The straw that stirs the drink for Bishop Garrigan, Tate Foertsch Tate Foertsch QB Bishop Garrigan | 2026 State IA had trouble getting going and making big plays for the Golden Bears on Thursday. Selling out on the QB run, Woodbine made gaining every single inch difficult for the senior QB and his team.

Not taking his foot off the gas despite a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter, Foertsch kept his team focused and fighting throughout the whole contest. Taking 36 carries for 157 yards, Foertsch scored three times for Garrigan on the ground, adding nine completions for 131 yards. Through the air, 36 yards came on a bomb to CJ McGregor with less than 20 seconds to go, setting up the game-tying touchdown. He sealed the deal with his two-point conversion carry, taking the ball to the left and walking in for the game-winner.

Tate Foertsch Tate Foertsch QB Bishop Garrigan | 2026 State IA has put together a monster season in 8-Man for one of the top teams in the state.

In addition to leading the Golden Bears to an 8-0 record heading into the playoffs, Foertsch has completed 50-of-72 passes (69.4%) for 948 yards, 20 touchdowns and zero interceptions. On the ground, he’s piled up 52 carries for 593 yards and ten scores, ranking second on his team in each rushing category.

Defensively, Foertsch has an eye for the ball, sitting at tied for second in all classes with seven interceptions. He’s also put together 24.5 tackles.

With an average margin of victory of 52 points this season, Foertsch likely would have put up more ridiculous numbers if his team wasn’t so regularly dominant.

A two-point, state-semifinal setback to Remsen St. Mary’s at the UNI-Dome last season was Bishop Garrigan’s lone loss of 2024. With Foersch and more talent returning, the Golden Bears should be formidable again this year. He threw for 16 touchdown against one interception as a junior, adding five more scores on the ground and a pair of two-point conversions. Foertsch also registered eight solo tackles, including one for loss. On his junior highlight video, we witness a quarterback with touch and accuracy. Foertsch throws well on the move and always threatens to pull the ball down and take off. He’s a prospect behind center, for sure, but his athleticism make other positions a possibility.