Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge teammates Kaleb Lynch (right) and Connor Carver combine to make a tackle inside Dodger Stadium during the team’s 2022 finale.

CEDAR FALLS — A trio of Fort Dodge senior football players will suit up together one last time in the 7th annual River Battle Bowl all-star game at the UNI-Dome.

First team all-district selections Javion Jondle, Connor Carver and Kaleb Lynch were chosen to compete for Team Iowa against Team Nebraska at 1:30 p.m. this Sunday. The Iowa squad practiced earlier this week in preparation for the game at Carroll.

“To be selected and able to suit up on more time is just a blessing,” said Jondle, a wide receiver who was named first team all-state by the IPSWA and IFCA earlier this week. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity, especially getting to do it with my quarterback (Carver).

“To be able to represent my team and the town of Fort Dodge means a lot. This community is so important to me … there is so much talent here, so to be able to (play as a Dodger) just hits home for me. I can’t wait to get out there and ball out one last time.”

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Jondle, an Iowa Central Community College recruit, became the school’s all-time leader for career receptions. He also tied Tysen Kershaw for most touchdowns, and joined Kershaw as just the second FDSH receiver ever to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark.

Carver, who finished his career behind only Drake Miller and Randy Reiners are the third Dodger to reach 4,000 yards passing, sees this exhibition as a tribute of sorts to his support system.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the coaching staff, and getting to play alongside some of the best players in Iowa is a memory I won’t forget,” said Carver, a Bemidji State University recruit. “I know a good amount of my family and friends will be there, so being able to play in front of them one last time wearing a Dodger helmet is going to be special.”

The 6-3, 195-pound Carver ranks behind only Miller in touchdown passes at FDSH with 42 in his career. He threw for 1,798 yards and ran for 531 more this season, accounting for 28 total TDs.

The 6-3, 220-pound Lynch ranked among the top defensive linemen in all of Class 4A in both tackles and tackles for loss in 2022.

“It feels good to have the opportunity to play in this game,” Lynch said. “Everything goes through our coaching staff, and they set me up for a good year. I’m happy to capitalize off of it.”

Humboldt’s Kyle Caquelin is the only other area player on Team Iowa’s roster. The 6-5, 215-pounder started for the Wildcats, who went 10-2 and reached the Class 3A state semifinals for a second consecutive season earlier this month.