(Council Bluffs, IA) – Iowa Western is heading to the NJCAA Championship game on Wednesday for the fifth time in program history. The Reivers put down 28 points in the first half alone as they were able to win over #3 Kilgore College 47-7 while dominating on both the offensive and defensive fronts. Play-by-play broadcaster Jake Ryan saw the puzzle pieces fall perfectly into place from the booth as the Reivers were able to put things together early.
The Reivers features two running backs, Jonathan Humpal and Bryant Williams who have been stout forces this season. Humpal, the former Lewis Central Titan has rushed for 700 yards and seven touchdowns while Williams has rushed for 678 yards and five touchdowns over the course of the year. They also feature quarterback Hunter Watson who has featured some of the longest runs this year with 609 total rushing yards.
Hunter Watson has not only been effective on his feet but also in the air. The sophomore has passed for 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. He is a quarterback who is not afraid to take a hit and help the team at any cost.
Clev Lubin and Kemari Copeland have been the dual forces on the defense this season for Iowa Western. Lubin has racked up 50 tackles and leads the team with 22 tackles for loss and in sacks this season with 11.5. Copeland has put down 38 tackles with 4.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. These two have been catalysts in the eyes of Ryan.
On Wednesday, the Reivers will be taking on the East Mississippi Lions, a team featured on Netflix’s Last Chance U just a few years ago. This is a team that is recently coming off a win over Hutchinson Community College, a school that Iowa Western featured their only loss to this season. East Mississippi features quarterback Ty Keyes, who has passed for 3,089 yards and 32 touchdowns this season. They also feature two running backs with 600+ yards, Jaylen Jennings and Kiron Benjamin who have been dominant offensive forces this year. Wednesday features a challenge for the defensive secondary for Iowa Western.
Iowa Western takes on East Mississippi this Wednesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium in Arkansas.
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