DRAGON DREAMS

Hungry and still young as Class 1A, DII’s pre-season sixth-ranked squad, Iredell Dragons breathing fire on foes with their eyes on postseason run at state

After advancing to the Class 1A, Division II regional finals for only the third time in school history, sixth-ranked Iredell Dragons have been picked Dave Campbell’s Texas Football as the favorites in the five-team District 11-1A, DII as the defending district champions.

But make no mistake about it. The surprising Kopperl Eagles appear full loaded to challenge, while the Morgan Eagles will attempt to take flight with a new head coach, along with the Bluff Dale Bobcats and the Three Way Braves, who will be dropping down from Class 1A, DI.

“Going this way crossed my mind, but it was definitely a surprise,” Iredell football head coach Luis Guereca said. “It’s been a while since we have had a five-team district, so I guess it was time. I think it was good for us, giving something new for our team. More teams equal more competition, and the new district will definitely be a competitive one. I know each team is going to bring a different look and will be competing each week.

“Overall, there some places it lined up well for us. And in other places, it got really competitive. There was definitely a lot of change, so we look forward to making our mark in this new realignment.”

After an undefeated run through their opponents to capture the District 12-1A, Division II title in 2023, Iredell returns 11 lettermen including five offensive and six defensive starters – led by junior Cole Heutzenroeder, the district’s Offensive Most Valuable Player, junior Caleb Garland, the Defensive Most Valuable Player award, and sophomore Gavin Vara, the district’s Newcomer of the Year. After advancing three rounds into the Class 1A, DII playoffs, Iredell was eliminated in the regional finals by eventual state finalist Oglesby.

“We understand that we do have a good group of young kids, and they definitely showed up in the games during district play,” Guereca said. “It was a great football season for us. It was the third time in school history we have reached the regional finals. I’m extremely proud of our team, our school and our community.”

Leading the Dragon offensive attack once again this season, Heutzenroeder returns after rushing for 1,423 yards and 27 touchdowns, while completing 21 of 46 passes for 458 yards and eight scores. Providing a dual threat in the running game, senior Jordan Gutierrez ran for 1,103 yards and 17 touchdowns, while junior Adan Aguilar returns as the signal caller.

Balancing the attack through the air, Garland led the Iredell receiving corps with 12 times for 285 yards and seven touchdowns along with junior Caden Sweat caught 11 passes for 289 yards and five scoring strikes.

“This season, we will have a lot of experience, good speed and size, but we lack depth. District starts earlier than usual, so it’ll be important for us to make sure we are improving each week. It’s hard to say who the team to beat will be this year. I know all teams have most of their kids returning, so it will be a competitive district.”

Defensively, Heutzenroeder will line up at linebacker after leading the Dragons with 125 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery, along with Garland at defensive end with 123 takedowns, two interceptions and four fumble recoveries last season.

At safety, Gutierrez leads the defensive backfield with 79 tackles, one interception and five fumble recoveries, while Sweat returns to defensive end after collecting 51 tackles, one interception and three fumble recoveries.

After winning three consecutive district titles and making back-to-back trips to the Class 1A, Division II, Region IV finals in 2017 and 2018, the Dragons found themselves in rebuild mode after suffering through three straight losing seasons.

Entering his 12th season as the Dragon head coach, Guereca led Iredell to six straight winning seasons culminating in three consecutive district titles from 2016-2018. Although the Dragons expected to be in the hunt at the state level again in 2019, injuries took their toll early forcing the team to shutdown before district. Likewise, the 2020 season ended up feeling like a bit of déjà vu – and not in a good way.

But without a doubt, the Iredell Dragons are back with back-to-back trips to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, looking for their second straight district title this season.

“I’m really proud of our team, from top to bottom,” Guereca said. “Every single player improved from game-to-game throughout last two years. And I’m excited to see what they can do this season.”

Photos by SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS