Howe: All-Class Predictions, Players to Watch

Dowling Catholic 2026 Joey Nahas. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Redzone)

Rob Howe November 10, 2025 @ 05:38 PM

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   We made it. The state semifinals will be contested this week at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Champions will be crowned the following week. It's a special time of year for high school football.   We've already witnessed surprises earlier in the tournament. History tells us to expect them again in the final two rounds.   It's fun trying to predict when they might happen, knowing it's probably a fool's errand. Enter the fool:   CLASS 5A   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/2025-Class-5A-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2044541" /></figure>   Reasoning: Top-seeded Dowling Catholic enters the semifinals on a 10-game winning streak, its last loss by one point to Valley in the season-opener. The Maroons are strong on both lines and have playmakers at the skill positions. The other three teams in this field, including the rival Tigers, are capable of winning it all, however. The odds are in Dowling's favor, though. I'm rolling with the team that more often than not wins the battle in the trenches. The Northwest-Liberty matchup should keep the scoreboard operator busy. Both programs push the pace and make life difficult on opposing offenses. The game could very well come down to the final possession.   Players to Watch   Dowling - [player_tooltip player_id='401674' first='Joey' last='Nahas'], [player_tooltip player_id='1583613' first='Carter' last='Barrett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1286887' first='Evan' last='Mitchell'], [player_tooltip player_id='856072' first='Ian' last='Middleton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241492' first='Jeffrey' last='Roberts'], [player_tooltip player_id='1619623' first='Sam' last='Drexler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1240478' first='Joel' last='Sankoh'], [player_tooltip player_id='513361' first='Carlos' last='Blount Jr']., Jordan Watson, [player_tooltip player_id='1198837' first='Jeremiah' last='Roberson'], Anthony Bonanno, [player_tooltip player_id='1619515' first='Jackson' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1617528' first='Brady' last='Hagan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1619297' first='Ryan' last='Bobo'].   Valley - [player_tooltip player_id='283946' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'], [player_tooltip player_id='401870' first='Drake' last='DeGroote'], [player_tooltip player_id='2004458' first='Blake' last='Dorenkamp'], [player_tooltip player_id='283945' first='Jayden' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1619456' first='Miciah' last='LeLaCheur'], Asher Price, [player_tooltip player_id='1241420' first='Luke' last='Wolter'],  [player_tooltip player_id='212326' first='Hayden' last='Demaray'], Kash Kiner, [player_tooltip player_id='1351704' first='Dustin' last='Herzberg'], Max Anderson, [player_tooltip player_id='1241403' first='Caden' last='Flewellyn'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241401' first='Alonzo' last='Jimenez'], Benjamin Booth.   Northwest - [player_tooltip player_id='1204436' first='Mack' last='Heitland'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361719' first='Ryan' last='Woodruff'], [player_tooltip player_id='1603066' first='Paulo' last='Tobongye'], [player_tooltip player_id='1295632' first='Isaiah' last='Oliver'], [player_tooltip player_id='1204437' first='Jordon' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='1204438' first='Joe' last='Vinyard'], Hayden Grisham, [player_tooltip player_id='1219585' first='Eddie' last='Kennedy'], [player_tooltip player_id='1240480' first='Brady' last='Fitz'], [player_tooltip player_id='1619612' first='Elliot' last='Combe'], Bodie Morrison, [player_tooltip player_id='1619520' first='Blake' last='Ludwig'], [player_tooltip player_id='1619483' first='Austin' last='Van Horn'], [player_tooltip player_id='1706491' first='Eli' last='Eckerman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1685849' first='Anel' last='Heco'], [player_tooltip player_id='1240481' first='Jackson' last='Davis'].   Liberty - [player_tooltip player_id='1552779' first='Reece' last='Rettig'], [player_tooltip player_id='1548918' first='Logan' last='Laubenthal'], [player_tooltip player_id='1617593' first='Pryor' last='Reiners'], [player_tooltip player_id='1617592' first='Brody' last='Beaver'], Jordan Schroeder, [player_tooltip player_id='1860779' first='Leo' last='Rozz'], [player_tooltip player_id='1361347' first='Adrian' last='Clerry'], [player_tooltip player_id='1956824' first='Cooper' last='Lester'], [player_tooltip player_id='2003090' first='Cash' last='Hennings'], Eric Strunk, [player_tooltip player_id='1552812' first='Landon' last='Bell'], Alex Strunk, Jacob Avgenackis, [player_tooltip player_id='2000176' first='Jaryn' last='Sertterh'], [player_tooltip player_id='1810867' first='Jackson' last='Williams'], Benjamin Mohr.   CLASS 4A   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/2025-Class-4A-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2044564" /></figure>   Reasoning: As we said at the top, expect the unexpected at The Dome. All we have to go on in prognosticating what might happen is the situation going in. This one feels like Xavier and Sergeant Bluff-Luton have been on a collision course for what should be an excellent championship game. That's no disrespect to Pella, a finalist a year ago, or Newton, which is enjoying an excellent season and brings firepower to its meeting with the Saints. The feeling is brought about by watching how dominant the other two teams have been.   Players to Watch   Xavier - [player_tooltip player_id='1827747' first='Cash' last='Parks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1238169' first='Carter' last='Hoffmann'], [player_tooltip player_id='1937346' first='Dustin' last='Cook'], [player_tooltip player_id='1937560' first='Sam' last='Leuck'], [player_tooltip player_id='1619867' first='Ryan' last='Kelly'], [player_tooltip player_id='1827777' first='Michael' last='Bean'], [player_tooltip player_id='1924714' first='Carson' last='Mahoney'], Conor Ryan, [player_tooltip player_id='1699590' first='Austin' last='Dostal'], Rex Komenda, [player_tooltip player_id='1238598' first='Jack' last='Schimberg'], [player_tooltip player_id='1827791' first='Beau' last='Morio'], [player_tooltip player_id='1937349' first='Deronte' last='Strong'], [player_tooltip player_id='1827797' first='Nolan' last='Wilgenbusch'], [player_tooltip player_id='1751466' first='Andrew' last='Pladsen'].   Sergeant Bluff-Luton - [player_tooltip player_id='1692983' first='Isaiah' last='Jervik'], [player_tooltip player_id='1992066' first='Beckett' last='Verros'], Joe Hardy, [player_tooltip player_id='1421471' first='Gavin' last='Warren'], Dax Koedam, [player_tooltip player_id='1529005' first='Justin' last='Ehlers'], Emmet Kneifl, Aden Konopasek, Kennik Buschmann, Ayden Dather, Alex Brodersen, [player_tooltip player_id='1840100' first='Xavier' last='Jones'].   Pella - Michael Manning, [player_tooltip player_id='1240470' first='Emmanuel' last='Diers'], [player_tooltip player_id='897440' first='Harrison' last='Mullens'], Logan VanDenBroek, [player_tooltip player_id='1620031' first='Rex' last='Rhamy'], Ty VanVliet, [player_tooltip player_id='1644914' first='Kyler' last='VanMaanen'], Gage Branderhorst, [player_tooltip player_id='1581293' first='Nate' last='Warner'], Aidyn Halverson, Austin Schulte.   Newton - [player_tooltip player_id='1619687' first='Caden' last='Klein'], [player_tooltip player_id='1366537' first='Isaiah' last='Hansen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1818833' first='Qhjuan' last='Coley'],  [player_tooltip player_id='1619913' first='Finn' last='Martin'], Alameen Shanto, Ali Yahia, [player_tooltip player_id='1953613' first='Josh' last='Lampe'], [player_tooltip player_id='1906898' first='Dawson' last='Maki'], Asher Rhoads, Kyler Griffin, [player_tooltip player_id='1620116' first='Colton' last='Northcutt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1532913' first='Nick' last='Milburn'], Koltt Ahn, Coleby Revell, [player_tooltip player_id='1756986' first='Zach' last='Felten'], Malachi Mosley.   CLASS 3A   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/2025-Class-3A.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2044612" /></figure>   Reasoning: Heelan's two losses have been against 5A quarterfinalist Sioux City East and on senior night at Algona, which seems like an aberration. The Crusaders have faced a tough schedule, including a win against 4A semifinalist Sergeant Bluff-Luton. Solon is the only unbeaten in the field. In fact, the other three teams all have two defeats. The Spartans deserve to be the favorite. I also wouldn't count out defending champion Wahlert. The Golden Eagles made a statement at West Delaware in the quarterfinals. And Nevada won at top-ranked Clear Lake in the quarterfinals.   Players to Watch   Solon - [player_tooltip player_id='1241515' first='Eli' last='Kampman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1885005' first='Kaden' last='Hoeper'], [player_tooltip player_id='1693683' first='Cody' last='Milliman'], Owen Bock, Ethan Ulch, [player_tooltip player_id='1842569' first='Tripp' last='Johnson'], James Thomsen, [player_tooltip player_id='1241536' first='Kyler' last='Jensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1842915' first='Colby' last='Myers'], Simon Einwalter, [player_tooltip player_id='1204514' first='Lucas' last='Feuerbach'].   Heelan - [player_tooltip player_id='1222862' first='Noah' last='Conley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1238514' first='Kasen' last='Thomas'], [player_tooltip player_id='1906706' first='Grant' last='Whitcomb'], [player_tooltip player_id='1242255' first='Caden' last='Lester'], [player_tooltip player_id='1269122' first='Avery' last='Favors'], [player_tooltip player_id='1844698' first='Zack' last='Harpenau'], Matt Meyer, Jonathon Hope, Dylan Knapp, Alex Lacy, Max Aesoph.   Wahlert - [player_tooltip player_id='1616422' first='JP' last='Elbert'], Anderson Herbst, Ben Francis, [player_tooltip player_id='1695299' first='Brody' last='Schumacher'], [player_tooltip player_id='1907941' first='Josh' last='Oelke'], Colton Stoll, Lincoln Oberfoell, Nick Smith, John Berning, [player_tooltip player_id='1840820' first='Noah' last='Krapfl'], [player_tooltip player_id='1530349' first='Peyton' last='Goedken'], Nick Graff, Easton Lyons, Jimmy Topping.   Nevada - [player_tooltip player_id='1706470' first='Drake' last='Hinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1242256' first='Austin' last='Waldera'], [player_tooltip player_id='1844035' first='Jaden' last='Grimm'], Gavin Egeland, Justin Happe, [player_tooltip player_id='1671558' first='Lucas' last='Brown'], [player_tooltip player_id='1242280' first='John' last='Nelson'], Kole Beving, [player_tooltip player_id='1242277' first='Isaac' last='Williams'], Clay Franzen, Braiden Fleming, Jaycee Rangel-Bello, [player_tooltip player_id='1685816' first='Cedar' last='Smith'].   CLASS 2A   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/2025-Class-2A.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2044645" /></figure>   Reasoning - I could end up being dead wrong on this one, but it feels like Kuemper is the biggest favorite among the first four classes we're discussing here. The Knights have been dominant all season, besting opponents by an average score of 41.0-13.8. Osage has outscored the competition, 35.0-9.6, but the Green Devils' schedule was not as the other three schools in this bracket, according to Bound. This is Van Meter's 11th trip in a row to The Dome, so counting out the Bulldogs would be foolish.   Players to Watch   Kuemper Catholic - [player_tooltip player_id='1242935' first='Brock' last='Badding'], [player_tooltip player_id='850243' first='Brayton' last='Alford'], [player_tooltip player_id='1621099' first='Jarin' last='Hoffman'], Griffin Glynn, [player_tooltip player_id='1905820' first='Braxton' last='Vonnahme'], [player_tooltip player_id='355496' first='Ryan' last='Lucas'], Jack Badding, Dylan Schon, Charles Mayhall, Maguire Hoyt, Sean Healy, Case Kock, [player_tooltip player_id='1283377' first='Lucas' last='Diehl'].   Osage - [player_tooltip player_id='1241488' first='Quinn' last='Street'], [player_tooltip player_id='1706496' first='Gavin' last='Muller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241503' first='Brock' last='Trees'], [player_tooltip player_id='1241487' first='Sevryn' last='Dodd'], Griffin Uhlenhopp, Cooper Street, Tate Tabbert, Kamden Ross, [player_tooltip player_id='1241490' first='Sage' last='Christensen'], Jacob Vance, Brycen Voaklander, Trystin Huisman, Alex Machin, Noah Dalager.   Van Meter - [player_tooltip player_id='1370569' first='Henry' last='Lounsbury'], [player_tooltip player_id='1354767' first='Tate' last='Doggett'], [player_tooltip player_id='1900142' first='Christian' last='Williams'], Andon Watson, Drew Rhodes, Brayden Fennessey, [player_tooltip player_id='1905838' first='Adam' last='Boeck'], Drake White, Adam Glade, Sully Tinkey, [player_tooltip player_id='1370571' first='Luke' last='Steinfeldt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1631997' first='Keaton' last='Mennen'], Cody Deemer.   Wilton - Gunner Edwards, Noah Gray, Hayden Hill, Bryer Putman, [player_tooltip player_id='1241501' first='Gatlin' last='Rogers'], Gabe Brisker, Corban Burford, Oliver Grunder, Thatcher Murguia, Andrei Robles, Oliver Grings, [player_tooltip player_id='1241514' first='Francisco' last='Honts'], [player_tooltip player_id='1615945' first='Jenner' last='Hoekstra'], Nick Drake-Metzger.   CLASS 1A   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/2025-Class-1A.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2044659" /></figure>   Reasoning: As we go down in Classes, I feel less comfortable picking the outcomes. In this case, I'm riding with the three-time defending state champion Spartans from Grundy Center. They've won 50 games in a row and outscored opponents this season by an average score of 41.9-5.5. West Lyon and Regina both enjoy an advantage over Grundy Center in average margin of victory against tougher schedules, according to Bound. South Hardin's lone loss, the only one in this field, as a matter of fact, was by nine points at Grundy Center on Oct. 3.   Players to Watch   West Lyon - Easton DeJong, [player_tooltip player_id='1221929' first='Evan' last='Hildring'], [player_tooltip player_id='1238533' first='Jorden' last='Meyer'], Cooper Schoening, Jacob Snyders, Jacob Roemen, Daxtyn Metzger, [player_tooltip player_id='1238539' first='Ben' last='Meyer'], [player_tooltip player_id='1217413' first='Jack' last='Carolan'], Owen Jennings,Brayden Faber.   Grundy Center - [player_tooltip player_id='1614184' first='Judd' last='Jirovsky'], Pete Lebo, Eli Wegmann, [player_tooltip player_id='1632063' first='Aiden' last='Betts'], Aiden Hook, Cash Combs, Cooper Keller, Hayden Geerdes, Ryder Slifer, JD Eckhardt.   Regina - [player_tooltip player_id='1657101' first='Kyle' last='Tracy'], [player_tooltip player_id='1197445' first='Savion' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1605331' first='Gabriel' last='Hegelheimer'], [player_tooltip player_id='466364' first='Tate' last='Wallace'], [player_tooltip player_id='1657093' first='Drew' last='Greve'], [player_tooltip player_id='1871931' first='Carter' last='Slager'], [player_tooltip player_id='1370666' first='Aaron' last='Honore'], [player_tooltip player_id='1871912' first='Edwin' last='Gangba'], Emmett Burke, James Whisler, [player_tooltip player_id='2044076' first='Luke' last='Hamilton'], [player_tooltip player_id='2044013' first='Will' last='Litton'], Roan Eckhoff, [player_tooltip player_id='1705108' first='Porter' last='Shetler'].   South Hardin - [player_tooltip player_id='1844227' first='Peyton' last='Welch'], Kameron Adams, [player_tooltip player_id='1844219' first='Casey' last='Williamson'], Sam Benson, Joshua Spindler, Manning Pfantz, Lucas Perry, Sawyer Kane, Preston Dolash.   CLASS A   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/2025-Class-A.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2044676" /></figure>   Reasoning: Like is the case in Class 1A, there's only one loss between all four teams in this field. West Sioux fell by seven points at MMCRU back on Oct. 10. That makes this an intriguing bracket and a tough one to pick. When it doubt in those situations, take the favorite, as slight as it might be. Saint Ansgar enjoys the largest average margin of victory in this group, but Bound has its schedule ranked last among these teams. According to it, West Sioux faced the toughest slate in 2025.   Players to Watch   MMCRU - Eli Harpenau, [player_tooltip player_id='1242834' first='Brayson' last='Mulder'], John Schmillen, Gage Johnson, Michael Schmillen, Wyatt Alesch, Parker Glassmaker, Brandon Dreckman, Eli Schlenger, Lukas Peterson, Brayden Dunn.   Saint Ansgar - Porter Schwiesow, [player_tooltip player_id='1615327' first='Korben' last='Michels'], Connor Mullenbach, [player_tooltip player_id='1905875' first='Joe' last='Clevenger'], Matt Clevenger, Trey Johanns, Jaeger Trytten, Derek Hemann, Chase Haugen, Adyn Bissen.   Wapsie Valley - [player_tooltip player_id='1360027' first='Caleb' last='Hogan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1360044' first='Hunter' last='Curley'], Landen Moulds, Gavin Henry, Blake Hesse, Wally Kaufman, Carter Kaufman, [player_tooltip player_id='1905894' first='Cadyn' last='Dana'], Andrew Tiedt, Cooper Adair, Hayden Ryherd.   West Sioux - [player_tooltip player_id='1242837' first='Blake' last='Wiggins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1981819' first='Braylon' last='Lopez'], Gavin Gerritson, Eli Mora, Dilan Cervantes, Connor Bergsma, Santiago Topete, Josh Kennedy, Hunter Doyle, Rafael Lopez, Jared Cervantes.   EIGHT-PLAYER   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/11/2025-Eight-Player.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2044696" /></figure>   Reasoning: I don't feel confident in predicting the outcome of these games but feel strongly that there will be a lot of points scored in this Class. That's not exactly going out on a limb considering wide-open action on the UNI-Dome turf. Woodbine has been my eight-player team all year, so I'll ride with it. These teams are a combined 43-0 this season.   Players to Watch   Bishop Garrigan - [player_tooltip player_id='1242287' first='Tate' last='Foertsch'], [player_tooltip player_id='2005136' first='Ethan' last='Marso'], CJ McGregor, Weston Rosenmeyer, Michael Joyce, Carter McGregor, Leo Snyder,  Madden Miller, Carter Schwab, Karson Kramer.   Woodbine - Brodyn Pryor, Micah Moores, [player_tooltip player_id='1197458' first='Landon' last='Blum'], Blaine Leaders, Joe Freund, [player_tooltip player_id='1358960' first='Cal' last='Pryor'], Brenden Wagner, [player_tooltip player_id='1358962' first='Brenner' last='Sullivan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1358970' first='Matthew' last='Tremel'], Lucas Olson, [player_tooltip player_id='1358967' first='Jax' last='Pryor'].   Gladbrook-Reinbeck - Trevor Mathern, [player_tooltip player_id='1197467' first='Treyvon' last='Herron'], [player_tooltip player_id='1034037' first='Hudson' last='Clark'], Kael Blohm, Chad Gutknecht, Gavin Blakesley, Brayden Utter, Joshua Utterback, Garrett Gebel.   Audubon - [player_tooltip player_id='2005055' first='Aiden' last='Kjergaard'], Mason Kasperbauer, [player_tooltip player_id='1242853' first='Austin' last='Christensen'], Jorgen Nowatzke, Karter Obermeier, Brody Weber, Hayden Larsen, Izik Sorensen.

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