Sophomore Kolt Knaack releases a practice throw last Friday prior to making his debut as starting quarterback for the Redhawks’ 2022-2023 season. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

With the loss of Redhawks Gabe Kopriva, Devin McKinley, Aiden Zook, and Michael Bell to graduation this past spring, North Tama football was in need of some new leadership on the gridiron. Following the team’s scrimmage with North Linn this past Friday night at home on Dennis Field – during which the team debuted their sharp new uniforms – it was clear the 2022-2023 roster was up to the challenge.

With sophomore Kolt Knaack showing promise as the new starting quarterback, head coach Taylor Wurth had plenty to smile about Friday night from the sidelines. “[The] boys have been doing a lot of things right for a long time,” Wurth said following the scrimmage in a text-based interview. “Whether it was showing up to volunteer, selling Redhawk cards, or having great attitudes at practice, they’ve been doing the little things right. The proof was in the pudding Friday night as we competed with a good North Linn team.”

Several plays by the Redhawks stood out as such proof. After North Tama gave up a safety, cornerback Josh Dostal intercepted a North Linn pass which eventually led to a subsequent touchdown – North Tama’s first of the game – following a 20-yard pass from Knaack to Dostal. Later in the game, on fourth down, Knaack successfully threw from the 48-yard line to junior Jared Dvorak who – thanks to a block by senior Lucas DeBoef – skillfully evaded Lynx defenders along the left sideline for the Redhawks’ second touchdown.

In addition to Knaack, Dostal, and Dvorak, running backs Michael Schrier and Gavin Rausch also stood out Friday night.

“They’ve made great strides in just two weeks,” Wurth said of his team. “We still have a lot of work to do, but I know our boys are up for the challenge.”

Running back Gavin Rausch (7) looks for a path through the Lynx defense early on during the Redhawks scrimmage with North Linn on Friday, August 19, at Dennis Field in Traer. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

North Tama opens the season at home against Belle Plaine this Friday with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. The Redhawks have faced the Plainsmen 27 times since 1901, winning 10 including last year’s season opener in Belle Plaine, 31-14.

Members of the Redhawks coaching staff including (right to left) Brice Girkin, head coach Taylor Wurth, and Andrew Knaack pictured on the sidelines Friday, August 19, in Traer during the team's Week 0 scrimmage. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

Senior Joe Unker executes the first of what would be several onside kicks for the Redhawks right out of the gates during North Tama's Week 0 scrimmage with North Linn on Friday, August 19, in Traer. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

Senior Lucas DeBoef (8) speaks with starting quarterback Kolt Knaack during a timeout on the field. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

An enthusiastic Redhawks fan puts on an impromptu dance number from beneath the North Tama scoreboard last Friday night on Dennis Field. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

Linebacker Kolt Knaack readies himself for the North Linn snap last Friday in Traer. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

Head coach Taylor Wurth is all smiles during a timeout on the field last Friday night in Traer. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

North Tama's new uniforms were looking sharp Friday night on Dennis Field. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

Sophomores Gavin Rausch (7) and Kolt Knaack (4) warm-up ahead of the Redhawks August 19 scrimmage on Dennis Field. –Photo by Ruby F. McAllister

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER