MVPs From The Class 3A State Playoff Quarterfinals

Dana Becker

November 9, 2020 @ 08:00 AM

Four teams punched a ticket to Cedar Falls and the UNI-Dome, moving within two victories of hoisting the Class 3A state championship trophy. All four quarterfinal round games provided plenty of excitement and intrigue, but Harlan, North Scott, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley and Cedar Rapids Xavier were the quartet that prevailed. Here’s a look at an MVP from each game: Harlan 21, Lewis Central 14 Teagon Kasperbauer, Harlan (2023) Sophomore quarterback Teagon Kasperbauer played a near-perfect game, helping Harlan to an early lead that held up over Lewis Central. Kasperbauer continued to show exceptional skills, completing 12 of 21 passes for 225 yards including a TD pass to Connor Frame. He did not throw an interception, recording nearly 19 yards per completion and a QB rating of over 147. With an ability to protect the football, make plays down the field and move the chains, Kasperbauer is wise beyond his years. Look for even more improvement in all areas as the next two seasons come and go. North Scott 24, West Delaware 21 Oliver Hughes, North Scott (2022) How big was the kicking game for North Scott in knocking off West Delaware? Olivier Hughes accounted for three extra points, averaged nearly 42 yards on five punts and booted through the game-winning 28-yard field goal. At the high school level, special teams - including the kicking game - are oftentimes overlooked. Not at North Scott, and not because of Hughes. Hughes has a big-time leg, recording three touchbacks among his five kickoffs. Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley 23, Webster City 14 Kody Noble, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley (2021) In a matchup of two of the best running backs in Class 3A, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley’s Kody Noble prevailed. Noble ran for 104 yards on 27 carries, finding the end zone twice. He continually earned the tough yards, averaging just under four per carry while also completing a 20-yard pass. Showing off his athleticism, Noble also made 5.5 tackles including a sack and two for loss. Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games, and this is a big-time player. Cedar Rapids Xavier 21, Grinnell 7 [player_tooltip player_id="23846" first="Jaxon" last="Rexroth"], Cedar Rapids Xavier (2021) Cedar Rapids Xavier will have another chance to complete the quest thanks in large part to the play of [player_tooltip player_id="23846" first="Jaxon" last="Rexroth"]. The senior threw for 105 yards but showed his skills running the ball. Rexroth had 11 carries for 71 yards and all three Xavier touchdowns in the win over Grinnell. On defense, he picked off two passes to end Webster City drives. At 6-foot-3 and almost 200 pounds, Rexroth is a tremendous athlete with great size. He does a nice job of working his progressions and finding the open receiver. However, his skills on defense are even better and more impressive.