Austin’s Class A All-State Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our reveal of Iowa's all-state teams by moving up to Class A, which held some impressive talents that thrived as veteran leaders mixed with a strong group of underclassmen that have placed themselves on the watchlist to dominate in this conference once again heading into 2026. Today, we reveal the All-State selections for Class A Iowa through the 2025 season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>First Team Offense: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>QB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Eli Harpneau, JR, MMCRU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MMCRU had a stacked roster in 2025, and much of the success for the Royals' offense came through the development of Harpneau, who took massive steps forward following a solid sophomore debut. Harpneau led the conference with 29 TDs while throwing for 1983 yards, adding an additional 10 TDs on the ground on 447 rushing yards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1242828' first='Jaxon' last='Gordon'], SR, Riverside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The centerpiece of the Bulldogs' offense, Gordon concluded a spectacular high school career with a fittingly dominant senior season. Gordon ran for 2112 yards and 28 TDs, averaging 8.2 YPC as he accounted for over half of Riverside's total offensive production this season. Gordon will be taking his skillset to NAIA-powerhouse Riverside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360044' first='Hunter' last='Curley'], SR, Wapsie Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A first-team all-state selection at defensive-lineman last season, Curley's defensive numbers didn't exactly match the brilliance of his junior season, but he had newfound success pounding the rock. Curley ran for 2039 yards (8.3 YPC) and 28 TDs, guiding the Warriors to their highest win total since 2013. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1615327' first='Korben' last='Michels'], SR, Saint Ansgar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another Class A standout who was an all-state selection on the defensive side of the ball last season, Michels had such success on offense that earned him Class A Player of the Year honors from the IFCA. Michels ran for 1752 yards, averaging a whopping 13 yards per carry while ranking 2nd in the conference in rushing TDs (31). He also finished with 357 receiving yards on 21 receptions and 7 TDs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360345' first='Jack' last='Bowlin'], SR, Lynville-Sully</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another all-state defensive selection last season who earned his stripes this year on the other side of the ball, Bowlin continued to be at the center of the Hawks' passing game. Bowlin led the conference in both receptions (56) and receiving yards (845) while scoring 10 TDs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2048867' first='Michael' last='Schmillen'], SR, MMCRU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmillen paced himself as one of the most explosive receivers in the entire state in 2025. Schmillen racked up 704 receiving yards on just 26 receptions, with his 27.1 yards per catch ranking as the highest average among receivers with 25+ receptions last season. On those 26 catches, a conference-high 15 of those went for TDs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>TE:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>West Cole, JR, Newman Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Newman Catholic recalibrated their passing game in 2025, one player that stood out as a reliable target to build around was West Cole. Cole finished with 504 yards on 40 receptions and 8 TDs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1693448' first='Luke' last='Riordan'], SR, Wapsie Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big-bodied blocker who fittingly was the face of Wapsie Valley's offensive line that blocked for the third most rushing yards and TDs in the conference which was at the forefront of the Warriors' impressive 11-1 campaign, and he should be due for some offers heading into this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Brayden Dunn, SR, MMCRU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing primarily at Left Guard, Dunn had a major presence for the Royals' offensive line that paved for the third most total offensive yards in the conference, outperforming their opponents handily as the team unexpectedly resurged with a perfect campaign in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Adyn Bissen, SR, St. Ansgar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing at Left Guard, Bissen's pull-blocks and sheer strength was a key reason for the Saints' offensive dominance for much of 2025, finishing with the most total yards and the highest scoring offense in the conference with Bissen's presence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Hudson Ostrander, SR, St. Ansgar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another offensive lineman selection from St. Ansgar, Ostrander played next to Bissen on the line at Center, where he held his own as a run blocker, paving the way for over 3800 total rushing yards and 62 rushing TDs, the 4th most in the entire state as the Saints reached the state championship game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Ben Squires, SR, Lynnville-Sully</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Squires' impressive size and physique allowed him to dominate on the trenches in 2025, guiding the Hawks with the 4th highest scoring offense in the conference en route to a 9-2 rebound this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>First Team Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1923993' first='Wyatt' last='Stalzer'], SR, East Marshall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A second-team all-state selection last season while East Marshall was at the 1A level, Stalzer superseded his efforts from last season and was dominant at Class A. His 31.5 TFLs ranked as the most in the conference by a wide margin while also ranking as the 3rd most in the entire state. Stalzer racked up a total of 67.5 tackles (44 solo), 7 sacks, and a fumble recovery in his senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Drake Hodgson, JR, Gehlen Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since his freshman season, Hodgson's performance has exponentially grown, turning into a key cornerstone for the Jays' defense. Hodgson finished with 45.5 tackles, 16 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks, good for 2nd most in the Class A conference, including a 2.5 sack performance during the Jays upset over West Hancock in round 1 of the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2060049' first='Chase' last='Haugen'], SR, St. Ansgar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haugen had a big role in contributing toward the Saints' 28 sack total this season, which led the conference and played a big role in St. Ansgar finishing with the 3rd best scoring defense in the conference. Haugen finished with 38 tackles (26 solo), 17.5 TFLs, 7 sacks, and a forced fumble as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cooper Adair, JR, Wapsie Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adair was able to control the trenches and generate a lot of pressure, contributing to the Warriors finishing T-3rd in the conference with 26 sacks. Adair accounted for 8 of those while finishing with 40.5 tackles (29 solo), 13.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, 3 fumble recoveries, and an interception returned for a TD. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Carter Wright, JR, Woodbury Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright has developed as a difference maker for the Wildcats' defense, and Wright ended up accounting for 60% of the Wildcats' sack total. His 12 sacks paced the Class A conference as he finished with 37 tackles (28 solo) and 18 TFLs, helping guide Woodbury Central with the 5th best scoring defense in the conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1268222' first='Dawson' last='James'], SR, Lynnville-Sully</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A first-team all-conference selection for basketball, James also earns first-team all-state honors within the Class A conference on the gridiron playing in the middle of the Hawks' defense. James led the conference in solo tackles (77) while ranking 2nd in total tackles (95), adding 22.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception returned for a TD. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>John Schmillen, SR, MMCRU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both Schmillen brothers earn first-team all-state spots on this list with John earning his spot on defense. Schmillen finished with 61 tackles (35 solo), 18.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries as MMCRU went on to finish with a perfect record. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2048867' first='Michael' last='Schmillen'], SR, MMCRU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2048867' first='Michael' last='Schmillen']'s explosiveness on offense translated well on defense to earn the honors of the double first-team selection. Schmillen led the conference by a fair margin with 9 interceptions in 2025 while recording 41.5 tackles (32 solo), 1.5 TFLs, and 2 fumble recoveries. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2048877' first='Wyatt' last='Alesch'], SR, MMCRU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MMCRU's secondary was on another level, with their 28 total interceptions not just leading the conference, but the entire state as well. Alesch played a big role in contributing to that number, recording 43.5 tackles (32 solo), a fumble recovery, and 6 interceptions with one returned for a TD. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Tristen Wingate, SO, Sibley-Ocheyedan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Generals had their fair share of peaks and valleys in 2025, though one player that was able to break onto the scene and immediately make a huge impact was Wingate. Wingate recorded 46.5 tackles (38 solo), 4.5 TFLs, 10 passes defended, and 6 interceptions with 1 returned for a TD. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>First Team Special Teams:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>K:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Jonathan Flores, SR, West Sioux</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flores didn't see a lot of playing time at either of his positions at WR or CB, but he had a prominent role on the Falcons' special teams. Flores finished 7 of 11 on field goals with a season-long of 44 yards while converting 51/53 extra point attempts. Serving as the team's punter, Flores averaged 40.6 yards per punt on 11 punts and hit 38 touchbacks on 76 kickoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>P:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2077463' first='Cooper' last='Hamilton'], SR, St. Albert</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the Falcons' starting TE, Hamilton led the team in receiving yards in 2025, but his impact as a Punter left a larger mark on the field this season. On 27 punts, Hamilton averaged a strong 39.1 yards per punt, the highest average among starting Punters in the conference with over 20+ punts in 2025. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KR:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Brody Van Beek, SR, South O'Brien</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Van Beek showed great all-purpose value as one of the gems on the Wolverines' team, and he remained very effective in the return game as a senior, leading the conference with 430 kick return yards and 2 return TDs, averaging 22.6 yards per return. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PR:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058991' first='Connor' last='Mullenbach'], SR, Saint Ansgar</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The swiss army knife for the Saints was dangerous whenever the ball was in his hands. Despite only field 11 punt returns, Mullenbach brought them back for 330 yards and 2 punt return TDs while also scoring a kick return TD as a senior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Second Team Offense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>QB: [player_tooltip player_id='1242837' first='Blake' last='Wiggins']</strong>, SR, West Sioux</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1222860' first='Joe' last='Crawford']</strong>, SR, ACGC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB: Nolan Glick</strong>, SR, Pekin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1925483' first='Braylon' last='Lopez']</strong>, JR, West Lopez</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1923598' first='Brody' last='Hamilton']</strong>, SR, Central Decatur</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR: Braden Dougherty</strong>, SR, Belmond-Klemme</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>TE: [player_tooltip player_id='1696613' first='Gavin' last='Wetzel']</strong>, SR, Southwest Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: Jack Sheeder</strong>, SR, ACGC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: Garrett Lemke</strong>, JR, ACGC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1370651' first='Aiden' last='Parmater']</strong>, SR, Vinton-Shellsburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: Wyatt Bell</strong>, SR, Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: Camren Cooling</strong>, SR, BGM</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Second Team Defense: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='1905907' first='Brody' last='Bremer']</strong>, SR, Woodbury Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: Hunter Doyle</strong>, SR, West Sioux</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: Carter Kaufman</strong>, SR, Wapsie Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: Wyatt Bell</strong>, SR, Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id='1905875' first='Joe' last='Clevenger']</strong>, SR, St. Ansgar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id='1360436' first='Dylan' last='Knipper']</strong>, SR, Maquoketa Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id='2048840' first='Eli' last='Mora']</strong>, JR, West Sioux</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id='2060038' first='Trey' last='Johanns']</strong>, SO, St. Ansgar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: Gage Johnson</strong>, SR, MMCRU</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: Cole Jeppesen</strong>, JR, Riverside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Second Team Special Teams:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>K: Oliver Wetzel</strong>, SR, ACGC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>P: Anthony Harrington</strong>, SR, Midland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KR: Teague Smith</strong>, SR, West Hancock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PR: [player_tooltip player_id='1222860' first='Joe' last='Crawford']</strong>, SR, ACGC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->