Oskaloosa had a big comeback year in football in 2016 under first year head coach Jake Jenkins, and with that some of the more notable athletes at OHS have decided to stay with football at the next level.
One of the first major dominoes to fall was senior Jack Moore, who formally committed to Northwest Missouri State University on Wednesday morning.
Moore talked about what led to his decision to be a Bearcat.
“I took a visit down there and I saw the campus,” Moore said. “I just thought it was the best decision for me. They’re going to give me everything I need to be successful in academics, such as tutoring help, whatever I need to do. And they’re one of the best football programs in the world.”
Moore was a great two-way player for the Indians and also served as a punter at times in special teams. But one position stuck out as Jack made his school choice.
“Hopefully I’ll play linebacker for them,” Moore explained. “I would like to eventually work up to a starting position but I know that’s going to take a couple years due to all the competition and things like that.”
Moore was a star defensively for the Indians, leading the team with 88 total tackles, 31 of which were solo. He also made or assisted on 14 tackles for loss and had 2.5 sacks.
Although his offensive days seem to be behind him, Moore was one of the more prolific receivers for Osky, catching a team-high 7 touchdowns on 16 receptions. He was second on the team with 439 receiving yards and led the team with 27.4 yards per catch as a big play threat.
Northwest Missouri State is a perennial powerhouse in NCAA Division II football, having won six national titles the last 20 years, including three of the last four years.
Leading the way for the Indians in receiving yards was Bennett Spry with 615. Spry committed to Iowa Western Community College to play football this week as well.
Osky football went 7-3 under first year head coach Jake Jenkins, qualifying for the playoffs before losing in the first round to eventual state champion Pella.
Moore is currently a major player for the Oskaloosa Boys’ Basketball team as well, while Spry figures to be a key cog for the Osky baseball team in the summer.
