North Central Iowa: Week 3 Quarterback Standouts
Yes, when it comes to football in Iowa, teams are grouped into districts and not their usual and long-standing conferences. But that does not mean it is not a perfect way to spotlight players by placing them back together.
The North Central Conference is a league spread amongst several classes. They consistently produce some of the top athletes in the area, and that is never more evident than by the quarterback class.
Here is a look at four of the top standouts from Week 3 at the position out of the North Central Conference:
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148361" first="Caden" last="Matson"] - Humboldt - QB/S - 6-0 - 180</strong>
A superstar in all aspects of the game, Humboldt’s [player_tooltip player_id="148361" first="Caden" last="Matson"] made an impact last fall on the gridiron and has continued that success over to this season.
Matson led the Wildcats to a thrilling 38-28 victory over Estherville-LC last Friday night in a battle of ranked teams. The 6-foot-0, 180-pound senior recorded five total touchdowns, including three by showing off his speed and quickness out of the backfield.
Matson was once again extremely accurate, completing 14 of 23 for 231 yards, good for almost 17 yards per completion. He also finished with 109 yards rushing and even had four tackles with an interception on defense.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="23975" first="Tyler" last="Manske"] - Algona - QB/DB - 6-2 - 195</strong>
Algona’s [player_tooltip player_id="23975" first="Tyler" last="Manske"] helped get the Bulldogs to the state semifinals as a sophomore. Now, two years later, Manske continues to provide excitement on the field.
While he was more of a game-manager early on in his career, Manske has taken over the role of leader with both his arm and legs. He posted over 300 yards of total offense in a win vs. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, throwing for three touchdowns and running in another.
Manske also shined on defense and special teams, recording a handful of solo tackles and fielding two punts.
<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="98644" first="Carson" last="Toebe"] - Clear Lake - QB/DB - 6-3 - 195</strong>
Over the years, Clear Lake has produced several elite talents. [player_tooltip player_id="98644" first="Carson" last="Toebe"] is the next one of the bunch. Also a high-profile basketball recruit, Toebe is the guiding light for the Lions on the football field.
In a tough loss to Dike-New Hartford last week, the 6-foot-3 senior threw for 130 yards, ran for 89 and accounted for a pair of passing TDs. His growth at the quarterback spot has been impressive, showing more patience mixed in with an ability to create on the run.
Toebe can also be used on special teams as evident by his 41-yard average on five punts.
<strong>Preston Gardner - Clarion-Goldfield/Dows - QB/DB - 6-1 - 175</strong>
In a little different contrast to the other quarterbacks mentioned here, Preston Gardner of Clarion-Goldfield/Dows is much more dangerous as a runner than a passer. But the end result is the same.
Gardner ran for 207 yards and scored four touchdowns in a convincing win vs. Forest City that pushed the Cowboys’ record to 3-0. He completed 2 of 3 passes for another 11 yards while also playing defense.
Just a junior, Gardner is transitioning to the role of QB but with his speed and athleticism, should have no trouble adjusting as the season continues.
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