2015 Around the West columns

November 19, 2015 Johnson's journey ends in playoffs The last time Dubuque faced St. John's, Rio Johnson hadn't played a game of organized football since 2012. Once he knocked the rust off, Dubuque got rolling, all the way to the playoffs.

November 10, 2015 Making noise in the Northwest Senior defensive end Alex Hoff has been a key contributor to Linfield’s stifling defense, and he has chipped in on offense too. Now that they have secured the NWC’s automatic bid into the playoffs, Hoff and the Wildcats have their sights set on larger goals.

November 3, 2015 Following his calling A scholarship to play football led Jordan Roberts to South Dakota. But a series of events, some personal reflection and a call to the priesthood led him to the St. John Vianney Seminary and the University of St. Thomas.

October 28, 2015 Working hard Travis Sparks-Jackson's work ethic has helped both the running back and the Leopards find success. After going 2-7 a year ago, La Verne is 5-0 and riding high in the SCIAC.

October 21, 2015 Super sophomore Westminster (Mo.) has relied heavily on Latif Adams to carry the offense. And the sophomore running back hasn’t let the Blue Jays down this season.

October 13, 2015 On his shoulders Rick Willis says the key to the Wartburg football team’s continued success is consistent play. Fortunately for the Knights, they have a model of consistency in quarterback Logan Schrader.

October 6, 2015 Kasper is the Match for Oshkosh On the gridiron, UW-Oshkosh quarterback Brett Kasper uses his arm to help his team vanquish opponents. Off the field, he used his bone marrow to help a child fight cancer.

September 29, 2015 Locey taking on new challenge A few years ago, we labeled the Lewis & Clark head coaching position as the ultimate rebuilding job. This year, the Pioneers are getting that job underway with a new coach, one who knows what a winner looks like in D-III.

September 23, 2015 Behind the Johnnie-Tommie rivalry St. John's and St. Thomas can pack them in and the game, and rivalry, has gained a new level of competitiveness in recent years. Now, with SportsCenter going on the road to Collegeville, here's a little of what this rivalry means.

September 15, 2015 All over the depth chart Kickoff guy, kick returner, punter, slot back ... Max Gruber handles a little bit of everything for Occidental.

September 8, 2015 Martin Luther goes through quick change Mere weeks before training camp opened, Martin Luther changed coaches, pulling its new coach out of the admissions office. Despite the short turnaround, the Knights have been making some changes.

September 1, 2015 10 games to watch for 2015 Big rivalries, conference showdowns and more dot the schedules of the westernmost Division III football conferences this season. Here's a look at what should be big.