Iowa A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: West Sioux

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, now to Class A. 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>Led by one of the more dynamic playmakers in all classes and phases of the game, [player_tooltip player_id='1925483' first='Braylon' last='Lopez'] West Sioux will have a chance to make it back to the UNI-Dome in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lopez, who's listed as a running back on the Falcon roster, does a lot more than just run the ball -- though he's plenty good at that, too. Taking 152 carries for 1,336 yards (8.8 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns during his junior campaign, Lopez also led West Sioux in receiving, catching 43 passes for 756 yards and six scores. A lethal return man, as well, Lopez scored on three of his five kick returns, averaging 56.2 yards per return. A track speedster that will likely break the 11-second mark in the 100-meter dash this spring, Lopez has set himself up to be a gadget guy at the next level, with a shot to make it D1. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top three pass-catchers for the Falcons return, as [player_tooltip player_id='2059037' first='Gavin' last='Gerritson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2048840' first='Eli' last='Mora'] join Lopez in coming back next season. Gerritson finished the year with 38 receptions for 556 yards and six scores, and Mora added 23 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A sophomore with some playmaking experience this season, [player_tooltip player_id='2048870' first='Kendrin' last='Van Beek'] also returns after taking 24 carries for 167 yards and two touchdowns, while adding nine receptions for 185 yards and a score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All four of the offensive weapons will be expected to contribute defensively, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mora and Gerritson led the Falcons in tackles in 2025, combining for 158.5 total tackles, 17.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and six sacks. Lopez and Van Beek also paired for 58 tackles and two TFLs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The quartet of combined for seven interceptions, as well, with Lopez posting the only pick-six. Clearly, the three four prospects will be absolutely crucial if West Sioux wants to make it back to Cedar Falls this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->