2025 Team Preview: Newton Cardinals

The Newton Cardinals have maintained a competitive edge in Class 4A Iowa over the last few years, and they are looking to make a deep push in the postseason this season with the talent that's returning for their team this year. A well-rounded team that ranked in the top-10 in the conference in both offensive and defensive scoring last season, Newton battled their way to finish with a 6-3 record during the regular season, before ultimately losing narrowly to Decorah 15-14 in the first round of the playoffs, where they gave up a last-minute touchdown/two point conversion. This season, with a strong group of returning starters across multiple positions returning, Newton looks poised to use that experience to fix their errors from 2024 and build themselves into legitimate contention for the Class 4A state title.   We take a look today at 7 players from the Cardinals that should stand out for the unit this season!    As a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='1532913' first='Nick' last='Milburn'] lit up his opponents, finishing as one of the most productive defenders in the conference by the end of the season. His 102 total tackles tied for 3rd most in Class 4A, while adding 9.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks in the process. Explosive off his release and elusive in his ability to track the ball-carrier from sideline to sideline, Milburn is a dominant force against the run, while also showcasing great form tackling, which has allowed him to serve as a rock in goal-line defense situations. Milburn is also able to move around the edge and blitz from the outside, forcing pressure on the QB, and forcing him to hurry the ball out, which leads to mistakes for the offense. Milburn's stock should continue to grow over the next 2 seasons as Milburn has rightfully solidified his role as the leader of the Cardinals' defense.     The beating heart of the Cardinals' offense, [player_tooltip player_id='1619687' first='Caden' last='Klein'] an elusive dual-threat QB who drives the offense's explosive capability. Klein threw for 1445 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 9 picks last season while rushing for 1126 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per carry. Klein also had a big role on defense, recording 43.5 tackles (39 solo), a TFL, and 2 interceptions. A flashy runner who makes sharp cuts and double-moves, and shows great speed to outrun the secondary, Klein is an excellent ball-carrier with RB vision, while also flashing a strong arm that can sling the ball down the seams and sidelines. If Klein can improve on his accuracy next season, Klein could give the offense that extra factor in maxing out their high-ceiling potential in 2025.     Despite playing on a more run-heavy offense, [player_tooltip player_id='1619913' first='Finn' last='Martin'] has made a name for himself as a reliable No. 1 target for the Cardinals' passing game. Martin had 637 yards and 4 touchdowns on just 35 catches last season. Despite his smaller size, Martin played often in a TE/WR hybrid role, where he excelled as a reliable target up the seams and for pop passes over the middle of the field. Martin showed great route-running ability, being able to adjust and attack different zones to create openings for his QB when he scrambled, while also showing great footwork and change of direction after the catch. Martin will remain to be Klein's most trusted target in the passing game heading into his senior year.     While [player_tooltip player_id='1620116' first='Colton' last='Northcutt'] doesn't have film currently, he flashed potential as a solid supporting piece for the Cardinals' defense last season. Northcutt recorded 29.5 tackles (26 solo), 3 TFLs, and an interception returned for a touchdown last season. His pick six came during the regular season finale over Des Moines Hoover, speeding to the ball as the QB made a hurried throw. With great speed on the edge and showing flexibility against the run and pass, Northcutt could see a much bigger role as one of the returning leaders for Newton's defense this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1756986' first='Zach' last='Felten'] flashed as a multi-purpose piece for the Cardinals last season, playing on the O-line, D-line, and as the team's primary Punter last season. Felten punted 23 times, averaging 33.3 yards per punt, while adding 7 tackles (4 solo) on defense. Despite being one of the smaller blockers on the O-line, Felten has stood his ground, paving the way for Newton's effective run-game, being able to keep edge-rushers contained and causing them to lose their balance. As a Punter, Felten flashes solid range and pinpoint landing on his punts, being able to land the ball deep in opponent's territory. Felten should continue to see a big role on the trenches and on special teams for Newton in 2025.     Despite not carrying the ball as often as [player_tooltip player_id='1619687' first='Caden' last='Klein'], [player_tooltip player_id='1818833' first='Qhjuan' last='Coley'] flashed potential as a leading RB for the Cardinals' run-game. Coley ran for 362 yards and 5 touchdowns last season, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, adding 12 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown. A solid runner uphill who doesn't shy away from contact while also being versatile as a dual-threat option for the offense, Coley straightforward pound-the-rock style compliments well for Klein's more explosive ability. Coley should continue to see his reps increase over the next 2 seasons.     Plugging up the middle against the run, Coleby Revell is a stout and effective run-blocker who can close down the interior gaps. Revell recorded 19 tackles (17 solo), 7 TFLs, and 2 fumble recoveries last season. Showcasing some great explosiveness and burst off the snap, Revell can gain leverage around a blocker quickly, catching him off-balance, and reaching through the A or B gaps to close down the inside-run. Revell may be one of the Cardinals' most underrated assets toward how they will play this season.

The Newton Cardinals have maintained a competitive edge in Class 4A Iowa over the last few years, and they are looking to make a deep push in the postseason this season with the talent that's returning for their team this year. A well-rounded team that ranked in the top-10 in the conference in both offensive and defensive scoring last season, Newton battled their way to finish with a 6-3 record during the regular season, before ultimately losing narrowly to Decorah 15-14 in the first round of the playoffs, where they gave up a last-minute touchdown/two point conversion. This season, with a strong group of returning starters across multiple positions returning, Newton looks poised to use that experience to fix their errors from 2024 and build themselves into legitimate contention for the Class 4A state title.