2025 Team Preview: Norwalk Warriors

Over the last 4 seasons, Norwalk has maintained a steady presence in Class 4A Iowa, though they have the talent to potentially take a step forward into contention within this conference in 2025. After struggling to a 1-3 start last season, Norwalk emerged with a 5 game winning streak to finish the regular season, which included 2 shutout wins, propelling the team to a second straight playoff appearance, though they would lose in the first round of the playoffs to Xavier. With a returning QB under Center, a stacked LB corps, and an array of returning weapons for the offense, the Warriors look primed to take a step forward this season and potentially make a deep playoff run in 2025.   We take a look today at 6 players from the Warriors that should stand out among the pack this season!    In his first year as the starter under Center for the Warriors' varsity offense, [player_tooltip player_id='1619680' first='James' last='Hatlevig'] had no problems finding a rhythm leading the passing game. Hatlevig threw for 1614 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 picks. Hatlevig was not afraid to sling the ball down the field, showcasing his strong arm and release on multiple occasions as he chucked a lot of deep balls, hitting his targets on the long ball often. Hatlevig is a tall presence in the pocket, holding the physical potential to match the prototype for D1-level QBs, and he showcased impressive range and placement on his throws, making him one of the most exciting QB names in Iowa right now. If Hatlevig can find a bit more consistency on his accuracy, Hatlevig could further bolster his status as a well-rounded QB that should become one of the most pursued names of this next recruiting class.     Speaking of physical prototypes, [player_tooltip player_id='1198816' first='Luke' last='Brewer'] already has the potential of becoming one of the most sought after TE names in the 2027 recruiting class in the nation as a whole. Brewer is listed as a 3 star recruit on 247 Sports and has already received 22 D1 offers, including from big schools such as Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, Notre Dame, and both Iowa and Iowa State. Brewer caught a team high 44 passes for 493 yards and 2 touchdowns for Norwalk last season. Brewer is an excellent run-blocker who proves to be a mismatch against his opponents due to his size and speed, as well as his ability to drive defenders back through the whistle with the mentality of an Offensive lineman. Brewer also is a reliable receiver who can stretch the field, attacking the seams, and shows strong hands catching through contact. Brewer absolutely lives up to the hype as the most coveted junior prospect in Iowa currently, and he should continue to make a big impact for Norwalk's offense going forward.     A highly talented all-purpose player for Norwalk, [player_tooltip player_id='283943' first='Eli' last='Robbins'] has flashed a lot of explosive playmaking ability, and he will be bringing his ball skills to the Hawkeyes following this season. Robbins led the team with 589 receiving yards on 39 catches and 10 touchdowns, while adding 325 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. On defense, Robbins recorded 28.5 tackles (28 solo), and 4 interceptions with 1 returned for a touchdown. Robbins added 362 total return yards on 19 returns. With high-caliber speed (4.48 40 yard time), his opponents dread whenever he gets his hands on the ball, because he will always have the opportunity to break away for the score. Using his quickness, double-moves, and sharp cuts to win in the passing game, Robbins is a dynamic deep threat lining up both in the slot and on the outside, while also flashing material as a ball-hawking Safety. The Hawkeyes got a good one, and it will be exciting to see how they utilize Robbins at the next level.     Another top prospect for Norwalk, [player_tooltip player_id='1584562' first='Luke' last='Iverson'] ranks as the top athlete prospect in Iowa for the class of 2028. Iverson played on defense for most of his freshman year, but in limited snaps, he left quite an impression, with 14 tackles (12 solo), 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions. On both of his picks, Iverson did a great job scanning the QB's vision from across the field and racing across to force the turnover. Being able to undercut routes on the other side of the field, Iverson also shows good timing on his pass breakups and using his hands well to knock the ball out of the receiver's hands. Iverson could start seeing reps at WR heading into his sophomore year as well, and it's clear that Norwalk has got quite a handful of star prospects on their team that will help with their performance in the future.     Preparing to take a big step forward as a leader for Norwalk's LB corps, [player_tooltip player_id='1198836' first='Victor' last='Esparza'] proved to be one of the unit's most productive leaders during his sophomore year. Esparza led the team with 55 tackles (49 solo) and 3 TFLs last season. Esparza possesses solid range going across the field and great tackling form, being able to hit low and pin the hips of his opponents, making him a solid presence in the run defense. Esparza could take a step forward during his junior season and step up as a much more prevalent figure of Norwalk's defense in 2025.     While we don't have any film currently on his performance, [player_tooltip player_id='1620085' first='Brady' last='Wilkening'] has also made his presence known for Norwalk's deep LB corps. Wilkening recorded 42 tackles (39 solo), 3 TFLs, and a fumble recovery in 2024. Wilkening matches more as a LB/Safety hybrid, showcasing flexibility against the run and the pass, while also standing out as a sure tackler with a great level of force in his hits. Wilkening should have a much more visible presence for the Warriors' defense as he looks to guide them to a deep postseason run in his senior season.

Over the last 4 seasons, Norwalk has maintained a steady presence in Class 4A Iowa, though they have the talent to potentially take a step forward into contention within this conference in 2025. After struggling to a 1-3 start last season, Norwalk emerged with a 5 game winning streak to finish the regular season, which included 2 shutout wins, propelling the team to a second straight playoff appearance, though they would lose in the first round of the playoffs to Xavier. With a returning QB under Center, a stacked LB corps, and an array of returning weapons for the offense, the Warriors look primed to take a step forward this season and potentially make a deep playoff run in 2025.