The End

Waukee football came to an end this past Friday after being defeated by the WDM Valley Tigers. This was the second time the two teams would face off against one another, however, in the first meeting during week four, the Warriors came out on top. Defeating the Tigers in a decisive 37-15 victory. Although the game was much closer than the score indicated, not many fans expected the Tigers to bounce back and pull off the victory in their second meeting during round two of the playoffs. The Warriors had all of the momentum for the first few minutes of the game, but it quickly changed as the Tigers were leading 13-7 going into halftime. The Warriors would never gain that momentum back, as the Tigers would pull away and win 20-7.

Although Waukee’s football season came to an end, this was the first time the Warriors made the playoffs since the split in 2020. Being one of the top eight teams in the state isn’t too bad considering before this season Waukee’s combined record since the split was 6-12. 

With a stellar senior class departing from Waukee football, next year’s senior class has big shoes to fill. The Junior class is also going to have to step up in a big way. With half of the receiving core being seniors, sophomores Evan Jacobson and Jayden Jeter are looking to assist their fellow sophomore, quarterback Beckett Bakker, in the passing game. “Even with our heavy run offense, I think we can change to heavy pass and still have (Grant) Gammell well over a thousand yards.” Expressed Jayden Jeter, a sophomore defensive back looking to play both sides of the ball next season. Tight end Evan Jacobson also felt confident, stating, “I think we have the potential to have the best receivers in 5A football.” Quarterback Beckett Bakker had some words regarding the senior players leaving, “Not having seniors next year obviously stinks, especially when you’re really close to them because those are our leaders,” Bakker also gave praise to next year’s receiving core, “But we have a good core coming back next year, and we are ready to step up and make some noise.” Bakker threw for 1,387 yards and 14 touchdowns this season and is looking to increase those numbers next season.

                 With the end of a great season, the Warriors look to prepare for next season with off-season weightlifting and conditioning beginning in mid-November.