T-R PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER - The Meskwaki football program returns after a year off from competition. Pictured are (from left) front row: Devin Hoag, Nate Seymour, Deyson Poweshiek, Tibby Billy, Cadell Youngbear and Layne Steuhm; back row: Brennan Roberts, Nathan Bear, Jace Thompson, Yamni Whiteman, Charles Johns, Devon Roberts and Keki Bear.

MESKWAKI SETTLEMENT — Andre Roberts is glad to see Meskwaki football back on the field.

After last season was wiped out due to low numbers, the Warriors are working to return to the gridiron this fall.

Even with a middle school football program, the loss of the chance at high school experience has been a reset button for the Meskwaki program.

“We had decent numbers in the weight room,” said Roberts, Meskwaki’s head coach. “We started with our regular practices and we had problems getting them out at first until probably a few days ago when they started showing up. It’s tough — we weren’t here last year, it’s hard to get kids to come back on something like that. But they’re showing enthusiasm and wanting to play.”

Meskwaki went 0-8 in 2021, including a forfeit to Don Bosco in the final week.

There’s nothing to lose with putting in the effort, Roberts said.

“I want to win, of course,” he added. “I want us to show improvement, to not give up, to put your time in, put your work in and give your all come game time. And I’m hoping we play hard.”

The intangibles go a long way for Meskwaki, and Roberts sees Nate Seymour, Jace Thompson and Benton transfer Deyson Poweshiek as players that have those intangibles to get the Warriors back into battle.

“Bringing people up, helping them out, encouraging them all, you can’t teach that stuff,” Roberts said.

For those that come in as freshman with middle school experience, the high school experience will undoubtedly be a test.

The Warriors are in 8-Player District 4, a group led by last year’s state quarterfinalists Gladbrook-Reinbeck.

“We’re getting the kids prepared. Prepare, prepare, prepare,” Roberts said. “We’re still questioning ourselves and how it’s done, and it’s hard to do it, but that’s on us as coaches. We’ve got to coach these kids up and ready for game night, and once that comes around, we see where they’re at.”

2023 SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 at BGM

Sept. 1 BYE

Sept. 8 GLADBROOK-REINBECK

Sept. 15 at Janesville

Sept. 22 DUNKERTON

Sept. 29 at Tripoli

Oct. 6 GMG

Oct. 13 at Clarksville

* all games 7 p.m.