The Cooper DeJean Shows Takes Over The UNI-Dome

Photo: IAHSAA Twitter

Dana Becker

November 20, 2020 @ 07:26 PM

For the second consecutive year, [player_tooltip player_id="23817" first="Cooper" last="DeJean"] showed why many - myself included - consider him to be the best football player in the state. The University of Iowa commit accounted for two late touchdowns to lead OABCIG to a second straight state title, topping Van Meter in an instant classic, 33-26. DeJean made a dazzling 19-yard touchdown run to provide the game-winner with just over a minute left. The score came 19 seconds after DeJean tied it with a 4-yard run and ensuing conversion. While the Hawkeyes are signing DeJean as a safety, there is little doubt that he can help Iowa on the offensive side - and special teams - as well. DeJean is still learning the quarterback position, but his abilities to make plays with his arm and legs is second-to-none. He finished with 318 yards passing and 73 yards rushing, accounting for five TDs. But that was far from all he did. DeJean also averaged 55.5 yards on two punts, returned a punt 14 yards and recorded seven tackles with a blocked kick on defense. All in a days work for the Falcon talent and all-stater. DeJean shows excellent touch on his deep passes and can also hit his targets in motion. [player_tooltip player_id="23962" first="Easton" last="Harms"] caught all three TD passes, finishing with eight receptions for 160 yards. Griffin Diersen had three grabs for 108. The incredible performance one-upped [player_tooltip player_id="23999" first="Dalten" last="Van Pelt"], as the Van Meter back ran for 232 yards and two scores. Jack Pettit added 111 yards rushing and a pair of passing TDs. Van Pelt is a strong, well-built running back with breakaway speed. Waukon Survives, Claims 2A Title A second half shutout led Waukon to the Class 2A title, 28-14 over Central Lyon/George-Little Rock. Braxton Stewart hauled in a 56-yard touchdown pass from [player_tooltip player_id="23896" first="Creed" last="Welch"] and [player_tooltip player_id="23871" first="Ethan" last="O’Neil"]l cemented the win with a late touchdown run in the fourth. O’Neill is a prototypical running back, using his power and speed to thwart defenders. He ran for 106 yards on 19 carries in the win. Welch, who was injured in the semifinals and once again in the finals, showed his toughness and grit by battling back. He completed 6 of 14 for 169, adding a handful of yards on well-designed and improvised runs. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock was led by quarterback Zach Lutmer who ran for 104 yards and two scores. He completed 8 of 18 for 56 yards but was intercepted three times. Lutmer is just a sophomore, so it will be very interesting to see his development over the next two seasons. He shows a tremendous ability to create with his legs and looks downfield for big plays at all times. Like Welch in this one, he was battered and bruised but continued to push forward.