2025 Class D2 Championship Recap: St. Mary Player Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In one of the all-time highest scoring games in playoff history (D2 record), the O'Neill St Mary Cardinals fell short in their 71-60 loss to the Wynot Blue Devils. On the road to 60 points, several players stood out on the field and deserve to be highlighted. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few notes for some of the St. Mary prospects who stood out under the bright lights of Memorial Stadium. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='488106' first='Gage' last='Hedstrom'], 2026 - QB/ATH - 6'0" 180 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/Gage_Hedstrom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Gage_Hedstrom)</a> - TEAM MVP</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the loss, it's hard to say it was due to a lack of effort, especially from their star QB, [player_tooltip player_id='488106' first='Gage' last='Hedstrom'], who had a historic performance. The senior dual-threat QB recorded 347 passing yards, 59 rushing yards, six passing touchdowns, and three rushing touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1192536' first='Ben' last='Barlow'], 2027 - WR/DB -</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm glad I was able to get a good look at junior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1192536' first='Ben' last='Barlow'], who has been Hedstrom's right-hand man all season long, and it continued to show on the big stage. Barlow had a massive game as he hauled in eight receptions for 163 yards and two receiving touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1217734' first='Lane' last='Bybee'], 2026 - DL/TE - 6'4" 200 lbs -<a href="https://x.com/bybee_lane" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> (@bybee_lane)</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Any coaches still looking for a moldable, versatile 2026 prospect should be heading over to O'Neill to talk to DL/TE [player_tooltip player_id='1217734' first='Lane' last='Bybee']. Lane impressed on both sides of the ball, recording nine tackles, 1.5 TFLs, .5 sacks, and a 44-yard touchdown reception. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Dalton Herley, 2027 - LB </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior LB Dalton Herley was a nice find while watching the D2 championship, as he was a name constantly mentioned during the game. Dalton racked up 10 tackles, four TFLs, and two forced fumbles, showing that he can make explosive plays in the opposing backfield and create turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->