The top 10 countdown of the best sports stories in Southeast Iowa from the 2020-21 academic year culminates today with number one on our list. This countdown includes area schools of Columbus, Highland, Lone Tree, Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, Sigourney, and Keota. The top story takes us to the gridiron in Sigourney after a breakout season for the Cobras. 

Despite going 8-1 in 2019, the Cobras were left out of the playoffs after a week nine loss to Mediapolis for the district title. The sting of not playing for a championship fueled the team in the offseason and that frustration was taken out on opponents in 2020. In seven regular season games, Sigourney-Keota recorded an average margin victory of 34 while putting up 45 points a night. Breezing through Cardinal and Beckman Catholic in the first two rounds of the class 1A playoffs set up a quarterfinal matchup with Columbus Catholic to determine who would be dome bound. The Cobra ground game was the difference in a 35-32 thriller that saw Sigourney-Keota run for 401 yards. Sam Sieren was a workhorse carrying the rock 39 times for 194 yards and three touchdowns while Brady Duwa added 125 yards and two scores. A couple stops defensively was all they needed to capture their first trip to the UNI-Dome since 2005. 

Head Coach Jared Jensen knew how much sweat equity went into making a trip to the dome happen. “This is amazing. This is something that this team dreamed of. Since playing backyard football as kids they knew they wanted to make it to the dome. They have put in so much work the last few years and bought into the program. I am so happy for these guys.” 

A 43-21 loss to eventual state champion OABCIG in the semifinal ended the S-K season at 10-1. Five Cobras were named all state led by first team selections in Sieren, Duwa, and offensive lineman Zach Smithart. If you missed any of the countdown find the stories at kciiradio.com.