In the vibrant landscape of junior college football, Iowa Western is on the cusp of an extraordinary achievement—one that no program has ever before realized. The Reivers gear up to take on Hutchinson Community College in the NJCAA Title Game, poised to avenge their solitary loss in a season marked by tenacity and triumph.
This prestigious match, unfolding Wednesday evening in Canyon, Texas, signifies the Reivers’ fourth consecutive journey to the finals and their sixth under the seasoned leadership of Coach Scott Strohmeier. Victory here would etch their name in history as the first to pull off a coveted three-peat.
“Such opportunities are rare, elusive even,” mused Strohmeier, reflecting on the gravity of the moment. “While we relish this experience, our eyes are firmly set on making history. The enthusiasm among our players is palpable. Each season unfolds differently, yet these athletes have risen to the occasion, week after week, to earn this shot.”
The season thus far has been a rollercoaster of intensity, boasting a formidable 10-1 record punctuated by an electrifying eight-game winning streak. Their return to contention was solidified with a commanding 42-21 victory over Northwest Mississippi Community College, marked by an impressive offensive display that produced 21 unanswered points in the clutch final segment.
“Things couldn’t have started worse for us, with an early misstep on special teams,” Strohmeier recounted. “However, adjustments in the second half turned the tide. I felt we could wear them down and, once we grabbed a two-score lead, you could practically see the air deflate from Northwest.”
At the helm of this explosive offense is Hunter Dekkers, the former star from West Sioux, who began his collegiate career at Iowa State before navigating through the storm of controversy linked to alleged sports betting. Now flourishing at Iowa Western, he has amassed a staggering 3,413 passing yards and thrown for 30 touchdowns, seizing this second chance with eagerness.
“His talent is undeniable,” Strohmeier commented on Dekkers. “While his tenure at Iowa State ended under unfortunate circumstances, he has embraced humility and the sheer joy of playing football. His response has been nothing short of remarkable.”
Dekkers’ success is amplified by his standout receivers, Fresh Walters and Titus Myers, who have racked up 69 catches for 811 yards and 51 catches for 830 yards, respectively. On the ground, the Reivers are led by Daniel Swinney, who has rambled for 878 yards and crossed the end zone 12 times.
Defensively, Iowa Western has been a formidable force, conceding an average of just 19.3 points per contest. Lucas Struck leads the charge with 68 tackles, while a cadre of defenders including Ahmad Johnson, Jerome Baker, and others, have each surpassed the 30-tackle mark.
However, in their earlier clash, Hutchinson’s high-octane offense proved too much, producing a thrilling 38-37 victory. The Blue Dragons, boasting an impressive 10-1 record, steamrolled through the semifinals with a staggering 63-21 triumph over Georgia Military College, showcasing a lethal running game spearheaded by Waymond Jordan, who has tallied 1,533 yards and 20 touchdowns.
“They are exceptionally well-coached,” Strohmeier acknowledged, preparing his squad for the showdown. “When it comes down to high-stakes games, it’s all about who steps up. We know each other well; they’re not a stranger to us, nor we to them. It’s essential to stick to your game plan. For them, that means running the football effectively, and while we anticipate they’ll gain yards, we must prevent them from large, explosive plays.”
Ultimately, the fate of the Reivers hinges on their ability to contain Hutchinson’s ground attack. “We must stifle their run game and minimize big plays,” Strohmeier advised. “If we can achieve that and protect the ball, we stand a good chance to emerge victorious in this 60-minute battle.”
Mark your calendars—the Iowa Western vs. Hutchinson Community College clash kicks off at 7:30 PM, and fans can catch every exhilarating moment live on ESPN.
