Iowa 4A Way-Too-Early 2026 Title Contenders: Xavier
Cash Parks looks to the sideline for the play call. Photo: Eliot Clough / Prep Redzone
In this article:
<!-- 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><strong>Offense:</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The reigning state champions in Class 4A after posting an undefeated season, Xavier has re-emerged as the cream of the crop in Class 4A. Looking at the roster of returning talent next season, it appears they'll be the favorites to win it all again.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Starting with All-State caliber quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='1827747' first='Cash' last='Parks'], the Saints offense will be captained by one of the best QBs in the state once again(that's worthy of some FCS offers by now). One of the more efficient gunslingers state-wide, Parks completed 125-of-172 passes (72.7%) for 2,220 yards, 28 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also finished second on the team in rushing yards, taking 74 carries for 383 yards and ten scores. Parks will likely be in the running for Prep Redzone Mr. Football next season. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Replacing [player_tooltip player_id='1238169' first='Carter' last='Hoffmann'] won't be easy for the Saints, but they've got a tandem of talented backs returning in [player_tooltip player_id='1618776' first='Dawson' last='Doyle'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1937346' first='Dustin' last='Cook']. The duo paired for 83 carries for 627 yards and five scores this season. Cook is also Parks' top receiver that's back, as he caught 22 passes for 532 yards and four scores. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>Defense:</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Somehow, the Saints only get deeper on the defensive side of the rock, with two of my personal favorite prospects in the state. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/all-state-teams-iowa-class-4a-defense/">One of the top linebackers Class 4A </a>had to offer this season, [player_tooltip player_id='1827791' first='Beau' last='Morio'] is back after posting a team-leading 69 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and three sacks. He also snagged an interception. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Next up is a hard-hitting, rangy safety in [player_tooltip player_id='1924714' first='Carson' last='Mahoney']. Just a sophomore this season, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound DB has the makings of a Power 4 safety with his ability to get down hill and provide support in the ground game, but also has the eyes and the speed to help rack up pass-breakups and interceptions in the secondary. He finished the season with 44 tackles and three picks. He may be called upon to step up as a receiver on offense next season, too. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Also returning is [player_tooltip player_id='1827797' first='Nolan' last='Wilgenbusch'], a key factor on the defensive line for the Saints, as he finished second on the team in TFLs behind Morio, putting together ten this season. He finished the season with 25.5 total tackles. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
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.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in
