Western Dubuque shows meaning of ‘Bobcat Strong’ in upset of Xavier

CEDAR RAPIDS – Bobcat strong.

The phrase is more than just a helmet sticker or just a slogan to slap on a team poster.

Western Dubuque demonstrated the meaning of 'Bobcat Strong,' playing tough and physical football and shocking Class 3A second-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier, 7-6, last night at Saints Field.

The Bobcats have overcome personal adversity that makes challenges on the field seem like child's play. The program was rocked when four incoming freshmen died in a utility vehicle accident two months ago, including a younger brother of a current varsity player. Three players have faced the death of a parent.

'First of all, we have the toughest kids in the state of Iowa,' Western Dubuque Coach Justin Penner said. 'They're just so resilient and that shows up on the football field every Friday night. I'm so proud of these kids.'

Players have rallied around one another and received the support of the close-knit community. They celebrated the biggest win of the season together just beyond the field's fences.

'We fight every day for them,' Western Dubuque quarterback Nolan Baumhover said. 'Through practice, through injuries, through games, it is just tremendous how the community builds around this program.'

The defensive play was indicative of the Bobcats' character. Western Dubuque (4-2; 3-0 3A 4) continually rose to the occasion, thwarting Xavier drives in Bobcat territory and keeping a Saints offense out of the end zone.

'The defense played its best game,' said Alex Wernimont, who recently returned to lead the Bobcats defense after missing four games due to a hurt ankle. 'Everybody read their keys. It was a team effort with everybody making big plays.'

The Bobcats forced Xavier to turn the ball over on downs six times. They didn't allow a single pass completion and held the Saints to less than three yards a carry.

'Our defense is incredible,' said Penner, praising defensive coordinator Jerry Ross. 'They're a very disciplined group.'

Xavier had outscored district foes 136-9 before last night. They were one-dimensional, but that might have been more a product of Western Dubuque's play.

'You try to take what they give you and it didn't seem to flow tonight,' Xavier Coach Duane Schulte said. 'We couldn't get any momentum.'

The Bobcats' offense sputtered for most of the first half, but made adjustments after the break. They were able to hit their stride the first possession of the second half, driving 80 yards on 14 plays.

Baumhover delivered a 22-yard pass to Mitchell Kramer, who made an impressive twisting over-the-shoulder grab for a score. Baumhover finished with 99 yards passing and Ben Burds led the Bobcats with 69 rushing yards.

'We came out and decided to get some quick passes off and get in rhythm,' Baumhover said. 'We ended up marching it down the field. I hit Mitch Kramer on that wheel route and it was just a good play.'

The Saints (4-2, 3-1) still had an opportunity to win, lining up for a go-ahead 35-yard field goal with a little more than 1:30 left. The kick was wide left, giving Western Dubuque the ball back.

Xavier utilized its timeouts to get the ball back, but when a Xavier returner mishandled a bouncing punt Western Dubuque recovered and sealed the upset.

'They're the top-ranked team in the state and we showed we can play with them,' Wernimont said. 'We have momentum rolling forward and we keep it going.'

The only points were provided by the Xavier defense.

With Western Dubuque driving, a fumbled snap was snatched up by Nic Ekland, who bolted 55 yards for the touchdown. A bad snap resulted in a failed PAT, which loomed large at the end.

Schulte said the focus would be on next week, no matter the outcome. He praised the Bobcats for their performance.

'You have to credit Coach Penner and his players,' Schulte said. 'They came to play and they earned this win.'

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