—Submitted photo The southeast valley class of 2022 was undefeated as freshmen. The Jaguars will play in the Class 2A state semifinals on Saturday.

When they were little kids walking through the elementary hallways, Southeast Valley’s Class of 2022 started a bond that will remain through the day they walk across the stage as graduates.

The tight knit group built a brotherhood outside on the gridiron, and now – months away from receiving their diplomas – they will chase their childhood dreams of becoming state champions.

The Jaguar group was formed eight years ago when Prairie Valley and Southeast Webster-Grand consolidated, then became a family through the time in the locker room and the long bus rides.

“We started playing together in fifth grade when our two schools combined,” said SV senior tight end Colton Brant. “Some of us came to our school later on, but we have been playing football together for a while now.

“There are no problems on the team – we all get along and work together.”

The senior class will face Waukon on Saturday in a Class 2A state semifinal for the right to play for the school’s first ever state championship.

“They are the only reason I’m playing my heart out in football,” said senior running back Lathe Muench. “They mean a lot to me because I know we all had the same goal every game and that goal is to win regardless of what you have to give up.”

Senior lineman and University of Iowa recruit Aaron Graves remembers the early days of walking to the park and throwing the ball around and playing football just to play.

“This group has been together since fifth grade and we’ve always experienced success,” Graves said. “With a lot of us, it goes even before that. Growing up I’d always play football with Lathe (Muench) just at the park. This is the case with a lot of us.

“We grew up around the sport and to now be at the level we’re playing is just so fulfilling.”

Senior quarterback Kolson Kruse moved to the Southeast Valley district in seventh grade and felt accepted right away.

“When I moved to Southeast Valley in seventh grade, I felt comfortable right away,” Kruse said. “This group of guys has truly grown into a family. We’re always joking around with each other and always have each other’s back.

“Whether we are playing football at school or playing poker, we are always having a good time.”

This group has enjoyed winning and has done it at all levels. They were undefeated in freshman ball, and had successful junior varsity and junior varsity reserve seasons.

“The bond us seniors have is unreal,” said senior linebacker Pierce Woodruff. “We have spent so much time together these past years, in the weight room, on and off the field. We have all had the same goal: to win and make history at this school.

“This group of seniors that I play with on Friday nights are my brothers; I know we will all be there for each other no matter what. It has truly been a privilege to play with these boys the past eight years.”

This class of Jaguars has reached the quarterfinals three times in their careers, and for the first time in school history, punched a ticket to the UNI-Dome for a semifinal berth.

“I think it’s safe to say that we all treat each other like family, even when we don’t think of it,” said senior lineman Harley Bryson. “I think we all want to win the state championship like no other. We’ve put so many hours in the weight room and on the practice field from the start of summer until now.

“Making it to the Dome is one of our goals and we reached it, but winning the championship is the ultimate goal for us seniors. We are the only class in Southeast Valley history to make it this far and it’s only the beginning. We’ve all dreamed about playing in the Dome and I think it’s time to let the state of Iowa know who we really are.”

In their final season together, the 2022 class made its way through arguably one of the toughest districts in the state, preparing them for a tough postseason.

“These guys are like my brothers,” said senior wide receiver Tre Fisher. “Achieving a goal like this with them isa dream come true.

“I wouldn’t want to do it with any other team.”

There are 13 seniors on the Jaguar roster along with the seven starters. Classmates Caden Larson (WR/S), Kaleb Scott (WR/DB), Zack Miller (QB/LB), Rylie Ferrari (FB/LB), Soren Winkler (OL/DL) and Brayden Danielson (OL/LB).