are back and there should be increased depth as well. Lundt is excited that, for the first time, the program has close to 100 players in all. “The numbers are great, but there’s also a responsibility that comes with that because if they’re choosing to play foot- ball, we want them to be a part of something where every- body has a role. What’s great about the numbers is it provides depth, not only in games, but also in practices.” Gilbert led 4A in rushing attempts (567) and yards (3,719), and was second in rushing touchdowns (45) a season ago. Controlling the ball and time of possession have become calling cards of the Tigers over the past two seasons and that’s not about to change. Succeeding on the ground will start with the veteran and extremely talented offensive line — Big Skills, as they’re known in the locker room — that is anchored by all-state senior guard Mason Griffin, senior center Kyler Grooters, Di- vision I prospect Trent Wesselmann, a junior right tackle, and senior Easton Van Cleave at left guard. The Tigers’ offense will go as far as this group takes them this fall. “The offensive line is where games are won and lost,” Lundt said. “All of our guys move really well and they bring continuity, so that’s awesome.” Griffin is the anchor, a three-year starter and captain who knows the ins and outs of the game better than most. And at 6-6, 290 pounds, Wesselmann has college coaches salivat- ing at his potential at the next level. “Mason is that glue guy and he embraces being an offen- sive lineman. He makes the offensive line be cool,” Lundt said. “Trent can be as good as he wants to be. He needs to be an earth mover for us because he can run.” A year go, Hawthorne carried the ball on 58 percent of the Tigers’ rushing attempts. It goes without saying that Gilbert plans to be significantly more balanced this fall with a stable of ball carriers.
Tayton Warg and Cameron Cantonwine are expected to platoon in the backfield. Warg rushed for 127 yards in spot duty behind Hawthorne a season ago. Cantonwine was the starting quarterback at Ames High in 2024 where he ac- counted for 2,434 yards of total offense (1,819 passing and 615 rushing) and 25 touchdowns. Gabe Fierce will be back at one wing spot where he aver- aged 7.8 yards per carry a season ago. Aidan Rash will move from a wideout spot to a wing, and Micah Leyva will also factor into the backfield equation. “We’re definitely going to have more balance from our three running back positions,” Lundt said. “Going into a game, teams aren’t going to be able to stop just one per- son.” Cantonwine is an intriguing prospect in terms of his abil- ities. While he will be used primarily as a ball carrier, he ob- viously has skills throwing the ball as well. “He’s tough, he’s quick, and he’s a very good runner,” Lundt said of Cantonwine. “Tayton is also bigger, faster, and stronger, and he’s looked really good.” Ethan Rash returns at quarterback. In his first season as a starter in 2024, he passed for 136 yards and rushed for 404 more, which was second on the team behind Hawthorne. “There are some things Ethan has added to his skill set that give me confidence,” Lundt said. “But we still want to
18 GAME ON | FALL 2025
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