Williamsburg opens the season ranked second in class 3A and will open on the road against Center Point-Urbana. Coach Curt Ritchie has a number of key starters back from last year’s team that lost to Pella in the substate round. Ritchie says that group has provided leadership for the team and are comfortable in the role and have been preparing since losing that final game.
Ritchie says they have a long history with Center Point-Urbana. He says they’ve played them all nine years he’s been there and before that. Ritchie says both schools moved up to 3A and the games always bring big crowds and have been very competative.
The Raiders will be strong up front led by All State lineman Austin Blythe. He says Blythe has a lot of support with a good class of senior linemen that have some experience.
Also in 3A, two teams that made the playoffs in 2009 meet this evening as Decorah hosts Union of LaPorte City. Decorah coach Bill Post has several new starters on this year’s team. He says they’ve been practicing hard and the kids are excited to play.
Union coach Joe Hadachek also has a number of newcomers, and he says when you have good ballclubs, you are always going to be replacing large numbers of seniors.
By Darin Svenson KDEC Decorah/John Martenson KGRN Grinnell