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Bulldogs back in UNI-Dome
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CEDAR FALLS – The last time Algona stepped inside the UNI-Dome to play in the Class 3A state football semifinals, a future NFL star stood in their way.
The Bulldogs return to the final four this Saturday evening, taking on Solon. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Clear Lake and Des Moines Christian collide in the other matchup following, with the title game on tap for Friday at 1 p.m.
In 2019, Algona (7-4 overall) fell to OABCIG and Cooper DeJean in a classic, 41-32. DeJean, who would go on to become an All-American for Iowa before helping the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl, piled up over 400 yards of total offense and five touchdowns.
While there is no DeJean on the opposing sidelines this year, there is a player who can fill the box score with both his arm and legs.
Solon (11-0) is led by Maddox Kelley, an all-state wide receiver last year. This season, the senior has 1,712 passing yards, 1,217 rushing yards, 24 passing TDs and 25 rushing scores.
But the Bulldogs are familiar with taking on stiff challenges. Algona's schedule featured fellow state semifinalist Spirit Lake, defending Class 2A state champion Carroll Kuemper, No. 3 (3A) Carroll and 4A quarterfinalist Waverly-Shell Rock.
"Solon is a tremendously talented and well-coached team, and we are going to do everything we can to prepare for them," Algona head coach Andy Jacobson said. "We played a very tough schedule, and hopefully, as we continue to work hard and do things right, we just continue to improve again this week, and hopefully that shows on Saturday.
"All we can do is do what we can control, be the best versions of ourselves each day and put forth our best effort on every single day. This has been a special group and it was great to have another week with them to get ready."
Algona won four in a row after starting the season 1-3 before falling to Bishop Heelan in the regular season finale. They opened the playoffs with a 35-21 win over Carroll before avenging that loss by eliminating the Crusaders in dominating fashion, 31-0.
"Our mindset has played a huge role in our success," Jacobson said. "Our kids have trusted the process. When things got hard in the season after some tough losses to start out, they stayed with it and that has helped us when games get hard.
"What a great lesson for life – things won't always be easy and things won't always go your way, but stay with it, keep doing things the right way and eventually, things will turn around. I hope they can carry that on with them for the rest of their life."
Senior Nathan Manske missed time during the tough start with an injury. He has since returned, piling up over 1,000 combined passing and rushing yards with 14 touchdowns. Cael Rotert has a team-high 778 rushing yards with nine TDs, as Owen Moe adds 426 and three.
Landon Campe, Micah Kitzinger and Moe all have over 150 receiving yards.
The defense is led by seniors Kitzinger, Brody Shipler and Mason Ulrich, as they have a combined 10 sacks. The Bulldogs have picked off 16 passes and recovered six fumbles, with Manske, Jacob Burns and Caden Kuecker each picking off three passes.
"Our seniors have been tremendous leaders for us this fall," Jacobson said. "They have been intentional with getting to know their teammates and with their message to our entire team. They’ve stayed positive and have been leaders when it comes to preparation and work ethic.
"When things were difficult for us early on this season, we asked them to trust us and they did and stuck with it. They continued to do things the right way and kept swinging at the rock. Each week we have continued to get better and we are seeing that pay off right now. It wasn’t easy, but a testament to the kids we have on our team."
Solon owns wins over the likes of Davenport Assumption, Williamsburg, Mount Vernon and West Delaware. The Spartans won 40 games in the past four seasons and own a record of 193-31 over the past 19 years.
Kaden Hoeper has assumed Kelley’s WR1 role, catching 35 passes for 621 yards and 15 touchdowns. Owen Bock has over 400 receiving yards and Cody Milliman is just under that number, as Jackson Burk has 482 rushing yards.
Simon Einwalter leads the defense with 17 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, as they have forced 18 turnovers.
Solon owns five state championships all-time, winning in 1988 to go along with four straight from 2007-10. Algona is seeking its first appearance in the title round.