Scouting Reports: Bettendorf at City High

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IOWA CITY, Iowa - </strong>A large collection of talented prospects competed Friday night here at Bates Field when City High played host to Bettendorf in a key Class 5A matchup. The home team won the regular-season finale for both teams, 42-23.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It marked the second in-person scouting opportunity of City High this season. The Little Hawks topped Ames, 53-14, on Sept. 15, and a writeup from that game can be read <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/scouting-reports-ames-at-iowa-city-high/">HERE</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out reports on other Little Hawks and student-athletes from our first up-close look at Bettendorf:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401666"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d25d53eb70"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams is an interesting prospect due, in large part, to his position flexibility. He lines up at running back on offense, plays on the defensive line and returns kicks. Williams' speed makes him a menace chasing down opposing quarterbacks. He keeps his head up and eyes on the target. His lateral quickness aids him getting off blocks and hold up well against the run. Williams is explosive as a return man, showing sharp vision and burst. He didn't play offense much against City, but the aforementioned talents work well when carrying the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204441"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d25d53ebbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mensah lines up at left tackle for the Little Hawks, just inside of Northern Illinois commitment, [player_tooltip player_id='1279124' first='Tyler' last='Rindels']. The pair opens plenty of holes for the potent rushing attack and prevents quarterback pressure. For his part, Mensah continues developing as his sophomore season progresses. He's figuring out how to maximize his size with improved technique. Mensah is quick and powerful with smooth feet and violent hands. With two more years to go in his prep career and plenty of room to grow his game, Mensah is definitely one on which to keep an eye. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1240429"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d2c16c171f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morrison finished with two receptions for 14 yards in this contest with one of the grabs being a <a href="https://yourprepsports.com/2024/10/26/city-high-storms-into-postseason-with-win-over-top-ranked-bettendorf/">6-yard touchdown</a>. On that play, he showed explosiveness off the line, beating the defense to the inside and cruising into the end zone. It showed his ability to play in the slot and opperate across the middle of the field. He also proved he can get deep on several throws that did not connect on this night. Morrison provides the quarterback with a good-sized target as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1361313"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d2c16c176a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kahl was dinged up when City played Ames, so it was good to see him back on the field. The sophomore is a complete package at running back. Kahl picks up tough yards inside, finding holes and then powering forward with his legs. Those same legs allow him to beat the opposition with speed getting to the edge or when he breaks into the open field via broken tackles. Kahl hauled in an 18-yard reception in this game and showed a good feel for running routes on plays that didn't come his way. Like Mensah, Kahl is only scratching the surface of his potential with plenty of time to realize it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["217007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d2c16c17aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wessel is an intriguing prospect with his versatility and athleticism. He carried three times for 22 yards in this game, ripping off a longer run by accelerating to get the edge and finishing the play with power. Wessel also lists receiver as a position on his Hudl. Although he didn't catch a pass in this game, his frame and skills would work well there. It's a set of talents that also plays in the secondary or in the return game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1278909"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1542211,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d3285a3ac9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">City High chews up a lot of yards with inside runs. Wagner is at the head of that attack from the center position. He gets off of the ball well and into his opponent playing with good leverage and power. Snapping accurately out of the shotgun, Wagner brings athleticism to the table, which helps him in holding up well in pass protection. He has the frame and game to slide to a guard spot, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1277230"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671d3285a3b1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An excellent athlete playing quarterback, Laver could end up at another position if he chooses to compete in college. He lists cornerback as his secondary position on his Hudl page, and defensive back might be his best landing spot. His size and speed work well at receiver, too. It would be smart to try him at quarterback before moving him off that position, however. With some polishing, his arm strength gives him an opportunity to blossom there. He's already a serious threat with his legs, where he ripped off a 28-yard touchdown run by outrunning potential tacklers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->