Class 3A Semifinal: Wahlert Catholic vs. Sergeant Bluff-Luton

Switching our recap over to Class 3A, we take a look at the first of 2 semifinal matchups for a spot in the state championship game on Friday. The matchup came against two undefeated titans, Wahlert Catholic, and Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Sergeant Bluff-Luton got the first score of the game on a field goal, but the Golden Eagles quickly responded with a long rushing touchdown to lead at the end of the first quarter. The dominance of the Golden Eagles' run game was evident all night, as they ran for 234 yards and averaged 8.4 yards per carry. The Golden Eagles led 17-10 heading into the 4th quarter. Sergeant Bluff-Luton would score a touchdown on 4th & 11 with under 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter, but their extra point attempt was blocked, maintaining the lead for the Golden Eagles. The Warriors got the ball back with 2:31 left in the game, but their final drive ultimately ended when a deep attempt by QB [player_tooltip player_id='1692983' first='Isaiah' last='Jervik'] was picked off by Luke Welbes with 19 seconds left, ending the comeback attempt. Wahlert Catholic is now in play this week to earn their first state title in school history.   Here are 6 players that stood out from this close and exciting matchup!    [player_tooltip player_id='1286448' first='Michael' last='Bormann'] set the tone early on for the Golden Eagles with a 78 yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, establishing the run game almost immediately as they would end up controlling much of the game. Bormann finished with a total 184 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown, while adding 6 tackles and a TFL on defense. Bormann thrived in the outside zones, showing great breakaway speed in the open field, which helped create the majority of his long runs during the night. Bormann topped the 1000 yard rushing mark this season with that performance, and he should be the centerpiece toward bringing the Golden Eagles their first state title.     [player_tooltip player_id='1286440' first='Tom' last='Scherr'] had a strong presence as a playmaker at LB, while also providing well in the explosive run game. Scherr finished with 24 rushing yards on 5 carries and a touchdown in the third quarter. On defense, Scherr had 6 tackles, 4 TFLs, and a sack. Scherr was all over the field on Saturday, making his presence be known as he kept the Warriors from translating their solid production on offense into points. Scherr impact was felt in the box as he's clearly held his ground as a sideline-to-sideline defender, and that explosiveness will be important toward disrupting Humboldt's offense this week.     For an offense that didn't generate much production in the passing game this season, Sergeant Bluff-Luton was able to do well for the most part in stretching the field through the air, and [player_tooltip player_id='1421471' first='Gavin' last='Warren'] played a big part in the success in the passing game. Warren finished the night with 6 catches for 74 yards and both of the scores for the Warriors in the game. Warren also threw a 42 yard pass in the game to his QB [player_tooltip player_id='1692983' first='Isaiah' last='Jervik']. Warren is a versatile athlete who's succeeded in a variety of roles with the Warriors this season, and it showed as his combination of speed, agility, and football IQ gives the Warriors an ace up their sleeve. Warren should be a senior that should be flying under the radar heading into his senior year.     Bo Koedam is another dynamic player that's succeeded in several roles for the Warriors this season. On Saturday night, Koedam had a strong impact on defense, leading the team with 10 tackles (9 solo) and 2 TFLs. Koedam, who's also a talented wrestler for the Warriors, fits the MLB role very well, as he played with aggression and quick instinct, while also showing great tackling form. That ability showed itself throughout the season as Koedam led the team in tackles (55.5). Koedam will shift his focus now toward making a run back to the state championship after losing in the finals in his weight class last season.     Luke Welbes played well in deep-zone coverage against the Warriors' passing game, preventing the team from finding a consistent groove on the air. Welbes finished with 6 tackles, 1 TFL, and the game-winning interception with 19 seconds left. Welbes perfectly read the play as a WR ran a deep seam over the middle of the field. Welbes came across from the other side, crossing the WR, and making a high vertical jump to snatch the ball out of the air. Welbes has been doing that across the year, with 4 picks in his senior season, and he will look to cap off a brilliant campaign by adding a state championship to his resume.     [player_tooltip player_id='1840100' first='Xavier' last='Jones'] has been an emerging young standout on the defense, and he played a big role in the second half as the defense stepped up to make big stops in the 4th quarter to give their team a chance to win. Jones finished with 6 tackles (5 solo), 1.5 TFLs, and a sack. Jones' size at his age suggests that he could break through as a premium defender, and his potential was on display as he shed off blockers and showed improvement through the night with his pursuit angles to get to the ball-carrier. Jones should be an underrated prospect that should be on your watch list going forward.

Switching our recap over to Class 3A, we take a look at the first of 2 semifinal matchups for a spot in the state championship game on Friday. The matchup came against two undefeated titans, Wahlert Catholic, and Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Sergeant Bluff-Luton got the first score of the game on a field goal, but the Golden Eagles quickly responded with a long rushing touchdown to lead at the end of the first quarter. The dominance of the Golden Eagles' run game was evident all night, as they ran for 234 yards and averaged 8.4 yards per carry. The Golden Eagles led 17-10 heading into the 4th quarter. Sergeant Bluff-Luton would score a touchdown on 4th & 11 with under 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter, but their extra point attempt was blocked, maintaining the lead for the Golden Eagles. The Warriors got the ball back with 2:31 left in the game, but their final drive ultimately ended when a deep attempt by QB Isaiah Jervik Isaiah Jervik 6'2" | 175 lbs | ATH Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2026 IA was picked off by Luke Welbes with 19 seconds left, ending the comeback attempt. Wahlert Catholic is now in play this week to earn their first state title in school history.