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The Fort Dodge Gazelles have already built a strong foundation.
They’re now looking to solidify their program in 2026.
The Gazelles are off to a 3-3 start to the year, and are working on continuity and chemistry one season removed from a sixth-place state finish at state.
"We just want to continue to build," said Fort Dodge head coach Corey Peterman. "We finished sixth (in 2025) and want to come out and do better than that this season."
Seniors Bella Lee, KyKy Mosley and Darianis Ortiz-Colon are among the squad leaders back this fall.
"Bella and Ky'Ky are our team captains after standout performances at state last year," Peterman said. "They provide a strong combination of power and agility. Darianis is another leader."
Cailey Cripe, Brooklyn Lamoureux and Mariana Taute are the other returning veteran athletes.
"Cailey, Brooklyn and Mariana round out the veteran group," Peterman said. "Mariana is fully healthy after two injury-plagued seasons and is already making an early impact."
In the opening week of action, the Gazelles split, beating Urbandale 19-1 before falling versus back-to-back state champion Waverly-Shell Rock (36-7). Mosley and Taute had two tries each, while Lee had three conversions.
Fort Dodge swept in the second week of action, dominating Cedar Rapids Washington (26-10) and Ankeny (33-5). Mosley led the Gazelles with three tries, while Bella Lee and Autumn Lee had two each and Taute contributed one. Bella Lee had seven conversions.
Last week, Fort Dodge lost to Cedar Rapids Prairie/Muscatine (5-0) and Southeast Polk (29-5). Taute had the only try for the Gazelles.
"Eight new players are on the squad this season, and most are still learning the rules to an entirely new game," Peterman said. "Autumn (a freshman) brings some familiarity from watching her sister and has stepped into the starting lineup.
"The incoming class adds a blend of speed, grit, and aggressiveness."
The Gazelles have three remaining nights left the regular season. They travel to Norwalk to face Mason City and Norwalk on Monday. Fort Dodge then hosts Southeast Polk and Central Springs on Oct. 5.
The Gazelles wrap up the regular season on Oct. 12 at Ankeny vs. Centennial and Cedar Falls.
2026 FORT DODGE GAZELLES
Roster
Seniors -- KyKy Mosley, Bella Lee, Daranis Ortiz-Colon.
Juniors -- Cailey Cripe, Mariana Taute, Sophie Froisland, Mariah Gonzalez.
Sophomores -- Ava Osario, Brooklyn Lamoureux, Ra'Zaria Parker, Ava Parker, Greyson Hinds.
Freshmen -- Autumn Lee, Jaylyn Jackson Foy.