The Wartburg football team has its sights set on its seventh Iowa Conference championship under fifteenth-year head coach, Rick Willis.

"Our goal every year is to win the Iowa Conference championship," said Willis. "If we don't do that, we're disappointed. Our guys realize it's been two years since we've won the title and they are hungry.

"Last year, there were five teams that tied for second at 4-2 in the standings, so that tells you it's a very competitive race," he continued.

On defense, the Knights return senior Ryan Billings (Sterling, Ill.) who was the team's leading tackler last season (62.5 total tackles) and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors this preseason. The linebacker group is deep with junior Drew Kooi (Minooka, Ill.) and sophomore Will Jansen (Mediapolis) and senior Nate Dietzenbach (Cresco) all returning.

Classmates Martin Hyatte (Rockford, Ill.) and Ben Bentil (Milwaukee, Wis.) return on the defensive line. "Both of these guys have been successful for us and proven players and we expect them to continue to improve," commented Willis. Junior Miguel Lozan (Peoria, Ill.), sophomore Cole Hinders (Dysart), senior Jimmy Clark (Parkersburg) and newcomer Chase Kloepfer (Cedar Rapids) are expected to be important contributors to this group as well. The defense will also utilize the experience and talents of Joey Naig and junior Andrew Ganshirt (Dubuque) in many situations.

The defensive backs will be led by junior Spencer Capitani (Northwood) and senior Jared Wauters (Elberon). Sophomore Logan Pitz (Farley), who was moved from a receiver a year ago, has solidified himself as the other cornerback with junior Skylar Dierkx (Durant) and seniors Ross Ryan (Ankeny) and Matt Ehlers (Dubuque) battling for the other safety spot.

On offense, Willis also sees a good group of returners in senior Jordan Spires (Bettendorf) and juniors Chris Brinkmeier (Orangeville, Ill.) and Bjorn Nelson (Maplewood, Minn.) on the line as they've played meaningful minutes for the Knights. Junior Casey Krull (Allison) was moved from the defensive line to the center position which Willis sees as an effort to try to balance the groups better.

"Krull will bring some intensity to our offensive line as he is a hard-working, tough guy that will be a great addition," he said.

Sophomore Brandon Domeyer (Manchester), who was the team's leader in all-purpose yards with his average of just under 5 yards/carry, returns in the backfield. Senior Matt Kastli (Oelwein) will also provide depth at that position. Willis also expects sophomore JJ Hanus (Solon) and junior Connor O'Brien (Readlyn) to make strong contributions in that spot as well.  

Transfer Jake Holsteen (Mediapolis) has emerged at the tight end spot and will be joined by senior CJ Herrington (Goose Lake) and sophomore Mitch Rahm (Wesley).

There is also great depth at receiver with junior Donald Miller (Maywood, Ill.) who had 31 catches a year ago, and seniors Logan Ruffridge (Cedar Rapids) and Brandon Steggall (Waverly). A few battles remain for the final starting spot between sophomores Jordan Schmitt (West Union) and Robbie Anstoetter (Farley) and junior Will Ebert (Polk City). Freshman Sawyer Anderson (New Hampton) should be in the mix as well.
 
The program is in an opposite position than last year at quarterback as senior Taylor Jacobsmeier (Wapello) has recovered from his injury that sidelined him prior to the season. Sophomore Logan Schrader (Killdeer, Ill.) is the front runner for the starting job as he started nine games, completed over 60% of his passes and threw for 1,892 yards last season.

Hanus, who started one game, is also an option for this position. Willis sees the trio as being a big strength for the team as they are multi-threat quarterbacks. "They all have the ability to be effective both running and throwing," he said. "Our quarterback depth is a strength this year."

Willis also feels good about the specialists with the return of sophomores Grant Zimmerman (Mendota, Ill.) and Michael Bohlke (Manchester). "Zimmerman was a First-team All-Conference selection as a freshman punter and Bohlke is  settling in nicely as our kicker," he said.

Wartburg's schedule features the same nonconference opponents, just opposite venues as last year. The Knights will travel to Jacksonville, Ill. to open against MacMurray College on Sept. 7 before traveling north to face Bethel University in St. Paul the following week.

The Orange and Black will host Carthage College on Sept. 21 in its home opener before the bye week. The Iowa Conference schedule begins as the Knights host Simpson on Oct. 5.