Scouting Reports: Waukee at Liberty 5A Playoffs

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa - Iowa City Liberty broke open a close game at halftime in cruising to a 31-14 victory against visiting Waukee Friday night in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. The Lightning (9-1) advanced to face Ankeny back here next week. The Warriors finished the season at 6-4.   It was the third in-person scout of Liberty this season. There were reports from <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/10/scouting-reports-ankeny-at-iowa-city-liberty/">first meeting with Ankeny on Oct. 12</a> and its <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/09/scouting-reports-liberty-cedar-falls-2024/">matchup with Cedar Falls</a> on Sept. 23. They included write-ups on [player_tooltip player_id='1129677' first='Dallas' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1196514' first='Collin' last='Decker'], [player_tooltip player_id='988861' first='Sutton' last='Koller'], Reece Rettig, Jaryn Sertterh, [player_tooltip player_id='1282214' first='Caleb' last='Burnett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1619461' first='Keshawn' last='Wyldon'].   With that in mind, this writeup includes other Lightning student-athletes along with reports from the first look at Waukee:    Hine is an impressive mixture of size, strength and athleticism lining up at left tackle for the Warriors. Liberty hits teams with speed more than power from the D-Line. The Waukee junior shined against it, showing slick feet and a knack for controlling the opponent with his hands in pass protection. He keeps his pads low, creating necessary leverage in driving with his legs in the running game. Hine is an intriguing prospect with plenty of room to develop physically and sharpen his technique, an exciting prospect for his future.     Waukee was missing its starting quarterback in this game, replacing him with a receiver behind center. That compromised the passing game and the effectiveness of Jacobson as a target. He was limited to <a href="https://yourprepsports.com/2024/11/01/liberty-high-defense-shuts-down-waukee-in-class-5a-postseason-debut/">one catch for eight yards</a>. That said, the talent was obvious for a student-athlete being courted by top college programs. He runs routes like a receiver and brings physicality blocking in the run game. Jacobson looks the part, too, with a frame that can add bulk without losing the athleticism that makes him a D-I basketball prospect, too.     Another member of the Warriors' impactful junior class, Schipper sets up shop at right guard. He looks comfortable whether opening holes for the running back or setting up in pass protection. Schipper's success is derived from him being an athletic big man. He's quick off of the snap and plays with good balance, staying up on his toes and not falling back on his heels. His leg strength helps him open holes in the running game and quick feet aid him in pass protection. Schipper fits well at guard, but he has the agility to move outside.     Inman hauled in seven balls for 67 of the team's 85 yards receiving without its starting quarterback. Inman brings a frame and skill set that makes him a well-rounded wideout. His speed and size help him get deep and win 50-50 balls. Inman runs crisp routes through the middle of the field as well and can outmuscle the opponents in traffic.     Give Johnson credit for stepping into the quarterback spot with the starter out for this contest. He showed impressive arm strength and mobility in the pocket. The latter shouldn't be a surprise, as athleticism is one of his top traits. It shines through when watching him play defense. Johnson likely slots in as a modern linebacker that resembles a hybrid safety with an ability to play the run or cover receivers and tight ends. Johnson's skill set might also work at wideout or tight end at the next level.     Laubenthal fits the mold of receiver the Lightning has succeeded with in recent years. Despite being of modest physical dimensions, he cashes in with athleticism and technique. Laubenthal brought down a 27-yard catch in this game where he skied over the defender and won the ball. Earlier this season, we witnessed him bring in a contested grab in the end zone. With graduation losses in '25, Lauberthal will move into a bigger role next year and is one on which to keep an eye.     Drapeaux embraces the game's physicality whether toting the rock as a running back or putting a hurt on the opponent as a linebacker. He changes directions well at both positions with lateral quickness and good straight-line speed. Drapeaux is one of those guys that impacts the game wherever he lines up on the field. A college would be wise to bring him in with the possibility he could produce at multiple positions. Drapeaux also will help on special teams. He's a good football player.

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa - Iowa City Liberty broke open a close game at halftime in cruising to a 31-14 victory against visiting Waukee Friday night in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. The Lightning (9-1) advanced to face Ankeny back here next week. The Warriors finished the season at 6-4.