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DURANT, Iowa – Jake Goering grew up wanting to play quarterback.

“I actually quit football in fifth grade because I wasn’t the quarterback,” he said.

Two years later, Goering returned to the football field as a running back. Since then, the Durant-Bennett senior has had no inkling to leave the sport.

“I fell back in love with the game and it’s been football ever since,” Goering said.

After splitting carries with Caleb Fruend and Bryce Guerink last season, Goering has been the Wildcats’ featured back this fall … and he’s produced.

Going into Friday’s contest against West Branch, Goering has eclipsed 100 yards rushing in a game five times and is closing in on 1,000 yards for the season.

He’s been a workhorse, too. Goering has had 20-plus carries in nearly every game.

“I would say my biggest strength as a runner is my patience,” Goering said. “I’m not the fastest runner, but I make smart cuts and I know how to lower my head when I need to or when to bounce it outside.”

Goering’s patience is well-suited for Durant’s pro-style offense, which is predicated on zone-blocking schemes.

“When we run a counter, I’m usually lead blocking for him and he’s playing peek-a-boo,” senior offensive tackle Ty Grunder said. “He just finds that hole. I’ll block two guys and he’ll make one guy miss.”

Goering is quick to credit his improved offensive line — Grunder, Wil Rathjen, Garet Huston, Logan Sloan and Ethan Winfield – for his production.

“Those guys have gotten a lot better in the last year,” Goering said. “This is the second year of running this offense, and it’s very complex. We’re twice as far along as we were last year.

“Now that they’re getting more reps and seeing all the different defenses, it’s helped them out a lot.”

Grunder said Goering’s work ethic in the offseason is a significant reason for his improved play.

“He was one of the more consistent guys in the weight room,” Grunder said. “He’s a lot more mature this year as a back. He’s carrying us guys up front, and it shows on the field.”

Goering, a member of Durant’s state-qualifying 4x100 relay in track last spring, has been consistent nearly every week. His lowest rushing output came in the season opener against Wilton – 21 rushes for 53 yards.

He accumulated 203 yards against Iowa Valley and 169 versus Tipton, both Durant victories.

“When you have a back that’s consistent in what he does, that’s a good education for the backs that will follow him,” Durant coach Barry Bower said. “We feel we have some good backs to follow in Jake’s footsteps.

“Jake is a great leader. When he’s not in the game, he’s on the sideline trying to coach up his other teammates.”

In fact, Goering wants to eventually coach football.

First, he plans to continue his playing career in college. Recently, Goering, 17, took a campus visit to Buena Vista, a Division III school in Storm Lake.

“He’s going to play at the next level somewhere,” Bower said. “It’s just a matter of where he wants to go and what fits him best.”

That said, Bower believes Goering’s “level-headed” approach will land him a coaching job at some point.

“I’d love to have him on my staff,” Bower said. “Jake doesn’t complain, and he never stresses about what practice is going to be. He comes out and does his job and does the things we ask him to do. He goes above and beyond the expectations that are set.”

Goering just wishes Durant’s win-loss record was better.

Even though Durant (3-4, 2-3 district) has surpassed last year’s win total and lost three games by six points or fewer, the Wildcats are most likely going to miss out on the postseason.

“It’s a lot of mental mistakes that have let us down at times, but we’re fighting hard and working hard,” Goering said. “We’ve put in a lot of work this season.”

If anything, Goering thinks the foundation has been set for future Durant teams.

“The progress here has been amazing,” he said. “It showed in our first game against Wilton. We lost to them (36-0) last year and this year we’re right there with them.

“We’re a lot more aggressive this year, and a big part of that is the weight room. Everybody is ready to work and put that hard work to good use.”

Preps to watch

- Jonathan Lopez, West Liberty, football: Despite a 49-13 setback to undefeated Iowa City Regina, Lopez had five receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

For the season, Lopez has 26 catches for 657 yards and seven TDs.

- Allison Ralfs, Durant, volleyball: The Wildcats’ setter dished out 42 assists, compiled 11 digs and served two aces in the team’s win over Wilton last Thursday.

Ralfs leads the squad with 7.9 assists per game and has racked up 42 service aces, second most on the team.

- Jared Eichelberger, Columbus, football: The tailback continued his impressive season with 204 yards on 42 carries last week against top-10 rated Mid-Prairie. Eichelberger has an area-best 1,196 rushing yards and 10 TDs in seven games.