The Bellevue Comets are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 7-2 overall record and a 4-1 mark in district play.

Co-Head Coach Matt Jaeger joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a highly productive senior class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas Bellevue must improve to remain one of the top programs in Class 2A.

We also discuss the quarterback position, potential breakout players and how the Comets plan to replace the enormous production and leadership of Cal Bonifas, Keenan Kilburg and the rest of last year’s graduating class.

The Wahlert Catholic Golden Eagles are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 9-3 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in district play.

Head Coach Jamie Marshall joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a highly productive senior class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas Wahlert must improve to remain one of the top programs in Class 3A.

We also discuss the return of quarterback JP Elbert, potential breakout players and how the Golden Eagles plan to replace the production and leadership of Anderson Herbst, Brody Schumacher, Noah Krapfl and the rest of last year’s graduating class.

The Dubuque Senior Rams are preparing to charge into the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 5-4 overall record and a 3-2 mark in district play.

Head Coach Zach Soer joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a productive graduating class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas the Rams must improve to compete in Class 5A.

We also discuss the quarterback competition, potential breakout players and expectations surrounding the Dubuque Senior program entering the new season.

The Dubuque Hempstead Mustangs are preparing for the 2026 football season after finishing last year with a 3-6 overall record and a 2-3 mark in district play.

Head Coach Jeff Hoerner joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a highly productive senior class, the returning players ready to step into larger roles and the areas Hempstead must improve to take another step forward in Class 5A.

We also discuss the quarterback position, potential breakout players and how the Mustangs plan to replace the enormous production and leadership of Jaden Montgomery and the rest of last year’s graduating class.

The Western Dubuque Bobcats are preparing to defend their district championship after finishing last season with a 7-3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 mark in district play.

Head Coach Justin Penner joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss replacing a talented senior class, the returning players ready to take on larger roles and the expectations surrounding the Bobcats entering the 2026 season.

We also discuss the quarterback position, returning playmakers, potential breakout players and what Western Dubuque must improve to remain one of the top programs in Class 4A.

The Southwestern/East Dubuque Warcats are preparing for a new chapter entering the 2026 football season.

New Head Coach Jason Foley joins the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast to discuss his previous coaching experience, what attracted him to the position and what excites him most about the roster he inherits.

We also look back at last season, discuss the production that must be replaced, highlight returning players ready for larger roles and examine what the Warcats must improve to take a step forward this fall.

From calling Little League games at 15… to training at one of the top umpire schools in the country — Mason Ruden is chasing the dream one call at a time. ⚾🔥

In this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with the Western Dubuque grad to talk:

👀 Life behind the plate and handling the heat

🧠 The mindset it takes to stay confident under pressure

🎓 His experience at the prestigious Wendelstedt Umpire School

⚾ The grind of working college games and climbing the ranks

🎯 What it takes to reach the next level in umpiring

From strike-three calls to tough conversations with coaches, this episode gives you a whole new perspective on the game — no missed calls here.

Tap in and hear the game from the umpire’s point of view! ⚾🎙🔥

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with “T-Clutch” Tyler Smith to talk about his journey as one of the area’s most reliable big-moment performers.

Tyler talks about growing up in sports, competing as a multi-sport athlete, and earning a reputation for always seeming to come through when the pressure is on. The conversation dives into his biggest clutch performances, what fuels his confidence in huge moments, and how his approach carries over from sport to sport.

If you enjoy hearing from athletes who thrive under pressure, compete with toughness, and seem to save their best for when the lights are brightest, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Graham Ahlers of Wahlert Catholic to talk about his journey as a multi-sport athlete and one of the top left-handed pitchers in the area.

Graham opens up about his path to Wahlert Catholic, what it has been like balancing baseball and basketball, and how both sports have helped shape him as a competitor. The conversation also dives into his growth on the mound, what makes him tough on hitters, how he handles pressure in big moments, and what drives him as he continues to build his name as one of the top arms in the state.

If you enjoy hearing from athletes who compete with confidence, toughness, and a high ceiling, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

On this episode of the Dubuque Area Sports Podcast, Coach Maneman sits down with Louie Gonner of Bellevue and Marquette Catholic to talk about life as a three-sport athlete and what it takes to shine in the biggest moments.

Louie talks about competing in football, baseball, and basketball, what he loves about each sport, and how each season helps shape him as an athlete. The conversation also dives into his work on the football field, pitching and playing baseball, and helping Marquette Catholic make another run to the state championship game in basketball.

Of course, they also talk about the viral walk-off 3 that had everyone buzzing on social media, what that moment felt like in real time, and how he handles pressure when the game is on the line. If you enjoy hearing from athletes who compete with confidence, toughness, and a clutch gene that shows up in every sport, this is an episode you will not want to miss.