The West Branch Football program is heart broken to share that our head coach Butch Pedersen passed away this morning at the age of 73.
He was an incredible father, grandfather, husband, brother, teacher, and coach that had a profound impact on the lives of so many people.
"11-1, district champions, final four. Are you disappointed? Sure you are, because you are a West Branch Bears and we like to win every game we play. I love you guys, I love you to death."
One last time - FAMILY
The West Branch Football family is deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of former player and 2020 graduate, Dalyn Pedersen.
This Wednesday evening at 8pm there will be a gathering at the Little Rose Bowl. All are welcome to celebrate and remember Dalyn.
Thanks to Hawkeyes Spencer Petras (QB) and Tyler Linderbaum (C) for coming to Open Field today to share their extensive football knowledge with our student-athletes
#iahsfb
The football family is saddened to hear of the loss of 2021 graduate, Dylan Butler. Bulldog was the epitome of a West Branch Bear; always wanting to do what was best for the team and never taking plays off.
We will miss you, Bulldog.
Legends Never Die: An editorial from former West Branch football player Jon Miller on the passing of Coach Pedersen and what Coach meant to him and the community of West Branch.
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Lance Pedersen has shared an important update regarding the status of his father’s health.
Butch will soon be entering hospice care in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family.
More can be read in the Caring Bridge Journal entry:
"I thought our crowd was great last Friday night. We had a 2 hour, 40 minute drive and the bleachers were full. That says a lot about the West Branch faithful who follow the football program. The players mentioned it to me as well. I want to thank everybody."
-- Coach Pedersen
John Nestor will serve as the next head football coach at West Branch High School! He’s built a reputation for his energetic leadership, passion & professionalism when guiding student-athletes. Welcome, Coach Nestor! 🏈
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More:
Going into last night's game, Durant's SO running back Nolan DeLong was leading Class 1A in rushing yards with 898 (224.5/gm). The West Branch defense held him to just 20 yards on 13 carries. Meanwhile, West Branch's SO running back, Andy Henson, racked up 170 yards.
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Good luck to West Branch graduate Bo Bower in his last game as an Iowa Hawkeye as his team takes on Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl this afternoon.
Best of luck today to Jeff Bowie
@jeffreyjbowie
as he participates in the 2021 Iowa Shrine Bowl all-star game. The game kicks off at 4pm at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls. Have fun, Jeff! Thank you for your efforts leading up to the game, helping the Shriner’s mission
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The Bears will host Iowa City Regina next Friday night at the Little Rose Bowl in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. Winner to the Dome. Kickoff at 7pm.
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#unfinishedbusiness
The state title in 1989 was led by these fellas.
Affectionately known as "The Fat Boys".
RB Sean McCarty and FB Pete Miller had little to no issues weaving through would be defenders.
#MondayMotivation
Update from the Sexton family: Kaleb suffered a hip injury during last night's game and was take to the hospital where he was discharged just a short time later. He is doing very well and was in attendance, but a non-participant, at team practice this morning.
Shared to us from community member Mike Owen: A photo of friends and family lighting and releasing a lantern in memory of Dalyn last night at the Little Rose Bowl
Congratulations to James “Butch” Pedersen on getting his 300th win as a head coach tonight. Coach Pedersen joins an elite group of Iowa high school football coaches to reach this milestone.
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Two quick receptions for 37 yards.
Eagle now at 206 yards receiving. A new single game record
He is the first WB receiver to ever have 200+ receiving yards
West Branch graduate and former Bear running back Luke Lenoch has announced on his Facebook page that he will soon be enrolling at Coe College and playing football for the Kohawks. Good luck, Luke! We can’t wait to see you back on the field.
Our Football Family has launched a fundraiser in support of Butch and Jenny Pedersen. Special t-shirts are available to order with all proceeds going to the Pedersens to help with medical expenses. Ordering is available through Thursday:
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During the 2021 offseason, players will have an opportunity to earn this unique decal to wear on their helmet. Players will earn points from key tasks, such as lifting. Once a team of players have enough points, that team will be rewarded with the decal and other special awards.
SCHOOL RECORD ALERT
Trey Eagle: 213 yards receiving (Ben Thompson v Durant 2017, 176)
Eagle: 3 receiving TD (tied with 7 others, including himself)
Gavin Hierseman 381 combined yards (Beau Cornwell, 358 v Bellevue 2017)
WB Offense 499 yards is a top 5 performance all time
Sending out our best wishes to the Regina player who was injured during Monday night’s Fresh/Soph game. We are happy to hear there is a good recovery outlook.
A big thank you goes out to our trainer Scott Thoma, Doctor Heithoff, and the first responders for their quick response
Tonight’s game has been moved to the turf field at Solon High School.
The decision comes due to water on the field, the continued projection of rain, and the inability to paint lines on Butch Pedersen Field.
Huge thanks to the Solon school district for being a host!
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QB Gavin Hierseman has the best comp % of any 1A QB with 100+ attempts
WR Trey Eagle is tied for 3rd in 1A with 10 rec TD.
LB Tanner Lukavsky leads Class 1A with three pick 6's this season.
K Cael Fiderlein remains perfect on PAT (33/33) and FG (4/4)
#KeepGrinding
The West Branch Lions Club will be holding a bone marrow drive with hopes to find potential bone marrow donors for Coach Pedersen and other blood cancer patients.
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At 7pm tonight players will be gathering for a pickup game of touch football at Butch Pedersen Field. All are welcomed to come watch and to be together during this emotional time.
@wbbearsfootball
players wanted to be together tonight & came up with a great idea to play some touch football on Butch Pedersen Field under the lights at 7pm. Soccer and golf kids can come when they get back. The players want everyone to know they’re welcome to gather and watch.
Congratulations to Assistant Coach Kevin Braddock
He still holds an all class title game record with a 311 yard (23 carries) performance in the 1991 Class 1A title game
And he didn't play the majority of Q4 because the Bears were in control - a 42-13 victory over W.Bend-Mallard