For many high school football teams across the state of Iowa, tonight begins their 2024 season. Tonight, it’s week two for the KCII Area Game of the Week, as things roll into the town of Winfield for a matchup between 2023’s state semifinalist Winfield-Mount Union and the Central City Wildcats.

WMU is eager to kick off the 2024 campaign after an undefeated season came to an end in the Dome at the hands of Bishop Garrigan by a 34-20 final score. It has been a big transition for Scott McCarty’s team over the offseason, as they said goodbye to a bulk of their roster that led them to state success, but they do return senior Quarterback Jake Edwards, senior Running Back Lane Genkinger, and senior lineman Cooper Buffington. As a team, WMU scored 49.6 points-per-game while giving up just a mere 14.8 last season. Through the air, Winfield was 83/153 for 1,673 yards and 26 touchdowns, ninth-best in 8-Man. On the ground, they racked up 2,337 rushing yards on 296 carries for 50 touchdowns, sixth-best in 8-Man. On defense, WMU’s 505.5 tackles, 36 sacks, 93 tackles for loss, and 14 fumble recoveries were all top-10 bests in 8-Man. The Wolves had two scoop-and-scores paired with a pick-six. Special teams were indeed special for the red and black too, with two kick and punt return touchdowns.

The other side of the matchup features a Central City Wildcat team that has already played in competitive action this season. New Head Coach Matt Weber began his tenure with a 51-36 loss at the hands of WACO, making them 0-1 on the season. Senior Quarterback Matthew Klostermann had 20 carries for 195 yards and three touchdowns against the Warriors last week. Klostermann was just as good on defense, finishing with 8.5 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a half sack. Last season, Central City put up 47.1 points-per-game while giving up 20.2. They were 37/71 through the air with 842 yards and 15 touchdowns. On the ground, the Wildcats rushed for 2,620 yards and 46 touchdowns. Their 8.7 yards-per-carry were third-best in 8-Man. Central City’s 33.5 sacks were fifth-best in 8-Man.

WMU is 1-0 all-time against Central City dating back to last season when the Wolves took a 44-36 victory in week one. 

Catch all of the action live tonight on the KCII3 Stream, exclusively at KCIIRadio.com with the pregame show at 6:30 with kickoff at 7 from Winfield.