A new chapter for the Broncos
After a season-long partnership with Arcola last year, the Cerro Gordo/Bement football program is stepping into uncharted territory. For the first time, the Broncos will field an 8‑man squad, a shift that promises a faster pace and new strategic possibilities. The move comes as the team looks to revitalize a tradition that once saw 25 playoff berths and a Class 1A state semifinal appearance in 2003.
Coach Chris Ridgeway, a 2001 graduate of Cerro Gordo, has spoken fondly of the memories forged during the Arcola cooperation. He recalls the camaraderie that emerged from the joint effort and sees the current roster as an opportunity to blend those experiences with fresh ambitions. Ridgeway’s perspective underscores a continuity that links past rivalries and cooperative arrangements to the present moment.
At the heart of the new lineup are quarterback Eli Corpus and running back Lucas Meinders, both of whom are eager to build on relationships cultivated during the summer program. The duo represents a blend of experience and youthful energy, and their development will be pivotal as the Broncos navigate the demands of 8‑man play. The team currently fields roughly 20 players in its summer workouts, a modest but focused group.
The schedule has also been reshaped to accommodate the new format, with adjustments to game length and roster management. Ridgeway emphasizes that the changes are not merely procedural but represent a philosophical shift toward a more dynamic style of play. This adaptation is viewed as essential for returning the program to its former competitive stature after a period of struggle.
Coverage of the Broncos’ journey will continue through the local press, including reporting by Joey Wright, who covers prep and college sports for The News-Gazette and its affiliated radio stations. Wright’s perspective will help illuminate the team’s progress for the community and provide a platform for the players and coaching staff to share their stories.