A Saturday doubleheader of high school football doesn’t come around too often, but Southeast Iowa is here for it in 2022 with WACO and Winfield-Mt. Union kicking off their season tomorrow in a four-team week zero showcase at Martensdale-St. Mary’s. 

The 8-player double dip features four playoff hopeful programs with Winfield-Mt. Union dueling Audubon followed by WACO vs. Southeast Warren. The Wolves will try to use their speed on the artificial turf to their advantage headlined by junior running back Cam Buffington. The University of Iowa commit was responsible for 2,175 yards and 35 touchdowns last year while leading the defense with 55 tackles. The 6’6’’ Abram Edwards provides length on the outside with 586 receiving yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 43 tackles last fall. The Wolves just missed out on a playoff berth with a 4-4 record. The perennial power Wheelers were a dome team last year finishing 10-2. They do have to replace their all state quarterback, top three rushers, and top receiver. They do bring back their top tackler in Gavin Larsen with 74. 

The Warriors had a breakout 2021 where they had their first double-digit win season since 2010 finishing 10-2 and a state quarterfinal berth.  Three of their seven first team all district selections return including senior running back Simeon Reichenbach. He collected 1,413 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns and collected 35 tackles defensively. Drew Diers is back after leading the defense with 53 tackles and Mason Miller returns in the secondary with nine interceptions. Southeast Warren was 5-4 and bring back a boat load of experience headlined by quarterback Landon Harvey and running back Trey Fisher. Harvey threw for 851 yards and 14 touchdowns while Fisher added 692 yards and 10 scores on the ground. 

WMU will kickoff their season at 2 p.m. tomorrow with the WACO game to follow at 5:30 p.m. in Martensdale.