Eight-Player State Semifinals Will Provide Highlights

Boy, oh boy. Come next week and the UNI-Dome, football fans are going to be treated to a pair of incredible games. The semifinals in eight-player football were set on Thursday, as Anita-CAM, Easton Valley and Audubon joined defending state champion Remsen St. Mary’s in securing spots in Cedar Falls. Only one of the four quarterfinal round games was really close, as Audubon just edged WACO, 34-30. Both Anita-CAM and Easton Valley rolled, with Remsen St. Mary’s using a big fourth quarter to run past Don Bosco. While the size of eight-player rosters might be the smallest in the state, that doesn’t mean the level of talent isn’t on par with everybody else. Here’s a look at some of the key players for those four semifinal teams: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="23971" first="Lane" last="Spieker"] - Anita-CAM - RB/LB - 5-9 - 175</strong> He might just be the most dynamic player in the state. [player_tooltip player_id="23971" first="Lane" last="Spieker"] lines up at quarterback, but for all purposes, he is a running back for CAM. Spieker has over 200 carries and is approaching 3,000 yards rushing on the year. He’s also scored over 60 rushing touchdowns, while adding even more in the air. Spieker is a multi-sport athlete that is one of the top baseball prospects in the state. And while he might not be the biggest player on the field, his speed and athleticism make him the best. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152686" first="Brenden" last="Fisch"] - Remsen St. Mary’s - RB/LB - 5-10 - 180</strong> The defending state champions lost some incredible players, but like most good programs do, they reloaded. One, though, has some key experience that could play a big factor next week. Junior [player_tooltip player_id="152686" first="Brenden" last="Fisch"] was part of the offensive attack a year ago, and has remained the top back this year. He has over 700 yards rushing and has had no trouble finding the end zone. Fisch, though, is also the top tackler on the team. And that is where he might have his future. An incredible nose for the ball, Fisch does a tremendous job of wrapping up and securing the tackle. He could also play a role in the return game, showing the ability to handle punts and kickoffs. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="147447" first="Conor" last="Gruver"] - Easton Valley - QB/S - 6-1 - 175</strong> While most eight-player - and the majority of QBs in the state - are more of the dual-threat style, Easton Valley’s [player_tooltip player_id="147447" first="Conor" last="Gruver"] prefers to stand in the pocket and deliver. And deliver, and deliver, and deliver. Gruver is as accurate as they come, completing almost 70 percent of his passes for over 2,300 yards on the year. He also has an incredible TD-to-interception ratio. Gruver has good size and does have the athleticism to take off when needed. His progression through reads and quick arm are mixed with nice touch on the balls that he delivers to his receivers. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="147454" first="Gavin" last="Smith"] - Audubon - QB/CB - 6-1 - 170</strong> A power runner with a nose for the end zone, Audubon’s [player_tooltip player_id="147454" first="Gavin" last="Smith"] loves to take the ball and run. He is the quarterback by position, but has recorded over 2,000 yards on the ground and 40-plus touchdowns. Smith is also a lock-down defender, taking away a good chunk of the field from his position in the secondary. Whoever matches up with Audubon in the semis will need to make sure they know where Smith is lining up at all times or he’ll make them pay.