Iowa 4A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: North Scott

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, starting with Class 4A. We'll profile several programs that look to return the talent necessary to compete for a state championship in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/iowa-4a-way-too-early-2026-title-contenders-newton/">Iowa 4A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Newton<br></a><br><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/iowa-4a-way-too-early-2026-title-contenders-xavier/">Iowa 4A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Xavier</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/iowa-4a-way-too-early-2026-title-contenders-sbl/">Iowa 4A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: SBL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offense</strong>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A surprise to make this list after losing in the first round of the 4A playoffs this season, North Scott wasn't on my shortlist of teams that could reach the UNI-Dome in 2026. Then, after some preliminary research, it would almost feel irresponsible to count out the Lancers going into next season. Returning some of the key pieces on both sides of the ball, North Scott should be a team that expects to make it to Cedar Falls in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, it all starts with soon-to-be senior signal caller, [player_tooltip player_id='1361478' first='Miller' last='Haedt']. The leading passer and rusher for North Scott this season, Haedt completed 101-of-144 passes (70.1%) for 1,225 yards, 14 touchdowns and just three picks, while taking 100 carries for 411 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haedt's top targets, [player_tooltip player_id='1871188' first='Ryan' last='Block'] and Ryder Maher also return, as the duo grabbed 72 catches for 940 yards and seven touchdowns, accounting for the majority of Haedt's production through the air. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1871147' first='Gage' last='Wagner'] was also key on the ground, taking 68 rushes for 279 yards and three scores.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Though the defense isn't as star-studded for the Lancers, their two top tacklers return in 2026, as Vincent Hugaert and Christian Perez combined for 69 tackles last season. Nine defenders had 20 or more tacklers last season for North Scott, so the production was pretty evenly spread. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perez also tied for the team-lead in forced fumbles this fall, poking out three balls and forcing turnovers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->