If anyone is capable of leading a turnaround at West Burlington-Notre Dame, it is quarterback Caden Schwenker.

In his third year as a starter, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior brings an impressive skill set to the Falcons.

“Everything starts with Caden Schwenker,” WB-ND coach Joe Bowman said. “It speaks volumes, the ability and experience he brings to our team. He’s a great leader for us.”

Schwenker put up solid numbers during a junior football season where the injury-plagued Falcons struggled to a 2-7 record.

He passed for 866 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran for 503 yards and four scores.

“Caden has a very good arm,” Bowman said. “He can make about any throw on the football field.

“And his ability to run the football is very impressive. His legs are definitely his biggest attribute. He has good speed and he’s elusive.”

Schwenker also recorded 25.5 total tackles and intercepted three passes on defense.

He also was the starting shortstop for the Notre Dame baseball team that qualified for state this summer.

“Caden knows what it takes to win, and he’s excelled in a number of different sports,” Bowman said. “He’s a great athlete and we are extremely blessed to have him. He’s a great young man who comes from a really good family.”

Schwenker will be joined on the football field by a number of talented and experienced teammates.

Junior Quincy Collins, who is 5-10 and 175 pounds, is expected to make a significant impact at running back and linebacker.

Collins recorded 46 tackles last season, including eight tackles for loss.

“Quincy is going to have a really big year,” Bowman said. “He’s very good on both sides of the ball. He can really get after it on defense.”

Bowman said junior Blake Wilson also will see time at running back.

Schwenker will have a number of capable receivers to throw to.

That group includes C.J. Davis, Levi Fletcher-Bates, Isaiah Crow, Dylan Kipp and Landry Haberichter.

“We have a good group of backs and receivers,” Bowman said.

“Those kids bring some experience and some good ability.”

Schwenker said he has been impressed with his receivers.

“We have a lot more depth this year,” he said. “We have some good receivers who are experienced. And we have some guys with good speed. That definitely helps a lot.”

West Burlington-Notre Dame gained valuable experience during Friday night’s scrimmage against Burlington High School at historic Bracewell Stadium.

“It went extremely well,” the coach said. “I felt like we really held our own against Burlington. Our physicality and speed, it has increased tremendously. I thought the scrimmage went great.”

Schwenker said the scrimmage was a confidence-booster for the Falcons.

“It really helped us to figure out where we are at,” he said. “We showed we can compete against a bigger school. It went pretty well, and we learned a lot.”

The Falcons, who will compete in Class 2A, are scheduled to open the season Friday night at Wapello.

“The big key for us is if we stay healthy,” Bowman said. “We had some injuries last season that really set us back.

“Our numbers are up dramatically. We have 50 high school kids out for football, and that’s a great sign. A lot of them just have to gain some experience.”

Schwenker and his teammates are ready to kick off the season.

“We are really getting excited for that first game,” he said. “Dropping down from Class 3A to 2A this year, that’s going to make a big difference for us.

“We feel like we can do really well playing at that level.”