Scouting Reports: Alburnett Pirates 2025

ALBURNETT -- Alburnett hosted a district matchup with Anamosa on Friday night, as the Pirates handled business in the second half, defeating the Blue Raiders, 33-14.   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/photo-gallery-alburnett-vs-anamosa/">Photo Gallery: Alburnett vs. Anamosa</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/scouting-reports-anamosa-blue-raiders-2025/">Scouting Reports: Anamosa Blue Raiders 2025</a>    One of the most productive players in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='1901425' first='Laken' last='Caves'] is the engine that makes the Alburnett offense go, handling the majority of the carries, catches, touchdowns and all-purpose yards on behalf of the Pirates.   A tailback who gets difficult yards be embracing physicality, Caves is good between the tackles, but he can also use his speed to bust a carry to the outside, use his blocks and run away from the opposing defense. Found on a screen in the redzone, he can do the same in the open field as a receiver, weaving his way through traffic to score. Caves' positional outlook at the next level is still up in the air, but he's got a future in football, and playing running back is a major strong suit for the junior and Alburnett, for now.   On Friday night, he finished the game with 32 carries for 268 yards and two touchdowns, to go with two receptions for 16 yards and a score.     The Class 2A leader in tackles-for-loss, 2028 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1924004' first='Eaghan' last='Fleshman'] has posted 23 TFLs through eight games, averaging just under three per game for Alburnett.   The sophomore DL has a tall, long frame to swat down passes at the line of scrimmage, uses strength to push opposing OL off the ball, plays with heavy hands and violence as a pass-rusher and uses a swim move to burst through offensive lines. Given his toolkit, it's not a surprise he's able to rack up the stats he does -- but he's doing it with a high motor while also playing right tackle for the Pirates on offense.     Alburnett's leading tackler this season, Cooper Franklin has put together 52.5 tackles to go with 7.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries -- including one where he scored a touchdown.   Seemingly around Anamosa ball-carriers on every pay, Franklin has a nose for the ball and a desire to hit someone. A classic, small-town Iowa football player that loves to hit and mix it up as much as he can, Franklin is a key cog in the machine that is the Pirates defense.     Another sophomore stud for Alburnett, [player_tooltip player_id='1969497' first='Brody' last='Kaestner'] had one of his better games of the season on Friday night. A decisive passer through the air, Kaestner made quick, correct reads in the short and intermediate passing game, and quickly recognized one-on-one coverage on deep shots.   A youngster with a strong arm, Kaestner gets good air under the ball, allowing his receivers to create space and go get open while it hangs in the air.     Caves may lead the Pirates in receptions, but [player_tooltip player_id='1581275' first='Cash' last='Varner'] is clearly Kaestner's favorite target out of their receiving corps. The junior is a long, athletic receiver that can make catches in the short and immediate passing game for first downs on hitch routes and crossing routes over the middle.   Those plays are important, of course, but Varner's strength more so lies in his ability to go and get a deep ball. Early in the game, he beat a corner on a double-move to the endzone, missing a deep ball that was well-thrown by Kaestner. That didn't deter his quarterback from going right back to him the next possession. On the second play of their second drive, Varner beat the corner on a go-route, grabbing a 63-yard touchdown pass.

ALBURNETT -- Alburnett hosted a district matchup with Anamosa on Friday night, as the Pirates handled business in the second half, defeating the Blue Raiders, 33-14.