By: Nathan Bloechl — nathanb@977thebolt.com
This is a preview of the entire District 2, the detailed Humboldt preview will be released Friday morning.
Humboldt, Iowa — The Humboldt Wildcat football team will have their hands full as they transition from the Greg Thomas era into the Derrick Elman era.
Elman was tabbed as the successor when Thomas announced his retirement this year. A longtime assistant at Iowa Falls-Alden, Elman comes with a tremendous amount of upside as he enters his first year.
However, the Wildcats will seemingly play in one of the state’s toughest districts, battling traditional powers in Dallas Center-Grimes, Boone and Carroll — as well as familiar NCC stalwart Webster City.
Here’s a team by team look at the clubs in 3A-2:
Perry Bluejays
@ Humboldt: October 19th
Pre-season Rank: UR
Last year: 4-5
Head Coach: Matt Hardy and Ben Coy (1st year)
Returning starters (Offense): 6
Returning starters (Defense): 6
Webster City Lynx
vs. Humboldt: October 5th
Pre-season Rank: 9th in 3A
Last year: 8-2
Head Coach: Bob Howard (11th year)
Returning starters (Offense): 9
Returning starters (Defense): 7
Dallas Center-Grimes Mustangs
vs. Humboldt: September 28th
Pre-season Rank: 10th in 3A
Last year: 10-1
Head Coach: Scott Heitland (14th year)
Returning starters (Offense): 3
Returning starters (Defense): 3
Carroll Tigers
@ Humboldt: October 12th
Pre-season Rank: UR
Last year: 4-5
Head Coach: Dennis McCartan (14th year)
Returning starters (Offense): 3
Returning starters (Defense): 6
Humboldt Wildcats
Pre-season Rank: UR
Last year: 3-6
Head Coach: Derrick Elman (1st year)
Returning starters (Offense): 8
Returning starters (Defense): 10
Boone Toreadors
@ Humboldt: September 21st
Pre-season Rank: UR
Last year: 6-3
Head Coach: Thomas McGuire (1st year)
Returning starters (Offense): 3
Returning starters (Defense): 6