Class 4A, District 2: Top Offensive, Defensive Standouts

Home to state heavyweights like Waverly-Shell Rock and Western Dubuque, Class 4A, District 2 was quite the race in the standings and on the field this past fall. Here are a handful of the top underclassmen from the league: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152755" first="McCrae" last="Hagarty"] - Waverly-Shell Rock - RB/LB - 6-0 - 205</strong> The leading rusher in the district, [player_tooltip player_id="152755" first="McCrae" last="Hagarty"] racked up almost 1,300 yards for Waverly-Shell Rock in the fall. He shared the duties with another junior classmate we will discuss shortly. A power back at 6-foot and over 200 pounds, Hagarty has plenty of get-up-and-go. He averaged eight yards per rush and scored 19 touchdowns, showing his nose for the end zone. With his made-for-ready college size, look for Hagarty to show even more in the passing game this coming year. He caught eight balls for over 100 yards and a score a year ago, and should have even more of a role in that department. Hagarty will also attract plenty of attention on the defensive side of the ball. The linebacker recorded 43.5 tackles, five sacks and 23 stops for loss. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152913" first="Asa" last="Newsom"] - Waverly-Shell Rock - RB/LB - 6-3 - 210</strong> The other piece to the incredible rushing attack of Waverly-Shell Rock, [player_tooltip player_id="152913" first="Asa" last="Newsom"] is quite the player to look at. Checking in at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he is an intimidating player to tackle. Newsom had 690 yards and six TDs last year, adding another nine catches for 63 yards and a score. Like Hagarty, he excels on defense as well, recording 54 stops with seven sacks and 17 tackles for loss as a junior. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152626" first="Kale" last="Hobart"] - Mason City - QB - 6-2 165</strong> Many might not know this, but Mason City has been home to some very high-level quarterback talent over the past 10-plus years. [player_tooltip player_id="152626" first="Kale" last="Hobart"] is looking to add his name to that list. Hobart, a 6-foot-2 junior, put up strong numbers last fall. He threw for over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns. To take that next step, though, he will need to improve on his completion percentage (48.5 percent) and cut his interceptions (nine) down. If Hobart can show that kind of progression, he should be in store for a strong senior season with the Mohawks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="247571" first="Daviyon" last="Gaston"] - Western Dubuque - WR/DB - 5-10 - 160</strong> Over 1,300 yards and 60 receptions leave with the graduation of Western Dubuque’s top wide receivers. That should provide junior [player_tooltip player_id="247571" first="Daviyon" last="Gaston"] the chance to really build on his season. Gaston was the third-leading target on the team, catching 23 passes for 457 yards and three scores. His 20 yards per catch was tops on the team and showed his deep-play abilities. If Gaston can slide right into that No. 1 role, college coaches should take note. Western Dubuque is a very balanced offense, and having a prime target in Gaston will make them quite dangerous yet again.