Class 3A Semifinals Will Feature Four Unbeaten Teams

The folks who make the journey over to Cedar Falls for the Class 3A semifinals are in for a pair of treats. All four teams to make it to the UNI-Dome enter with a zero on their record. And some incredible players to boot that have helped get them there. In the opener, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley will tangle with Solon, while the nightcap features Harlan and Humboldt squaring off. Here is a look at four players - one from each team - who could be the difference maker come moving on and going home. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148361" first="Caden" last="Matson"] - Humboldt - QB/S - 6-0 - 180</strong> It’s crazy because Humboldt has some very good players up and down the lineup. But you just can’t go an article without talking about [player_tooltip player_id="148361" first="Caden" last="Matson"]. The uber-talented senior makes all the plays. He is built and plays much the same way of OABCIG superstar Cooper DeJean, flashing exceptional speed and field vision with a strong arm and ability to read defenses. Matson might be more of a power runner than DeJean was, but he also doubles as an outstanding safety - just like the current University of Iowa Hawkeye. On the year, Matson has completed over 72 percent of his passes for 2,441 yards with 32 touchdowns, adding another 1,543 yards and 15 scores on the ground. He has carried the ball 217 times, including a monster effort in the quarterfinals over Independence. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="99142" first="Connor" last="Frame"] - Harlan - WR - 6-2 - 185</strong> When you look through stats and see a "20" besides the name of a wide receiver, it catches your attention. Harlan’s [player_tooltip player_id="99142" first="Connor" last="Frame"] has caught 20 touchdown passes this year. To put that into perspective, Frame has 42 receptions total, meaning almost every second catch lands him in the end zone. He is incredibly great at catching the deep ball, averaging almost 22 yards per reception. Frame is the perfect lead piece to a unit that features three other strong players in [player_tooltip player_id="148723" first="Joey" last="Moser"], [player_tooltip player_id="104715" first="Aidan" last="Hall"] and Jacob Birch. All four have over 25 catches and 497 yards on the year. Along with his excellent receiving skills, Frame is also a capable punt returner, averaging over 18 yards with one kick returned all the way. He also plays defense, picking off a pair of passes. What really stands out in grading Frame is his first move after catching the ball. As soon as he brings it in, he quickly finds an opening to dart through for more yards. <strong>Jaxon Rozeboom - Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley - LB/RB - 5-9 - 168</strong> While the offense is just as good as anybody in Class 3A, what separates Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley from the rest is the defense. Check this out. On the year, the Nighthawks - side note, just an excellent nickname - have recovered 16 fumbles and picked off 13 passes. Of those, five have resulted in touchdowns by the defense. Twenty-nine turnovers is a great recipe for winning football. And while he doesn’t have either a fumble recovery or a pick, Jaxon Rozeboom has helped create those turnovers. With his incredible pressure on defense, Rozeboom has made opposing offenses speed up what they want to do and take them out of their rhythm. Rozeboom has 37 tackles with 3.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. He is a heavy-hitting player who packs all he has into every tackle. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="135285" first="Sean" last="Stahle"] - Solon - RB/DB - 5-10 - 162</strong> Just call [player_tooltip player_id="135285" first="Sean" last="Stahle"] Mr. Versatility for Solon. On the year, Stahle has 1,127 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns with 11 receptions for 280 yards and three more scores. But there is so much more to his game. Stahle also is averaging 26 yards on 11 kick returns and 16.5 yards on 17 punt returns with three combined touchdowns. As you would imagine from his stats, Stahle has excellent hands. He is very good making his first move forward and getting separation from defenders, while also showing more than enough power to run over opponents.