NEWELL — Mason Dicks has fond memories of the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

Dicks was a youngster watching his brother, Brady, lead the Newell-Fonda football team to their first — and only — state title in 2014.

Now, he gets his own chance to add to the family and Mustang legacies beginning Wednesday when Newell-Fonda (10-1 overall) faces Wayland-WACO (12-0) in the semifinals.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Dicks has had his hand in just about everything this year for the Mustangs as a senior. The returning all-state selection has thrown for 1,477 yards, ran for 797 and has 35 combined touchdowns.

And while that memory remains a key motivating factor, he is also focused strictly on the task at hand.

“It’s my favorite moment of the Dome,” Dicks said. “Playing in (Cedar Falls) has been a dream of mine. It will be very cool playing on the big stage, but it is just another game and we have to take care of business.

“This season has meant a lot to us as a team, and to reach the semifinals is obviously a great accomplishment. But we are far from satisfied. It’s very rewarding getting this chance, but it’s approached as a business trip like usual.”

Brady Dicks remains involved in high school athletics, as he is now a teacher and coach at Spirit Lake. With the Mustangs playing on Thursday last week, he was able to watch as his alma mater knocked off Gladbrook-Reinbeck to advance.

“I’ve had a tough time getting to his activities due to time commitments with my career,” Brady said. “I was so excited that their quarterfinal was on a Thursday because that meant I was able to make it back for Spirit Lake’s game on Friday. It was so fun to not only see Mason and the team win, but to also reconnect with so many of the community members that had supported me and who are now showing their support for Mason.

“It was also great seeing the coaches afterwards because it brought back memories of when we advanced to the Dome when I was playing. Being someone who has gone through the program and understands the time and effort that goes into a successful football season, I was happy to see them all achieve another trip to the Dome.”

Brady Dicks has watched from afar as his brother has grown into a leader under head coach Brian Wilken, who owns 196 career wins and has led Newell-Fonda to 15 of its 19 playoff appearances.

“Mason’s situation growing up was the opposite of mine, as he was at all of my events,” Brady said. “I think growing up around sports and seeing his big brother compete probably instilled in him the competitive edge that you see today. I have many memories of playing catch with him in the yard, specifically taking turns running two minute drills.

“I think we are two different types of quarterbacks, as he tends to run the ball more than I ever did, but the biggest similarity is his ability to lead. You can tell he is out there to encourage his teammates and lead them to victory, and he isn’t worried about personal accolades. That mindset can be attributed to our parents in how they raised us, and also to the great coaching from Coach Wilken and the rest of the staff.”

Mason Dicks definitely doesn’t have to do it all, as senior classmate Ryan Greenfield and others have more than just pitched in. Greenfield is a top dual-threat, catching 49 passes for 748 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 631 yards and 15 scores on the ground.

Wyatt Kreft has 307 yards and three scores rushing, while Zach Mercer has caught 14 passes for 272 and four TDs. The Mustangs have ran for 2,056 yards, thrown for 1,521 and scored 59 offensive touchdowns.

Newell-Fonda has reeled off five consecutive wins since a loss to Remsen St. Mary’s, who will play Lenox in the other semifinal. That includes a second half shutout in a win at Don Bosco when they scored 35 unanswered points.

“Winning (in the quarterfinals) at home felt great,” Mason Dicks said. “To do this for our amazing community, who has supported us all year, felt very good. As a senior, going out at home on top felt very good.

“Now, it’s just another week. We have to get prepared for WACO and go 1-0 this week.”

The Mustangs also reached the state semifinals a year after winning it all, falling to Don Bosco. They reached the final four in 2013 and qualified for state every year from 2010-18, returning in 2020 and each season since.