Written by Avery Hersom
Algona’s football team had a great ride this year. Their overall record was 9-2 and they were 4-1 in the Conference. They were ranked 27th in the state.
The boys’ first game of the season was at Spirit Lake. Alex Manske threw a total of 167 passing yards in the game. They ended the game winning 42-40. Tate Carter, a junior, says, “It was a fun time with all of my teammates.”
The team continued to roll through the season, beating Forest City, Estherville Lincoln Central, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley, Charles City, and Clear Lake.
The Battle of Highway 169, at Humboldt, resulted in the Bulldogs’ first loss of the season. The Bulldogs’ starting quarterback, Alex Manske, was injured, resulting in him not being able to play the rest of the night, and ultimately the rest of the season. The game was neck and neck until the last quarter. The Wildcats made a touchdown and the extra point, resulting in the ending score of 20-21.
The Bulldogs quickly bounced back from the heartbreaking loss, beating Webster City and Hampton-Dumont-CAL.
In the first round of postseason play, the Bulldogs hosted Harlan Community and came away with a commanding win, 49-6.
The Bulldogs were also able to host the quarterfinals against Mount Vernon. The tough game between the two ended with the Mustangs as winners, 31-28.
While many were hoping for a Dome game, the Bulldogs have nothing to hang their heads about. The 2024 season was an excellent one! The team will greatly miss the 13 seniors: Alex Manske, Jack Limbaugh, Tate Slagle, Blake Grandgenett, Cadyn Samp, Ashton Moreno, Landon Thompson, Ezra Oldenkamp, Owen Johnson, Elijah Wilhite, Drew Schutjer, Aiden Ulrich, and Ryan Weier.