Prep Redzone Iowa’s Team of the Week | 8th Edition
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Prep Redzone highlights eleven of the top performances statewide to bring you Iowa’s eight edition of “Team of the Week” for the 2021 season. See what these players did and how they did it in their performance breakdowns below. Congratulations…
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Continue ReadingPrep Redzone highlights eleven of the top performances statewide to bring you Iowa’s eight edition of “Team of the Week” for the 2021 season. See what these players did and how they did it in their performance breakdowns below. Congratulations to this group on their outstanding performances and contributions. Get to know them now.
Jaxon Smolik Jaxon Smolik 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Dowling Catholic | 2023 State IA , QB, Dowling Catholic, Twitter
After breaking his collarbone in week 1 Smolik returned to give the Maroons the edge they needed to beat Valley; Smolik went 16/25 for 255 yards and 2 scores. He was as sharp as ever against a tough Tigers defense and showed no signs his injury was lingering. One of his scores was a rope through tight coverage to his Slot on the Trips side of Empty. Smolik helped his team put the state on notice and they are right back in the playoff race and title contention.
Colin Kadoph, RB, Ankeny, Twitter
Kadolph went crazy for 250 yards and 6 touchdowns on Friday night, which made him Ankeny’s all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns. The Hawks controlled the line of scrimmage and Kadolph did the rest scoring on plays like Inside Zone, Power, and Lead. His vision from the backfield and patience after the handoff was exemplary. He knew exactly where his blocks would be and where to attack. With a move and a burst he was gone and into the record books.
Carter Henderson, RB, Linn-Mar, Twitter
Henderson showed off some ridiculously impressive contact balance and athleticism in a 13 carry 271 yard 2 touchdown performance. He scored from 62 on a simple Lead Dive out of the I Formation; he took the handoff, cut off his block, and flew into daylight. He scored again from 38 on GH Power that showcased how well he cuts and sees the field. Henderson later threw an incredible block that sprung his Quarterback for a long touchdown. He is the complete package.
Darrell Matchem Darrell Matchem 5'9" | 160 lbs | DB Earlham | 2022 State IA , ATH, Earlham, Twitter
Matchem, who is known for his impressive coverage skills, has taken on a big offensive role this year and thrived with it in week 8. He ran 23 times for 415 yards and 5 touchdowns and added a tackle and 3 PBU on defense. Matchem’s carries come on direct snaps in closed formations with loaded backfields; he does an incredible job navigating blocks, outleveraging defenders, and putting moves on to get into space. A 74 yard score Friday night illustrated exactly that.
Javion Jondle Javion Jondle 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Fort Dodge | 2023 State IA , WR, Fort Dodge, Twitter
Jondle flat out torched the secondary and made really impressive catches in the process. The state line, 7 catches for 165 yards and 4 touchdowns is impressive, but when you see the way he did it the performance becomes very special. He went up and over two defenders to snag the ball for a score. He dove in the corner of the end zone for another. He had to completely adjust his body and flip around for one, too. The speed and route running shown is truly elite.
Tyler Schenkelberg, WR, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, Twitter
Schenkelberg flaunted some impressive ability after the catch on his way to an 11 reception 177 yard 3 touchdown performance against Bishop Heelan. This was especially true on Bubble and he, being shifty underneath and near the line of scrimmage, made a lot of defenders miss. The most impressive part of Shenkelberg’s game was how he created separation to get open. He is skilled at breaking off routes, changing direction, and powering down to lose coverage.
Easton Harms Easton Harms 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR OABCIG | 2022 State IA , WR, OABCIG, Twitter
Harms caught 8 passes on Friday night for 246 yards and 2 touchdowns. A big chunk of that production came on a 92 yard score. He smoked coverage on a vertical route, but the ball was underthrown, so he adjusted and came back to it, shook a tackle, and sprinted to pay dirt. Another impressive catch and run by Harms came during scramble drill. The play broke down, so he found a soft spot in coverage near the sideline, sat, and made the grab for a huge gain.
Dominic Wiseman Dominic Wiseman 6'2" | 270 lbs | DL Davenport North | 2022 State IA , DT, Davenport North, Twitter
Wiseman, a Nose Guard, went off in week 8 with 12 Tackles and 6 TFL on the night. He has an extraordinary ability to defeat blocks quickly. Wiseman reacts so immediately to his opponents he makes it seem like he knows what is coming before the ball is snapped. His most impressive play, though, may have been on offense. Wiseman grabbed teammate Gio Rivera, who was stopped on his run near the 12 yard line, and practically carried him in for a touchdown.
Casey Trudo Casey Trudo 6'2" | 195 lbs | DL Van Meter | 2022 State IA , DE, Van Meter, Twitter
Trudo had a hit of the year candidate in week 8; he pursued on the backside of a roll out and took the Quarterback clean off his feet. His 8 tackle performance helped shut down the mighty ACGC rushing attack and earn a big win. Trudo, several times, wrecked his gap and crashed down the line to make plays on the Fullback, which was key to Van Meter’s defensive success. Trudo, a two-way player, had a number of impressive blocks that set up big runs at Tackle, too.
Rylan Barnes, LB, West Hancock, Twitter
Barnes and the top rated Eagles took it to North Butler in week 8; he had 11.5 Tackles and 4 TFL. The 6’3 Junior is making a name for himself with very physical play and that was showcased in a big way on Friday night. His ability to defeat blocks in close quarters and locate the ball stands out. Barnes is also an outstanding and violent textbook tackler. The way he, time and again, tackles through thighs, compresses the legs, and rolls is as good as it gets.
Jack Armstrong, DB, Roosevelt, Twitter
Armstrong demonstrated impressive coverage skills in an effort that led the ballhawk to 2 Interceptions, 2 PBU, and 6 Tackles. His play fueled the Roughriders momentum and created chances to take advantage of short fields. Armstrong’s first pick was outstanding; he carried number one vertically and broke underneath once the ball was thrown. His second came by getting in position with great play recognition on Wide Receiver screen. He is a big hitter, too.