Class 3A Top WR/TE Performances of Week 9

Wrapping up the regular season for Class 3A Iowa, we finish things off by recapping the top pass-catching performances from the final game of the regular season. Class 3A boasted 13 players who topped over 500 receiving yards throughout the season, including 2 1000 yard receivers in what has been an impressive year for this bunch. Today, we take a look at 4 Wide Receivers and 3 Tight Ends that stood out in the class to cap off the 2024 regular season!    The success for Independence came in the ground game on Friday night, but [player_tooltip player_id='252312' first='Brady' last='Kurt'] still delivered a top notch performance on the air, finishing with 11 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown in the win. Kurt was lined up out wide and also playing in a split backfield, but Kurt excelled in both areas. Kurt shined particularly in catching 50-50 balls, in which he had several impressive grabs where he adjusted on the man coverage to make a spectacular catch. Kurt ended up surpassing the 1000 yard mark with his performance, solidifying what has been an amazing senior campaign that enhances his resume as a two-way threat.     [player_tooltip player_id='1649206' first='Chase' last='Flaherty'] has been one of the brightest spots in the passing game for the #1 ranked team in Class 3A to end the regular season. As Humboldt rolled past Webster City on Friday night, Flaherty finished with a season-high 121 yards on 7 catches and 3 touchdowns. Flaherty had sharp route-running throughout the night, making quick double-moves on defenders to create space down the field, and he did a great job attacking tight lanes after the catch to rack up yards after the catch. Despite his smaller size, Flaherty has been making a big impact for Humboldt's offense this season, and he should continue to do so during the postseason.     Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1850280' first='Kurt' last='Joy'] has seen some solid playing time for Keokuk during his first year with the team, and against Mount Vernon on the road, Joy had a shining presence on the offense, recording 4 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in the loss. His touchdown came on a quick screen in which he managed to maneuver around the defenders and outrun the defense 89 yards to the house. Joy's speed and agility could make him a potential breakout candidate heading into his sophomore season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1687437' first='Brady' last='Meadows'] is a bit smaller for a receiver lined out wide, but he has had an effective presence for Central DeWitt's offense this season. Despite a rough loss to West Delaware this week, Meadows finished with 5 catches for 90 yards in a solid performance. What really impresses me watching him is his shifty route-running, showing great hip mobility and a quick twitch that helped make him a deep threat throughout the night. Meadows finishes the season as the school's leading receiver, and as the offense continues to develop, expect more of Meadows heading into his senior year.     Harlan Community racked up over 300 yards passing on Friday night against Knoxville, and star prospect [player_tooltip player_id='245592' first='Jozef' last='Reisz'] racked up the majority of those numbers, finishing with an impressive 171 yards on 7 catches and 2 touchdowns. Once again, Reisz proved a significant mismatch against the DBs thanks to his size, being used as a screen-option in which he would run over defenders on his way down the field, and shined particularly as a redzone threat in one-on-one coverage. Reisz has been one of the best prospects we've seen out of this class this season, and he's bound to make more splashy plays in the postseason.     [player_tooltip player_id='847937' first='Thomas' last='Meyer'], the top prospect in Iowa this season rounded off his senior year with a solid performance as Clear Lake completely shut out Charles City. Meyer finished with 3 receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown in the win. Meyer proved solid in the run-blocking, contributing to the team's 231 yard rushing performance, but his big-play potential showed on a 32 yard touchdown in which he bolted past the secondary on a corner-route and caught the ball in the end zone. Meyer has been a spectacular redzone threat for Clear Lake, catching 9 touchdowns this season, and he should remain as the primary target in that area as Clear Lake takes on #1 ranked Humboldt in the first round of the playoffs.     [player_tooltip player_id='1360535' first='Josh' last='Schaefer'] is listed as both a WR/TE hybrid for Creston, and after having a quiet senior campaign, Schaefer finished off the year on a strong note. Creston was an aerial circus against Perry, and Schaefer contributed with 3 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. Schaefer was lined up in a variety of spots on the offense, including in a bunch set and in the slot receiver role, but he mainly lined up as a Wing-TE. Schaefer looked sharp as a route-runner, and he's a slippery athlete, proving to be difficult to tackle. Schaefer was able to finish his final game of his high school career on a high note.

Wrapping up the regular season for Class 3A Iowa, we finish things off by recapping the top pass-catching performances from the final game of the regular season. Class 3A boasted 13 players who topped over 500 receiving yards throughout the season, including 2 1000 yard receivers in what has been an impressive year for this bunch. Today, we take a look at 4 Wide Receivers and 3 Tight Ends that stood out in the class to cap off the 2024 regular season!