7 Players to Watch In All Classes (Week One)

Iowa High School Football is back! At the time of this writing, we are almost two days from the kickoff to the season’s opening games. With that being said, let’s take a look at seven players who I think will have a big first game - focusing on some newer names. Let’s dive in! [player_tooltip player_id="23951" first="Corey" last="Phillips"] (TE) Ames <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10655905/Corey-Phillips">Hudl</a> (Week One Matchup: Marshalltown) [player_tooltip player_id="23951" first="Corey" last="Phillips"] went off against Waukee during their scrimmage on August 21st. He had a pick-six, two receiving touchdowns, and it just looked like no one was going to be able to stop him. The way the Ames coaching staff is using him in their offense looks fantastic. I think he is going to repeat the scrimmage performance and dominate against Marshalltown. I would say that he could have anywhere from 100-130 receiving yards along with two receiving touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="104079" first="Tyler" last="Smith"] (QB) Sergeant Bluff-Luton <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13123864/Tyler-Smith">Hudl</a> (Week One Matchup: LeMars) [player_tooltip player_id="104079" first="Tyler" last="Smith"] was filthy last year, putting up over 2,000+ yards along with 28 touchdowns. This week Tyler and SBL will take on a LeMars team that struggled last year with a 1-6 record. The only catch for Tyler as he heads into this week is that LeMars had one of the best secondaries in Class 3A in 2020 and has returned 4/5 of the starters on that secondary. Even so, I think SBL will overpower this LeMars defense, thanks largely to [player_tooltip player_id="104079" first="Tyler" last="Smith"]. [player_tooltip player_id="104098" first="Jaxon" last="Smolik"] (QB) Dowling Catholic <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12898680/Jaxon-Smolik">Hudl</a> (Week One Matchup: Southeast Polk) Last year [player_tooltip player_id="104098" first="Jaxon" last="Smolik"] had a fantastic semi-final game against a dominant Ankeny team that went on to win the state championship in a blowout. Jaxon was asked to start in the season’s biggest game, and he did not shy away from that moment. Jaxon put up 104 passing yards along with two touchdowns and had a 60% completion percentage. In my opinion, I think he is going to step up again for Dowling and have a big game against Southeast Polk, going for 130 passing yards with two passing touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id="152617" first="Zach" last="Lutmer"] (QB) Central Lyon/George-Little Rock <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12679616/Zach-Lutmer">Hudl</a> (Week One Matchup: Boyden Hull/Rock Valley) [player_tooltip player_id="152617" first="Zach" last="Lutmer"] has already become a premier prospect in Iowa. As a sophomore, Zach threw for 1,000+ yards and rushed for 1,609 yards. He also put up a total of 31 touchdowns. Winning against Boyden Hull this week will not be a small task. They are ranked 3rd in Class 3A and had a great season last year, going to the Dome before suffering defeat at the hands of Harlan, the juggernaut of Class 3A. Overall, I believe Zach is going to be able to perform against any team he faces. I predict him having around 100 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, along with one passing touchdown. [player_tooltip player_id="23967" first="Colin" last="Kadolph"] (HB) Ankeny South <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11103176/Colin-Kadolph">Hudl</a> (Week One Matchup: Waukee) [player_tooltip player_id="23967" first="Colin" last="Kadolph"] is going to have a big Friday. Waukee looked rough during their scrimmage against Ames, losing 28-0. Their offense was not performing at a high level, and tackling looked bad. One aspect of the game you can’t find lagging when facing [player_tooltip player_id="23967" first="Colin" last="Kadolph"] and the Ankeny Hawks is tackling. I think Colin will rush for 100+ yards, make two rushing touchdowns, and possibly 50+ yards receiving and a receiving touchdown, considering Colin has been getting some reps in the slot. [player_tooltip player_id="98655" first="Dionte" last="Fliss"] (QB) Cedar Rapids Prairie <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11593000/Dionte-Fliss">Hudl</a> (Week One Matchup: Pleasant Valley) [player_tooltip player_id="98655" first="Dionte" last="Fliss"] has been one of my sleeper QBs for a while now, and I think he is due for a big day against Pleasant Valley. One primary reason is that Pleasant Valley lost a lot of their secondary from last season, and the Cedar Rapids Prairie receiving core will be excellent. Dionte throws the ball to [player_tooltip player_id="148735" first="Lonny" last="Melvin Jr"], Gabe Burke, and Elijah Ward - all elite receivers. Dionte could definitely pass for 130+ yards and three passing touchdowns this game. [player_tooltip player_id="23969" first="Joshua" last="Jenkins"] (HB) Des Moines Lincoln <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12980957/Joshua-Jenkins">Hudl</a> (Week One Matchup: Sioux City West) [player_tooltip player_id="23969" first="Joshua" last="Jenkins"] has been raising his stock this past summer, and I believe he will have a significant fall. Last year Sioux City West had a rough season, going 0-8 while Des Moines Lincoln went 1-1. In the upcoming game against Sioux City West, I think Joshua could easily go for 150+ yards and four rushing touchdowns. Des Moines Lincoln is, in my opinion, more athletic than Sioux City West. That concludes my list! Keep an eye on these guys because they could end up having a big week one.