On its own, the opening week of the high school football season is already coated in optimism and excitement.

Fort Dodge’s 2025 debut on the gridiron carries added significance for a multitude of reasons.

Head coach Nik Moser’s squad brings a Top-5 buzz to the table this fall, as 18 starters return from a 7-3 playoff squad in 2024. With arch rival Mason City coming to town and fans getting their first official glimpse of the $4.865 million Dodger Stadium renovation project, the energy and anticipation could generate a perfect storm for this evening’s 7 p.m. kickoff.

Knowing this, Moser has emphasized the importance of tuning out the distractions and focusing on the task at hand: the Decker Sporting Goods traveling trophy.

“We’re ready physically and mentally to just get on the field and play some football,” said Moser, who has an overall record of 25-21 in five years at the helm. “The buildup is the buildup. We have a job to do once the game starts, and our guys (collectively) understand the importance of locking in and concentrating solely on Mason City.

“It should be a great night. The fans bring Dodger Stadium to life every year at this time, and this will be extra special for obvious reasons. We hope our community rallies around these kids and comes out to watch.”

There will be plenty of familiar faces on the field, with both FDSH and the Riverhawks anchored by a slew of returning starters. The Dodgers welcome back first team all-state standout and University of Iowa recruit Noah Daniel, as well as future Oklahoma State wrestler Dreshaun Ross, who earned first team all-state honors on the gridiron in 2023 before being sidelined last year by a shoulder injury. Thirteen other FDSH athletes attained all-district status last fall.

Seniors Luke Fierke (OL), Carter Short (OL), Tytrell Mosley (WR), Dalton Eckley (WR), Jesse Egli (DB), Taevon Feeley (DB) and Caiden Fraher (LB) are all in their third seasons in the Dodger lineup. Fierke, Mosley, Eckley, Egli, Feeley and Fraher made the all-district squad in 2024.

Tru McBride (QB), Will McElroy (RB/NG), Joe Constable (OL), Jayon Preston-Grady (DE), Jayce Skow (LB) and Sam Moser (DB) are returning junior all-district selections.

Senior all-district linebacker John Hughes joins juniors Cal Pederson (WR) and Kyree Rochon (WR) as starters also back in the mix.

Senior Drew Mason (DB), junior Ezrah Barkhaus (RB), junior Zak Jorgensen (TE), junior Korben Davis (OL), junior Brandt Lawler (OL), junior Alex Beekman (NG), junior Bo Marsh (K/P), sophomore Cael Adams (FB) and sophomore Reggie Pederson (DB) are all either starting for the first time or in contention to do so.

“I think we’re sitting in a pretty good spot and ahead of where we normally may be because of how many kids we have back,” Moser said. “We have plenty of question marks too, but we’ve found some solid pieces.

“The routine of game week has been nice. It feels real now. We had the scrimmage (last Friday) against Humboldt, and it was good to go up against someone else. It’s time. They’re chomping at the bit.”

Mason City has no shortage of veteran talent as well. Quarterback Jameer Falls, wide receivers Drew Hobart and Drayden Witt, tailback Dane Hanson and tight end Ty Sanchez-Evans all return, as well as top defenders Jayden Williams and Lincoln Berding.

“I honestly think this will be the best (Riverhawk) team in the last 10 years — if not longer,” Moser said. “They are loaded at the skill positions. Falls will be one of the most versatile quarterbacks we’ll face, and Hobart and Witt are two of the better receivers we’ll see all year. Sanchez-Evans is big and athletic. He’s a matchup problem. They have some really solid defensive pieces, too.

“They’re going to be a handful.”

Fort Dodge has taken 19 of the last 20 decisions in the rivalry, which dates back to 1912 as one of the state’s oldest. The Dodgers prevailed in Mason City last year, 35-17.

The all-time series stands at 59-42-8 in favor of FDSH.