Standout Performers from 5A, 4A, 3A Semifinal Games
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A busy week of playoff football in the UNI-Dome came to end Saturday night with the last semifinal games. We found out who would be playing for a state championships courtesy of standout performances from excellent athletes. Let’s take a…
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Continue ReadingA busy week of playoff football in the UNI-Dome came to end Saturday night with the last semifinal games. We found out who would be playing for a state championships courtesy of standout performances from excellent athletes.
Let’s take a took at who shined and helped their squads move within a win of the ultimate achievement:
CLASS 5A
C.J. Phillip, ’24, RB, Southeast Polk
The Ram senior is one of the more under-rated prospects in the state. When watching his highlights on Hudl, you see a complete running back that combines a lot of the top traits needed for success at the position. He hits the hole hard, shows excellent vision, accelerates quickly and doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s an excellent receiver, too.
Phillip played a large role in helping Southeast Polk keep its dream of a three-peat alive with a 30-27 overtime win against West Des Moines Valley in the semifinals. He rushed 23 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns. He added three catches for 102 yards, which included a 79-yard score.
Connor Kayser, ’24, LB, Ankeny
Northern Iowa picked up a steal in the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Kayser. He’s a very good athlete, especially for his size. He’s a fundamentally sound football player who embraces contact. His skill set makes him versatile enough to project at multiple positions in collegel.
Kayser helped the Hawks reach the state championship game with a 10-7 victory against rival Ankeny Centennial in Friday’s semifinal. He racked up a game-high 9.0 tackles (6 solo, 1 for loss) with a sack and a quarterback hurry.
Honorable Mentions: Caleb Chebuhar, SEP; Kaeden Kain, SEP; Daniel Larmie, Ankeny; Jacob Mohrfeld, Centennial; Cole Pieper, Centennial; Reed Anderson, Centennial; Damon Head, WDV; Theron Castle, WDV.
CLASS 4A
Grant Glausser, ’24, RB, Western Dubuque
Glausser (5-11, 200) is going to excite the fans at Minnesota State, where he verbally committed during the summer. It’s fun watching him carry the ball. He does so with a well-rounded skill set. His patience and power stand out.
The senior rolled up 204 yards and scored two touchdowns on 37 carries in an offense that ran 61 plays in a 28-21 victory against Bondurant-Farrar. He increased his season totals to 2,646 yards (8.8 YPC) and 30 scores on the ground.
Kamdyn Cross, ’24, RB/LB, Lewis Central
The versatile Cross certainly can add something to a college program. He might fit in as a physical, downhill runner with a feel for receiving. He probably slots best on defense as a safety or linebacker.
During a 31-5 victory against North Polk in Thursday’s semifinals, Cross rushed for 68 yards and two touchdowns. He added eight catches for 36 yards. On defense, he delivered four solo tackles and recorded two stops for loss.
Honorable Mention: Decker, Brandon, WD; Garret Kluesner Garret Kluesner 6'2" | 225 lbs | OL Western Dubuque | 2025 IA , WD; Hetzel, LC; Ryan Ortega, LC; Cameron Moore, LC; Jordan Rial, BF; Talan Hayworth, BF; JordanNathan Feldman, NP; Torres, Cohan, NP.
CLASS 3A
Ricky Feauto, ’24, RB/LB, Bishop Heelan
Feauto can best be described as a “football player.” He stands out on both sides of the line of scrimmage. He shines as a big, tough running back on offense. He consistently delivers from the middle of the defense as well. He’ll help somebody at the next level.
During a 16-13, semifinal victory against previously unbeaten Creston, Feauto rushed 16 times for 99 yards and a touchdown. The senior also delivered four tackles on defense.
Rayce Heitman, ’25, WR/LB, Williamsburg
I’ve been a fan of Heitman’s game since seeing him in last season’s state semifinals. He has a knack for making plays in all three phases, which all but guarantees he’ll contribute. I think he could line up at receiver on the next level, but think defense might be in his future.
Heitman shined as brightly as anyone in the UNI-Dome this week with a dominant performance in a 45-15 win against Solon in the semifinals. He hauled in six passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, he produced a game-high 13.0 tackles (10 solo, 3.5 TFL) with an interception, a sack and a pass breakup.
Honorable Mention: Quinn Olson, BH; Max Delaney, BH; Derek Weisskopf, Williamsburg; Braylon Wetjen, Williamsburg; Will Bolinger, Creston; Brennan Hayes, Creston; Grant Knipper, Solon; Barret Schade, Solon.