The Algona football team had a season to remember in 2023. The Bulldogs’ first contest of the year was their annual scrimmage against Britt, West Hancock, at home. The boys showed flashes of what could come for the season.
In week one, the Bulldogs hosted the Spirit Lake Indians in a non-District game. The Indians came into the game ranked number one in 2A, while the Bulldogs were ranked tenth in 3A. The Bulldogs fought hard but would come up short in the end, losing 30-22. After a tough week one loss, the Bulldogs were ready to host Forest City at home.
The Bulldogs had a strong first half, taking a 28-10 lead. Coming out of the half, the Bulldogs picked up where they left off, putting up twenty one points to Forest City’s seven, picking up the win 49-16.
Following this streak of home games for the Bulldogs, they would travel to Estherville to take on the Midgets. The Bulldogs would prove to be the better team in this contest, taking a 33-28 win on the road.
To wrap up non-District play, the Bulldogs traveled to Rock Valley to take on Boyden-Hull-Rock Valley. Before the game, there was a tribute and moment of silence for fallen officer Kevin Cram. The Bulldogs came out hot, taking the opening kickoff for a touchdown. By the second quarter, the Bulldogs would lead 27-0 until a lighting delay would pause the contest. Coming out of the rain delay, the Bulldogs continued to dominate, winning 53-13.
After the road trip to Rock Valley, the Bulldogs were back at home for Homecoming versus Charles City. The Bulldogs cruised past Charles City, winning 48-0, improving their record to 4-1 and 1-0 in District play.
After Homecoming, the Bulldogs would travel to Clear Lake to take on the 6-0 Lions for their biggest test of the season. The Bulldogs would strike first in the matchup, while the Lions’ offense would struggle and settle for a field goal. Before halftime, both teams would score and the Bulldogs led 14-13. Coming out of halftime, the Bulldogs would pick up a quick score while holding the Lions to zero in the third quarter. The Bulldogs led 21-13 to start the fourth quarter, but the Lions were not done yet. The Lions would rally sixteen points to the Bulldogs’ seven and escape with a 29-28 win.
Following the Bulldogs’ tough loss, they would start preparing to host the Humboldt Wildcats. Coming into the matchup, the Bulldogs sat with a 5-2 record to Humboldt’s 4-3. The Bulldog defense would prove how dominant they can be, holding the run heavy Wildcats to 80 yards rushing all game. The Wildcats picked up a late score, yet the Bulldogs took the win 34-17.
Coming into week eight, the Bulldogs prepared to travel to Webster City to take on the Lynx. The Bulldogs would be put to the test in this match as the weather was pouring rain. From the jump, the Bulldogs struggled to get anything going and to stop Webster City. The factors would prove to be too much for the Bulldogs as they would lose 47-0.
Following the big loss, the Bulldogs would host a win or go home matchup vs Hampton-Dumont-CAL. The Bulldogs would have a slow game on offense, but it would not matter as they would win 21-7 to clinch a playoff berth.
The Bulldogs would travel to Sioux Center and take on the Warriors in the first playoff game. Off the jump, the Bulldogs dominated, taking a 21-7 lead in the first quarter. Before the half, the Warriors struck again, cutting the deficit to seven just before half. Coming out of the break, the Bulldogs struggled, giving up two touchdowns and losing the lead going into the fourth quarter. The Bulldog offense made a push in the final three minutes, but it would prove to not be enough as the Algona Bulldogs would lose 21-28, ending their season. Quarterback, Alex Manske, says, “Football was fun, but we didn’t accomplish what we wanted.”
The following Bulldogs received First Team All District: Alex Manske (QB), Evan Allie (RB), Porter Reffer (WR), Cohen Reffer (OL), Tate Slagle (LB), Jack Limbaugh (DL), and Aiden Ulrich (DL). Alex Manske and Porter Reffer received First Team All State selections and Jack Limbaugh received a Second Team All State selection. The Bulldogs had a large senior class, graduating 20 players this year.
While the season was shorter than hoped for, the Bulldogs made many memories and showed flashes of what could be in the 2024 season.