The old cliché about having two quarterbacks doesn’t always ring true. For Western Dubuque, it’s a luxury. The Bobcats enter the 2024 season with two varsity quarterbacks on the roster who have led the team to a playoff berth.
Brett Harris was the team’s starter as a freshman in 2022 and led WD to its first playoff appearance since winning the Iowa Class 4A state championship in 2019. But he missed the following year after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Tanner Anderson stepped in last year and led the Bobcats to the District 2 championship and a state runner-up finish.
Now they’re hoping for déjà vu. The last time Western Dubuque finished as state runner-up, it won the title the next season. Here is a capsule look at the Bobcats this season: Coach — Justin Penner (11th season, 117-82) Last year — 11-2 (5-0); Class 4A state runner-up Returning starters — Caden Culbertson (Sr.
, 6-4, 205, LB); David Theisen (Sr., 6-0, 195, LB); Drew Burds (Sr., 6-0, 195, DB); Garrett Kluesner (Sr.
, 6-2, 235, OL/DL); Zander Ehlers (Sr., 6-1, 170, DB); Ben Wernimont (Sr., 5-10, 165, DB); Leo Clemens (Sr.
, 6-2, 195, DB); John Lemke (Sr., 6-0, 250, OL); Tanner Anderson (Sr., 6-3, 180, QB); Brett Harris (Jr.
, 6-1, 190, QB) Other returning veterans — Mason Ruden (Sr., 6-3, 240, OL/DL); Justin Kurt (Sr., 6-2, 213, TE); Tanis Willenbring (Sr.
, 6-0, 180, TE) Promising newcomers — Charlie Ernzen (Jr., OL); Bradley Brosius (Jr., RB/DB); Alex Gassman (Jr.
, LB/OL); Drew Horsfall .