8-Man League Freshman Standouts

In the last few articles, I've began to notice a trend of impressive talents that have been coming out of the 8-man football teams in Iowa that have put up impressive numbers over the course of the season. Taking a look at some of the freshman players that made their mark on the league this season, the results weren't very different, as they've made quite an imprint in such a short amount of time. Today, we take a look at 7 freshman standouts from Iowa's 8-Man League this season!    Dunkerton may have a promising future ahead thanks to the electric impact made from freshman Lane McIntosh. Taking the starting QB reins in his first season, McIntosh threw for 837 yards, 14 touchdowns, to 10 interceptions. He also had a big role in the secondary, recording 28.5 tackles and 5 fumble recoveries. McIntosh had impressive improvisational skills, and his knack for turning negatives into positives shines brightly for the offense, and he plays well beyond his size in the defense with his closedown speed, great tackling, and quick instincts finding the ball on the ground to scoop up the fumble. If McIntosh can build a bit of bulk this offseason, he could be due for a breakout campaign in 2025.     Twin Cedars went winless in 2024, but one bright spot they boasted was a freshman who made an immediate impact as a pass-rusher, [player_tooltip player_id='1601640' first='Slater' last='Thomas']. Thomas finished with 67.5 tackles, 13 TFLs, and a team-high 8 sacks as a freshman. Thomas showed a sense of control with his explosiveness and his drive off the snap. Thomas is constantly moving his feet and leverages his hands to shed off blockers to get into the backfield. Thomas is very much on pace to become a game-wrecker for the team to build around going forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1601642' first='Jax' last='Steger'] truly has found his footing as an all-purpose threat that should easily be put on the watchlist to become a massive breakout star next season. In the secondary, Steger recorded 75 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 4 interceptions. At WR, Steger caught 14 passes for 246 yards and 5 touchdowns. On 15 total returns, Steger averaged 26.4 yards per return and scored 2 touchdowns (1 kickoff and 1 punt). Steger was unbelievable to watch, and his combination of speed, vision, and agility has made him the perfect swiss-army knife for a Vikings' team that enjoyed their best season since 2018. After reaching the quarterfinals last season, Steger could help the Vikings contend for the 8-player state championship in 2025.     Much of the success for Easton Valley's offense came from QB [player_tooltip player_id='1242285' first='Keagan' last='Lee'], but freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1601644' first='Aidan' last='Feddersen'] emerged as a great dual-threat option out of the backfield. Feddersen ranked 2nd on the team behind Lee with 368 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Feddersen also ranked 2nd on the team in receiving, with 49 receptions for 424 yards and 4 touchdowns. Feddersen is a solid runner with great vision and quick agility, but he's been effective as a checkdown-option, playing very well as an open-field runner. Feddersen should see a lot more reps as a workhorse tailback heading into his sophomore campaign while seeing plenty of targets out of the backfield.     Lenox holds a very solid unit locking down the box, and one defensive lineman that was difficult to contain in the backfield was freshman Jack Reed. Reed finished with 28 tackles, 9 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. Reed plays quick off the snap, which often allows him to catch his blockers off their footing to gain leverage to disrupt the QB. Heading into his sophomore season, Reed could very much become a central piece within the box after several starters from the line graduated following the 2024 season. Reed will have big shoes to fill, but it could be a very rewarding year for Reed in 2025.     Mason Kasperbauer made a solid contribution in his freshman year toward one of the most effective run-offenses in the 8-man league this season. Kasperbauer rans for 491 yards and 7 touchdowns. He ranked third on the team in rushing yards, and his 7.8 yards per carry ranked 2nd on the team. Audubon entrusted Kasperbauer in getting a solid workload as a freshman, and he responded well, showing excellent speed and agility to make quick, explosive runs. With starting RB [player_tooltip player_id='1358172' first='Aaron' last='Olsen'] graduating following the 2024 season, Kasperbauer could see himself emerge as the team's No. 1 RB heading into 2025.     For his age, [player_tooltip player_id='1601655' first='Ayden' last='Coenen'] already has the size and frame of becoming a top WR, and he posted solid numbers as he's entrenched the No. 2 WR role for Woodbine. Coenen caught 28 passes for 287 yards and 5 touchdowns. Coenen is an excellent goal-line threat, using his frame to beat his defenders on one-on-one grabs, but he is just as effective with his route-running, vision, and being able to make long, quick strides after the catch that's made him a great all-around receiver. Coenen should see his targets continue to grow over the course of his sophomore season.

In the last few articles, I've began to notice a trend of impressive talents that have been coming out of the 8-man football teams in Iowa that have put up impressive numbers over the course of the season. Taking a look at some of the freshman players that made their mark on the league this season, the results weren't very different, as they've made quite an imprint in such a short amount of time. Today, we take a look at 7 freshman standouts from Iowa's 8-Man League this season!