2025 Team Preview: Fort Dodge Dodgers

Coming off back-to-back 4-5 seasons, the Fort Dodge Dodgers found their rhythm once again in 2024, thanks in part to an impressive offense that averaged over 30 points per game, the Dodgers enjoyed a strong regular season, finishing the year 7-2, including a 4-1 road record, clinching their first winning season since 2021. While the Dodgers were eliminated in the first round of the 4A playoffs, losing to the eventual champions North Polk, the Dodgers put themselves back in the right direction this season to put themselves once again in contention in this conference going forward.   We reveal 9 players from this team that will look to shine as they lead this pack into the 2025 season!    [player_tooltip player_id='1644900' first='Tru' last='McBride'] emerged at the front of the pecking order in a deep QB battle last season, and in his first year as a starter, he flashed a lot of potential that has already made him one of the top QBs to watch in Iowa heading into his junior season. McBride threw for 1518 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 picks, while adding 112 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. It didn't take long for McBride to get comfortable under Center for the varsity lineup, and he quickly progressed as a dangerous passer, being able to sling the ball deep over the middle and through the seams with ease, while also being elusive out of the pocket, and showing impressive accuracy throwing on the run. With a talented supporting cast returning to support him, McBride should continue to hone his mechanics and further develop as a trusted leader for the Dodgers' offense, and his growth could corral the team toward a deep postseason run in 2025.     Despite missing his junior season with a shoulder surgery and committing to Oklahoma State as a wrestler, [player_tooltip player_id='856075' first='DreShaun' last='Ross'] remains the head of a really impressive LB group for Fort Dodge. An imposing defender with a lengthy wingspan and great power driving from the lower body, his film from his sophomore season displayed his textbook tackling form and dangerous shoulder checks, showcasing a gritty playstyle that makes him a feared athlete to go against. Ross shouldn't have too much issue regaining his form on the gridiron as he returns to the field for his senior year, though if this is the last year that Ross plays football, I hope that he delivers a strong campaign to round out his career playing the sport before he moves to wrestling full-time.     We had mentioned [player_tooltip player_id='1619976' first='Noah' last='Daniel'] due to his high-level play as a dynamic athlete, having a huge role in all three facets of the game. On offense, Daniel finished with 374 yards and 6 touchdowns on just 17 catches. In the secondary, Daniel had 56.5 tackles (45 solo), 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception. He was also one of the most dynamic returners in the state, recording 591 kick return yards and 3 return touchdowns while averaging an impressive 39.4 yards per return. Daniel is easily one of the fastest players on the field, and he uses that speed so well in the return and receiving game, combined with impressive footwork and great balance, Daniel is an elusive player who can slip through the cracks and burn the defense without much effort. The future Hawkeye should remain to be the Dodgers' X-factor heading into his senior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1654030' first='Jayon' last='Preston-Grady'] broke out as an underclassmen standout for the Dodgers' defense. Grady recorded 33.5 tackles (25 solo), 8.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery in 2024. Playing at DE, Grady shows good form taking on the Tackles, using his hands well, and gaining leverage on the outside shoulder to get around and into the pocket. Beyond forcing stops behind the line, Grady was able to force a lot of pressure, with much of his production coming as he caused the QB to make a hasty decision and get the ball away, leading to forced incompletions and mistakes for the offense. Grady will have more time to grow into his position, but Grady is already shaping to become quite a force on the edge going forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1698650' first='Luke' last='Fierke'] definitely imposes with the size of a D1 caliber blocker, and leading the way as the Center for the Dodgers, Fierke matches his physique with hard-nosed play. A bullish blocker who drives defenders back easily, flattens them to the ground, and plays all the way through the whistle, Fierke is exactly what you want to see out of an interior-lineman, someone who can move the line and create gaps for the RBs to go through. Showing good pad-level in his blocks and maintaining his balance, Fierke is not easily shaken off by defenders and is able to match their movements as they try to get around him very well. Fierke currently has one D1 offer from Western Illinois, though with his clear leadership on the trenches, he's bound to get more by the end of his senior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1640080' first='Jayce' last='Skow'] emerged in his sophomore year as an enforcer for the defense, filling in for the absence of Ross and putting his name out there as a distinguishable piece of their unit. Skow ranked 3rd on the team with 54.5 tackles (40 solo), 6.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Skow was a force against the run, doing a great job at finding gaps to attack through the trenches, getting low, and hitting his opponents hard. Skow was all over the field, playing with quick closedown speed, and being in the right spot to either make the stop or disrupt the play to create a turnover for the defense. Skow should continue to make his name known playing for a loaded defense full of returning starters.     A versatile LB/Safety hybrid with big-play potential as an enforcer, [player_tooltip player_id='1620020' first='Jesse' last='Egli'] is one of the most dynamic defenders in the box for the Dodgers. Egli led the team in tackles with 64.5 (52 solo) to go with 8 TFLs and an interception last season. Egli is so quick off the line, and when he shoots into the backfield, his blockers barely have time to get in front of him to make a block, allowing him to slip through and get to the RB behind the line. Playing well against both the run and the pass, Egli does a very good job reading how each play develops and getting to the spot to make the stop, while also displaying very good tackling form. Egli will be another highly effective defender on the second level to watch for Fort Dodge with the added bonus of being able to line up in multiple positions for the defense.     Moving to the secondary, [player_tooltip player_id='1620084' first='Taevon' last='Feeley'] is a lengthy CB who shows potential as a shutdown defender on the outside. Feeley recorded 42 tackles (39 solo), along with 4 TFLs and an interception returned for a touchdown last season. Showcasing impressive range and using his length well to break up passes, Feeley shows solid coverage skills in man coverage, utilizing great hand-fighting skills against the WR. Feeley was most effective in goal-line situations, where his coverage against the pass and the outside-run was really impressive, showcasing quick closedown speed and really good tackling. Despite playing behind a strong defensive front, Feeley should not be ignored, as he's a highly competent outside CB that deserves his flowers for his play as well.     Rounding out a spectacular LB corps for the Dodgers is senior [player_tooltip player_id='1620077' first='John' last='Hughes'], who has the size and impressive athleticism to thrive as a solid asset for a loaded defense. Hughes recorded 47.5 tackles (34 solo), 5.5 TFLs, a sack, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2024. Working as an Inside Linebacker, Hughes isn't particularly quick, but he can quickly dissect a play and get to the correct spot to stop it. Hughes shows great tackling form, having a bit more build for his size, and is able to drive the ball-carrier back and coming up big on short-yardage situations. Hughes adds himself to the name of returning starters for the defense that may rise to finish as one of the top units in Class 4A next season.

Coming off back-to-back 4-5 seasons, the Fort Dodge Dodgers found their rhythm once again in 2024, thanks in part to an impressive offense that averaged over 30 points per game, the Dodgers enjoyed a strong regular season, finishing the year 7-2, including a 4-1 road record, clinching their first winning season since 2021. While the Dodgers were eliminated in the first round of the 4A playoffs, losing to the eventual champions North Polk, the Dodgers put themselves back in the right direction this season to put themselves once again in contention in this conference going forward.