BGM makes second straight trip to Class A state semifinals

BGM has waited for this moment for an entire year.

The Bears were not satisfied with just reaching the state semifinals for the first time in school history last season, and they were not happy with the performance.

Not only does BGM get another shot at semifinal success, but it gets a chance to end Wapsie Valley's season the same way the Warriors halted last year's breakout year. The top-ranked Bears face No. 3 Wapsie Valley in an Iowa High School Athletic Association Class A state football semifinal Friday at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls for a second straight year. The battle of unbeaten teams is set to kickoff at 10:06 a.m. and will be televised live on KCRG 9.2.

BGM (12-0) has not looked ahead to this moment, but is ready for it this time.

"They've been really focused on the process that it takes to get there," BGM Coach Jerod Burns said. "Now that it is on us, we're really excited for the opportunity to go up there and play on the big stage."

The Bears will benefit from the experience they gained a year ago, being overwhelmed by playing in the UNI-Dome and against an undefeated foe. Wapsie Valley (12-0) has won 26 straight games. Burns said the Bears were out-played and out-coached by a better team last year. The goal is to reach on-field potential and play for a title, instead of revenge.

"I think we were in awe of the whole situation when we went up there, last year, and it show in the way that we played," Burns said. "It's awesome to get to go back up there and get a rematch with Wapsie, but it really wouldn't make a difference."

Both teams have been dominant this season, fielding powerful offenses and stifling defenses. The Bears have outscored three playoff opponents, 147-21. Jack Kline has garnered a lot of attention, leading BGM rushers with 1,684 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also leads the team with 328 receiving yards and five TD catches. Kyle Gritsch adds to the run attack, gaining 1,011 yards and scoring 20 TDs. Quarterback Bryan Kriegel has thrown from 1,249 yards and 13 TDs.

Kline's most impressive stat is on special teams. He has returned nine punts for TDs in just 12 attempts, averaging 54.1 yards per return. Burns said stronger defense and effective offense will be key, but not as crucial as field position and big plays.

"In all facets of special teams our kids have played pretty well," Burns said. "We're going to definitely need it."

Burns said the community has rallied around these athletes. He said it would be special for everyone to contend for a state championship next week. It would most to the players, who face a huge challenge to overcome the defending champions.

"They have worked really hard their entire careers to get to this point," Burns said. "They really deserve to win this game, and I hope we can go up and make a good showing to get to the final. Win or lose, I'm going to be proud of our kids."

CLASS A

BGM (12-0) vs. Wapsie Valley (12-0)

Rankings: BGM is ranked first. Wapsie Valley is No. 3.

Radio: KGRN 1410 AM.

TV: KCRG 9.2 at 10 a.m. Friday

Notable: The Bears and Warriors battle in the state semifinal for the second straight year. The Warriors won, 40-18, last year, eventually winning the championship and entering this game with a 26-game win streak. Both teams field potent offenses and stout defenses. BGM has outscored its playoff opponents, 147-21, in three games. The Bears have averaged 55.5 points per game, while allowing less than six per contest. Wapsie Valley is just as impressive, owning a 103-21 edge over foes in the postseason, averaging 43.75 points and giving up 7.5 per game. BGM, making its sixth straight playoff appearance, advanced with a 29-8 win over Pekin. Senior Jack Kline leads the Bears with 2,012 total yards of offense, including 1,684 rushing, and 45 touchdowns overall. Nine of those scores have been punt returns. The Warriors have reached the postseason 26 times and look for their sixth state title, which would be three since 2007. Wapsie Valley's Ethan Kleitsch is second-leading rusher in Class A, running for 1,896 yards. He also has 20 TDs.