Iowa 2A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Alburnett

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, now to Class 2A. 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>It's not too often that the state-wide all-purpose yards leader returns for another season. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/all-state-teams-iowa-class-2a-offense/">All-State</a> running back for Alburnett, [player_tooltip player_id='1901425' first='Laken' last='Caves'] is back after another sensational year for the Pirates, where he amassed 2,846 all-purpose yardage, leading the state by almost 200 yards and leading Class 2A by more than 400 yards. He put together 1,000 more yards than second place in the class of 2027, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caves was particularly dominant as a runner, finishing second in 2A in rushing with 1,880 yards to go with 22 touchdowns on 235 carries, averaging eight yards per carry. He led the Pirates in receiving as well, grabbing 31 receptions for 390 yards and three scores. Add in 13 kickoff returns for 417 yards and a touchdown, plus seven punt returns for 107 yards, and Caves was one of the more dangerous offensive weapons in the state by showing off breakaway speed, strength to break through tackles and the vision to make things happen in the open field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's just the beginning for Alburnett, too, who return their starting quarterback in [player_tooltip player_id='1969497' first='Brody' last='Kaestner'], as well. Kaestner wasn't perfect, finishing the year with 87 completions for 1,099 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight picks, but entering his senior season with more experience and time under center is big. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The three top rushers and receivers behind Caves also return in [player_tooltip player_id='1581275' first='Cash' last='Varner'], Cooper Franklin and Owen Henriksen as Alburnett has the makings of what could be a special season in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Also serving as the Pirates' starting right tackle on offense, [player_tooltip player_id='1924004' first='Eaghan' last='Fleshman'] is back after posting one of the top seasons from a pass-rushing sophomore in quite a while. Finishing with 56 tackles, including 26.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and eight sacks, Fleshman should be on Division I coaches' radars right now. He also forced four fumbles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin, Alburnett's leading tackler, is also back after posting 79 tackles and nine TFLs last season, while the No. 3 tackler with 51, Henriksen returns, too. The two-way production just keeps on going for the Pirates, as Caves and Varner each posted three interceptions last season, as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If the Pirates can maintain their health and continuity from start to finish, they may be the favorite to take home the title in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->