North Central Week 4 Defensive Standouts

Offense, offense and offense might be the norm, but that doesn’t mean big-time defensive performances are not happening around northcentral Iowa on a weekly basis. Whether it be racking up tackles, causing turnovers or even finding the end zone, these five players excelled on the defensive side of the ball during Week 4 action. <strong>Colton Brandt - Southeast Valley - TE/LB - 5-9 - 180</strong> He might be undersized at just 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, but Colton Brandt plays like a big man. The Southeast Valley senior was all over the field in a win over OABCIG, picking off a pass that he returned 33 yards for a touchdown to go along with a sack. Brandt has excellent speed and finds himself in the right spot at the right time. He also is able to cover plenty of ground in pass defense while staying zoned in on the ball carrier. <strong>Trey Jungers - Newell-Fonda - RB/CB - 6-0 - 170</strong> A playmaker in all ways possible on the football field, Trey Jungers picked off two passes in a convincing win over Bishop Garrigan. One of those, Jungers returned for a touchdown. He also had several catches on offense and found the end zone there as well. Jungers is a multi-sport standout for Newell-Fonda but should be hearing more and more from colleges about his future on the gridiron. Good size, great speed and excellent hands that he showcases on offense could make him a prime candidate for a secondary spot. His football IQ is also off the charts. <strong>Bryer Prochniak - North Union - RB/CB - 6-0 - 175</strong> North Union’s Bryer Prochniak made it impossible for Lake Mills to get anything going in the air last week on his side of the field, picking off two passes. The 6-foot, 170-pounder has the kind of size needed out of a defensive back at the collegiate level. Prochniak is also a gifted athlete, having ran for 266 yards and five touchdowns while catching three passes. His speed is what separates him on the field at the moment, as the Warrior can break free at any give time. Give him a hole and he’ll be gone for six. <strong>Keegan Hisler - Webster City - RB/S - 6-0 - 175</strong> Webster City rebounded from a tough loss by showing the poise and dominating performance fans have come to expect on defense. Led by Keegan Hisler, the Lynx held Mason City to three points and just 44 yards rushing. Hisler had six tackles and 2.5 sacks, helping spearhead a unit that recorded four sacks and forced two turnovers. The sophomore has great size at 6-foot and 175 pounds, with room to grow into his frame. He is a multi-sport standout who will be showcasing his skills for the next two-plus years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148364" first="Blake" last="McAlister"] - South Central Calhoun - RB/LB - 6-1 - 175</strong> Credit the coaching staff at South Central Calhoun for taking advantage of what they have on the field. That includes [player_tooltip player_id="148364" first="Blake" last="McAlister"], who shined with 1.5 sacks and eight tackles in a win over Manson Northwest Webster. Using his track speed, McAlister came off the edge to pressure the Cougars, picking up two tackles for loss. His ability to disrupt the timing caused fits and allowed South Central Calhoun to escape with a win.