Season Preview: 3A-District 5 Teams, Players to Watch

Class 3A District 5 has a tough act to follow after sending two teams to the state semifinals in 2023, including state champion Williamsburg. The Raiders will look to go back to back in 3A as Harlan did in '21-22 and Xavier achieved in '17-18.   Solon will be looking to take another step after losing to Williamsburg in the semis. And while those teams will be tough to overtake in the district, others will be trying to join them in the postseason. That goal certainly looks attainable.   Here's a closer look at 3A-5:   Williamsburg   Outlook: The Raiders are 24-2 during the last two seasons. In other words, the bar is set high.   While Williamsburg must replace a lot of production lost to graduation, it also brings back enough talent complete with anybody. It starts with first-team all-state linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='848057' first='Rayce' last='Heitman'], who also dents opposing defenses as a receiver. Nile Sinn returns after leading the team in rushing   [player_tooltip player_id='1241538' first='Grady' last='Wetjen'] and Bryson Wetjen are next in Williamsburg's long line of Wetjens. [player_tooltip player_id='1421438' first='Cael' last='Moore'] is an active linebacker that could contribute more on offense. [player_tooltip player_id='1360498' first='Micah' last='Lang'] is a disruptive defensive lineman, and [player_tooltip player_id='1241516' first='Carson' last='Grier'] shows great potential in the trenches.   Other Players to Watch: John Eichhorn, WR/DB; Dominic Fisher, OL/LB; Malachai Williams, OL/DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1360507' first='Trenton' last='Davies'], OL/DL; Grant Hocker, QB/DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1241518' first='Dylan' last='Weisskopf'], RB/LB; Cooper Bott, OL/DL;  Logan Hummer, WR/DB; Connor Westcott, WR/DB; [player_tooltip player_id='1843754' first='Sawyer' last='Kirby'], RB/LB.   Solon   Outlook: The Spartans served notice it was a state title contender last Oct. 6 when it took down top-ranked and previously unbeaten Williamsburg. It won the district but not the rematch with the Raiders in the UNI-Dome.   Solon returns starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1360778' first='Tyler' last='Bell'] and second-leading rusher, [player_tooltip player_id='1360709' first='Eddie' last='Johnson']. They're joined by all-staters [player_tooltip player_id='1360745' first='Grant' last='Wilson'], a lineman, and Cole Carney, a defensive back. Oliver Owens looks ready for a step forward as a two-way contributor.   Other Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='1241515' first='Eli' last='Kampman'], QB/DB; James Thomsen, ATH; Karsyn Regenniter, WR/DB; Charlie Karam, WR/DB; Owen Grimm, OL/DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1241536' first='Kyler' last='Jensen'], RB/LB; Ryan Locke, K/P/OL/DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1204514' first='Lucas' last='Feuerbach'], LB.   Grinnell   Outlook: Grinnell missed the playoffs last season despite posting a 6-3 record. The Tigers won three of their final three contests.   They'll need more quality victories in '24 to boost their resume and avoid missing the postseason again after making it three years in a row. Quarterback Brady Coffman returns after tossing 15 touchdowns against just one interception last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1279700' first='Broc' last='Heishman'] is a three-phase contributor. Linebackers Logan McDonald and [player_tooltip player_id='1369795' first='Jack' last='Gallagher'] deliver production.   Other Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='1204524' first='Josh' last='Ringler'], RB/LB; Derek Doty,QB/DB; Nolan McFarland, RB/LB; Jack Hoopes, RB/DB; Keaton Iverson, RB/LB; Tyler Kostow, OL/LB; [player_tooltip player_id='1204515' first='Will' last='Slagle'], OL/DL; Caden Witham, OL/DL.   Benton   Outlook: Benton won five games a year, and lost against Grinnell and Solon by a combined four points. The Wildcats also challenged Mount Vernon on the road.   They should be in the running for a postseason berth in '24. All-state offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1299925' first='Carter' last='Holmes'] is an anchor in the trenches. [player_tooltip player_id='1406468' first='Brenden' last='Heying'] paced the team in passing and ranked second in rushing, one spot behind another returner, Blayke Heying. Safety Dylan LeFebvere makes plays.   Other Players to Watch: Elias Bieschke, RB/LB; Mayson Mitchell, RB/DL; [player_tooltip player_id='1369861' first='Carson' last='Nolan'], WR/CB; Brody Timmerman, WR/DB; Grant Volesky, TE/LB; Troy Kupka, C/DT; Lane Wauters, OL/DL.   Fairfield   Outlook: Fairfield looks to climb the district ladder after finishing 3-6 in '23. It returns key players that could make that happen.   Running backs Cason Miller and [player_tooltip player_id='1361100' first='Wyatt' last='Johnson'] were the team's top two rushers last season. Julian Pumphery is a cornerback with potential.   Other Players to Watch: Lucas Konczal, RB/LB; Zandrik Allison, RB/S; Calvin McLain, DL.   South Tama   Outlook: South Tama finished without a win last season after claiming just one victory the year before. The Trojans were competitive with Fairfield.   They'll hang their hat for progress on key returnees Cody Blocker, Tyrus Clegg, Kinzer Jaennette and Kyle Youngbear.   Other Players to Watch: Anthony Thompson, S/WR; Eric Medina, RB/DL.

Class 3A District 5 has a tough act to follow after sending two teams to the state semifinals in 2023, including state champion Williamsburg. The Raiders will look to go back to back in 3A as Harlan did in '21-22 and Xavier achieved in '17-18.