After navigating to the Iowa High School Athletic Association 8-player postseason for the third year in a row in 2024, the West Bend-Mallard Wolverine football team has turned their attention to the 2025 season opener.
The Wolverines wrapped up 2024 with a 5-4 record, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs to eventual state champion Remsen St. Mary’s. With seven seniors graduating from last year’s team, numerous position battles have been occurring in camp according to Head Coach Tyson Wirtz.
One key player who will be returning even amongst the transition will be senior Leydan Grimm. The Wolverine linebacker is the lead returning tackler after making 54.5 stops last season, including 10.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Grimm also scored three touchdowns on the ground last season while averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
The trenches have been a strong area for West Bend-Mallard in recent seasons. In spite of several graduations, Wirtz sees potential in the likes of Jayson Akridge, one of two seniors on the Wolverines this season, along with junior Grady Goddard, who saw some varsity snaps last season, but will play a larger role this season. Wirtz also sees junior Abner Zaugg being a staple up front after dealing with injury issues last season, with sophomore Easton Montag also ready to contribute.
The Wolverines will have their fourth different starting quarterback in the past four seasons, with the previous three years all featuring senior starting quarterbacks. Junior Trent Morey and freshman Carter Stalzer have both taken plenty of snaps at quarterback over the course of the offseason. Wirtz wants to see the passing game develop into more of a threat this season.
With a team that will have new starters at many positions, Wirtz wants to see the Wolverines showing consistent improvement and competitiveness throughout the season.
West Bend-Mallard opens up the season at home on August 29th, taking on rival GTRA.
