Iowa 8-Man Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Edgewood-Colesburg

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, now to 8-Man. 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/2026/02/iowa-8-man-way-too-early-title-contenders-bishop-garrigan/">Iowa 8-Man Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Bishop Garrigan</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/iowa-8-man-way-too-early-title-contenders-iowa-valley/">Iowa 8-Man Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Iowa Valley</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/iowa-8-man-way-too-early-title-contenders-woodbine/">Iowa 8-Man Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Woodbine</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Offense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As with the other top-tier programs in 8-Man, Edgewood-Colesburg is led by a star that does a little bit of everything from the quarterback position. For the Vikings, it's quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='1601642' first='Jax' last='Steger']. A dual-threat gunslinger under center as a sophomore this last season, Steger completed 88-of-158 passes (55.7%) for 1,858 yards, 29 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He also took 112 carries for 1,245 yards and 21 scores, making for an elusive QB that opposing defenses had to account for on every snap. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unfortunately for Steger and the Vikings, they do lose their top receiver from last season, but veratile weapon, Jaden Miller returns for his junior campaign. Last season, Miller not only ran the ball 22 times for 212 yards and two touchdowns, but also served as the No. 2 receiver for Steger, grabbing 17 catches for 256 yards and five scores. Miller will likely be called upon to ramp up those numbers in a big way this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other members of the offensive supporting cast, like  Karter Knipper and Conner Bahls -- both set to enter their junior years, as well -- are back. Steger won't be all by himself on the offensive side of the ball, he'll have some help. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other side of the ball, Miller will once again be critical. As versatile as he was offensively and how much his production will need to increase in 2026, Miller will be just as, if not more, important to the Vikings' defensive effort next season. Posting team-leading 75 tackles, three tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and three interceptions for EC in 2025, Miller was as vital as they come for the undefeated regular season he and his team put together. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steger, Bahls and other sophomores Keegan Stelken and Dayce Arthur, each contributed between 30 and 40 tackles last season, while Steger, Bahls and Arthur each grabbed a pick, too. Stelken, an offensive and defensive linemen for the Vikings, finished second on the squad with 11.5 TFLs and three sacks. As long as he can continue to help wear down opposing offensive lines, he and the EC defense should be legitimate once again in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->