STATE CHAMPIONSHIP NOTES AND QUOTES

LUCKY 13
HCHS State Title Game Victories Since 1972
1972    HCHS 14, CR Regis 12
1982    HCHS 15, CR Regis 14
1983    HCHS 26, Oskaloosa 0
1984    HCHS 14, Columbus 13
1993    HCHS 34, W. Delaware 20
1995    HCHS 27, W. Delaware 7
1997    HCHS 14, Decorah 7
1998    HCHS 49, Grinnell 7
2003    HCHS 38, Mount Vernon 35
2004    HCHS 42, Decorah 7
2005    HCHS 34, W. Delaware 13
2009    HCHS 35, Pella 14
2021    HCHS 42, Boyden-Hull/RV 28
1972 game played at Kinnick Stadium
All other games played at UNI-Dome

TOP OF THE CHARTS
 The Harlan Community football team has extended its lead on some all-time state records during the past several weeks. The Cyclones won their 13th state championship, made their 22nd title game appearance and increased their playoff game win total to an even 100. In each case, Dowling Catholic ranks second in the state with 10 state championships, 17 title game appearances and 84 playoff victories.
 Harlan Community’s 13 state titles are four more than the combined total of this year’s other six champions from across the state. Southeast Polk (Class 5A), Lewis Central (4A), Southeast Valley (2A) and CAM (Eight-Player) all won their first-ever football crowns last week. Van Meter (1A) claimed its second title and West Hancock (A) won for the third time.

Harlan Community Cyclone Football
2021 Final Record: 13-0
vs. Lewis Central -- Won 36-29
at Grinnell -- Won 56-7
vs. Sgt. Bluff-Luton -- Won 55-26
at Glenwood -- Won 41-13
vs. Saydel -- Won 64-0
at Atlantic -- Won 55-7
at ADM, Adel -- Won 58-30
vs. Creston -- Won 42-0
at Knoxville -- Won 76-0
CLASS 3A PLAYOFFS
vs. Ballard -- Won 45-0
vs. Nevada -- Won 38-0
vs. Humboldt -- Won 45-19 (3A Semifinal at UNI-Dome)
vs. Boyden-Hull/RV -- Won 42-28 (3A Championship at UNI-Dome)

RECORD BREAKERS
 The Cyclone football team set the following school records during the 2021 season.
Single Game Records
Teagon Kasperbauer: 432 passing yards (at ADM) - previous record Preston Mulligan 416 vs. Glenwood (2018).
Teagon Kasperbauer: 7 TD passes (at ADM) - previously Joel Osborn 6 vs. Red Oak & Creston (2003).
Team: 432 passing yards, 7 TD passes (at ADM) - previously 420 vs. Le Mars (2003).
Regular Season Records (9 games)
Stephen Leinen: 59 made PAT kicks - previously Trent Wendt 51 (2010).
Team: 2,454 Passing yards - previously 2307 in 2018.
Team: 483 points - previously 444 in 1970.
Full Season Records (13 games)
Stephen Leinen: 62 kickoff touchbacks - previously Ethan Knudson 49 (2015).
Stephen Leinen: 82 made PAT kicks - previously Trent Wendt 76 (2009).
Stephen Leinen: 57.6 kickoff average - previously Ethan Knudson 57.4 (2015).
Connor Frame: 22 receiving TDs - previously Michael Burger 17 (1992).
T. Kasperbauer: 3,307 passing yards - previously Zach Osborn 3,303 (2011).
T. Kasperbauer: 46 touchdown passes - previously Joel Osborn 42 (2003).
TEAM: 653 total points - previously 586 (2003).
TEAM: 48 touchdown passes.
Career Record
Connor Frame: 36 receiving TDs - previously Michael Burger 30 (1991-93).

Reactions following Friday’s state title game
HCHS Head Coach Todd Bladt
(On the Cyclones’ defensive effort in holding B-H/RV to 28 points)
 “We were in position to make plays, we just didn’t in a couple of situations, but overall I think our defense played really well. They limited these guys to 28 points and I don’t think they’ve been tested all year in terms of scoring more than 30. So kudos to our D. They made some great plays. We just gave up some big things here and there, and you’re going to have that in the championship game. When you have really good football teams playing against each other, there’s going to be some fireworks.”
(On playing a much cleaner game than the semifinal vs. Humboldt)
 “It’s a focus thing. Our guys were able to get focused. I think we just came out a little flat last game... we had some uncharacteristic errors last week and we corrected them. We had the one turnover on the jump ball [interception] out there, but other than that we played pretty clean. We had a few jump offsides and then down the stretch we had a couple pass interference calls, but those are going to happen. You’re playing hard and things happen down there and people run into each other, and it is what it is. But I thought our guys played really well, they played focused... In game like this it stinks that there’s a winner and a loser, but it’s good to be on this side of it.”
(On winning the program’s first state title since 2009)
 “I’m just impressed with the kids and I’m impressed with my assistant coaches. Overall, they’re fantastic people. They work so hard for these guys and it’s a full team win. Gosh, the amount of time those guys put in is incredible, and I’m so proud of them and proud of what they were able to achieve. Fantastic win for everybody in the community and it’s great to be back on top.”
HCHS Junior Aidan Hall
(On Boyden-Hull’s effort and the Cyclone defense stepping up late)
 “They don’t quit. They’re a good team. I thought our defense stepped up. Obviously we gave up 28 points, but we had quite a few big stops and we played pretty clutch.”
HCHS Senior Will McLaughlin
(On playing disciplined football)
 “Just everyone doing their job. The game really came down to who was making the least amount of mistakes. Week by week, we always strive for perfection. You never can achieve it. There’s no such thing as a perfect game of football, but that’s what we try to get to every week... Nothing is given, everything is earned.”
HCHS Junior Teagon Kasperbauer
(On having high expectations)
 We expect... to come here. This is where we live. This is our home - the Dome. It’s awesome coming back here and actually winning a state title and bringing (number) 13 home.”