Game Film

 Bettendorf (1-0)

vs. Iowa City High (1-0)
  
Bettendorf and Iowa City High first met in 1969 with the Bulldogs winning, 18-6.  Ever since then, these teams have had some epic battles s over the years including this gem from September 15, 1972.

Transferred from 16mm to a DVD format in 2011, revisit a game over 50 years old!

 Bettendorf (2-1)

vs. Cedar Rapids Kennedy
  
Bettendorf and Cedar Rapids Kennedy first played one another in 1971 with Kennedy winning 41-15.  Bettendorf then won the next two games in '72 and '73, 21-6 and 14-7, respectively, before this thriller occurred!

 Transferred from 16mm to a DVD format in 2011, revisit a game over 50 years old!

 Bettendorf (4-1)

vs. Clinton

    The Bulldogs and River Kings first met in 1964, with Clinton claiming a 24-14 victory. Over the next nine seasons, the rivalry remained fiercely competitive, with the teams splitting their meetings 4-4. But in this pivotal 1974 contest, Bettendorf took the lead in the series, marking the start of a turning point. After this game, Bettendorf would hold a winning record against Clinton—a lead that the River Kings have yet to ever reclaim.

Transferred from 16mm to a DVD format in 2011, revisit a game over 50 years old!

 Bettendorf (5-1)

vs. Cedar Rapids Jefferson

 The first meeting between Bettendorf and Cedar Rapids Jefferson occurred in 1969 with the Bulldogs losing, 34-19.  Over the course of the next 4 season, Bettendorf would go 0-4 against the Jayhawks before this historic first-ever win, 28-20. Transferred from 16mm to a DVD format in 2011, revisit a game over 50 years old!

 Bettendorf (6-1)

vs. Iowa City High

   The Bulldogs and Little Hawks have had some epic battles over the decades with many of the games being decided by a touchdown or less.  This contest--which featured Iowa City center Jay  Jay Hilgenberg, a former Iowa Hawkeye and NFL great--was no different as the Bulldogs won, 26-24.  Transferred from 16mm to a DVD format in 2011, revisit a game over 50 years old!

 Bettendorf (7-1)

vs. Dubuque Hempstead
The first-ever match-up between Bettendorf and Dubuque Hempstead took place in 1970, ending in a 12-7 Bulldog victory. Over the next three seasons, the Bulldogs continued their winning streak against the Mustangs, securing three consecutive victories. It wasn’t until their fifth meeting that Bettendorf finally fell to Hempstead, with a narrow 12-6 loss.  Transferred from 16mm to a DVD format in 2011, revisit a game over 50 years old!

 Bettendorf (9-0)

vs. Dubuque Hempstead (8-1)
  
 This game, aptly described as “a fistfight with rules,” showcased two powerhouse football programs. The defending 4A state champion Dubuque Hempstead Mustangs, with their Wing-T offense led by running back Greg Dralle and a strong defense anchored by linebacker Jason Crews, faced off against the unbeaten Bettendorf Bulldogs, making their first playoff appearance. Bettendorf’s offense was led by quarterback Jeff Stelk, with key plays from receivers Tom Roberts and Todd Uhde and ball carriers Al Tudeen and Randy Holcomb. Their defense, featuring Hap Peterson, Tom Ackerson, and Wayne Perkins, was relentless. The hard-fought battle ultimately went into overtime to determine a winner. 

 Bettendorf (11-0)

vs.  Newton  (11-0)
  
 For the first time since playoffs began in 1972, two undefeated teams—#1 Bettendorf and #2 Newton—met in the 4A Championship Game, drawing a record crowd at the UNI-Dome. Bettendorf, led by coach Merv Habenicht, featured top talents like QB Jeff Stelk and NG Hap Peterson, while Newton, with a younger lineup, countered with RB Trey Jackson and LB Steve Morris. Originally aired on Iowa Public Television, this film includes pre-game analysis and interviews. Despite three first-half turnovers, this 4A Championship became one of the classic matchups of the 1980s between powerhouse teams. 

Bettendorf (9-1) 

vs. Cedar Rapids Washington  (10-0)

When the #1-ranked, undefeated Cedar Rapids Warriors arrived in Bettendorf, they wore new indoor shoes bought for next week’s state championship—perhaps a sign of confidence or oversight. The Warriors, led by QB Brad White and supported by receivers Bill Happel and Kyle Akers, had a strong defense anchored by Billy Johnson, Brian Braxell, and John Bechfield. But Bettendorf was ready. With a versatile offense led by RB Randy Washam and QB Mark Walker, supported by linemen Jeff Bakeris, Brian McCracken, and Doug Waidelich, they matched the Warriors play for play. On defense, Bettendorf's Brett Kuebler, Bob Picchiotti, and Tom Horak proved that the Warriors had underestimated them—at their own expense.

Bettendorf (10-1) 

vs. Mason City  (10-1)

 Respect defined this 4A championship game. Both teams entered after dominant first-round wins but were "supposed" to lose in the semifinals against top-ranked opponents. Bettendorf upset #1 Cedar Rapids Washington, who had underestimated them, while Mason City took down #2 WDM Dowling in overtime. Dubbed the "UnderDAWGS vs. Underdog" match, it was billed as Bettendorf’s passing vs. Mason City's running. But this game meant more: for Mason City, it was about proving they deserved to be there; for Bettendorf, it was a chance to claim their first-ever state championship. 

Bettendorf (11-0) 

vs. WDM Dowling  (10-1)

 It took six years for Bettendorf to return to the 4A title game after their 1981 victory over Mason City, 21-3, securing the first state championship in school history. Dowling, making their fifth title appearance since playoffs began in 1972, had yet to clinch a title, with prior losses by narrow margins of 6, 5, 4, and 3 points. Bettendorf’s unbeaten season was powered by fullback Clint Watkins, who, with linemen Joe Judge and Brad Schoenfelder, cleared paths for tailback Greg Brown against Dowling’s defense led by Chris Tallman and Toney Mycks. Defensively, Bettendorf relied on Adam Bergeron, Steve McCall, and Mike Woolverton to counter Dowling’s passing game led by QB Bob Cataldo and WR Marcus Bumpus. The film also features Bettendorf Head Coach Merv Habenicht’s induction into the Iowa High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, accepted by Mrs. Evelyn Habenicht during halftime. 

Bettendorf (12-0)

vs. Newton (12-0)

 At the start of 1988, it was predicted that these two teams—both #1-ranked in various polls—would clash in the state championship. The hype was justified: both were unbeaten, featured All-State tailbacks, and had gritty defenses. Bettendorf, the defending 4A champions with a 24-game winning streak, had a score to settle with Newton, who defeated them back in 1980. This high-stakes showdown at the UNI-Dome delivered it all—big runs, great tackles, and even flying helmets. In the end, only one team left unbeaten, and it was the Black and Gold Bettendorf Bulldogs. 

Bettendorf (8-0)

vs. Burlington (8-0)

      Billed as a “Clash of the Titans,” this showdown featured Bettendorf, ranked #1 in both the Coaches Poll and Des Moines Register and listed on USA Today’s “Teams to Watch,” against #3 Burlington. Bettendorf’s top-ranked 4A defense, allowing only 187 yards and 9.6 points per game, was anchored by Ken Koehler, Eric Doerder, John Elkin, Matt Rebro, and a strong secondary. Burlington’s potent offense, led by QB Scott Clawson, RB Jeff Oleson, and WR Anthony Harris, ranked #1 in the M.A.C. and #2 statewide in yards and points. Bettendorf’s offense, with powerhouse tailback Tony LaMarre, fullback Eric Arguello, and QB Matt Ulrich, averaged 34 points and 290 yards per game. Burlington countered with a rugged defense led by Chad Riley and Jason Roberts. On October 27th, over 7,000 fans packed TouVelle Stadium to see who would become the final Mississippi Athletic Champion of the 1980s.

Bettendorf (11-0)

vs. Linn-Mar (10-1)

 For nearly three seasons, Bettendorf dominated, winning back-to-back state championships and amassing a 36-game winning streak—the longest in modern Class 4A history. The '89 Bulldogs, aiming to establish their own legacy, maintained a #1 ranking all season, appeared on USA Today's "Teams to Watch," and went 11-0. Key victories included a 17-0 shutout over Davenport North, a 34-12 win over #3 Burlington to claim the M.A.C. Championship, and a gritty 16-7 comeback against #8 Iowa City High in the 4A Quarterfinals. Though they faced a formidable Linn-Mar team with a challenging offense and resilient defense, Bettendorf’s determined squad ultimately couldn’t halt Destiny’s course. 

Bettendorf (10-2) vs.

Sioux City Heelan (11-1)

 Despite winning the 4A state championship in 1991, Bettendorf didn't rank among the top three teams in their conference due to early losses to Burlington and Clinton. A three-way tie in the M.A.C. standings placed them fourth overall, but their win over M.A.C. champion Assumption secured their playoff spot. Led by offensive linemen Keith Lucier and Eric Lyons, tailback Tavian Banks powered their offense, while Pat Bateman and Jed Orgill anchored the defense. After a 31-15 first-round win over Assumption, Bettendorf avenged their opening loss by routing Burlington 55-17 in the Quarterfinals and cruised past Dubuque Wahlert 41-9 in the Semifinals. In the 4A title game, they faced Sioux City Heelan, a seasoned finalist with a tough defense led by lineman Jon LaFleur and standout rusher Nick Harrington. Ultimately, one pivotal play decided the championship. 

Bettendorf (10-0)

vs. Iowa City High  (10-0)
  
 

Some call it the greatest Iowa high school football game ever played, or "the 1992 state championship before the state championship."  Bettendorf, the defending 4A state champion, featured all-state running back Tavian Banks, future NFL players, and a strong defense led by Corey Ryan, Brent Kock, Eric Hoch, and Mike Sage.  Iowa City, led by speedster Tim Dwight and a tough defense, took an early 14-0 lead. Known as the "Banks vs. Dwight" game, it became one of the most legendary matchups in Iowa high school football history.

 Bettendorf (12-0)

vs. WDM Valley (12-0)

This match-up was a heavyweight fight. Bettendorf, the defending state champions, featured tailback Tavian Banks, who had rushed for over 2,100 yards. The Bulldogs’ defense, led by Corey Ryan, Mike Sage, and Eric Hoch, was dominant.  Standing opposite them were the undefeated Valley Tigers, with 2,000-yard passer Chad Griffith and nearly 1,000-yard rusher Tyler Peterson. Their defense aimed to stop Banks.  In the end, it was clear: speed was the deciding factor. 

  Bettendorf (10-1)

vs. Iowa City West (11-0)

In 1998, Bettendorf’s offense, led by quarterback Mike Miller (1,800+ yards, 17 TDs) and tailback Tyler Tisue (1,000+ yards, 21 TDs), was explosive. The Bulldogs also featured key receivers Rick Eisenlauer and Justin Siefken, and solid special teams play with Justin Langan.  Defensively, Weston Kieschnick, Alex Bribriesco, TJ Stoffer, and Dave Yoder helped the team recover from a mid-season loss to Davenport Assumption, avenging it in the playoffs.  In the Semifinals, Bettendorf faced undefeated Iowa City West, with standout players like Jeff Gordon, Chris Richardson, and Nate Kaeding. The thrilling game was ultimately decided by a special teams play.

Bettendorf (11-1)

vs. WDM Dowling (12-0)

    Before the 2000 season, Dowling had played for more state titles than any Iowa team, but with zero championships.   For Bettendorf, the season marked their first under coach Randy Scott and the 20th anniversary of their first state title appearance. After a loss to Assumption, the Bulldogs won five straight, including a 41-14 win over North Scott and a 35-19 victory over Assumption.  Facing Dowling’s high-powered offense, Bettendorf trailed 28-14 at halftime. The second half would become one of the best games in Class 4A history.

Bettendorf (9-2)

vs. Iowa City West (9-2)

The 2002 Bulldogs started the season with a loss to Pleasant Valley but bounced back, winning 7 of their next 8 games, finishing 7-2. Led by center Brad Cook, quarterback Neil Crane, and backs Alvin Vesey and Jeff Wakeland, Bettendorf dominated Pleasant Valley 42-6 in the 1st Round. In the Quarterfinals, the defense, with Mark Carstens, Pat Girskis, and Chris Cook, stepped up in a 29-19 win over Davenport Assumption.  In the Semifinals, the Bulldogs faced Iowa City West, a team that had beaten them in previous years. Determined to not repeat history, Bettendorf aimed to turn the tide against the Trojans.

  Bettendorf (10-2)

vs. W.D.M. Valley (9-3)

For the second time in three years, Bettendorf reached the Class 4A State Championship game, having dominated the playoffs 105-30. In 2000, they lost to West Des Moines Dowling, but this time, they faced the Valley Tigers, who the Bulldogs had previously defeated 41-0 in 1992.  Bettendorf's offense, led by quarterback Neil Crane, kicker Will Hegewein, running back Sean Rizzo, and sophomore Tim Jackson, was potent, supported by a strong defense featuring lineman Brian Stelly and linebacker David Anderson. Valley, despite a 6-3 regular season, had gained momentum with key players like running back Jason Scales and defensive lineman Alex Willcox.  In the end, one dynasty would fall, and another rise, perhaps shaping the future of high school football.  

Bettendorf (11-0)

vs. Iowa City High (9-2)

The 2004 Bettendorf Bulldogs were a force to be reckoned with, favored to win the state title despite Valley's 30-game winning streak. Bettendorf’s offense, led by linemen Quinn McVey and Greg Reckman, running back Tim Jackson, and quarterback Ryan Fick, outscored opponents 406-85. The defense, with players like Chuck Mayberry, Mike Gealy, and Luke Andrusky, dominated in the playoffs, defeating Pleasant Valley 21-6 and Davenport Assumption 31-7.  Meanwhile, Iowa City High, led by quarterback D.P. Eyman and linebacker Phil Kenney, had upsets over Cedar Rapids Prairie and Cedar Falls. The Bulldogs were determined not to underestimate the Little Hawks on their way to the state title.

  Bettendorf (12-0)

vs. W.D.M. Valley (12-0)

This was the 4A State Championship everyone wanted, especially Bettendorf players seeking revenge for their 2002 loss to Valley. Ranked #1 by some polls, this was their third meeting for the title.

Both teams featured strong quarterbacks, 1,000-yard rushers, and accurate kickers. Bettendorf, outscoring opponents 458-98, faced Valley, the two-time defending champion with a 30-game streak. A win would give Valley three consecutive titles.

Bettendorf had key players like Pat Angerer, Jeff Bitter, and Troy Zimmerman, while Valley countered with Ben Percival, Zac Sandvig, and Cam Godfrey. In the end, Bettendorf got their revenge and claimed the title.

  Bettendorf (9-1)

vs. Iowa City High (8-2)
 

 In a hard-fought Iowa Class 4A quarterfinal, Bettendorf's Bulldogs pulled off a powerful second-half performance to secure a 22-12 victory over Iowa City High’s Little Hawks. The game had eerie similarities to last year's matchup between the two, but this time, Bettendorf’s defense was unbreakable. Adam Coleman led the charge, sacking City High quarterback Ted Schmidt multiple times as the Bulldogs intensified pressure in the fourth quarter. Injuries to key City High players left them struggling, and Bettendorf capitalized, with Jake Eikenberry scoring twice in the final quarter to put the game out of reach. The Bulldogs’ relentless defense and disciplined execution propelled them into the state semifinals, inching them closer to a potential title run.