7 Players to Watch In All Classes (Week One)
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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…
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Continue ReadingIowa 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!
Corey Phillips Corey Phillips 6'5" | 250 lbs | TE Ames | 2022 State IA (TE) Ames Hudl (Week One Matchup: Marshalltown)
Corey Phillips Corey Phillips 6'5" | 250 lbs | TE Ames | 2022 State IA 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.
Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 5'10" | 175 lbs | QB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2023 State IA (QB) Sergeant Bluff-Luton Hudl (Week One Matchup: LeMars)
Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 5'10" | 175 lbs | QB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2023 State IA 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 Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 5'10" | 175 lbs | QB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2023 State IA .
Jaxon Smolik Jaxon Smolik 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Dowling Catholic | 2023 State IA (QB) Dowling Catholic Hudl (Week One Matchup: Southeast Polk)
Last year Jaxon Smolik Jaxon Smolik 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Dowling Catholic | 2023 State IA 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.
Zach Lutmer Zach Lutmer 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Central Lyon/George-Little Rock | 2023 State IA (QB) Central Lyon/George-Little Rock Hudl (Week One Matchup: Boyden Hull/Rock Valley)
Zach Lutmer Zach Lutmer 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Central Lyon/George-Little Rock | 2023 State IA 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.
Colin Kadolph Colin Kadolph 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Ankeny | 2022 State IA (HB) Ankeny South Hudl (Week One Matchup: Waukee)
Colin Kadolph Colin Kadolph 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Ankeny | 2022 State IA 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 Colin Kadolph Colin Kadolph 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Ankeny | 2022 State IA 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.
Dionte Fliss Dionte Fliss 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Prairie | 2022 IA (QB) Cedar Rapids Prairie Hudl (Week One Matchup: Pleasant Valley)
Dionte Fliss Dionte Fliss 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Prairie | 2022 IA 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 Lonny Melvin Jr Lonny Melvin Jr 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Prairie | 2022 State IA , Gabe Burke, and Elijah Ward – all elite receivers. Dionte could definitely pass for 130+ yards and three passing touchdowns this game.
Joshua Jenkins Joshua Jenkins 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Des Moines Lincoln | 2022 State IA (HB) Des Moines Lincoln Hudl (Week One Matchup: Sioux City West)
Joshua Jenkins Joshua Jenkins 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB Des Moines Lincoln | 2022 State IA 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.