The Algona football team enters 2024 with big expectations after returning many key stars from last year’s 6-4 team that qualified for the class 3A playoffs.
According to Head Coach Andy Jacobson, it has been a productive offseason for the Bulldogs.
A great deal of excitement for Algona centers around the senior campaign of Iowa State commit Alex Manske. Manske, who announced his commitment to the Cyclones this past winter, threw for 1787 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, while also accounting for 714 yards rushing with 12 more scores. Jacobson feels Manske’s understanding of the game is unmatched.
Manske’s profile has continued to rise nationally, as he capped of the summer by becoming a finalist for the prestigious elite 11 finals, one of 20 quarterbacks in the nation invited to compete at the annual event.
The Bulldog senior rushed for over 100 yards four separate times in 2023, and threw for over 200 yards six times in 10 games, as he enters his third year as Algona’s starting quarterback.
Manske is not the only future Cyclone Algona will feature, as fellow Iowa State commit Jack Limbaugh is set to lead the way defensively. The future Cyclone edge rusher plays both on the edge defensively and tight end on offense for the Bulldogs. Jacobson says Limbaugh brings a non-stop motor to the field.
The attention Limbaugh draws from opposing offense will also open up opportunities for the rest of an experienced Bulldog defense to make plays. 2023’s top two tacklers, Tate Slagle and Landon Thompson, return after accounting for 58 and 55.5 stops respectively. Slagle also tied for the team lead last season with four interceptions.
Offensively, Algona looks poised to bring elite speed to the skill positions, starting with leading returning rusher Evan Allie. Allie, who is also a featured member of the Bulldog track team, led the way with 744 yards rushing in 2023, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scoring 7 touchdowns on the ground.
One big loss for Algona offensively from 2023 is the now-graduated Porter Reffer, as he led Algona last season with 47 receptions for 964 yards and 9 touchdowns. Algona’s two leading returning receivers are Allie and Slagle, who both went for over 200 yards receiving in 2023.
Juniors Tate Garman and Will Weichert will likely both move into much larger roles offensively for Algona, also adding plenty of speed to the Bulldogs’ skill position group. Jacobson says the Bulldog speed makes life easier on offense when trying to spread the field.
The Bulldogs also look to be strong up front, bringing back the left side of their offensive line with Aiden Ulrich and Max Nevitt anchoring the unit.
It will be no easy task to navigate district play for Algona. Algona, Webster City, Clear Lake, and Humboldt were all playoff teams in 2023, with Hampton-Dumont-CAL narrowly missing out on a spot, and the district appears to be deep again in 2024.
Even with the excitement coming into the season, Jacobson wants to make sure everyone stays focused on the process.
The season begins with a big test on August 30th, as Algona visits returning class 2A semifinalist Spirit Lake in the season opener.
