T-R PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER - South Tama hopes a big cast of seniors will propel its football team this season. The Trojans’ returning letterwinners pictured are (from left) front row: Jeramy Dolash, Cody Blocker, Wyatt Surman, Tyrus Clegg and Kinzer Jaennette; back row: Kyan McBride, Miguel Medina, Gavin Bridgewater, Juan Robles and Jacob Youngbear.

TAMA — South Tama County football will be looking to its experience to boost the Trojans this fall.

STC has a senior-dominated lineup this season, led by returners Gavin Bridgewater and Kyan McBride who are co-captains with junior Cody Blocker, who returns after missing last year with injury.

The Trojans are looking to turn around a 1-8 campaign last season.

“We’ve got a good group of seniors that came together, we’ve got some seniors that we’ve been trying to get to come out for awhile that came out this year,” head coach Nate Doran said. “We just have to continue to use our EAA — effort, attitude and accountability. And I think we’ve got a strong leadership group. … The biggest thing is just a new year, and a new start.”

The most noticeable change in South Tama’s approach may be on the offensive side of the ball, moving Daniel Wiese in at quarterback for Gavin Bridgewater, who accumulated 1,000 yards between passing and rushing last season with 10 total TDs.

“Our line has a little less experience, but we’ve got some good receivers, a lot of good skill kids, where there’s some things that we can do there that we probably couldn’t have done last year,” Doran said.

Defensively, Bridgewater and McBride return, as does Jacob Youngbear. McBride and Youngbear combined for 11.5 tackles for loss last season.

“Jacob’s just got a nose for the ball and had a great wrestling season this year that should really build his confidence,” Doran said.

Doran sees a good mix between his returners, which also includes Tyrus Clegg, Jeramy Dolash and Kinzer Jaennette, and newcomers like Wiese and Chase Gustafson.

The Trojans are in Class 3A District 5 for the next two years along with Solon, Grinnell, Fairfield, Benton Community and Williamsburg. Williamsburg moves up from 2A after finishing as runners-up last year. Solon, Grinnell and Benton were all playoff qualifiers last season.

The season begins at home against Roland-Story on Aug. 25.

“The district’s definitely gonna be good,” Doran said. “Probably one of the better 3A districts in the state. Everyone’s going to be a challenge, top-notch football teams. … We’re in it for the long haul.”

2023 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 ROLAND-STORY

Sept. 1 at Charles City

Sept. 8 KNOXVILLE

Sept. 15 at Center Point-Urbana

Sept. 22 at Williamsburg

Sept. 29 GRINNELL

Oct. 6 FAIRFIELD, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Benton Community

Oct. 20 at Solon

* all games 7:30 p.m. unless noted