Cobras use quick strike ability in successful season

SIGOURNEY – Although the end of the season was too sudden, for most of the year they were considered one of the top teams in their class.

Throughout the 2024 football season the Sigourney/Keota football team was one of the most-feared teams in class 1A. The Cobras were able to recover from an early setback, and proved why they were the best team in their district. The Cobras quickly rose in the weekly rankings, reaching No. 7 in class 1A, just before the start of the playoffs. 

With their ability to score on offense, defense and special teams it seemed like the Cobras had a chance to make a potential run at the UNI Dome and play in the semi-finals of the playoffs. However, an upset in the first round of the playoffs left the Cobras coiled up for the rest of the season. 

The Cobras were challenged with a tough non-district schedule this season playing their first three games against teams in a higher class than them. 

In the first game of the season the Cobras hosted Prairie City-Monroe. The Mustangs used a 20-point second quarter to secure an eventual 54-14 win over Sigourney/Keota. 

The Cobras answered back in the next week as they would play Mediapolis, a 2A team, on the road. The Cobras scored 14 points in the second quarter and eventually won the game 23-7. In their last tune up before the start of district play the Cobras were on the road against Mid-Prairie. 

Despite trailing 14-6 after the third quarter the Cobras were able to score 15 points in the fourth quarter to win the game 21-14. 

The start of district play led to some of the most lopsided scores of the season. First, the Cobras scored 48 points in the first half to best Cardinal 60-0. Then they won 33-7 over Pleasantville to move to 2-0 in district play. 

The one real challenge for the Cobras came in a week six game against Pella Christian. The Cobras scored 28 points in the first half, and led 28-14 going into the final quarter. Two more touchdowns by the Cobras lifted them to a 42-21 win over Pella Christian. 

In week seven the Cobras scored early and often in a 62-26 win over Colfax-Mingo. At halftime the Cobras led 49-12, and they were able to pull their starters for most of the second half. 

The regular season finale was another blowout. The Cobras secured a home playoff game with a 79-6 trouncing over Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. The Cobras scored 46 points in the first quarter, and at halftime, had scored seven touchdowns on just 11 offensive plays.

While the celebrations from the successful regular season, and district play lingered, things took a dark turn in the first round of the playoffs. 

The Cobras were able to take an early 14-7 lead, but West Branch scored twice in the second quarter. Still, Sigourney/Keota led 26-21 at halftime. A touchdown in the third quarter helped the Cobras secure their lead until West Branch scored twice to take a 35-33 lead with them into the fourth quarter. 

A late score by West Branch gave them a 41-33 win, and the Cobra season ended much quicker than thought. 

Stat leaders: Passing: Brayden Wood - 22/36, 450 yards, six touchdowns; Jacob Libe - 3/7, 137 yards, two touchdowns. Rushing: Isaac Bruns - 172 carries, 1,461 yards, 23 touchdowns; Brady Clark - 37 carries, 366 yards, two touchdowns. Receiving: Isaac Bruns - seven receptions, 172 yards, three touchdowns; Ayden Galindo - 2 catches, 135 yards, two touchdowns; Brady Clark - 5 catches, 131 yards, 2 touchdowns. Tackles: Ashton Schwab - 34 total tackles, 18 solo, 6.5 tackles for loss; John Berg - 30.5 tackles, 21 solo; Jace Chalupa - 28 tackles, 19 solo, .5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss; Caden Clarahan - 26 tackles, 11 solo, .5 sacks, four tackles for loss; Brady Clark - 24.5 tackles, 13 solo. 

Photos by Mark Schafer