(Anita, IA) – The CAM Cougars may not be playing in the UNI-Dome for the State title, but we cannot forget what a successful run that head coach Barry Bower and his Cougars had this season.
CAM is graduating twelve seniors after this successful season. They are losing some key components including Brody Paulsen, Ryan Bower, Jack Thomsen, Jack Follman, and Austin Williams among many others. Coach Bower was more than proud to see these individuals reach their potential and play on the field with the want to get better over time.
Jack Follman was out in the game against Sidney this season due to a dislocated shoulder. He came back in the season and continued to not only play but also keep up the defensive effort and keep up his aspect of leadership down the line. Follman played the game against Bishop Garrigan like he was fighting for his life, and it showed with his jersey that was not so white anymore at the end of the game. Follman finished the season leading the team in tackles with 59, earned eight tackles for loss, recovered two fumbles, and had two interceptions.
Another player that showed some impressive feats this season was Chase Spieker. The junior threw for 1,622 yards and 26 touchdowns while throwing just 7 interceptions, three of which came in the game against Bishop Garrigan. Spieker also rushed for 927 yards and 24 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Coach Bower is spending the offseason looking to grow himself as a coach and looking to have the team grow together. What matters to him is that he wants to be a better person, which will help to reflect on the kids to help them even further in their pursuit to be better people, not only on the football field but in life.
It was a fun run for CAM this season as they finished 10-1 and look to bring back a multitude of talent next season.
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