After back-to-back playoff seasons in 2021 and 2022, 2023 was a rebuilding year for Eagle Grove with a very young team trying to develop their identity and improve every week. The Eagles ended the year with an 0-9 record, but found themselves competitive and with chances in nearly every game they played.
2024 promises to show improvement with Eagle Grove, as the Eagles return many sophomores, juniors and seniors that garnered large amounts of playing time in 2023, and could be enough to get the Eagles back to the postseason.
Offense
Since Logan Willard took over the program in 2020, the Eagles have developed a clear identity as a smashmouth, triple option football team. The quarterback position is up for grabs this preseason with a battle between sophomore Adrian Whipple and senior Brett Ascherl, while Trenton Robinson has made the move from offensive line to fullback. The running back’s are a young, but talented group with Leelan Spencer poised for a big sophomore season, while other names to watch at running back are Josh Miller and Arturo Reyna Salazar. The receiving room will have some speed with senior Jaxon Morris leading the way, junior Hayden Schafer and sophomore Cam Sisson are others that will rotate in. The offensive line could be a big one for the Eagles, led by the likes of seniors Jesus Baez and Andrew Robinson, as well as juniors James Harle, Reece Demuth and Jayden Kreitlow, while tight end could see Gavin Pedersen and Carter Nielsen step up and be key components.
Defense
Eagle Grove’s defense might be the big key in the Eagles putting together a successful season in 2024. The defensive line has a big role to fill with the graduation of Drake Canavan, but individuals such as Trenton Robinson, Jesus Baez, Reece Demuth and Connor Willard could make a solid group up front. Kaden Dalton and Hayden Schafer return to make a more experienced linebacking room, Carter Nielsen could be someone to watch to step into a starting role as well. The defensive backfield brings back starters such as Jaxon Morris, Josh Miller and Cam Sisson, who could provide solid speed in the backend to slow down opposing passing attacks.