The Roland-Story Norsemen football team opens its 2024 regular season on Friday night when it welcomes the South Tama County Trojans to Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City. South Tama leads the all-time series with a 2-1 record in 3 meetings, but Roland-Story won the final game of the season in Tama by a score of 40-0.
2023 was a rough season for the Trojans, who finished with a record of 0-9 and struggled in one of Class 3A’s toughest districts that included Solon, Benton Community and eventual state champion Williamsburg. South Tama is replacing much of the 2023 production and starting at quarterback, as Cody Blocker, who was a running back in 2023, is slated to step into that role. Kinzer Jaennette and Michael Henry are poised to take on big roles in the backfield, while Anthony Thompson and Carver Cecak are expected to start on the outside.
On defense, the Trojans lose their two best tacklers Gavin Bridgewater and Kyan McBride to graduation, but Kinzer Janette returns at linebacker, while Cody Blocker also returns to the secondary. Tyrus Clegg will also bring experience to the secondary, while the defensive line is led by sophomore Kyle Youngbear, who recorded 15.5 tackles and 4 TFL as a freshman in 2023.
Roland-Story appears ready to build on a highly successful 2023 season and aim for a district title in 2024. The ground attack will be the focus for the Norsemen, led by Fiston Carlson and Ben Mazyck, with Cody Long splitting time between back and receiver. Senior quarterback Sam Knoll will be tasked with working in a young but talented core of receivers, while the lines on both sides of the ball appear to be a strength for the Norsemen.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday night at Kerry Van Winkle Field in Story City.
