now it'll be third and seven coming up for this Tiger offense and Tom Leo. So far we're halfway through the first quarter. Both teams been able to move the ball well. Five total first downs thus far.

Yeah. And he did have a couple of guys open there. It's something that you can see. They will definitely probably come back to because they had Blum running a skinny post down the middle of the field and he was there, but he obviously just chose to go to the outside.

Third and seven. Now for Woodbine and what I'd imagine is four down territory at the Garrigan 24 Pryor in the pocket throws right side Short-handed Blum makes the catch. It'll be a gain of 11 as you'll see the replay here in just a moment. Landon Blum getting involved early, which is something they weren't able to do in that semifinal win.

No. And if you were to see this route, this is absolutely outstanding. The timing between Pryor and Blum, right there was just that was just efficient. You know, I had the opportunity to watch him on film and to see him live during the regular season. And what really impresses me is how he comes out of his stance, his first steps explosion. So definitely something we will look to see later in the game.

Reason he leads the state in touchdown catches this year. Now on first down. Micah Morse running left side cuts up field. Moores inside the ten and gets upended around the five yard line. So Woodbine now going to have the ball inside the five on their first drive of the game. Trying to match Garrigan's early score. Now we see this Garrigan starting defense and it's all kind of linchpin by that linebacker. Ethan Marso.

Yeah, he's just a dynamic player. Being able to go all the way across the field, but right there, Woodbine a great job of getting to the second level, able to handle him, to break that loose for about an eight yard gain.

So now Woodbine with the ball just inside the five yard line on their opening drive of the game, Garrigan went down and scored on their first drive. Tigers trying to counter Pryor will hand off Morse Moores scores. Touchdown Woodbine and we're tied! Michael Morse finds paydirt! 14th rushing touchdown of the year for him. And just the answer the Tigers needed after Garrigan went down the field first.

Yeah, absolutely. You know Marso he's a force for Bishop Garrigan. But right there you can see right here on the replay. Just a great job of blocking up front. Everybody's got a hat on hat and obviously Micah Moores is able to finish that off. Big two point conversion right here.

So now Woodbine will go for two as they try to take the lead. Two drives two touchdowns here so far today. And on the two point try option play to Micah Morse and a nice open field tackle made by Titan Troyer a Bishop Garrigan. So both teams score first. But neither team able to get the two point conversion through a little over 6.5 minutes of this game. We've got a tie ball game. Tom Petersen.

Yeah, this is just some great football right now. The bigs up front for both teams are doing outstanding.

You see the replay of the two point conversion option pitch to Micah. Moores and Titan Troyer did everything as a coach on that Tom that you teach.

Yeah. And the defense did a great job. His his one responsibility is to make sure that he gets the quarterback, let the guys behind him clean everything up. That's just great execution on the defensive side.

So now Garrigan will get the football back for their second possession of the game. The Golden Bears, under the guidance of the legendary head coach Marty Wadle, Ben going at it 30 plus years, 34 season there for the Golden Bears. Don't miss a minute of today's championship action. Catch the live stream on YouTube and iowapbs.org. Fun one so far here in this Eight-Player State Championship game, as Aidan Cannon will get ready to kick it away for Woodbine and Bishop Garrigan will get the Rock for their second time. This will be a returnable kick and they'll hand it off to McGregor on the kick and McGregor gets spun down at around the 13 yard line. And that'll be where Garrigan begins their next drive.

Great job there of just staying disciplined with the with the reverse on the kickoff receive. But you know, an open field tackle. Just an outstanding job there.

Bishop Garrigan who scored on their first drive in a methodical manner. We'll have a long ways to go on their next drive as this begins on their own.

13. What really sticks out for me Trevor is the four linebackers for Woodbine total combined over 200 tackles.

First and ten for the Golden Bears. Tate Foertsch at quarterback. They will hand off Ethan Marso Marso falls forward for three yards and no Tom the key on that last drive for Garrigan. They were not great on first down, but third down was the money down.

Yeah. And you want to make sure, like you said, when you're a running football team, first down is just essential to make sure that you're getting some type of positive yards. Great job there. Just getting a push up front.

So now second and seven coming up for the Golden Bears. Just under five minutes to go here in the first half. First quarter Foertsch give Marso again not anything there for the taking. Lucas Olson there to make the tackle. He had a a big sack late in that game. In the semifinal, when Gladbrook-reinbeck was trying to drive down the field and tie it, Olson gets a tackle there. Now it's a third and long for Garrigan, which is not a spot they love to be in.

Yeah, you're going to see here Carter McGregor number eight right there. He just kind of missed the guy. The first guy that was through let him go. And obviously with the defense like Woodbine being number one, you can't let somebody like Lucas Olson just go unblocked.

Woodbine is definitely one first and second down. But as I mentioned, third down, the money down for Garrigan thus far, they're hoping to duplicate that first throwback left side passes. Scot Weston Rosenmeyer. But he's tackled nice open field tackle made by Joe friend, and it looks like the first punt of the game is going to come from Bishop Garrigan.

What an outstanding play out there. Staying home, reading your keys up front, eyes through the guards into the backfield. Just a great job of staying home and making the open field play.

So looks like Bishop Garrigan will punt it away. Michael Joyce doing the honors and Woodbine will have Dillon Reed back to return. This is a Garrigan team that they haven't had to punt a lot this year. Nice punt by Joyce and Reed had to back up to it and wound up losing yards out of that and Tom. Now we see the Woodbine offense for the second time here today. On that first drive, what did you see from the Tigers?

You know, just mixing it up. You know, they were able to run the football with Micah Moores. And like I said before, to me today it's going to be central about them protecting Pryor back there. Because if he has time to throw Trevor, it could be a long day for Bishop because they've got the weapons to the outside. And obviously that was one of their keys.

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On first down, Pryor wants to wind and fire over the middle of the field. It's incomplete. Wanted to go to Aidan Cannon, but that was defended well by Weston Rosenmeyer by by Michael Joyce rather. And a good play on first down. Now Woodbine behind the chains on first down.

Yeah, but I don't think that affects them as much like it does Bishop Garrigan, you know what a luxury to be able to have two wide receivers that are six five respectively.

So Woodbine, who had four first down on that opening drive, they went eight plays, 55 yards facing a second down. Now with just over three minutes to go here in the first quarter of A66 ball game. Looks like to work out of a pistol. And they will give it to Moores. And that went nowhere. And guess who was in there. Ethan Marso and company make the tackle. And now a third and long coming up for the Tigers.

Yeah, just a great job up front. You know, getting the push there by big number 75. He's been outstanding with Karson Kramer and what he's been doing allowing for Marso to come up. One of the things if you haven't, if you've noticed early on, is the different defensive fronts that they're showing. So right now it looks like they're going to be going with a two man front and an obvious passing situation.

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So third down now for Woodbine. They were one of one on the East in their opening drive. But just two down linemen for Garrigan on this third down. Pryor fakes goes downfield, has a man Reed he hauls it in inside the ten and Woodbine cashes in on third down. And they're going to have goal to go.

Yeah, that's just an old school chair right there. And what a great pass.

Brodyn Pryor to Dillon Reed for the monster gain. You'll see it on the replay. Pryor put enough sauce on that one. And Reed did a good job of tracking it down. And now the Tigers with the ball on the three yard line, chance to take the lead. On first down they give to Maurice Moores fighting off a tackler and might have got a yard or so out of that. Will make it a second and goal. Now coming up for the Tigers here late in the first quarter.

Yeah watching them on film you know they do. Do they do a lot of no huddle offense. And right there they just tried to catch Bishop Garrigan a little bit about a Cink. I actually thought that they had numbers there, but obviously just a great play on the interior.

So after the long pass completion from Brody Pryor to Dillon Reed Woodbine now in business inside the five. Trying to take the lead work out of a pistol, keep an eye on Landon Blum on the right side, see if they go to him. Pryor rolling right Pryor throws across his body. Dangerous pass is caught though in the back of the end zone by Aidan Keenan and the Tigers take the lead.

What a throw over the top! And like I just mentioned a little bit before, the size advantage. Two receivers that are six five. You know it makes it a lot easier.

To see the replay of that one. That was not an easy throw for Brody Pryor, who hits Aidan Kaine in 36 touchdown pass of the year for Pryor. One of the top quarterbacks in the Eight-Player seen this year. And now Woodbine will go for two. Try to make this an eight point possession. Pryor will dump it out. Morse Morse catches it and gets into the end zone for the two point try, and it is a 14 to 6 Woodbine lead and a very good drive for the Tigers there.

Yeah, just very impressed with what Woodbine is doing offensively. I had the opportunity to visit with the offensive coordinator and Ryan cannon, and he had asked, do you think that we could pass on him with the weapons that Woodbine has right now? You know, and the routes that they're running? He's doing an excellent job of play calling and mixing it up.

Brodyn Pryor a man of many talents, multi-sport athlete, also very, very good at showing the livestock.

Yeah. Love it. Other things outside.

Of.

Sports, it's just awesome.

You know, the Pryor family. Tom. They are really, really big into the livestock showing scene. You see his brother Jax a big part of it. You see Brody from a couple of years ago at the state Fair. Pryor show cattle in western Iowa. Very, very synonymous. So, like I said, a man of many talents. Yes. Multi-sport athlete, really good basketball player, state medalist, state champion in track, quarterbacking a team here today. And just through his 36 touchdown pass of the year. So 14 to 6 now in favor of Woodbine after the touchdown and a two point conversion. Now the Tigers will kick it away with Aidan Carney. Fielded on a hop. All kinds of room Joyce a nice tackle made just past the 20 yard line of the 21 yard line. And now this Garrigan offense will go to work. Third time we're seeing them here today. Tom that first drive. Very, very good. That second drive. Probably not quite what they wanted. What have you seen from the Golden Bears thus far?

Well, you and I talked about this a little bit before. The first down is critical for them. You know, obviously they want to get some positive yards, but you know, maybe try to mix it up just a little bit. I know they want to run the football, but maybe you do some type of play action on first down. But I look for them to get the quarterback more involved running the ball.

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So on first down they will give it to Foertsch and Foertsch gets gobbled up for a loss of one and Lucas Olson once again in there on the tackle and again. First down. The bugaboo for Garrigan. They'll be behind the chains.

Yeah, and just impressive right now. Lucas Olson is having his way on the defensive side, currently.

Second and 11 now coming up for Garrigan is just over a minute remaining here in the first quarter of his Eight-Player state championship game. Golden Bears scored on their first drive three and out of their next drive, trying to stay afloat here early on. They will run it first. Foertsch left side, trying to bounce off a tackle and gets about a yard or so. Brenner Sullivan in there to make the tackle and Tom. I know when we talked to Woodbine coach Dustin Crook this week, he mentioned, you know, Brenner Sullivan kind of the glue guy, so to speak, of this team.

Yeah. And just his enthusiasm is contagious out there. And one of the things I'm noticing right out of the gates here is you're watching that Woodbine is shifting players in and out. And he had talked about their depth as being one of the essential elements for them to be successful on the defensive side. And you're obviously seeing that depth right now could.

Be the final play of the quarter. As Foertsch wanting to throw Foertsch over the middle of the field, has a man and is caught. It'll be a first down for Bishop Garrigan Dalton Klenz makes the catch. Good job by the Golden Bears to keep this drive going with another third down conversion. And that will likely be the final play of the quarter.

That was a big play for them to move the chains.

So Garrigan will have a first down when we start the second quarter. Fun 12 minutes so far 14 to 6. Woodbine Reding Bishop Garrigan here in this Eight-Player state championship game.

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A short break to speak with Jim. He's president and CEO of Bank Iowa in West Des Moines.

So, Jim, tell me why Iowa banker supports Iowa PBS as well as boys athletics.

Here in the state of Iowa?

Yes, Paul the student Athlete Achievement Awards are significant to Iowa student athletes and their communities because they not only recognize athletic excellence, but also academic achievement, leadership and character. Through the program's 30 year history, the IBA has awarded more than $360,000 in scholarships to student athletes in football, basketball, and wrestling. These scholarships are a win for all of us because after graduation, we hope these students will work right here in Iowa.

And that support of those scholarships is incredible, right?

It is indeed so much like the IBA supports the Iowa banks. We are committed to supporting students by investing in their education and financial future, which helps to build stronger communities. It reflects our commitment to community growth and long term success across the state.

All right.

Jim, thank you. All right. Let's get back to the game.

Thank thank you Paul. One quarter in the books here in Cedar Falls, Eight-Player state championship game. Woodbine leading Bishop Garrigan 14 to 6. We get ready to begin the second quarter. Tom 12 minutes in the books. What have we learned?

Well, watching the front three for Woodbine has been spectacular. You know, you've got Matthew, Tremel, Jax Pryor and Lucas Olson. Those three guys currently on first down, especially are really, really causing some havoc for Bishop Garrigan, especially in the running. The running plays. But that was a huge play right there for Bishop to be able to convert that third down. You know, Woodbine is going to drop back into a zone. They don't play man to man. There's going to be some seams and some pockets that are there. It's just essential, obviously, that Foertsch just needs to stay patient. Guys will open up and he'll get he'll be able to find him.

Yeah. Bishop Garrigan you know, they've they've ran the ball for 63 yards so far. And they've done so with a bevy of different rushers. Four different guys have toted the rock for them thus far. Meanwhile, a good chunk of Woodbine success in that first quarter came through the air. A lot of it on that one big play from Brody Pryor to Dillon Reed.

Yeah, and I don't think it's any surprise. You know, I do look for Bishop Garrigan when they get back on the defensive side. They're really not getting any pressure. Currently on the QB with Pryor. And so right now he's kind of having his way able to set his feet.

See, Woodbine head coach Dustin Crook on your screen there a moment ago, a Woodbine guy through and through played there. Went on, played a little college football and then has spent the last dozen years leading his alma mater. The program that he has continued to just build and build over the years, culminating with a spot in today's game. So first and ten for Garrigan to start the second quarter quarterback run Tate Foertsch up to the 37 yard line and a nice gain on first down and one of their better first down plays thus far.

Yeah. You know, when you run the quarterback you're able to have an extra blocker back there. And that's something I do. I do foresee them doing that a little bit more.

So now a second down coming up for Bishop Garrigan here early on in the second quarter trying to answer the the Woodbine touchdown drive a moment ago. Looks like one receiver out on each side for the Golden Bears.

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Here's Marso running left side lunges forward into Woodbine territory and Tom. It really feels like if you're Bishop Garrigan, you want to get Ethan Marso going.

Yeah, because you look at what he's done so far. That's his fifth carry of the day for about nine yards is all. Woodbine has done an outstanding job containing him, but that is one of the few times I've seen the front three from Bishop Garrigan get some type of push.

Another third down for Garrigan. They're four of five on those bad boys so far today. Go in the eye. It looks like on this third and short. And what very well could be four down territory. And they will give Marso Marso. Doesn't look like he got it. And it looks like it's going to be a fourth and short coming up for this Garrigan offense. And Tom, have you said it's four down territory, isn't.

It going. Hurry up.

Yeah, they are not messing around. Foertsch under center in the eye. Now we'll look over to Garrigan sideline and coach Marty Wadle will take a time-out and they're going to talk things over.

Bishop Garrigan, their first of the half.

Here on this fourth down. Obviously a big play coming up on this fourth and short from around midfield and Tom. You know you look this Woodbine defense right now is a really good job of keeping this Garrigan ground game bottled up.

Yeah. And we talked about their linebackers. Those those four guys and their 341 defense. Like I said before, over 200 tackles. They've got to be playing downhill. And that third and three play right there. Trevor they had seven guys in the box within two yards rushing and blitzing.

So now fourth down coming up out of this time-out you see the Garrigan Conference Marty Wadle longtime head coach. And he might be hard pressed to find a sharper dressed head coach in Cedar Falls this week than Coach Wadley repping the suit and tie. Believe it or not, Tom, I believe you said five ties is all he's needed over the 35 years.

I wonder if some are shorter than the other, considering how long he's done with the style change.

It sounds like he's very superstitious with his ties. So here we go on fourth down. They will hand it off and they don't get it.

[APPLAUSE]

Ethan Marso gets stood up by this Woodbine defense and a big stop for the Tigers and Jax Pryor among the bodies that was in there.

Yeah, you're you're going to see here the guys that are up front just did an outstanding job. Look at the push right there. Jax Pryor just sheds his block. Exactly what he's coached to do pushes him off right there. And just an outstanding play getting into the backfield. Thought maybe they would go with the quarterback. Sneak. But just chose a different path.

So Woodbine will take over near midfield just on their side at the 39 yard line.

And maybe look for some type of play action to go deep here.

I know early in the year watching them. They love to take shots to Landon Blum on first down, on first down they'll run Brody Pryor and he doesn't get much of anything. He'll be second down coming up for Woodbine and Tom. This is a really big drive both ways. If you're Woodbine, you go down, you score. All of a sudden you're up two scores, you control the narrative from here. If you're Garrigan, you got to get a stop.

Yeah, because they haven't stopped him yet. You know, they've been very. I don't want to say, you know, not physical, but right now, just a two man front. They got a lot of guys that second, that second level. It almost looks like it's, you know, trying to prevent them from passing the ball.

So now on second down, Pryor will hand off Morse Moores room on the right side. Moores breaking tackles, has the first down into Garrigan territory at around the 25 yard line. And a nice run by Micah Moores moves to Tigers deep into Garrigan territory. As you'll see the replay on your screen here at home.

Yeah, I think you see Joe. Yeah, look, he's out there again. Just making an outstanding block just to to give his teammates an opportunity to make a play. And right now, you know, we've already been talking about it a little bit. I still look for Garrigan to mix up that defensive front.

Micah Morse seven carries 44 yards so far here today. Now Woodbine out of the pistol on this first down. Guess what they'll feed Morse. Moores can't break out of an Ethan Marso ankle tackle, and Marso will drop him for a one yard loss.

Great play there with him reading his keys and shooting the gap into the backfield. Still looking to see them possibly get Blum out to the wide side of the field. Maybe some one on one coverage to toss the ball up to him for him to use his athleticism.

So now he's second down coming up for this Woodbine offense. Just over nine minutes to go here in the first half. Pryor rolling throws man wide open. Jax Pryor Pryor inside the ten to the five.

[APPLAUSE]

The brothers have probably dreamed of that play in the backyard for years.

[APPLAUSE]

And they connect on a big play inside the five. And you'll see the replay of the brotherly love between the two.

Yeah, I can tell you right now, number 94 was not accounted for on that play. You know, it's something that, you know, as head coaches, you hide those when you need them. And obviously great play call right there.

So now Woodbine inside the five inside the three. They will run it with Morse Moores bouncing off traffic and into the end zone for the second time. A Micah Moores throws the Woodbine lead and the Tigers roaring early on.

Just dominant on the left side right there getting a push. And then, you know, trying to tackle Micah Morse at 230 pounds. Excuse me, 200 pounds. He's that's a force to be reckoned with.

So Woodbine three drives three touchdowns so far. Now the line up and go for two. They are one of two on those so far today.

[APPLAUSE]

Interesting look for Woodbine out of this two point. Try. And now Pryor running left side tries to get the angle and they'll say he did not get it. So just a six point possession there for the Tigers. But they now lead 20 to 6. Relive the championship excitement. Share these moments with your family, friends and neighbors. Visit pbs.org for archives of Championship games. Anytime Tom. So far, this Woodbine offense has been humming.

Yeah, just clicking on all cylinders. They're able to to run the ball. They've been able to pass the ball as well.

Yeah. What a what a drive for the Tigers to get the fourth down stop near midfield. And then they march it down the field. Of course that big pass play from Brody prior to his brother Jax got them inside the five. And then Micah Morse takes it from there. Five plays, 40 yards just under two minutes. And Woodbine up right now here in this Eight-Player state title game. But Tom, if you're Gary, I mean, this is a team that's been here before. They're not going to be rattled by any means.

Yeah. And you got plenty of time. Eight minutes and 34 seconds here in the second quarter. Nothing to you know, to like be worried about. Just stick to your game plan, run the football. But you know they've got to mix it up. Just I feel a little bit more on first down. Maybe just spreading it out a little bit more. But there's no reason to go away from your game plan. And obviously Coach Wadley, you know, having the opportunity to visit with him this past week was just outstanding.

By the way, that 44 yard, the big catch from Brody Pryor to Jax Pryor. Just the second catch of the year for Jax returnable kick for Bishop Garrigan and bringing it upfield is CJ McGregor who had the rushing touchdown for them earlier on today. And now a very, very big drive for this Garrigan offense.

Yeah, because right now they're not able to run the football consistently. And you know they've got to be able to do a better job with the guys up front. I just feel the penetration from Woodbine right now is just kind of overwhelming. Their offensive front.

So now a first down for Garrigan to start this drive. They will go under center single back toss to McGregor and nothing there. And this Woodbine interior defensive line has made life tough in between the tackles for Garrigan.

Yeah and no different there. Great penetration up front. Great job there by Joe Freund. Sending him back to the inside. And then the linebackers cleaning things up once again.

So now a second down coming up for Bishop Garrigan and Tom. One thing it seems like you know this has been a Garrigan offense. It's just been a little hesitant running the football. I need a big spark.

Yeah, they got to hit a big play.

So on second down play action first. Looking for that big play. He'll go right side. Overthrew Madden Miller and it's a third down coming up for the Golden Bears. And boy a really really big play here.

Yeah. And you know they're just not comfortable in these third and long situations. But you know I would still like to see them you know spread the field out just a little bit more. You got a dual threat quarterback obviously back there maybe giving him an opportunity just to make plays with his legs.

So now third down coming up for Bishop Garrigan is down two scores. Big possession here. They're four of five on third down. So this has been a very very good spot for them. Foertsch back to pass. Throws. Right side has a man. It's incomplete. Just through the arms of the intended receiver. Michael Joyce. That was covered pretty well by Woodbine.

[APPLAUSE]

The incomplete pass will make it fourth down.

Yeah. You know, we were just talking about a big play right. There was an opportunity. The ball kind of just goes right through his hands. You know it's hard to read. Great defensive play once again by Joe Framm that's out there covering. You know we've said his name quite a bit today already.

Second punt of the day for Bishop Garrigan Michael Joyce will tow it away. High snap Joyce gets it down side little carom that kick toward the Woodbine sideline and out of bounds at around the 23 yard line. And Tom you know, now, if you're this Garrigan defense, what adjustments are you making to try to to get off the field here?

Well, I can see what they're trying to do. You know, with Blum as athletic as he is, maybe they have a guy that's, you know, up on him and then somebody over the top. But I've got to go back to what they were doing last week with at least a three man front or a four man front. So I look for them to maybe go back to what they're used to playing.

So Woodbine three drives, three touchdowns thus far today. Seven and a half to go here in the first half of this Eight-Player state championship game. First down Pryor wanting to throw pocket collapsing Pryor will tuck it and run. Pryor gets the first down. Good innovation by Brody, Pryor and Tom. When you look back at their semifinal game, I think the one play that comes to mind, it was a third down. There was a miscommunication in the backfield late in the game when it was tied, and Pryor was able to turn nothing into something, move the chains, and that kept that drive going. They ultimately scored and won the game.

Yeah, his footwork on that play that you're talking about. I know you and I just kind of giggled at each other, but just a great job of avoiding the pass rush there. There's got to be somebody that's got to be that spy in the middle to make sure they make that play.

First down for Woodbine Pryor in the pocket, throws caught by Blum Blum gets a couple of yards. There will be a second down coming up for Woodbine. Third catch of the day for Landon Blum. A young man that multi-sport athlete, state runner up in the high jump. Very, very good basketball player. And he's got all kinds of interests from the collegiate level. Likes the likes of Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska have shown interest in him.

And just a mesh concept right there. And for those of you at home that maybe doesn't know what that is, just a couple of slot receivers just kind of going across kind of like a pick play.

Second down and nine. Now coming up for Woodbine from their own 35 Pryor back to pass has Blum and Blum couldn't quite haul it in. It would have been a highlight reel snag something he's been accustomed to this year, just couldn't quite haul it in. And now it's a third down coming up for Woodbine a big chance for Garrigan defense to get off the field. As you'll see, the replay here. Missed it by that much.

Yeah, but what a great route. If you were to go back a little bit more in that replay, you would see it's kind of a double move that he put on the defensive back. And you know it's going to be very difficult. Eight man football. One of the hardest things to do play man to man.

[APPLAUSE]

You know you don't have to do that all the time. It's hard.

Woodbine two for two on third downs today. Would love to make it three for three. Garrigan hoping of course it'll be two for three on third down they run. Michael Morse Morse trying to break out of a tackle. and will not be able to do so as Ethan Marso makes the stop and it's a fourth down for Woodbine and likely their first punt of the day.

Yeah, kind of a surprising call there, especially when you've got man to man coverage out there with your playmakers. But once again a great play there defensively with Ethan Marso coming up to fill and shoot that gap. Then obviously tackling in the open field.

Ethan Marso just kind of looks and walks like a football player, doesn't he?

Yeah. Thank goodness we're up here.

[APPLAUSE]

Been a big part of the success for Garrigan over the years. And now Woodbine looking like they're going to punt. Now one thing to note Brody Pryor who's their quarterback, is also their punter. And Pryor will kick it away.

Wow.

Nobody back to return for Garrigan. A punt out of bounds and we'll see where the officials spot is. But Tom Emil the first stop of the day for the Garrigan defense. Now, if you're the Golden Bears, you got to find a way to go down the field and make this a one score game.

Yeah, it's got to carry over a little bit. And I'm still, you know, I'm going to keep kind of probably coming back to it. I would still like to see them try to get, you know with some space Trevor, you know, going some type of a spread. Just get some movement going. Obviously just to try to get some type of misdirection with Woodbine defense because their front three are having their way right now.

And so they are going to have a long ways to go. Will Bishop Garrigan they officials rule that ball out of bounds inside the five of the three yard line. So a 77 yard drive coming up for the Golden Bears. If they want to make this a one score game and they will run it with Foertsch right side, just trying to get a little bit of breathing room. And they do get a couple of yards and now it's second down coming up for Bishop Garrigan.

Middle linebackers are coming almost every play. You know once again just a great play. Obviously. Brenner Sullivan I think that you had said earlier on he's kind of like the glue is what Dustin Crook had said. And he's also just having a phenomenal day.

Second down and eight now coming up for Bishop Garrigan, it's an offense that leads the state in total yards. It's been held at just 85 so far. They will get more there with Marso bowling forward close to a first down and see if they try to feed Ethan Marso a little bit more on this drive.

Yeah, biggest run for them so far today. I would say. Just got some good, good head to head blocking on the left hand side.

Makes it a third and one. Not quite enough for the first down on that run, but the third and one coming up for Garrigan. They will run it Foertsch and Foertsch runs into the pile. We'll have to check the spot, but boy, I would not want to be coach Marty Wadle if that's sure, but they will move the chains and say first down and a much needed third down conversion for Bishop Garrigan will keep this drive going with under five minutes left here in the first half.

Yeah, the pads are popping down there for sure. Woodbine is extremely physical right now, bringing a lot of pressure up through the middle.

So now first and ten for Bishop Garrigan. This drive started on their own three.

[APPLAUSE]

Shotgun. Look for the Golden Bears Foertsch will run it Foertsch a pass to 15 to the 17 yard line, a gain of four. And Tom how much of his drive to. If you're Garrigan, I mean, it's got to end in a score, but also having this much field to work with is probably kind of your friend as well, because you can burn a lot of time.

Yeah, but, you know, like you, I think Woodbine gets the ball to come out of the out of the second half. And so this is essential, I feel, for Bishop Garrigan to make something happen. And this is the first time we've had a two on one as far as two receivers to the left and one to the right.

Garrigan is on the time of possession category right now. Is Foertsch running left side gets brought down around the 18 yard line and a third down now coming up for Bishop Garrigan with 3.5 minutes to go here in the second quarter.

One of the things I've noticed here, the wide receivers from Bishop right now are not getting out to get blocks on those defensive backs or outside linebackers, and those are the guys that are coming up and making these plays. So the wide receivers are going to have to do a better job.

Garrigan, five of eight on third downs today. Big one here as they try to keep this drive going late in the first half. They'll go out of a shotgun and put a man in motion. Foertsch wanting to pass as he rolls right Foertsch now will tuck it and run and Joe friend stands him up and it looks like Foertsch has enough for the first down and then some. It will move the chains for Garrigan and a big third down conversion there.

Yeah, what a great play though by Joe friend. Coming up. You know, because he put a great hit there on Foertsch. But you know you're able to use his feet, rolled him out a little bit to the right, able to make something happen.

So Foertsch moves the chains 240 to go here in the first half of this game. Garrigan does have two time-outs left as they try to maneuver down the field. Here's Foertsch left side. Foertsch gets the block on the edge. Foertsch into Woodbine territory and out of bounds, and a big run by Tate Foertsch. And that might have been their longest run of the day right there.

Yeah. And once again, I know that this is something we had talked about. You'll see here on the replay. Great block out in front. Both guys are one of the guys are pulling in number 52. Nate Leerar. And then obviously Marso doing a great job just getting Foertsch more involved in the offense.

Garrigan moves it to the Woodbine 36 yard line, two and a half to go here in the first half. 19 yard gain on that run by Tate Foertsch. This drive started at their own three. This continue to move along CJ McGregor gets a carry and Brenner Sullivan there to make the tackle. After a gain of about a yard. And now a second down coming up for Bishop Garrigan with just over two minutes to go here in the half.

And if you're Bishop Garrigan, you don't want to leave him a ton of time. No, as explosive. As explosive as Woodbine has been so far.

Just over two minutes now. Left here in the first half of this one in Cedar Falls Foertsch under center. Will put it in the belly of McGregor McGregor spinning forward does a good job of extending out and maybe getting a yard or two out of that to the 32 yard line. and a third down coming up for Bishop Garrigan area. They have been in a lot today. This will be their 10th third down of the afternoon or of the morning. They are six of nine on those so far here today.

And with Ethan Marso coming off the field, obviously passing situation here for Bishop Garrigan.

So third down and six for Garrigan from the Woodbine 32 trying. to cut this down to a one score game late in the first half. Foertsch looks like a quarterback run right side. It was sniffed out well by Woodbine, but first does a good job of bouncing it back to the middle of the field and will make this a fourth and short from the 27 needed six. Got five and now it's fourth down for the Golden Bears with under a minute to go in the quarter. And I believe we're going to see a time-out on the Woodbine side. We will.

Time-out Woodbine their first of the half.

So Tom we saw in fourth and short earlier. Garrigan gets stood up. If you're coach Marty Wadle what do you drawn up here?

I'm trying to just give the quarterback. Just let him do a quarterback sneak. You know the guys up front, they got to do a better job of pinching last time. Pryor did a great job of chucking his the guy in front of him, getting into the backfield to disrupt things. You know, I wouldn't I wouldn't be in favor of handing the ball off deep.

You see Coach Marty Wadle talking with his squad as they get ready to attack this monster. Fourth down coming up. Meanwhile, on the Woodbine side, your head coach Dustin Crook. He's the defensive coordinator, by the way, for this Tigers team. He would love for his squad to get a stop. And I'm guessing with the time-out they're they're thinking hey, we get a stop, we get the ball back with, you know 50 some seconds to go. And you know not a not a long ways to go down the field. We have a chance to to maybe double dip so to speak, to end the half and start.

The half. And especially with the playmakers they've got. I know that it sounds like a broken record, but they're just so, so electric. They're on the outside. So big play here for Bishop Garrigan to keep this thing alive.

Fourth and short.

Coming up..

Everybody on their feet here in Cedar Falls. See the Woodbine crowd a. Lot of people making the trek from Harrison County here to Cedar Falls on fourth and short. They will give Marso. And he's got the first down to the 25 yard line. Garrigan still has two time-outs. The clock will stop to move the chains. Now. The clock will continue to run and Garrigan saving those time-outs for a little later in the possession. So first and ten Foertsch will put a man in motion. Foertsch back to pass. Rolling. Right. Finally will tuck it and run and scoots out of bounds. After a gain of a couple. He had Matthew Tremel and Jax Pryor chasing him. Really good coverage downfield by this Woodbine defense.

Tom yeah, and he's rolling out there. One of the things that I did just notice and I noticed it also it's the same play they ran Weston Rosenmeyer is open, but he's just waiting a little bit too long. And what he's doing is he's running a little bit too far. It looks like to me back to hit that safety. If he could just cut that off and come across the field, maybe with a dig route. I think that that's something that would be their.

Tate Foertsch 16 rushes for 62 yards today. 36 seconds to go here in the first half. Bishop Garrigan trying to cut this down to a one score game. Foertsch back to pass. Goes to Rosenmeyer. Hauls it in inside the ten and brought down at the six. And that time the passing game connects for a big play in the Golden Bears inside the ten here late in the first half. We do have a we do have an injured tiger down and that is that is not good.

Official time-out for an injured player.

See the replay on the scoreboard on the video board here. As you're watching at home and.

You know he the timing Trevor right in between that zone gap that's there. That's just a great job.

So Weston Rosenmeyer with the big gain and a stoppage for an injury time-out on the Woodbine side. And I believe it's it's Brody Pryor that they are looking at him. Pryor the the standout quarterback came into the day just under 50 total touchdowns. One of the state's all time leading passers and you know plays defense as well as do a lot of quarterbacks at the eight man level. Never something you want to see, but hopefully.

It's I think he just got the wind knocked out of him. I think he'll end up being okay. It's great to see him up.

We'll say.

The.

We'll see. Look at the catch and then the tackle.

And looks like he lands right on top. His knees and one of those. That hurts for a little bit, but I think he'll be ready to rock.

He got the wind knocked out and I'd imagine a lot of people in Harrison County were holding their breath. Here we go. After the big play. Foertsch will run it Foertsch up the middle for about two yards to the four yard line, and now Bishop Garrigan will call their second time-out. time-out and it'll be a third down.

Their second of the half.

Second down coming up for Bishop Garrigan inside the five with 21 seconds to go here in the half. And Tom you know with a time-out in your back pocket. If you're Garrigan, you can still run the ball in the middle of the field.

Yeah, absolutely. You know, I wouldn't change what they've been doing, mixing it up a lot more on this drive. Trevor they have been, but I would still try to get Foertsch the ball, you know, with an extra blocker in front of you with Ethan Mason. So that's something I would be looking for them to do again. So it's they've got the playbook is wide open.

In Woodbine will get the football to start the second half. So Bishop Garrigan can cut this down to a one score game. They scored on their first drive. Went down the field very methodical. Kind of like they've done all year. And then they had a fourth down. Get stood up near midfield. Woodbine forced a three and out and Woodbine offense. Their first three drives ended in touchdowns so far this drive you know it. Start all the way back at their own three Tom 14 plays 73 yards.

And the biggest thing is not hopefully you know for them letting Woodbine get the ball back this quarter. Also got to come away with some points.

So it'll be second down and goal from the four. For Garrigan 21 seconds to go here in the half. They do have one more time out. They'll go out of an eye and they will put it in the belly of Marso Marso falling forward. I think he got stopped just just a bit shy. And now with the clock stopped, the clock running, Garrigan is going to have to call their final time-out and Tom. This is a very interesting spot for Garrigan because you have the ball basically right on the goal line. So you would think maybe like quarterback sneak or something here, but you don't have any time-outs. You'll see the replay Marso with a head of steam just gets tripped up inside the one.

Great mark there by the officials for sure. To me this is simple. You got enough time Trevor for two plays I would go quarterback sneak. And if you don't get it, I still think you have enough time to snap the ball one more time with 14 seconds. Just got to make sure you know if they're tackled inbounds, that you've got two play calls called right now in the huddle.

Because the other thing is you can't spike it here because if you don't get it it's fourth down.

Yep.

So third and goal from. Basically the goal line for Bishop Garrigan here late in the first half of this Eight-Player state championship game. First of seven title games coming your way on PBS over the course of the next two days. First of four here today. So third down for the Golden Bears. They'll rush up the line of scrimmage. Foertsch trying to run left side and that's going to put on the spot. I don't think he got it. The clock will continue to run. Garrigan is going to have to hurry. Make sure everybody gets set. Final play of the half. They'll try it again. Foertsch will be into the end zone. Touchdown, Garrigan. I don't know if it's quite the way they drew it up, but Tate Foertsch puts the Golden Bears within one score at the end of the half.

Remember, like we said, that they would have plenty of time to get those two plays in. But hey, a good push there up front. You'll see here on the replay. Boy it is close and it's hard to see, but I think maybe the second effort gets him in there.

So a massive score for Bishop Garrigan at the end of the half. And now they will go for two to try to make this a six point game. They did not get the first two point try of the day. That was a 17 play, 77 yard drive that went 5.5 minutes. And it was just what the doctor ordered for Bishop Garrigan for many reasons. You score, you keep Woodbine offense off the field. Now they'll try to make this a six point game going into the break. Foertsch running left Foertsch wanting to throw, realizes the running might be the best option. He gets in for the two point conversion and Bishop Garrigan cuts this deficit down to 620 to 14. Woodbine leading at the break. We've had a doozy so far here in Cedar Falls, and we've got 24 minutes left. You'll see some of the highlights. Tate Foertsch tucking in and running to finish off the eight point possession. Halftime here in Cedar Falls.

[MUSIC]

DE Tate Foertsch. Now go to the locker room and adjustments will be made. And somebody's 24 minutes from a state championship. Will go home to Algona or Woodbine. We're going to find out. But halftime coverage coming up here in just a minute in this Eight-Player state championship game.

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Half time at the Eight-Player.

Woodbine leads Garrigan 20 to 14 here at halftime. Inside the UNI-Dome game number one of seven. Game number one of four. Today I'm Paul Yeager. Glad to have you here. Here in 1990, Iowa was the first state in the country to bring wheelchair events into the fold of our annual high school track and field championships. Today. Around 35 states have followed suit in this growing field of competitors. One athlete from Bedford is pushing the envelope even further.

Mark. Set. Go!

Some might say track and field draws parallels with life, demanding your all at a moment's notice. Testing endurance and overcoming hurdles.

I just try to practice hard every day.

Eli Johnson has crushed expectations, showing relentless spirit as a wheelchair athlete and more. The Bedford senior takes on various disciplines year round and has earned the right to compete at the state track meet every year as a high schooler.

I get up at like seven and then go to school. All have cross country track practice or basketball after school, and then I'll be on the farm till like 9:00 or later.

In addition to track, shot put, cross country and participation in a Kansas City based wheelchair basketball league, Eli raises animals. He shows on the county level and at the Iowa State Fair.

He pushes himself harder than we ever do. He is very active. He's always doing something. It wears me out just thinking about it. Sometimes.

Coach Clint Powell was born and raised in Bedford and ran track here as well.

I long jumped and I ran sprints mostly.

Powell has headed up the boys high school track program the past four years, having run the middle school team Pryor, where he caught an early glimpse of Eli's courage and resolve as a seventh grader.

Eli and his family, I mean, they're they're the ones that push him to do so good. His mom, his dad, his brothers. They're a great family.

My older brothers were involved in the farm and sports, and I just wanted to be like them and just do stuff that they did.

Eli's parents, Kathy and Roger Johnson, are both educators and have imparted solid values to their five boys, including Faith, will and drive.

Eli was born with spina bifida, so the physical therapist had told us that those kids just don't do anything. They just sit around and we said, no, we we really advocated for him, that we really wanted him to be able to try to do something, to try to walk and do different things. And she was pretty persistent that, no, he wasn't going to be able to. But Eli did, which kind of led to the cross country that he does now.

From a young age, Eli learned to use his stomach muscles to walk with special braces that were ultimately no match for his determination. He broke several pairs made from progressively durable materials, but eventually defaulted to his wheelchair due to complications brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

During COVID, he kind of quit using him just because we knew everybody was busy at school. Plus, his knees got a lot tighter, so that made it more difficult.

Medical authorities confirm that physical activity is crucial for individuals with spina bifida and muscular disuse can lead to atrophy. Despite the setbacks, Eli continued to push the envelope.

We have some hills to go from the house to the barns and down the road we have hills. And so when he walks sheep, he's actually training for cross country. There's a monster hill up there. It makes his arm stronger. It helps his endurance and definitely gets a lot of road work that maybe kids don't get in other areas.

Sometimes he'll have one sheep in one hand and have one tied to the back of his wheelchair, and so he'll have two sheep. He's taking up the hill at the same time.

Eli has connected with different breeders at the Iowa State Fair who have helped him locate different animals to showcase.

I like showing at the state fair every year. It's really fun just meeting people and seeing everybody. It just shows that people in wheelchairs and disabilities can do anything that they want.

As the incoming vice president of his local Taylor County FFA chapter, Eli also helps lead demonstrations and exhibits geared toward younger students as part of Bedford High's annual AG Safety Day.

How much.

Does it eat a day?

He about 2 pounds a day, probably.

I don't think he's at any disadvantage.

I think it's really inspiring and I really think that a lot of kids look up to him because of everything that he accomplishes.

FFA instructor Dana Orford says Eli's future plans are to attend a college that offers wheelchair basketball, earn a farm related degree, and begin a career in agriculture.

Anything that Eli wants to put his mind to, he does.

Eli attributes his tireless motivation and ability to excel across multiple disciplines, to his unwavering faith.

From Bedford, Eli Johnson.

I pray before I race. Every time just helps me focus and get my mind ready.

Friends and family. Laud Eli's humility can do attitude and the blueprint for excellence. He's drawn up.

I think that's probably something we take pride in as parents is knowing that he is leaving an impact on others, and that his approach, they see his constant smile and his happiness and his pure joy in doing those things. I think it's hard to sometimes realize how much of a difference you can make on somebody, and that's been the cool thing for Eli, is the ability to do that. And I think no matter where you are or what you do, you know your lot in life. You can you can do that.

[MUSIC]

A great job, Eli. And he just wrapped up his high school cross country career as just the third athlete in Iowa history to be a four time cross country champion, finishing the Five-k this year in a time of 20 minutes and 25 seconds. Half time here. Woodbine leads 20 to 14 over Garrigan. When we come back, we're going to show you the first half highlights of the Eight-Player Championship here from the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Back in a moment. You're watching statewide and worldwide online right now on Iowa PBS.

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The UNI-Dome was dark yesterday afternoon, but lit enough so they could put the Eight-Player lines down. Remember, it's an 80 yard field. They got to tape it down. It took them. It takes about an hour with the crew there. They put the hash marks down and then this morning they finished off by putting up the temporary goalpost, which is just behind where we're seated there. But and after this game, they'll rip all the tape up and we'll, we'll have a three other games. But we're back here at halftime of the Eight-Player Championship 2014 Woodbine leads at the break. Let's see how that first half unfolded. Pretty exciting. Just like these eight games are. CJ McGregor. There he goes. Great couple of blocks. As Tom Petersen told you. Watch that D-end crush and it's six. Nothing early on after a 33 yard score. Then Micah Morse is going to get the call for Woodbine. He's going to put his head down and score from four out. Ties it at six. Then Pryor rolls out, rolls out, buys time, throws a tiptoe grabbing catch. That's Aidan Cannon in the back. 14 six Woodbine and then it's brother to brother right here. Brody to Jax. And then it would be set up on a touchdown right here by Moores. He puts his head down again and it's 20 to 6. But then a huge drive 17 plays 77 yards goes 5.5 minutes. Ends right there as time expires 20 to 14 Foertsch the touchdown. He had 66 yards rushing. There's a look at your stats right now. It is super even total yards pretty much two yards apart. Rushing is the difference. Time of possession as well. And that's also in that field. So that is what we have done here at halftime. And in our first half when we catch up and we we're going to be down on the field, we're going to hoist that winning trophy. We've got more things to see down there. But let's go back up. It's time for the second half. In a moment though, when we come back we'll go up to Trevor Maeder and Tom Petersen. They'll have the second half call in just a moment. When we return here on our halftime coverage on Iowa PBS.

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Halftime here in Cedar Falls. Class Eight-Player state championship game. We are 24 minutes away from crowning a state champion. Will there be Woodbine winning their first in program history or Bishop Garrigan with their second in three years? Right now it's 20 to 14, in favor of Woodbine Trevor Maeder alongside coach Tom Petersen. Coach mentioned one half in the books, you know, felt like Woodbine controlled the tempo throughout. But then a big drive at the end of the half has the Golden Bears probably feeling good going to the break.

Yeah, and that was the central Trevor 17 plays on that one. One of the things that really sticks out to me is the number of plays for each team. Currently, Woodbine only has 22, and then with Bishop Garrigan having 39 and then time of possession, it'll be interesting to see if the bigs from both sides, you know, as far as the depth that they've got, if they're able to rotate some of those guys in. So they're they're late in the fourth quarter.

Tom, I know you've coached in the state championship game. Hope I'm not bringing back bad memories. But you know, halftime games are so much about adjustments. Both sides. Let's start with Garrigan South coach Marty Wadle. What is the message to your team at the break?

Well, you've got to be able to establish some of the things up front. I thought they were kind of tentative in the beginning in regards to, you know, coming out, running the ball hard. I thought that they ran the ball harder a week ago than what I've seen so far tonight. But, you know, you still got to like where you're at. You're down six points, you got 24 minutes to go.

On the other side, if you're Woodbine and Coach Dustin Crook played pretty well in the first half, you get the football to start the second half. What does that halftime conversation look like?

Well, you know, just keep doing what you do, what you've been doing so far. But I do look for them to get Blum more involved. I believe he's had three receptions with four targets. He's too much of a of an electric player that can do things. And one of the adjustments that I did see from Bishop Garrigan is they started playing him more man to man. And even though they were doing that, he was open quite a few times, you know, just an overthrow on the one. But I got to try to get him the ball as much as I can. Early on.

Paul mentioned the stats at halftime and in terms of numbers, well, maybe it's looked a little different, you know, pretty similar 162 total yards for Bishop Garrigan, 160 for Woodbine. The way they've done it. Like I said, different though. Bishop Garrigan ran 39 plays. Woodbine 22. Now, Tom, if you're there's two ways of thinking with this, right. You could say, hey, you know, if you're Woodbine, we've made Bishop Garrigan sustained drives. Are they going to do that the whole game? Also, if you're Bishop Garrigan, though, you're saying, hey, the way we have, you know, moved the ball. Can that where Woodbine down, right.

Stay the course. You know, it's something that he had talked about last week. And in visiting with coach this again this week, they're going to keep pounding the rock. You know he was essential with that last week. It's the same thing here again. You know I look with Foertsch. He's got 19 rushes for 66 yards. I got to keep getting him the ball and keep feeding him. Just because you got that extra blocker that's up there.

Half-Time winding down here in Cedar Falls. Second half coming up here in just a moment. 20 to 14. Woodbine leading Bishop Garrigan second half on the way. Next.

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And 2023 taking total number three.

Welcome back to Cedar Falls Eight-Player state Championship action between Woodbine and Bishop Garrigan 20 to 14 Woodbine leading this and they will get the football to start the second half. Trevor Maeder Tom Petersen with you here today on Iowa PBS first of seven state championship games throughout the next two days and after 24 minutes, we're ready to begin the second half. Ethan Marso will kick it away. Kind of a line drive, kick, scramble for it and Woodbine able to get on it at around the 32 yard line. And coach Marty Wadle being aggressive there on that kick, maybe trying to snag a possession, but Woodbine offense will go to work and Tom interested to see how they attack this opening drive. Landon Blum their star receiver. Division one prospect held in check in the first half. Just three catches for 22 yards.

Yeah and like I and I said this already in the first half I do look for them to get the get him the ball a little bit more, especially out in space. And as you can see, he's in man to man coverage.

It was a very clean first half. No turnovers, just one penalty on a kickoff. Out of bounds on first down Micah Moores falls forward to the 36 yard line. First down. Always kind of the theme setter. Tone setter for the drive. And Woodbine got a second down and six coming up after the run by Micah.

Morse yeah. And Moores you know in the first half had ten carries for 46 yards. That's a darn good first half. And you know they can continue to mix things up which you know it's just kind of keeping Bishop a little bit on their heels.

Was the 11th carry of the day for Morse 50 yards two touchdowns to his name so far. Second down and six coming up for Woodbine. Now from their 36 yard line. Pryor wanting to pass to Blum makes the catch. Hit the turf though as he made the catch. So it looks like he's going to be just a bit shy of the first down. And now a very, very important third down coming up here in the second half.

You know, you got to like where you're at in this situation because I feel you're in two down territory. And if they want to they could try you know a big play deep because you could always come back. You know, and feel pretty confident about getting a first down.

Woodbine two of three on third down today out of a pistol, Pryor will hand off Morse Moores I think, got stood up shy of the first down. Should depend on the spot, but it's going to be very close and Tom. I know we've talked about this a lot leading up to not just today, but every time we've done a football game together, teams nowadays don't line up under center. A lot because we've got an official's time-out for a measurement. You see a lot of teams now they go out of the shotgun, they go out of the pistol, and sometimes on those short yardage situations, that obviously is not not ideal.

No. And I I'm kind of a little bit more old school. You know I feel a little bit more comfortable if you're under center because you're not number one handing the ball off five and six yards deep, you know, versus you know, you're getting the ball right at the line of scrimmage.

See today's officiating crew. Had a relatively clean game so far. And now survey says first down Woodbine and they'll move the chains. And that is a big third down conversion.

Yeah it's just going to keep the chains moving.

[APPLAUSE]

And like I still I'm going to keep saying it Trevor I just I foresee them getting Blum a little bit more involved.

So Woodbine gets just enough on third down. And now they'll keep this drive going with a first and ten of the Garrigan 38 yard line. Pryor wanting to throw Pryor downfield. Going to Blum. He hauls it in and is into the end zone. Touchdown! Woodbine! But there is a flag, so we'll have to check the marker. Right now it's the flag is at the 16 yard line and this is a big call coming up.

[APPLAUSE]

The officials conversing. Brodyn Pryor hit Landon Blum for what looked to be a long touchdown, but a flag comes in on that play. A lot of anxious people on both sides right now. I'd say awaiting the penalty, but I think it's going to be on.

Holding defense. Number nine. Touchdown is good. That penalty will be accepted on the kickoff.

And there you hear it. Penalty on Garrigan. The touchdown stands 23rd touchdown catch of the year for Landon Blum the state's leader on a 42 yard toss from Brody Pryor. And just the start that the Tigers wanted. As you'll see the replay here. That was not an easy throw. Not an easy catch. But they connect as they have throughout the last three years, and it's 26 to 14 in favor of wood by now. Pryor on the two point try kind of rushed throw Brenner Sullivan open, makes the catch. And it's an eight point possession for the Tigers 28 to 14 and Tom. That was exactly what they needed in many ways. One go down the field and score. Two get Landon Blum involved.

Yeah. And you know what a great route once again. And it's something I had kind of been seeing. I feel bad, you know for Bishop has you know, as far as the defensive back, that's really hard for Michael Joyce to be able to cover him one on one. And he had, like I said, a quick double move and he's done that 3 or 4 times this game. But that's a hard you know, it's just hard to guard that. But like you said, a big play.

See Brody Pryor on your screen if you're watching at home. He did take a nice shot at the end of that two point try. But the sideline get a drink of water after the touchdown connection from him to Landon Blum.

[APPLAUSE]

And now Woodbine will kick it away up by two scores here early in the third quarter of this Eight-Player state championship game.

Big possession here for Bishop Garrigan for sure.

[APPLAUSE]

Of course, with that holding penalty on the touchdown, the kickoff will be marched up. Woodbine going to be able to kick it from the 40 yard line. Bishop Garrigan will start their second possession.

In this situation. I would definitely be prepared for some type of an onside kick just in case, because you're not going to give him great field position either way.

So Aiden Keenan will kick it away. To get here Woodbine their postseason path featured wins over Elk Horn, Kimballton southeast Warren and Fremont Mills, and they beat Gladbrook-reinbeck in a state semifinal last week. Bishop Garrigan got here quarterfinal win over Don Bosco in a semifinal last week. This kick will be pushed into the end zone for a touchback, and now Garrigan will start this next drive on their own 15 and Tom. We saw in that final drive of the half, Garrigan moved the ball well. I think it was 16 plays, 77 yards.

I look for them to come out and kind of do the same stuff. They did mix it up quite a bit in that last one, so, you know, just keep doing what you've been doing, run the football with Foertsch.

You see the path to today for both of these teams you mentioned, you mentioned, you know, Bishop Garrigan not have been in one semifinal. Woodbine Gladbrook-reinbeck in the other very, very competitive Eight-Player field this year. First and goal for first and ten for Garrigan from the 15. Here's a screen right side making the catch and then cutting upfield for a couple of yards is Michael Joyce. It'll be second down coming up for Garrigan and Tom. We've seen not to sound like a broken record, but first down, it's not been a great down for Garrigan, and that doesn't help the cause.

They're. No. And that was a, you know, just kind of a three receivers lined up in a row, a dangerous throw because he did throw it backwards. And friend read that perfectly there. Very fortunate he didn't pick that off and take it in for six.

Second and eight. Now coming up for Bishop Garrigan. Big drive they'll give to Marso up to the 22 yard line, a gain of five. Ethan Marso standout running back and linebacker talked to coach Marty Wadle this week. Asked him if Marso has got aspirations to play college football, and said he's going to go to lineman school. Yep.

Good for him.

Very, very talented athlete for the Golden Bears. Third and three. Coming up. They'll run it with Foertsch Foertsch. I don't think he quite got it. Brenner Sullivan was there to tackle him low and a very very interesting decision coming up for Bishop Garrigan on this fourth and short.

Yeah, and I can't say enough about those linebackers from Woodbine. He's coming from this left hand side shoots a gap as they are slanting up front. That's just a heck of a play to keep him behind. Obviously in the fourth and one a little bit longer than one situation.

Brenner Sullivan makes the tackle. Tom if I were to ask you, Brenner Sullivan winter sport, what would be your guess?

Wrestling.

[APPLAUSE]

He is a state qualifying wrestler. Fourth and one now for Bishop Garrigan. Early on in the third quarter. Big, big play here for the Golden Bears. Foertsch running right side into the pile and squirms through the seam for a first down and will keep the drive going. Bishop Garrigan has had some success on fourth down today, as you'll see on the replay, Foertsch able to find the seam and get enough for the first down.

And that's one of the few times they went not to the strong side. So much.

Whistle on a flag. One of our first penalties of the day, a relatively clean first half. The only penalty in the first half was that kickoff out of bounds.

False start.

Offense number 75 Five-Yard penalty from the previous spot. First down.

The false start will back them up five yards. And you know Tom this is a Garrigan offense at first and long. Not necessarily their friend.

No because it just puts them in an awkward situation. But still no reason to panic. You know you've got 15 yards. Playbook is wide open. I would keep feeding, you know, either the quarterback or the running back.

So on first and long, their 38th rush attempt of the day is to hand off to Ethan Marso right side. Gets back what they lost on the penalty. And then a little bit more you know they average about 38 rushes a game and they've already met that mark on that run by Marso.

Two big guys out in front right there on that play paving the way for Marso.

So now a second down coming up for Garrigan. Second and six. They will feed Marso again. Marso bowling forward. He'll pick up a couple, make it third and short Joe Marso gets the ball a lot. Not not a big play threat, so to speak. You know, as longest run today is nine yards. Any time he gets the ball in his hands, you can count on him moving forward. Third and four coming. up for Bishop Garrigan. They will give it to Marso. Marso into the second level. Moves the chains. Say it ain't so Ethan Marso moves the chains for a first down.

Yeah, just a great job there with the guys up front. And you know, it's something we talked about. Time of possession and the number of plays will it wear and tear down on Woodbine a little bit. You see that they're subbing.

Now to the Woodbine 35 yard line. They will hand off CJ McGregor left side. McGregor had a rushing touchdown earlier, gets about four yards before being upended. A second manageable coming up for this Garrigan offense right around the 30 yard line with 750 to go here in the third quarter. We talked about how that drive at the end of the half was a big one. This has maybe even bigger.

Absolutely. You know, you got to come away with points. And I really like what they're doing. Just pounding the just keep pounding the ball.

On second down McGregor gets the carry. We'll make this a third and short and Tom contrasting styles so far today and Woodbine has been able to move the ball kind of in big plays and big, you know, big gains, Garrigan I don't know, three yards in a cloud of dust is the right word, but they're a lot more methodical and meticulous.

Yeah, absolutely. And they're going to keep doing it. You know, like you had said before, they they have well over 40 rushes already.

[APPLAUSE]

This will be the ninth play of the drive for Garrigan and a drive that's taken over five minutes. Foertsch keeps it and he gets stood up. Joe Freund not making any friends on the Garrigan side with that tackle for loss. You'll see the replay here in a moment. He has played a very, very good game defensively and does a good job of reading that and tackling search for the tackle for loss.

Yeah, and we talked about the receivers having to block on the outside. And right there was just one of those examples. Kind of just fell asleep a little bit. Allowing for Joe Freund to come in and make a play.

Fourth and six for Bishop Garrigan from the 31 yard line here on their first drive of the second half, as they're down two scores, they are three for four on fourth down today, three receivers to the right Foertsch back to pass over the middle. It is caught and enough for a first down. Michael Joyce makes the catch and a big fourth down conversion by the Golden Bears keeps that drive going.

Yeah. Out route with the guy inside. And you know you could see what he did. He just kind of found a little area in the zone. SAT right there. Great read by the quarterback.

First and ten. Now for Garrigan. Foertsch running left side and gets wrestled down by Brenner Sullivan SO Woodbine defense. One of the top in the state in tackles for loss. Gets another one there and it's second down.

So yeah they're just able to bring other guys in you know, that are tired. So it just you see him going off the field right there Wagner. And they're able to bring somebody else in for him. Next guy in has got to be your mentality.

I imagine Tate Foertsch one of those guys getting a little tired 23rd rush for him today. He'll give Ethan Marso a tote Marso bounces it. Right side flag comes in late though generally in the vicinity of holding. We'll see what the official deems, but Garrigan walking it back and Tom you know what's been a relatively clean game as you get into the second half time is of the essence. Every drive, every play is amplified.

46 offense ten yards from the previous spot. Still, second down.

Penalties like that can be can be big.

Yeah. And that could have a lot to do with fatigue. You know they've been pounding the ball consistently right there. And I believe they said it was on number 53. Carter Schwab. And he plays a lot of football. He's a physical specimen up there. So now they're really behind in the change. And so they're going to have to they're going to have to open it up here a little bit.

Second penalty of this half for Bishop Garrigan after like I said, a relatively clean first half. 525 to go here in the third quarter. Garrigan trying to cut into this two score Woodbine lead Foertsch out of a shotgun, wanting to throw downfield, floats it up. It is incomplete. He tried to go to Michael Joyce Brodyn Pryor was in coverage. And now what was second and long becomes a third and long.

He had Dalton Klenz right there across the middle. Down there. He sat in the gap before the safety. You know, it's kind of that one of those things you got to take what the defense is giving you on that situation.

15 third down of the day for Bishop Garrigan, who has been 5050 on those seven of 14 so far, Foertsch back to pass pressure coming. Looks like a screen and it is caught over the middle by Joyce. He's got room Joyce gets the first down inside the 20 and hadn't seen a screen all day. I don't think from the Garrigan side, but they go to one there and it moves the chains now.

I think we got fourth and seven. I believe, because yeah, so you know what?

Oh yeah. Yeah.

Silly me. No, but they did. You can see in the replay here. Great job up front letting the guys go upfield. But this at least makes it a manageable fourth down for sure.

Yeah I was looking at the the initial chain. I might be a rookie at this. Never know. Fourth down coming up now for Bishop Garrigan a big fourth down fourth and seven from the 17 Foertsch back to pass over the middle. Actually go right side. That was into triple coverage. Trying to go to Joyce and the Woodbine defense holds as they knock that one away. I think that was Pryor. They got a hand on it.

Yeah. He's kind of doing a little bit of everything today. That's just a great play.

You see, on the replay, Foertsch goes right side. Want to go to Michael Joyce? You had Joe friend in there as well. And a big stop for the Woodbine defense to give them the football back up. Two scores with 423 to go here in the third.

First play coming out. I'm kind of interested to see. I don't know if they take a shot or not. Trevor but we'll see.

I would you here.

Yeah I would if I had some of these kids. I know for a fact I would and they're in man to man coverage.

So Woodbine trying to capitalize on the turnover on downs. Pryor back to pass. Pass is caught. It's Landon Blum making the catch and he'll have enough for the first down. Getting him more involved in the second half here.

Yeah to me it was one of the keys at halftime that we had talked about.

[APPLAUSE]

And he's just he's too he's too good as far as an athlete right now to be able to guard one on one. And right now he's just running some great routes and they're struggling to cover him.

Third catch of the quarter for Blum. They did actually mark him about a yard further back than I thought. They'll say a yard shy of the first down.

I like what they're doing here with the clock.

Right now. If you're Woodbine, I mean, there's 15 minutes left in this game. The clock can be your friend. And a whistle and a flag.

And.

We'll have to check the flag. But there's a chance at this second one becomes a second and six.

Dead ball.

False start.

Offense. Number 66. Five-Yard penalty. Previous spot. Second down.

So Tom, does that change your second down play call here if you're Woodbine.

No, I kind of liked what they were doing right there. They were going to give the ball back to Morse. It's something I think I would come back to, but playbook is wide open and you can see we talked about that last week. The amount of kids that they shuffle back in on offense is pretty. It's pretty amazing.

So now second and six coming up, by the way is the first penalty on Woodbine today. He'll go out of a pistol. Two receivers to the left, one to the right and movement up front. I think that's going to be on Garrigan. That's going to wash out that five yard false start. And now what was second and one and then second and six is back to a second.

And one five yard penalty. Still second down.

You see Pryor does a good job with the hard count. Gets movement up front by one of the defensive tackles. Those Karson Kramer the guilty party on that. And now back to a second and one for Woodbine at their own 27 yard line. 310 to go here in a fast moving third quarter of Eight-Player state championship game, Pryor will feed Morse Moores first down and Moores broke out of an ankle tackle to get a couple extra yards to the 34 yard line.

You talk about some pads popping right there. Joe was pulling and he had to go against one of the bigger kids from Bishop Garrigan, and he did not slow down. You could hear the pads pop all the way up here. I just feel Woodbine has just been extremely physical today.

13th carry of the day for Micah Moores, who's got 59 yards and they have been hard earned yards so far. Two and a half to go here in the quarter. Woodbine trying to grow their lead here late in the third. Pryor will feed Moores again. Moores breaking tackles again. Gets a first down to the 31 yard line. You know Tom, you talk about sometimes running to set up the pass in a sense here. Woodbine maybe has passed a little bit to set up the run.

Yeah. And once again you can see he's leading up through the hole. I'm just impressed right now with what Woodbine is doing up front. And once again, shuffling two and three guys in on offense. The depth is really, really showing here late in the third quarter.

Let's say Woodbine offense that's got some beef up front. Jax Pryor Jacob Cogdill Connor Murdock Matthew Tremel among those guys that usually pave the way first and ten for Woodbine Pryor wanting to throw scrambling around Pryor heaves one downfield to Blum Blum hauls it in Blum into the end zone. Touchdown! Woodbine Brodyn Pryor and Landon Blum a little improv like they were in the backyard there in Woodbine.

Yeah, you're just asking a lot out of the defensive back there to be able to cover him. And once again, that was a great double move. He was open earlier and then they just like you said, backyard football right there.

Let's see on the replay. I mean, this is like you said, backyard stuff. Pryor knows he's going to take a shot, heaves one downfield to his friend Landon Blum and Blum does the rest for the touchdown. And Woodbine now up 34 to 14 here late in the third quarter. And they'll go for two to try to grow their lead. Seventh catch of the day for Blum second touchdown catch of the day for the state's leader in those on the two point try, Pryor passes over the middle. It is caught Brenner Sullivan makes his second two point catch of the day and things going Woodbine his way right now. Up 36 to 14 with 147 left in the third. Still a lot of football left to be played though, Tom. And if it all starts on this next drive, but you've got a long way to go over the next 14 minutes.

Yeah, you're going to have to do something here in this next possession, because if you punt the ball back to them, you know, we've seen already you know, he tosses that ball up to Blum. You know that's just man to man. It's like a basketball. Play it six five trying to cover him as you're asking a lot out of defensive backs.

Woodbine goes four plays 63 yards on that drive. Capped by the long touchdown to Landon Blum and Brodyn Pryor in his final high school game, has been wheeling and dealing ten of 13 for one, 75 and three touchdowns. Will end his time at Woodbine is not just one of their best players in program history, but one of the best passers in the eight man game that we've seen in quite some time. He's hoping that the next 14 minutes it'll end with a state championship as well. Hayden Kaine will kick it away. This kick looks like it might be returnable for Joyce at the one yard line. Joyce trying to bounce left side gets up to the 19 yard line.

[APPLAUSE]

So now Garrigan will start this next drive on their own 19 yard line I mentioned. You know, Brodyn Pryor has been a phenomenal athlete. If you know anything about Woodbine, there's all kinds of priors. He's got cousins that have been a big part of their success. His brother Layne actually played football on this field and this week signed with the Houston Texans. He was a standout athlete of his own. They had another brother, Wyatt, who went on to have a great college career. They've got cousins that have been phenomenal athletes as well. Here's a run by Ethan Marso on first down. Marso might go. He gets tripped up Brenner Sullivan with a nice open field tackle. It looked like Ethan Marso was about to kick it into the next gear, and that would have been a big spark. But Brenner Sullivan makes the tackle. But Garrigan moving the chains to the 35 yard line. They will hand it off. Marso gets maybe a yard or two and Tom you're kind of seeing a little bit more urgency from Garrigan.

Yeah, I agree with the up tempo, but right there, once again, the the left end for Bishop Garrigan is just not picking up the right guy. They're just leaving too many guys free to come. Make plays.

Second down and eight. Now for Bishop Garrigan. Down to a minute to go here in the third Foertsch rolling. Right. Wanting to throw decides running might be the best play. Foertsch gets close to the first down. It'll depend on the spot, but a good job. By Tate Foertsch to improvise. So we get under a minute to go here in the third quarter and they, I believe, mark him just short. So third and short. They'll give Marso Marso first down.

Oh.

And up to the 27 yard line. The ball came out late. Woodbine feels like they have I think the official. Well they're gonna say Woodbine ball.

First down carry.

No Garrigan first down. Okay. The official was pointing like it was Woodbine ball, but that looked like it was. It was down in plenty of time. And now we've got a Woodbine time-out on the field. And Tom. Like I said, you can see the urgency for Bishop Garrigan right now. They know any chance they have of coming back kind of hinges a lot on being able to end this drive. At least six, preferably eight.

Yeah. You've got to make sure you just try to get some points on this possession here. And you still got an entire quarter to play. You know, you can still do onside kicks, but you got to make sure that you're able to get into the end zone.

So 35 seconds to go here in the third quarter. Garrigan did an awesome job at the end of the half of finishing that frame with points, trying to do the same here. You're just tuning in. What a fun game this has been here today. Garrigan took an early six zero lead. Woodbine then scored the next 20. Garrigan got a touchdown at the end of the half. As you see the Garrigan conversation going on during the time-out and then the Woodbine side. I know there were a lot of people that made the trek from Harrison County.

Great crowds out here today from Woodbine and then obviously, Bishop Garrigan, shout out back home to my students at H-k. So I know that they were looking forward to watch.

[APPLAUSE]

And so Garrigan, with 35 seconds to go here in the third quarter as a first and ten from the 27 yard line. Garrigan yet to throw a pass on this drive, and that'll stay the theme as they give the CJ McGregor who gets maybe a yard.

Boy, it sure looked like the ball was bobbling there. When they're going through really some bad Woodbine is just coming up and really hitting hard right now.

Under 20s to go in the quarter and Garrigan not showing a lot of urgency as I say, that they break the huddle to maybe try to get one play off before the end of the quarter. Foertsch will run it. For a couple of yards and a third down and manageable coming up for Garrigan on the other side of this quarter. But three quarters in the books, somebody is 12 minutes away from Championship glory. Will it be Woodbine or Garrigan? Right now it is 36 to 14. Woodbine leading fourth quarter. Coming up here in just a few minutes from Cedar Falls here on Iowa PBS.

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[MUSIC]

I want.

You back away.

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See you in my next life. See you next one. C c c c.

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C.

Local, regional and national artists take the stage to perform original sets and share their musical journeys on studio three live. Enjoy weekly performances Fridays at 830. Online or as a podcast. On to the fourth quarter here in Cedar Falls. Trevor Maeder Tom Petersen with you. Class Eight-Player State Championship game Woodbine leading 36 to 14. But Bishop Garrigan putting together a nice drive that they very, very much need as we get this final frame underway.

Tom yes, the sense of urgency thing that's got to continue for them right now. Time is not on their side. So I look for them. You know, it's a third and manageable third and five and a half or six yards. You can still do pretty much whatever you want. But I definitely think they got to continue the hurry up.

So Bishop Garrigan, who won a state title in 2023 trying to make it two in the last three years. Woodbine never won one. Played in a state title game in 1997, back when they were still 11. Man. Lost to West Central Maynard in that title game. They are 12 minutes away from Championship glory. Third down and five coming up for Bishop Garrigan to start the fourth quarter and a whistle and a flag.

Dead ball. False start. Offense. Number 11. Five-Yard. Penalty. Previous spot. Still third down.

And that third and five is going to become a third and ten. And you know Tom, I know you old football coaches love to talk about penalties after a clean first half. That's the fifth penalty of the day on Bishop Garrigan.

Just self-inflicted wounds. And it does change what you're doing. As far as your play call.

Third and ten. Now for Garrigan Foertsch quarterback Ron gets back what they lost in the penalty. It'll make this a fourth and manageable coming up for the Golden Bears at around the 21 yard line will be a fourth and about four. Coming up and a big, big, big, big big play for the Garrigan faithful.

Yeah, this is a must here.

So fourth and four for Garrigan from just outside the Woodbine 20 Foertsch wanting to throw over the middle. It is caught by Weston Rosenmeyer, inside the five. And when they need a big play, they get it. Now, Garrigan on the goal line here early in the fourth quarter.

Yeah, just. I like the eye candy in the backfield there. Just kind of got there. That second level of guys shifting.

Did you see on the replay? That was a really good throw by Foertsch. Here's the handoff. Ethan Marso. He will go into the end zone. Touchdown Bishop Garrigan A little bit of life for the Golden Bears here early on in the fourth quarter. As they cut this down to a two score game at 36 to 20.

You and I talked quite a bit about this last week. The importance of the two point conversions. You got to have some of those play calls right here, ones that maybe you haven't shown, but you got to make sure that you're able to convert on these right now in this situation.

So now they'll go for two. One of two on those so far today. The big one here to try to make this a 14 point game. Foertsch will hand it off to Marso. And Marso lowers his shoulder and gets in for the two point. Try. Makes it 36 to 22 and Tom. That was a nine play, 61 yard drive for kind of a quick striker to win a minute 40. Of course they had the big conversion on fourth down to get them inside the five.

Yeah you got to have some life and right there that should help them. You know you got to gain some confidence from this. You know I'd like to see the kids down there. They both look tired. I'm not going to lie to you, Trevor, but, you know, you've got to get pumped up right here as a defense and be able to come out and get a stop against Woodbine because they have just been really dynamic in everything they do.

A lot of nerves. You see some of the fans on both sides, with the exception of of the the baby that looked like was fighting off nap time. A lot of nervous energy on both sides and Tom, you know, if you're Garrigan here on special teams, do you roll the dice and try to steal a possession?

Well, you know, you've got 1116 to go. I probably kick it deep. I don't know if he tried to do an onside on the last one. Trevor it kind of looked like it went off the side of his foot. But there's been some weird rotation, but you can see coaches down there having a meeting with all of the guys. I would definitely look for something, as Woodbine also has their hands. Team currently up there. As far as expecting the onside kick.

So with 1116 to go, 36 to 22, Woodbine leading Bishop Garrigan here in this Eight-Player state championship game. First of seven games coming your way here on Iowa PBS throughout the next two days. By the time it's all said and done, we'll crown seven state champions and wrapped up a fantastic 2025 football season. So Bishop Garrigan to kick it away. Gage Meyer is their kicker. And we'll see how Coach Marty Wadle attacks this kickoff. If they kick it deep, or if they try to snag a possession, they will short kick it and Cal Pryor hops on it and Woodbine will take over at their own 33 yard line. And now, Tom, here's the question for Woodbine you've hung your hat on the big play so far today. Is that what you keep going to, or do you try to run the ball and burn some clock?

Well, I'll tell you what it for myself. You know, if they're going to continue to play man to man coverage, I'm going to continue to go at it because a lot of the drives that Bishop has been having have been, you know, those methodical drives, they're taking 4 or 5, six minutes off the clock. So you never know. But like I said, he's out here by himself on an island.

First and ten for Woodbine. They'll start this drive on their own 34 yard line. There's a handoff. Micah Morse Moores spins off one tackle and keeps the legs moving for a nice gain on first down. If you can pick up 6 or 7 yards on first down, that'll help the cause.

Especially with Micah Moores. You know, he just runs extremely hard. Just been very impressed with Woodbine as an entire group today.

Second down. and five. Now coming up for Woodbine from the 39 yard line. Bishop Garrigan does have all three time-outs as we get into the early stages of this fourth quarter, but they'll need a stop at least one, if not multiple, hand off Morse 16th carry for him today. Got back to the line of scrimmage and then maybe a little bit more. That was Carter McGregor that made the tackle. And now a big third down coming up for this Garrigan defense as they try to get off the field.

Great play there with him. Just kind of shooting that gap. Very impressed with the defensive end because that's a Reed play for Pryor there. He stayed disciplined, made sure that his shoulders were where they were supposed to be.

Third and three for Woodbine from midfield.

[APPLAUSE]

Just over ten minutes to go in this game. Pryor wanting to pass incomplete short, hopped it to Brenner Sullivan and it's a fourth and short coming up for Woodbine and Tom more if you're coach Dustin Crook, what do you do here, boy?

You know, this is one of maybe you look at some of your kids and see how they maybe how the body language is and one of your quarterback, especially Pryor, comes over and says, let's go for it. You know, the kids have been they've been playing well all day.

[APPLAUSE]

So it looks to me like they're going to go for it.

You could have said it Tom decisions like this are why you're glad to be up here.

Today.

And not.

Down there. Exactly correct.

Woodbine is going to go for it. Fourth and three from midfield. We've got a time-out.

Time-out?

Woodbine Woodbine going to take the time-out. Their second of the half. So second time-out of the half for Woodbine up two scores with a big fourth and three. On the way. Rising from the ashes for a second consecutive season. It's college wrestling. The heart of the match beats in the great state of Iowa. Catch the grit the glory and the champions of Tomorrow. Featuring the Hawkeye. Women's cyclone men Naia Division two and Division three, as well as some double headers. Join us as college wrestling coverage returns again this December on Iowa PBS.

That time of year again.

Very much that time of year. A lot of really good programs from multiple levels. Of course, in the states. And you see the college wrestling schedule in Iowa PBS, Grandview and Iowa, two women's meets here in early December, Missouri Valley and Grandview in January. Of course, the Grandview program, the cream of the crop there in the Naia world over the better part of the last decade. They have a coaching change. But imagine they're going to keep on with the success. And then, of course, one of the highlights South Dakota State playing at playing Iowa. State at Humboldt there in January. Here we go on this fourth down and three for Woodbine trying to keep this drive going. Pryor rolling right.

[APPLAUSE]

Pryor throws across his body. It's intercepted. Ethan Marso comes up with the pick and a big stand for the Garrigan defense.

They had.

A man open over the middle, but Marso just made a great play. As you'll see. And it's a turnover. And Garrigan with life here early in the fourth quarter.

It does look like he's short arms it just a little bit Trevor. But what a great play there. Very athletic play.

Second interception of the year for Marso. Yeah. Pryor rolling right. Brenner Sullivan had had leaked free, but Marso gets one of the big paws on it and comes up with the pick. And now you see Brody Pryor going, oh, man.

Yeah, but you move on. Next play.

So Garrigan now takes over. Foertsch back to pass, looking for maybe a quick strike first. Instead, he'll tuck it and run. Foertsch slides down. We'll see where they spot the slide, but the initial spot will give him a first down inside the 20. The 19 yard line. That's the first turnover we've had on either side, by the way. It's a Tom.

Yeah, it's been very well played all the way through I do I still like them playing up tempo.

First and ten. Now for Garrigan. They will keep it. Foertsch Foertsch lunges forward for a couple of yards. It'll make it a second and very manageable coming up. So the Ethan Marso interception and return Scot Garrigan. Inside the 20. With 920 to go as they try to claw out of this deficit. Foertsch quarterback run off the right side just shy of the first down. A third and short coming up.

You know, it almost seems like they've just been leaning on them all day long. I'm not sure you know how many rushing plays that is, but the bigs up front are getting the job done right now. Big plays coming up right here.

Third and two now coming up for Garrigan.

[APPLAUSE]

And they will give to Marso. And it looks like he's about a yard shy at a fourth and short. Coming up now for Garrigan. At the ten yard line. And I think to call this a big play would be the understatement of the year.

I would go as soon as you can.

Woodbine kind of late bringing men on the field. And now Garrigan head coach Marty Wadle, I think, saw something he didn't like and he's going to call a time-out. Their first of the half, two remaining for him. And you can see a very, very animated coach. Wadley want to get that time-out.

Yeah you know but Woodbine they only had seven guys out there right. You know on that last play. So but obviously in this situation being the biggest play of the game, you want to make sure that you're doing something correct. Because this is just a huge first down.

And so you know Bishop Garrigan Time-out here early in the fourth quarter. And Tom, you know as well as anybody in these small schools seeing, you know, student athletes are asked to wear a lot of different hats. And how about some of the Garrigan players this past weekend they were a member of the Bishop Garrigan musical The Addams Family. You see Matt, Besch, Tate Foertsch and Kayden Graves among them, mysterious and. spooky and sometimes kind of kooky or whatever it.

Is.

That's very.

Busy this time of year.

Yeah. And, you know, that was the day after the state semifinals, that weekend after the state semifinal game. So that's just awesome to see kids getting involved in as many activities as you possibly can. For all of you out there, please try to get involved in as much stuff as you can see.

If Garrigan draws up something kooky here on fourth down, or if they just give the ball to Ethan Marso or Tate Foertsch. Fourth and one from the ten for the Golden Bears. Down two scores with 824 to go in this Eight-Player state championship game. High formation for Garrigan. First, we'll hand it off. Marso Marso has got the first down easily, and he'll give them a goal to go situation with eight minutes to go. Clock will continue to run, but Garrigan moves the chains.

Something a little different there. They brought on Karson Kramer right now back into in on offense. Normally he's just a defensive player, so getting some bigger guys up front.

First and goal from the seven Foertsch quarterback run. His 30th run of the day will be near the goal line and he's into the end zone. Touchdown Garrigan. Game on here in Cedar Falls is Tate Foertsch finds the end zone to get it down to a one score game.

Yeah. You know as soon as I say that they bring him in. And when in doubt follow the big guy here. As you're going to see on the replay. They go right behind him. Great block. Also by the fullback by the tailback. And Trevor. We got ourselves a game.

So back to back touchdowns by Garrigan of course sandwiched in there was the Ethan Marso interception that set this up. And now all the momentum has gone garrigan's way down by eight. A chance to get it down to six. So on the two point try Foertsch back to pass. Foertsch trying to run now. Ran into his own guy. Bounces right side, then we'll throw and it's caught Weston Rosenmeyer makes the catch. There is a flag down though, so we'll have to check the penalty. Tate Foertsch did a good job improvising. Maybe some of those Adams family skills showing off there with the improv, but we'll have to see what the marker is. And if that's not Woodbine.

Illegal man downfield or.

An eligible man downfield. the call so Tom five yards free play the next.

Here's one train of thought here. This is the Bishop Garrigan team. They've gone for two all day today, but they have kicked 37 extra points this year. Do you kick the extra point and know that okay, next time we have options we can play for the tire. We can play for the win.

It wouldn't be a bad idea for sure because you know I still say they're just not real comfortable in obvious passing situations. But here we go.

So they are going to line up and go for two to try to make it a six point game here early in the fourth quarter. They'll go reverse to Joyce Joyce with a convoy will float it to Foertsch, who tried to tiptoe, but couldn't haul it in. They went to the bag of tricks and it was almost an awesome play. I think he come up on.

Blum was going to tip that one.

And Tom, I don't know that the the significance of that penalty can be stated enough because that backed him up. And I mean, just about everything went right on that play. And Joyce did a good job of floating it over first, but first couldn't haul it in. And now it's an eight point game with 759 to go.

Pretty impressive, what with Bishop Garrigan right now. You know they haven't they haven't stopped playing great defensive play obviously with the interception from Ethan Marso just to get them back in a situation. To make this back to a one score game. So like I said, we got ourselves a football game. But here you go with the defense going to have to make plays again.

Tom put on the coaching cap. I know you've been in a tight state championship game before. If you're Woodbine everything had gone your way for the better part of three quarters now. Wouldn't say your back's against the wall, but momentum has shifted. What's the message? If your coach Dustin Crook to your team?

Hey, just pull him aside and keep doing what you're doing. Let's just be us, is what I would be telling our kids. You know nothing to panic about. You've got athletes and I look for them to try to get Landon Blum back involved in this next drive.

So once down 22, Bishop Garrigan has cut this down to an eight point deficit with 759 to go here in this class. Eight-Player state title game. Ethan Marso will kick it away and this will be returnable for Woodbine Dillon Reed fields it at the three Reed breaks out of an ankle tackle and he'll get knocked out of bounds at around the 16 yard line. So that'll be where Woodbine begins their next drive. With just under eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Woodbine put together a drive that will be remembered in Harrison County for years to come. Or can Garrigan get a stop and give themselves a chance to have a chance?

You can definitely tell the defense has got a little bit more pep in their step here. Going back with a three man front, these guys are excited right now. Crowd's getting into it also.

So Woodbine starting this drive on their own 16 yard line. See how aggressive they are. They'll put Moores in motion in the backfield. They swing it to him. Morse makes the catch and fights for some yards. That was a play in their semifinal that they ran. Really. They ran early and often to success. I think that's the first time they've ran that today is you know Morse leaks out of the backfield.

Yeah. And it's just a hard play to defend because you've got to have somebody that flows with him. And if you don't, they're going to have numbers to the outside. Great play call on first down.

Second and six. Now for Woodbine seven and a half to go in this game. Bishop Garrigan does have two time-outs remaining. The Tigers you know they break the huddle with about 15 left on the play clock. A workout of a pistol. They will feed Moores Moores got tripped up but lunges forward to make this a third and manageable third about three and Tom did you go back to the ground game here? What do you do?

Well, you just made a great point. You know, as a coach, I'm definitely talking to my quarterback because he can see the play clock down at the opposite side of the end zone. They snap that with eight nine seconds left. Those are seconds. You want them to run off. But you know I to me I'm going to Blum I am you know they've got stopped last time on third and fourth and short. I'm going to my my most dynamic player on the outside.

, third down and short coming up for Woodbine. They try to keep the drive going. Garrigan trying to get off the field. They will give it to Moores and Moores doesn't get it. Matt Besch makes the tackle for loss. And Garrigan's going to get the football back with about six minutes to go.

[APPLAUSE]

As Besch came through unblocked and a big stop for this Golden Bears defense.

Yeah.

That's just for blood. Number nine has to come out of play for blood.

That's just a great play to put themselves in a position to get the ball back.

So with 618 remaining, this Eight-Player state title game, Garrigan trailed 36 to 14 late in the third quarter. All of a sudden, they've got a chance to get the ball back. Brody Pryor is the punter for Woodbine is worth noting. He is also their quarterback, although I don't, you'd have to be the gambler of all gamblers to go for it here and now with a what looks to be a false start that will wipe out any thought of.

That false start.

[APPLAUSE]

Number 83 kicking team five-yard penalty. Still fourth down.

And I know that might only be a five yard penalty, but Bishop Garrigan didn't have anybody back on that play. Now you have an opportunity to get some. You're going to have an opportunity to get somebody back to return this, because they're definitely not going for it in this situation.

It was on the left side. Connor Murdock there is a little bit of a flinch by one of the defensive linemen, and Murdock took the bait. Now prior to punt it away, Pryor nice punt will roll on the UNI-Dome turf and fielded on a hop by Joyce. I don't know that he knew he had a defender chasing him and he'll get tackled. Cal Pryor made the tackle.

[APPLAUSE]

Our friend Joe Friend comes up with the tackle as well.

You know, it's you heard me say this earlier about their linebackers. How about right there on that play. It was both of their linebackers that were down there. Once again, I just would have had somebody back there for sure. You know they tried to run someone back late.

So Garrigan will have to go 76 yards and get the two point conversion in the next five minutes and 37 seconds. High drama here in Cedar Falls in this Eight-Player state title game. And the drive will start with Ethan Marso run for about three yards to the seven and Tom. I mean, if you're Garrigan, we've seen them be able to put. I mean, they had a drive in the first half that was a I think 16 plays, 77 yards.

, very similar to where they're at right now.

So a gain of a couple will make it second and seven. See a lot of anxious energy on both sidelines here today. As we get into the final minutes of this one they will hand off McGregor McGregor first down and tackled as he got to the second level. Landon Blum was one of the last defenders to have a shot at him. Blum makes the tackle, but it's a first down for Bishop Garrigan just over five minutes to go. Let's see. 60th rush. attempt for the Golden Bears today.

Absolutely unbelievable.

Here's 61 it looks like. And it's a run. McGregor McGregor gets another nice carry for about eight yards.

You know, earlier on Trevor those plays when they were wrapping up were going backwards. Right now currently Bishop Garrigan they are falling forward. And once again tempo.

Second and short. Now coming up four and a half to go Foertsch hand off McGregor McGregor didn't get much. If anything. And Tom how much of this is a case of, you know, Garrigan, with just the way they've ran the ball today wearing Woodbine down?

Well, 61 rushing attempts, you know, up in there. And Woodbine got another guy. Fresh body in there.

Third and one. Now for Garrigan. They'll hand off Marso. Marso does a good job of bouncing off a tackle in the backfield and will move the chains, but that clock continues to tick tick tick tick tick. Just north of four minutes. We'll see the replay here. Marso bounce might have actually been off one of his blockers in the backfield. Trudges forward for a couple of yards and the drive stays alive for Garrigan with a first down, a fresh set of downs. Garrigan. That's their ninth conversion on third down and 19 attempts today. Foertsch play action left side has a man. Madden. Miller makes the catch into Woodbine territory.

Miller was.

One of the unsung heroes in their semifinal. He gets his first catch of the day and it's a big gain inside Woodbine territory to the 30 yard line. Nice play action by first.

You're going to see that right there. Just that little play action pass that they have right there that got the back safety Pryor moving to his right. That allowed that gap over the top of the zone.

Now they're at the 30 yard line. Foertsch will hand it off. Marso Marso gets a yard or two. Will make it a second and eight. We get under four minutes to go in this one. Bishop Garrigan trying to win their second title in three years, third in program history. Woodbine trying to do something they've never done before, but they are going to have to fend off a Garrigan team trying to stage a fierce comeback.

Once again. Karson Kramer came back into with a six man front right here.

Second and eight. Now for Garrigan. Foertsch running broke out of a tackle in the backfield, then gets tripped up after a gain of a couple to the 24 yard line and a third and four coming up with just over three minutes remaining.

And third.

And four.

I look for the same thing.

20th, third down of the day for Garrigan is a keeper by Foertsch Foertsch can't break out of a Cal Pryor tackle and a one on one situation, but it looks like Burch is going to have enough for a first down, and he will. And it's now first and ten for Garrigan from the 20 with under three minutes to go. Foertsch. Will hand off Marso Marso breaks out of a tackle, gets a block on the outside and he's inside the ten Ethan Marso with a gain of ten. It's going to have Garrigan with a goal to go situation with under three minutes to go.

And I'll tell you what old big old 75 Karson Kramer at six 4260 coming around that edge, that is not a person that I would want to take on as far as a lead blocker.

Two and a half to go in this one, they will run it first. Foertsch cuts up the middle inside the five, breaks out of a tackle. and it's a touchdown. Bishop Garrigan Tate Foertsch cuts this down to a two point game and we're a two point conversion. away from being tied.

What a run right up there up the middle. What a drive.

Last year Bishop. As you'll see on the replay Foertsch converts the touchdown. And now the important two point conversion last year, Woodbine Garrigan lost his semifinal to Remsen Saint Mary's on a two point conversion. Now they need one to tie it. Foertsch running left side. He could walk. We're tied.

[APPLAUSE]

Wow, what a.

[APPLAUSE]

Game from 22 down. Bishop Garrigan has rolled back and it is 3636 with 232 left. Are you not entertained? Tom Petersen.

This has been unbelievable. You know how many unanswered points is that? 22 unanswered points. And you know what's been even more incredible? They're doing no huddle with 99% running plays. I'm not sure how many running plays that is for them. 68 rushing attempts on today. That is absolutely unbelievable.

So now Woodbine with 232 left will get the football back. One time-out. You know, Tom this is kind of eerily similar to their semifinal game. They were up 16 on Gladbrook-reinbeck. Gladbrook-reinbeck scored got a pick six. All of a sudden they were tied early in the fourth. Woodbine just methodically went down the field able to score with about three minutes to go. Now a little less time than what they had last week. But 2.5 minutes a touchdown.

Yeah. And you know obviously I still think they need to go back to mixing it up a little bit more with Landon Blum just hasn't really been involved here in the last few possessions.

So Garrigan will kick it away. Woodbine will get the football and a tie game here in Cedar Falls. Boy, I tell you what, the next six games on the docket over the next two days are going to have a tough time topping this one. And that is a challenge. If they want to take that Ethan Marso will kick it away. This will be returnable. Dillon Reed fields at the five Reed up to the 25 and Woodbine will have 55 yards to go here in this one. And you know, Tom, this is not a team that is used to kicking field goals or anything. So you would think this is a drive that's going to have to end in a touchdown.

Yeah. And if I'm Woodbine I obviously you know you got 226 on the clock. You don't have to go deep right out of the gates. Because if you get the chance to score, do that without much time on the clock.

First and ten for the Tigers. Pryor back to pass goes almost intercepted. He threw it to Aidan Cannon. I think he wanted to go to Landon Blum downfield, but he was covered well and instead he goes to Cannon and Michael. Joyce just about came up with the INT.

And I like the defensive adjustment that Bishop Garrigan has made. They've got one person head up on Landon Blum with another guy over the top.

, second and ten. Now for Woodbine. Garrigan side. That's in front of us about 30 minutes ago they looked.

[APPLAUSE]

They looked in despair. And now they feel like they've got new life. Pryor rolling right. Pryor wanting to throw downfield. Pryor being pressured, throws across his body, incomplete to Brenner Sullivan. Madden Miller was in coverage and it's now third down. Coming up for Woodbine with 215 to go.

And that's great defense there with the spy Ethan Martin just making sure he's keeping his eye on the quarterback. Pryor that's just a great play there. Puts them in a third and long situation. And if they don't get this we're looking at a punt situation for sure.

Third third down coming up for Woodbine. They are three of six on those today. 215 remaining in a highly entertaining Eight-Player title game.

I think they're gonna have to get a Time-out Trevor.

Well, they only have one left. Pryor they did not get the snap off. They did call a time-out. So the final time-out of the game for Woodbine comes on a third down with 215 to go.

Final half.

And Tom if you're coach Dustin Crook, what in the world do you do here?

Well, I'm going to spread the field. If you if you've noticed, they went back to a two man rush, so they got one person on Blum and then they got another one over the top. That's kind of like a a center fielder, if you will. So I'm looking to spread the field out a little bit more. Somebody has got to be open in some of those gaps. And you know some type of a mesh route I think would be great.

Paul Yeager the man of many talents down on the Woodbine sideline. Paul what's going on?

Hey, I'll tell you what. It's we switched. We were on the Garrigan side when it was 22 down, and it's just the momentum has changed right now. There's a lot of hay in this time-out. Right now. What coach is saying is just stay calm, stay with it. We're fine. It's a lot of that. We're fine business. Let's just see. But as Trevor you were saying, you could just hear the sound. It has gotten a lot louder on your south side. That is for certain.

Tom as a coach, when you're telling your team you're fine. How often are you actually fine?

Well, you know, they're 14 to 18 years old. You're trying to get that inside their head and you got to believe this is things that you did all summer long. And that's what puts you in their senior oriented for the most part. They've got a lot of seniors that are there. So just trust your guys.

Third and ten coming up for Woodbine, if you want drama, this is the place to be this morning. Garrigan trying to get the ball back and a chance for a game winning drive. Woodbine trying to keep their drive going. Pryor on third down, wanting to throw. Pass is caught. Blum makes the catch and gets the first down. Looked like pitch and catch on that third down.

Yeah. Guess who right there. Just kind of on call. Just runs deep out right there over the top. And just a great throw and also great timing.

210 to go. And Woodbine keeps their drive alive with that third down conversion. The 37 yard line Pryor pass caught right side and able to get the first down out of that as well. After fighting for some extra yardage was Brenner Sullivan and all of a sudden once third and ten and looking very clunky, Woodbine Scot at the Garrigan 30 yard line with two minutes to go.

Yeah, I've taken my time. If I'm them right here, run the ball once.

Under two to go and that's what they will do with Moores Moores bouncing right side. Moores gets a block Moores inside the 20 to the 15 yard line.

They have numbers up there. Trevor because they're running. They have a two man front is all they've got right now in this situation. So they've got numbers and they have angles.

Good block by Brenner Sullivan out in the open field to allow Moores to get a couple extra yards. By the way, Woodbine has not attempted an extra point or a field goal this year up to this point. Now I think back to a semifinal game a couple years ago between Bedford and Gladbrook-reinbeck. Bedford was in the same spot where they hadn't kicked a field goal all year. They did, and they won. Woodbine hoping they can end this with six Pryor back to pass pass left side. It's caught Brenden Wagner Wagner inside the five. First catch of the day for Brenden Wagner. It's got the Tigers knocking on the doorstep of taking a lead late in this one.

Yeah, just a great throw pitch and catch right there. Just a quick hook route on the outside. They've got plenty of time right now so I wouldn't rush anything.

We've got a time-out on the field. And you know Tom this is going to be a first and goal from the two.

Bishop Garrigan.

How are you attacking this? Is Garrigan going to call their final time-out, by the way.

Yeah. You know.

It's.

I'm probably bringing the house to be honest with you, because I'm looking for them to run the football here. I don't think either team has a time-out left. And so, you know, if you can try to get him in some type of a tackle for loss, at least it puts you in some type of a good situation. They score a touchdown you have over a minute to try to score on the offensive side.

So Woodbine trying to score and take the lead and give the ball back to a Bishop Garrigan team. That is our expert stat guy. Vince tells us, has blown past the state record for rush attempts today.

Wow.

With 68. The previous record was 61, but they're hoping they can get a stop and at least give themselves a chance. And also Tom if you're Woodbine, how? I mean, how fast are you moving here? A minute? 13 is a lot of times you don't have any time-outs.

I know this might sound crazy Trevor, but do you do you take a knee to get the clock going?

I wouldn't think so. But also, I think if you get stood up on on first down, I don't think that's the worst thing in the world. If you're Woodbine, as long as you don't go backwards knowing that you've got four. Plays to get two yards and give your team a lead.

And we've seen teams that have actually let other teams score just to try to get the ball back. So, you know, it's just kind of one of those situations. It's hard to that's why, like you said, I'm glad that I'm up here.

So Woodbine has it first and goal inside the two with a minute 13 to go as they try to take the lead in this Eight-Player state title game. Pryor taking the snap, he'll give it to Moores. He is into the end zone. Touchdown! Woodbine! The Tigers take the lead with just over a minute to go on the rushing touchdown from Micah Morris, his third of the day. And how about the resiliency on that drive from the Tigers.

Wow. You know a big third down and ten completion to Blum that kept the drive alive. You know just very impressed not you know just not quitting and going away from what you have done throughout this football game to come back and score says a lot. But this is huge.

, very, very, very important. Two point try. You get it. And it's an eight point game. And really you're making Garrigan play for overtime.

Pryor man down here.

Out of the pistol. Now he'll put Moores on the right side now. Moves him in motion. Pryor wanting to throw to Morse. Who's going to have to make a heck of a snag? And he overthrew him. So Woodbine does not convert the two point. And it's a six point game with 109 to go Bishop Garrigan with one time-out. It looks like.

Well, I feel if you can get a great kickoff return here, that would be big.

Very much so.

By the 30 at least.

Woodbine has won the special teams department today with some long punts and then really hasn't been able to bust anything on the kick returns. High drama here in Cedar Falls. Like I said, the next six games, it's going to be tough to top. Yeah I'm sure they'll try.

This has been an outstanding you know as coaches you're just proud as heck of both of your squads right here. For these kids to lay everything out. And 14 to 18 years old I've said it before, where else would you rather be than right here in this moment?

All year long? These were the consensus number one and number two teams in the Iowa High School Athletic Association state rankings. And they have put on a doozy here.

I think those guys that vote got it right this time.

Well, you go back to two years ago when Garrigan won a state title. They did so unranked and they won a lot of close games this year. It had been all about dominance up to today showed a lot of resiliency. Battling back to tie the game after being down 22. But now they are going to need the drive of their life.

Yep.

In the next minute. Nine seconds Aidan Conan will kick it away and.

He will.

Kick it into the end zone for a touchback.

[APPLAUSE]

65 yards to glory for Bishop Garrigan. Down 42 to 36. And as I'm sure you heard, if you're watching at home, all the nervous and anxious energy from the fine folks from Algona and Woodbine and all the all the other school, all the other towns that make up the Woodbine School district. They know they are one stop away from their first ever state title. Garrigan knows they are the drive of a lifetime away from their second title in three years.

Yeah, and you just don't want to force it right here. You know, you still have over a minute to go.

First quarterback run on first down. Had a seam breaks out of a tackle first first down and more and will scoot out of bounds at around the 36 Tom. What did you see there.

Well that's all him being instinctive because that was not the play call. I can promise you. That's just a great read. He caught the ball and he just takes off. That's supposed to be a pass. As you can see, the lineman stood straight up as far as pass protection.

Gain of 20. And he gets out of bounds to stop the clock as well. Just over a minute to go in this one. Three receivers to the right Foertsch run again. Foertsch bouncing off one tackle and then gets wrestled down by Landon Blum. The clock will continue to run because he did not get a first down. Under a minute to go. Garrigan will pick up the tempo second down for the Golden Bears to the 38 yard line.

[APPLAUSE]

Three receivers left Foertsch empty backfield. Back to pass is Foertsch. Foertsch standing in the pocket, has a man wide open McGregor. He hauls it in inside the five CJ McGregor.

With the big.

[APPLAUSE]

Gain. Wow.

It looked like they just had a couple of guys running some seam routes and he just broken off.

CJ McGregor sneaks free and Garrigan has it on the five yard line with 33 seconds to go. And coach Marty Wadle sprints down the sideline to call their final time-out.

Third and final time-out. Wow.

What a game.

We might set the broadcast record for Wells today just because it's been that kind of game. Check out the replay here.

Yeah.

Kind of a floating ball. And McGregor does a good job of hauling it in. He goes to the turf.

Yeah. And you know he was open earlier also. And it's kind of underthrown. That's just a great play to come back and get that and make that catch.

So Bishop Garrigan after setting the state championship game record for rushing attempts, airs one out and it pays off. And now they've got it first and goal from the five. What an emotional roller coaster of a game this has been today.

Two point conversions. You and I have talked about it in all the the times that we've been together. We always talk about either kicking an extra point or going for two. And you know, obviously they still got to try. They still have a long way to go. 33 seconds left. They got to try to punch this in.

No time-outs for Garrigan either. So anything in the field of play will keep that clock running. First and goal from the five to decide an Eight-Player state champion will be Garrigan for the second time in three years, or Woodbine for the first time in program history.

Big 75 is back in again.

Foertsch out of the shotgun, running back on his left, Foertsch will run Foertsch to the two trying to have the pile drive him. He gets stood up about two yards shy of the first down. The clock will continue to run. Garrigan is going to bring another man out of the field down to 20s to go. This very well could be the final play. Foertsch will go under center. He'll end off Marso Marso near the goal line. Haven't seen a signal yet. Still has a touchdown. Garrigan Ethan Marso plows forward for the touchdown and we're tied. Wow.

You know, hard for us to see from up here. If he's able to get that through. You know, obviously the officials got a great view from down there. And here we go. Nine seconds to go. Two point conversion. This is where it's at. If you've got a play that you haven't ran this is something you try to bring out. Play clock is getting down.

It all comes down to this Bishop Garrigan trying to take the lead on this two point conversion. Foertsch quarterback run left side. He's going to walk in. Touchdown. Garrigan Tate Foertsch.

With a two point conversion and the Golden Bears. have stormed.

All the.

Way. back from 22.

Down to take the lead.

[APPLAUSE]

And again.

Wow.

Yeah, you've got to feel for him right now.

[APPLAUSE]

You know you've got nine seconds. I believe or. Well, I think there's.

Supposed to be nine. The clock ran. We'll see the replay. I mean Foertsch ran it left side. That was very well blocked. There was nobody in the vicinity.

I think that's back to back times. They've done that for two point.

Conversion.

So they will have nine seconds. So likely going to get one offensive play I imagine if you're Garrigan you try to kick it in the field of play and make them burn time.

Absolutely. This is one of those squib kicks that you want down the middle. So they got a field. It so they only possibly can have one more play left.

Bishop Garrigan trying to win their second state title in three years. Down 22 in the second half.

What a great game.

Rallies all the way back to take the lead, their first lead since early in the first quarter. And now they are nine seconds away. From Championship glory.

At the same time, you know if you're Woodbine, you've got your athletes out there right now that are deep, asking them to make a play. This is not over by any means.

So Garrigan will kick it away with Ethan Marso. And yeah, you're kind of in a tough spot because if you ask them to return it, you're going to burn some time. But also you might give them good field position.

Yep.

Marso line drive kick fielded by Woodbine Woodbine will be tackled to the 22 yard line, and they're going to need a 58 yard play with four seconds to go.

Yeah, I'm getting all of my guys back. You know, you're only trying to do one thing. Do not try to intercept the football. You're simply going up to try to spike the ball down.

Months of mourning practices, weight, film study. And it all comes down to this one play to decide a state champion. Woodbine needs a miracle. Garrigan needs a stop. Pryor back to pass. Pryor scrambling right side, trying to buy time will heave one downfield. It'll be well short near the sideline. Jump ball.

[APPLAUSE]

It is incomplete and you can't say Garrigan without. Again, for the second time in three.

Years, Bishop.

Garrigan is on top.

Of the Eight-Player.

World as they're your state champions in 2025.

What a comeback today, Trevor by this group of kids. It's a group of guys that did not quit. You know, you can't say enough about either team. You know, it's it's just I have chills up here. I feel bad for for the Woodbine kids. I really do. I've been in that position before, but nothing to hang their hats on. Any of these kids.

The highs and lows of high school football game, right. You see the jubilation on one side and the excitement of the comeback and the heartbreak of Woodbine knowing we were right there. We controlled the game for the better part of 36 minutes, but Garrigan, with a comeback that will be talked about there in the Algona area for years to come as they win their third state title in program history. Second, under the guidance of head coach Marty Wadley. And a phenomenal season of eight player football ends with an instant classic.

You know.

Of a football game.

One of the things I'm looking at the stats Trevor, 85, plays for Bishop Garrigan to just 45 for Woodbine. You know, it just it wears on you. You know, when you're on a defensive side. And to me, that kind of looked like that was part of the difference because they were able to run the football a lot better in the second half. With 331 yards rushing. So just what a great football game and glad I got to experience it.

So Woodbine season will end at 11 and one, and I know it's not the finish they want by any means. But you know what a year for them Tom you know they they end the year in the state title game for just the second time in program history. A lot of young men played great games. I mean, Landon Blum was incredible. Eight catches for 116 yards, but today is all about the Golden Bears putting the rest of the Eight-Player field into hibernation with the state title. And they are going to celebrate all the way back north. Two Algona. And I'd imagine, prepare to run it back in 2026.

Yeah, both of these teams are going to be good again next year for sure.

So the celebration continuing on the Garrigan sideline, I know Paul Yeager down in the frenzy hoping to catch up with Garrigan head coach Marty Wadley as well as Tate Foertsch, who has done it all this year, caps it off with a memorable, memorable final drive of that game. Couldn't ask for a better game?

Hey, 36 carries for 157 today. Wow. You know there's another one. But it's just it's unbelievable.

Garrigan. Celebration will continue long into the rest of the day. And coach Marty Wadley fired.

Up an awards program.

In the middle.

Of it. See the.

Pomp and circumstances going on now.

And.

Woodbine will be honored with their runner up trophy.

IHSAA staff and Board of control.

And we'll turn to the PA for the announcement.

2025 season with a record of 11 and 1 in 10 playoff appearances. Please help us congratulate the student athletes, coaches and supporters from Woodbine.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

And it's been two years. And then 40 years ago, when the first state championship ended up at Bishop Garrigan, they are your Eight-Player state champion for 2025 with a record of 13 and zero. 29 playoff appearances 85, 23 and in 2025. Congratulations to coach Marty Wadle and Bishop Garrigan.

So there you see the celebration on the side. And like I said, that is going to continue long into the afternoon and maybe evening as they make the trek back north to Algona. And Paul Yeager is down among the Garrigan celebrations.

Tate Foertsch.

36 of 157. Which were the biggest yards for you in the final?

I don't even know, man.

The biggest yards was the.

Yards in the state championship. It does not matter what the yards were. The score matters. That's why it all matters.

Why did you want to lead the charge to get the.

Trophy?

Because I've been working so hard and everybody else has been working so hard. I just wanted to lead. I wanted to lead, man. We did it.

Tell me what these guys mean to you.

They mean the world, man. I couldn't do it without him. I love him, man. Everything to me. I just played my last football game, and I wouldn't do it with anybody else, man.

Congratulations, coach or Tate. Appreciate it.

Okay, coach. Now.

Thank you. That's Tate. We're going to get coach here in a minute. They got to get their picture. Coach Marty Wadle. Hey, you're down 22. What happened?

You know, the kids.

Just. I don't know, Paul a little bit of luck. Ethan Marshall with a big play. They're our kids and their kids.

[LAUGHTER]

Our kids don't give up. Our kids don't quit. We talked the last play through the playoffs, and we talk in the locker room. We talk this morning. These kids are here for real. God put them together for a reason. They're here for a reason.

[LAUGHTER]

And that was evident today. They won a state championship together.

Congratulations, coach. This one means a lot. Where does this rank in Garrigan history?

It's. It's top of our 23. Was awesome. But this is top for what I've coached since I've been here.

Coach. Congratulations.

Thank you. Thanks. Thank you.

All right, let's go back up to you. Trevor pretty excited.

Yeah. Coach Wadley always fired up, and rightfully so. After a state championship here today. What a game. As Garrigan storms back to beat Woodbine in a 4442 thriller. Tom Petersen for any writer that's going to be putting together a story, that's going to be a tough one to put to words. But what a game here today. It's going to be tough to top, but six more games coming your way over the next two days here on Iowa PBS Bishop Garrigan your Eight-Player state champion. More fun to come from Cedar Falls throughout the day. The class A title game all the way next Saint Ansgar and MMCRU don't go anywhere.

[MUSIC]

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