Benton 2026 Football Preview
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
School: Benton Community Bobcats
Nickname: Bobcats
Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Conference: WaMaC
Class: 3A
District: District 2
Co-Head Coach: Kal Goodchild, Jeff Zittergruen
Assistant Coaches: Garret Albers, Dan Burke, Chris Frimml, Kyle Goodchild, Josh Hoeck, Colin Waters, Rich Fisher, Colin Buch
Last Year’s District Record: 3-2
Last Year’s Overall Record: 5-5 Playoffs
Conference/District Champs: 11
Conference/ District Champ Years: 1980, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024
Chief Rival: Vinton-Shellsburg
Number of Returning Letterman: 12
Number of Returning Starters: Offense 4 = O line- David Jones, Isaiah Franck, AJ Wilson Myles, Sage Edberg, Defense: 2 = Kaden Mitchell LB, Isaiah Franck DL
Top Teams in District: Clear Lake should be the favored team in the district. They have very good skill kids returning with a couple of returning O line. They have some returning D line and LB. West Delaware should be a very good team as well. They return some very good plates from last year. I would think that Independence and Iowa Falls will be improved and should have good teams. This district should be very solid. You have traditionally good teams in the district including Benton.
Our non-district will be very tough. Mount Vernon and Solon will more than likely be a playoff team in 2026. Fairfield has a number of returning starters and will be a top team in their district. Vinton is our top rival and returns a number of starters and will be improved from a year ago.
Overall Thoughts: We have a challenging schedule. The competition will be very good. We play five teams that were in the Class 3A playoffs last year. We have had a good off season! Our athletes have worked very hard in the weight room to help make us competitive! We lost a very talented group but returned some very good linemen.
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
School: Benton Community Bobcats
Nickname: Bobcats
Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Conference: WaMaC
Class: 3A
District: District 2
Co-Head Coach: Kal Goodchild, Jeff Zittergruen
Assistant Coaches: Garret Albers, Dan Burke, Chris Frimml, Kyle Goodchild, Josh Hoeck, Colin Waters, Rich Fisher, Colin Buch
Last Year’s District Record: 3-2
Last Year’s Overall Record: 5-5 Playoffs
Conference/District Champs: 11
Conference/ District Champ Years: 1980, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024
Chief Rival: Vinton-Shellsburg
Number of Returning Letterman: 12
Number of Returning Starters: Offense 4 = O line- David Jones, Isaiah Franck, AJ Wilson Myles, Sage Edberg, Defense: 2 = Kaden Mitchell LB, Isaiah Franck DL
Top Teams in District: Clear Lake should be the favored team in the district. They have very good skill kids returning with a couple of returning O line. They have some returning D line and LB. West Delaware should be a very good team as well. They return some very good plates from last year. I would think that Independence and Iowa Falls will be improved and should have good teams. This district should be very solid. You have traditionally good teams in the district including Benton.
Our non-district will be very tough. Mount Vernon and Solon will more than likely be a playoff team in 2026. Fairfield has a number of returning starters and will be a top team in their district. Vinton is our top rival and returns a number of starters and will be improved from a year ago.
Overall Thoughts: We have a challenging schedule. The competition will be very good. We play five teams that were in the Class 3A playoffs last year. We have had a good off season! Our athletes have worked very hard in the weight room to help make us competitive! We lost a very talented group but returned some very good linemen.
BC Artist Spotlight- Lila Bieschke- BCHS
Employment opportunities may be found at https://www.applitrack.com/benton/onlineapp/
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#BeABobcat
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CCA edges Benton in 3A tourney baseball action
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
Monday, July 13, 2026, at Clear Creek Amana
Clear Creek Amana 6, Benton 4
Benton (21-15) had five hits in the tournament game. Kaleb Hupke had a double and two RBIs. Brooks Mitchell-Birdsell had a double. Grant Volesky also had a double. Grady Frese had a single. Weston Kaestner had a single and one RBI. Benton had three walks and 13 strikeouts. Mitchell-Birdsell stole two bases. The team had two errors. CCA had not errors
Drew Filleworth threw for two innings, allowed three hits, three runs (two earned), walked one, hit one batter and struck out two. Losing pitcher Grady Frese threw for four innings, allowed three hits, three earned runs, walked three, hit one batter and struck out one.
Clear Creek Amana (24-11) plays Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. against Dubuque Wahlert (33-6). The game is at McAleece Park and Recreation Complex.
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
Monday, July 13, 2026, at Clear Creek Amana
Clear Creek Amana 6, Benton 4
Benton (21-15) had five hits in the tournament game. Kaleb Hupke had a double and two RBIs. Brooks Mitchell-Birdsell had a double. Grant Volesky also had a double. Grady Frese had a single. Weston Kaestner had a single and one RBI. Benton had three walks and 13 strikeouts. Mitchell-Birdsell stole two bases. The team had two errors. CCA had not errors
Drew Filleworth threw for two innings, allowed three hits, three runs (two earned), walked one, hit one batter and struck out two. Losing pitcher Grady Frese threw for four innings, allowed three hits, three earned runs, walked three, hit one batter and struck out one.
Clear Creek Amana (24-11) plays Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. against Dubuque Wahlert (33-6). The game is at McAleece Park and Recreation Complex.
The next Band Booster Meeting is Wednesday, July 15th at 6PM in the Band Room. Please join us!
****TIME CHANGE for tonight's baseball game****
Employment opportunities may be found at https://www.applitrack.com/benton/onlineapp/
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
Employment opportunities may be found at https://www.applitrack.com/benton/onlineapp/
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
BC Artist Spotlight -High School- Leslie Reiners
Girls 3A Regional Softball - Thursday, July 9 @ 7:00 PM vs Eagle Grove @ Benton
Tickets online at
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h20260625094035658930911b48c6b47/checkout?bare=False
Boys 3A Substate Baseball - Friday, July 10 @ 7:00 PM vs Vinton-Shellsburg @ Benton
Tickets online at
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/iahsaa/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50Lzc5MzQ%3D
Tickets online at
https://tickets.gobound.com/tickets/events/h20260625094035658930911b48c6b47/checkout?bare=False
Boys 3A Substate Baseball - Friday, July 10 @ 7:00 PM vs Vinton-Shellsburg @ Benton
Tickets online at
https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/iahsaa/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50Lzc5MzQ%3D
BC baseball team travels to CR Prairie
-Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
Monday, July 6, 2026, at Cedar Rapids Prairie
CR Prairie 8, Benton 3
Benton had five hits. Kaleb Hupke was 2 for 4 with two doubles and one RBI. Kyle Gallagher had a single. Grady Frese had a single. Weston Kaestner had a single and two RBIs. The team had two walks. Benton had four errors. Prairie had two errors.
Brooks Mitchell-Birdsell threw for two innings, allowed two hits, walked two and struck out tow. Losing pitcher Caleb Kaump threw for 1 1/3 innings, allowed two hits, five runs (four earned) and walked two. Mason Havill threw for one inning and walked one. Nolan Meers threw for 1 2/3 innings, allowed two hits, three earned runs, walked one and hit one batter.
CR Prairie 8, Benton 0
Benton had three hits in the second game. Getting one single each were Drew Fillenworth, Eli Patterson and Grady Frese. Benton had one walk. Graham Wallace had one steal. The team had one error.
Patterson threw for two innings, walked two and struck out five. Grant Volesky threw for 1 2/3 inning, allowed five hits, five earned runs, walked three and struck out two. Grady Frese threw for two innings for the loss, allowed two hits, one earned run, walked four and struck out three. Colton Kroneman allowed two earned runs and walked three. Sam Janssen threw for one out, walking one and striking out one.
Benton hosts West Liberty on Tuesday, July 7, at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, July 8, Benton travels to Center Point-Urbana for a doubleheader, starting at 5 p.m.
Class 3A substate baseball action begins on Friday, July10, when Benton (17-14) hosts Vinton-Shellsburg (10-18). The game starts at 7 p.m.
-Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
Monday, July 6, 2026, at Cedar Rapids Prairie
CR Prairie 8, Benton 3
Benton had five hits. Kaleb Hupke was 2 for 4 with two doubles and one RBI. Kyle Gallagher had a single. Grady Frese had a single. Weston Kaestner had a single and two RBIs. The team had two walks. Benton had four errors. Prairie had two errors.
Brooks Mitchell-Birdsell threw for two innings, allowed two hits, walked two and struck out tow. Losing pitcher Caleb Kaump threw for 1 1/3 innings, allowed two hits, five runs (four earned) and walked two. Mason Havill threw for one inning and walked one. Nolan Meers threw for 1 2/3 innings, allowed two hits, three earned runs, walked one and hit one batter.
CR Prairie 8, Benton 0
Benton had three hits in the second game. Getting one single each were Drew Fillenworth, Eli Patterson and Grady Frese. Benton had one walk. Graham Wallace had one steal. The team had one error.
Patterson threw for two innings, walked two and struck out five. Grant Volesky threw for 1 2/3 inning, allowed five hits, five earned runs, walked three and struck out two. Grady Frese threw for two innings for the loss, allowed two hits, one earned run, walked four and struck out three. Colton Kroneman allowed two earned runs and walked three. Sam Janssen threw for one out, walking one and striking out one.
Benton hosts West Liberty on Tuesday, July 7, at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, July 8, Benton travels to Center Point-Urbana for a doubleheader, starting at 5 p.m.
Class 3A substate baseball action begins on Friday, July10, when Benton (17-14) hosts Vinton-Shellsburg (10-18). The game starts at 7 p.m.
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
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Join the Benton Band Boosters for a 50/50 raffle & glow stick sales fundraiser on July 3rd at 7:00 PM in Newhall, Iowa, held during the Newhall Fireworks celebration.
Congratulations to our Benton Community students who earned their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and Industry-Recognized Credential (IRC)!
Through Benton Community’s Health Careers Academy, offered in partnership with Kirkwood Community College, students gain meaningful exposure to careers in healthcare while exploring their post-secondary options. Along the way, they earn college credit and develop valuable skills that will support both their future careers and their ability to care for others.
We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!
Through Benton Community’s Health Careers Academy, offered in partnership with Kirkwood Community College, students gain meaningful exposure to careers in healthcare while exploring their post-secondary options. Along the way, they earn college credit and develop valuable skills that will support both their future careers and their ability to care for others.
We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!
Industrial Tech Shed Sale! Our sheds are still looking for a home.
Price: $5,500 each
Buyer is responsible for transportation.
For questions, please contact jreid@benton.k12.ia.us.
Both sheds feature:
• 8 ft x 12 ft size
• 8 ft tall walls
• Asphalt shingles
• Premium composite siding
• Rear window for natural light
Shed #1:
• 6 ft. wide x 7 ft. tall garage door
Shed #2:
• Service door
Next school year preorder is available!! Two more sheds will be built next school year. One during the fall and one in the spring. Contact Jacob Reid if interested.
Price: $5,500 each
Buyer is responsible for transportation.
For questions, please contact jreid@benton.k12.ia.us.
Both sheds feature:
• 8 ft x 12 ft size
• 8 ft tall walls
• Asphalt shingles
• Premium composite siding
• Rear window for natural light
Shed #1:
• 6 ft. wide x 7 ft. tall garage door
Shed #2:
• Service door
Next school year preorder is available!! Two more sheds will be built next school year. One during the fall and one in the spring. Contact Jacob Reid if interested.
Employment opportunities may be found at https://www.applitrack.com/benton/onlineapp/
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
BC Artist Spotlight - Hailey Kaplan
Monday, June 15, 2026, at Van Horne
Benton 7, Marion 5
M 000 300 0 - 5
BC 012 022 x - 7
Benton had seven hits in the first game against Marion. Kaleb Hupke had a single. Kale Gallagher had a single. Drew Fillenworth was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. Grady Frese had one single. Grant Volesky had one RBI. Brooks Mitchell-Birdsell was 2 for 3 with two RBIs. Eli Patterson stole two bases. The team had two errors.
Mitchell-Birdsell threw for 6 2/3 innings, allowed nine hits, five runs (two earned), and struck out one. Fillenworth threw for one out, striking out one batter.
Marion 22, Benton 1
M 602 02 (12) - 22
BC 010 00 0 - 1
Benton had four hits. Hupke had a single. Gallagher had a single. Frese had a double. Grant Volesky added a double. Benton had four walks. Frese stole one base. The team had four errors.
Benton used five pitchers. Frese took the loss, throwing for one inning, allowing six hits, six earned runs, hitting one batter and striking two. Graham Wallace threw for one inning, allowed four hits, five earned runs and walked three. Caleb Kaump threw for 3 1/3 innings, allowed nine hits, four earned runs, walked one and hit one batter. Sam Janssen allowed two hits, seven runs (one earned), walked one and hit two batters. Mason Havill threw for 2/3 innings, allowed one hit, walked one, hit one batter and struck out two. Marion had 22 hits.
Benton hosts Northeast on Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m. They travel to South Tama on Thursday, June 18. They travel to West Branch on Friday, June 19.
Monday, June 15, 2026, at Van Horne
Marion 6, Benton 4
M 301 000 2 - 6
BC 201 001 0 - 4
Marion 8, Benton 4
M 012 104 0 - 8
BC 000 130 0 - 4
TODAY IS YOUR CHANC E TO COME TEST DRIVE A BUS! Benton Community Transportation is hosting a Bus Test Drive Event.
When: Wednesday, June 17 from 4:00-6:00 PM
Where: Benton High School Parking Lot, 600 1st Street, Van Horne
This is your chance to come drive a school bus and see if this career is right for you!
What to Expect:
* Get Behind the Wheel
*Meet Transportation Staff
*Discover Job Opportunities
We hope to see you there!
Questions?
Contact Tim Lyons at tlyons@benton.k12.ia.us OR Kristi Wright at krwright@benton.k12.ia.us
When: Wednesday, June 17 from 4:00-6:00 PM
Where: Benton High School Parking Lot, 600 1st Street, Van Horne
This is your chance to come drive a school bus and see if this career is right for you!
What to Expect:
* Get Behind the Wheel
*Meet Transportation Staff
*Discover Job Opportunities
We hope to see you there!
Questions?
Contact Tim Lyons at tlyons@benton.k12.ia.us OR Kristi Wright at krwright@benton.k12.ia.us
