Izaac Dickey scored a touchdown in last season’s state title game. Look for him to find the end zone this season. Polk County News File Photo
STROMSBURG — Very few teams can overcome losing 11 seniors from the previous season. That’s exactly what first-year Cross County head coach Matt Carroll is asking his squad to do this year.
The Cougars were four quarters away from a Class D-1 state championship in 2021, falling 42-12 to Howells-Dodge to finish the season 11-2.
Now Carroll turns to a new crop of players. The Cougars return only three players — Izaac Dickey, Alex Noyd, Trevor Bolton — with true varsity experience, he said.
“We just lack game time experience with most of the guys,” Carroll said. “We had a phenomenal senior class last year and those guys were on the field since they were freshman. Getting that experience will be huge for us moving forward.”
Carroll is no stranger to the Cougar sideline, having spent the last 9 seasons as an assistant coach. Cross County has 22 players out this year vying for time on the field.
“I’ve seen some great leadership from all of our seniors this summer,” he said. “Trevor Bolton has been a very vocal and veteran communicator. Everyone is going to have to step up and lead at some point this season.”
This year’s offense will mix in I-Formation and wing sets. Expect to see two running backs in the backfield, along with two tight ends. On the defensive side of the ball, the Cougars will utilize a 3-2 or 3-3 defense, Carroll said.
“Our kids work extremely hard in the off season and I am blessed to be a part of the culture we have here,” Carroll said. “We know that the weight room will help us reach our goals and these guys had a great summer.”
Carroll said his team is hungry to get out on the field and ready for their chance to play and represent their school.
Look for Cooper Sundberg, Andrew Dubas, Dane Holtzen and Ashton Siem to make an impact this season.
“These guys are a close knit bunch. It really feels like a team. If one guy is struggling there are 3-to-4 guys there for him. Teamwork goes a long ways!”
The Cougars open up on the road Aug. 26 at Sutton. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
