It is a new era for Mount Vernon football.
Coach Brad Meester took over the program this spring, replacing Lance Pedersen, who took a job with Clear Creek Amana. Meester, a former NFL player who was an assistant under Pedersen for several years, is enjoying his first head coaching job.
“It has been absolutely awesome,” Meester said. “I didn’t realize how many things you have to deal with, like emails, spreadsheets, handing out equipment … a little of everything. You take that stuff for granted as a position coach. You don’t realize how much you have to do and organize. All the little details.”
Meester said it has been great to have the same coaches return as assistants.
“That’s been unbelievable,” Meester said. “The group has been together for several years and I fully trust them.”
On the field, Mount Vernon returns a lot of talent from a team that went 9-2 last season, losing to Williamsburg 38-35 in the quarterfinal round of the 3A playoffs. (The Raiders went on to win the 3A title, and never had a closer game.)
The 2024 team starts up front, with one of the most dominant defensive fronts in the state. It includes Ethan Wood (6-5, 235), Joe Briesemeister (6-6, 230), Nova Lane (6-4, 235) and Tyler Williams (6-1, 240), all of whom are drawing interest from college coaches. Wood has already committed to North Dakota State.
“These kids are big and fast,” Meester said. “They are athletic and they can run. They will be fun to watch. They are full of energy and they get after it a little bit.”
Of course, last year’s offense was piloted by strong- armed quarterback Joey Rhomberg, who is now at Dubuque University. Rhomberg threw for 2,349 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Taking over at QB will be junior Kellen Haverback. Meester didn’t want to give anything away prior to a Week 1 game at Monticello on Friday night, but it doesn’t seem like the Mustangs will have to drastically change their offense in 2024.
“Kellen does an unbelievable job,” Meester said. “He’s been in our system. That’s helped with the learning curve.
“No one knew what Joey was going to be able to do until he stepped out there and did it. We’ll find out Fri- day what Kellen can do.”
And while Mount Vernon said goodbye to top rusher Jackson Hird (822 yards) and top receiver Evan Brase (1,042 yards), there is plenty of talent returning. Cooper Hird ran for 360 yards as a freshman and Watson Krob (17 catches, 244 yards) and Jase Jaspers (37, 496) showed talent as sophomore.
“We’ve got some good depth,” Meester said. “We have a decent amount of guys back, and some other guys just stepping into roles.”
Meester mentioned that seniors AJ McDermott and Cole Thurn are two players who have emerged during the fall. The preseason rankings are still coming out, but expect Mount Vernon to be in the mix.
“I don’t know what people are thinking, and it doesn’t matter to us,” Meester said. “We’re going to focus on what we do. I know people say that all the time, but we are.”
The district remains Davenport Assumption, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Washington and Mount Pleasant. After Monticello, the other non-district games include Union, Benton Community, and Hwy. 1 rival Solon.
“It should be a fun group to see,” Meester said. “We’ll get after it.”