Upper Iowa Football Caps Season With Candy Bowl Victory
Written by Waylon Bolibaugh
The Upper Iowa University football team had a memorable end to its season by earning a spot in the Candy Bowl and coming away with a big win over the Hillsdale Chargers. The bowl appearance itself was a major accomplishment for the program and showed how much the team grew throughout the season. Traveling to Hobart, Indiana, the Peacocks were focused, confident, and ready to finish the year the right way.
The team left Fayette early Thursday morning and made the trip to Indiana together on two buses. The long bus ride gave players and coaches time to reflect on the season and hang out with each other while also locking in on the task ahead. After arriving in Hobart, the team settled in and prepared for a busy and meaningful weekend.
Friday was filled with several team activities that made the bowl experience special. The Peacocks visited a local elementary school, where players spent time with students in the classroom, played recess, and answered any questions the students had in a Q&A. Later in the day, the team visited the Albanese Candy Factory which is one of the highlights of the Candy Bowl experience. Players enjoyed trying the different chocolate samples they had to offer and buying some candy on the way.
That evening, Upper Iowa took part in a team dinner and conference that included the Hillsdale Chargers. This gave both teams a chance to come together in a respectful setting before facing off on the field. Coaches talked about each others season while both conferences sent representatives to speak on the game as well.
On Saturday, it was finally time for the Candy Bowl. Upper Iowa came out ready to compete and played with intensity from start to finish. The Peacocks executed their game plan on both sides of the ball and stayed composed in key moments throughout the game. Their effort paid off as they defeated Hillsdale 37-28, earning a Candy Bowl victory and ending the season on a high note.
The win was a proud moment for the program, the players, and Peacock fans. Finishing the season with a bowl win highlighted the team’s hard work, resilience, and unity, making the Candy Bowl a memory that will last well beyond the final whistle.
