With the college football season set to get into full swing on Labor Day weekend, several Belle Plaine High School grads are looking to make an impact at the next level.

Myles Kelly is a member of a Cornell College team that is seeking a reversal of its fortunes. The Rams, under Coach Matt Dillon, are currently riding an 18-game losing streak and have lost their last 28 conference games. With only five seniors on the roster, Dillon says he will be looking toward a good incoming freshman class to help turn around the fortunes at the Mount Vernon School.

Kelly is listed at 5-7 and 159 pounds at defensive back. In a preseason story posted on the school’s web site, Dillon said with 22 freshmen on the roster, he is looking for big things from the younger players.

The Rams open their regular season Saturday, Sept. 5 at non-conference foe Grinnell. After a trip to Carleton College in Northfield, MN for their second game, the Rams will open conference play at home on Sept. 19 against defending Iowa Conference champion Wartburg.

Two Plainsman grads are hoping to make an impact in the community college ranks in a brand new program.

Rich DeFauw, a 6-2 300 pound offensive guard and Jordyne Lockhart, a 6-6 325 pound defensive tackle, are both on the roster at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs.

This is the first year for the football program at Iowa Western. Coach Scott Strohmeier apparently has plenty of resources to start the program. The school’s web site lists a dozen assistant coaches on the staff and a preseason roster of 144 players.

The Reivers open their season at home on Sept. 5 against Iowa Central. Their road games this year will take them to Grand Rapids, MI, Glen Ellyn, IL, Wahpeton, ND and Iowa Falls.