PRZIA Week 1 Top Performers | Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The official kickoff to the 2024 season was a very exciting one with several teams and players across the state, popping off in their first games of the year. I will do a weekly feature highlighting the top performers from that previous week's slate of games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the top defensive performers from Week 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1165288' first='Jackson' last='Wacha'], 2025 - Ballard - 6'3" 215 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/JackWacha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats:</em></strong> 16 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 59 receiving yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16659533/66d55f0ba44e6223a746e1e1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f363966b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421481' first='Jacobo' last='Cerna-Gomez'], 2026 - Perry - 5'7" 140 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/j18_gom3z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2 tackles, a 42-yard fumble return for a touchdown, and a rushing touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421436' first='Niyonkuru' last='Francois'], 2025 - Des Moines Hoover - 5'10" 180 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/dbniyo12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>11 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, a sack, and 71 rushing yards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16863110/66d3d465626c2d6593465425' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f36396aa"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421484' first='Xavian' last='Williams'], 2026 - Davenport Central - 5'11" 180 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/XavianWilliamss" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>) </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2.5 tackles and a fumble recovered for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18074663/66d204d93e6790f4da6b76a6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f36396d8"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1241495' first='Drew' last='Sheedy'], 2026 - Davenport North - 5'7" 170 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/SheedyDrew" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>10.5 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and a sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17829902/66d65f3bda273a19388a30ad' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f3639704"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421465' first='Bryce' last='Pauly'], 2026 - Davenport North - 6'1" 170 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/bryce_pauly2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>4.5 tackles, a TFL, and two interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421462' first='Christopher' last='Lee'], 2027 - Council Bluffs Lincoln - 5'11" 125 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2 interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1198833' first='Bryce' last='Beachem'], 2027 - Johnston - 5'9" 160 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/BeachemBryce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2 tackles and 2 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421478' first='Melakhi' last='Hickey'], 2026 - Waterloo West</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>3.5 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, and an interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1241507' first='Brannon' last='Flattery'], 2026 - Ottumwa - 5'11 180 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/Flatt_22" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>7.5 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17431979/66d6343794559d93ee6ba2f4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f3639733"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1402859' first='Jerrod' last='Lee'], 2025 - North Scott - 5'8" 200 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/JerrodLee23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>7.5 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1278806' first='Ethan' last='Wood'], 2025 - Mount Vernon - 6'4" 230 lbs (North Dakota State Commit - <a href="https://x.com/ethanwood0707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>7 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421438' first='Cael' last='Moore'], 2025 - Williamsburg (<a href="https://x.com/CaelMoore16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>10 tackles, 2 TFLs, and a sack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421471' first='Gavin' last='Warren'], 2026 - Sergeant Bluff-Luton - 6'1" 160 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/warregav10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>5 tackles and 2 interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421476' first='Wilson' last='Riphin'], 2027 - Denison-Schleswig - 6'2" 175 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2.5 tackles and an 80-yard interception returned for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1406686' first='Owen' last='Rosenberg'], 2025 - Clear Creek Amana - 6'0" 175 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/OwenRosenberg14" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2.5 tackles and 2 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421455' first='Landon' last='Cory'], 2025 - Bondurant-Farrar</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2 tackles and 2 interceptions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421450' first='Blake' last='Wilson'], 2025 - West Burlington </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>9 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421447' first='Joshua' last='Ingram'], 2025 - Boone </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>5.5 tackles and a 27-yard interception returned for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421460' first='Ty' last='Muhlbauer'], 2026 - Carroll</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>6 tackles, a TFL, a .5 sack, and a 28-yard interception returned for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421468' first='Miles' last='Netten'], 2027 - Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley (<a href="https://x.com/milesnetten" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>5 tackles, a TFL, and an 18-yard fumble returned for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1204524' first='Josh' last='Ringler'], 2027 - Grinnell - 6'0" 195 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/ringler_josh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>8 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19542144/66d89f16cf6380a19407744d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f3639769"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='245546' first='Damian' last='Pestle'], 2025 - Wilton - 5'9" 165 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/PestleDamian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>6.5 tackles, 4 TFLs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16178497/66d4bc54274ef5e5329f14dd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f3639794"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1238618' first='Landen' last='Cooling'], 2026 - BGM </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>6 tackles, 6 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1370717' first='Kane' last='Mahler-Moreno'], 2026 - Woodward-Granger (<a href="https://x.com/KaneMahler9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>10 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1358154' first='Layne' last='Peska'], 2027 - Iowa Valley - 6'0" 165 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/layne_peska1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>2.5 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a 65-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19054499/66d2894cfd21aa0a5c754fe1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f36397c1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421445' first='Braxton' last='Davis'], 2025 - Central City - 5'10" 215 lbs (<a href="https://x.com/Braxton7930" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>6 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15283181/66d870679c644c3e5a65236c' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f36397ea"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1421453' first='Kinnick' last='Weis'], 2026 - Central City - 6'1" 190 lbs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Stats: </em></strong>10.5 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16968289/66d39ddd626c2d6593462201' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66d93f3639813"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->