2026 Team Preview: Sioux Center Warriors

Sioux Center has had their fair share of ups and downs over the last few years, but after a disastrous 1-8 season in 2024, the Warriors rebounded in brilliant fashion, emerging among a 3A group that saw several of their opponents take big steps backwards, taking advantage of this opportunity to rake in some huge wins, including over some top teams including Algona and the reigning 3A runner-ups Humboldt. In the end, they lost in the quarterfinal rounds to Bishop Heelan, who was responsible for the Warriors only two losses of the season, but going from 1-8 to 9-2 in a single year is quite impressive, and the Warriors retain several key starters from that roster that will look to help them contend in the conference once again.   We take a look at 6 players on the Warriors' team that will lead the way in 2026!    The undisputed leader for the Warriors, after making his debut for the varsity offense in 2024, Hibma took major steps forward in his junior season to lead the Warriors to huge success on offense. Hibma had one of the strongest passing seasons for a Warriors' QB in recent school history, becoming the first to throw for 20+ touchdowns for Sioux Center since 2017. He finished with 1675 passing yards, 21 TDs, and only 5 INTs while adding 484 rushing yards (5.3 YPC) and 7 rushing TDs. Hibma looked significantly stronger and more confident with his ability to read defenses and lead the offense compared to his sophomore year, flashing great dual-threat capabilities and solid athleticism under Center. Hibma recently committed to play at Dordt, and he will look to round out his high school career guiding the Warriors to another strong campaign within the 3A conference.     [player_tooltip player_id='2088730' first='Braedon' last='Perez-Hietbrink'] has easily solidified his place as perhaps the Warriors' most dynamic playmaker on the roster entering the 2026 season. Hietbrink led the team with 528 receiving yards on 23 receptions (23 YPC) and 4 TDs while adding 13.5 tackles, 3 PBUs, and 4 INTs on defense. An electric playmaker who's dangerous whenever the ball is in his hands, Hietbrink's athletic talents go beyond the gridiron, having shown success on their track team winning several competitions for sprints and long jump, as well as ranking as one of the top shooting guard prospects in Iowa, flashing his speed, length, and impressive vertical ability throughout these sports. With that being said, it will be intriguing to see which sport he will pursue at the next level, but there's no denying that his presence will remain very much scary for his opponents in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='1848817' first='Tate' last='Swager'] brings a level of swagger for the Warriors' defense, and he has made his presence known at the Free Safety position. Swager finished with 44 tackles, 8 PBUs, and 2 INTs in 2025. Swager shows great instincts and coverage skills against the pass, being able to cover the middle of the field as well as flashing sideline-to-sideline range to attack the boundaries, closing down on his opponents quickly, and timing his attacks well to jam the receiver at the point of the catch as well as swatting or intercepting passes. Much like with Hibma, Swager will be taking his talents to the next level at Dordt following the 2026 season, and Swager will look to round out his high school tenure on a strong note.     A flexible O-lineman for the Warriors, [player_tooltip player_id='1685853' first='Sawyer' last='Wolfswinkel'] brings versatility and plenty of toughness on the trenches for Sioux Center. Wolfswinkel plays at both Left Tackle, Right Tackle, and Left Guard for the Warriors, Wolfswinkel showcases precise footwork and great balance when moving around the line, whether as a pull guard or wrapping behind the Tackle, and despite his size, Wolfswinkel packs a strong punch at the point of attack, being more than capable of holding his own against bigger DTs or faster Edge-rushers. His flexibility on the line will continue to make his presence necessary and vital for the success of the O-line in keeping the pocket clean and opening up the run game.     [player_tooltip player_id='2158684' first='Parker' last='Smit'] saw substantial playing time on varsity as a sophomore, and he will have an opportunity to break out on both sides of the ball entering his junior year. Offensively, Smit finished 3rd on the team with 216 receiving yards on 16 receptions and a TD while recording 8.5 tackles on defense. Smit also provides value in the return game, adding 81 kick return yards last season. There's a lot to like on his tape as a WR, flashing sharp footwork and can catch through traffic well, being able to break back to the ball, and showcases solid physicality as a run-blocker. Speaking of which, Smit saw some playing time at Free Safety as well, providing value as a run-stopper with solid tackling ability and impressive hit-power on the ball-carrier. Smit will have a much bigger role for the Warriors in 2026, and he should be on the radar as a breakout candidate in the 3A conference.     [player_tooltip player_id='2247394' first='Cooper' last='Votrobeck'] is another potential breakout candidate who flashed potential to become a solid contributor at OLB for the Warriors in 2026. On limited snaps, he recorded 4.5 tackles and 2 TFLs. What stands out for Votrobeck is his impressive athleticism, posting strong testing numbers, including a 31.6" vertical jump, a 260 lb max bench, a 440 lb max squat, and a 11.8 second 100 meter dash, flashing impressive strength and speed for his size that could translate greatly on the gridiron for the Warriors. Votrobeck has a chance to break out onto the scene for the Warriors' defense as a senior.

Sioux Center has had their fair share of ups and downs over the last few years, but after a disastrous 1-8 season in 2024, the Warriors rebounded in brilliant fashion, emerging among a 3A group that saw several of their opponents take big steps backwards, taking advantage of this opportunity to rake in some huge wins, including over some top teams including Algona and the reigning 3A runner-ups Humboldt. In the end, they lost in the quarterfinal rounds to Bishop Heelan, who was responsible for the Warriors only two losses of the season, but going from 1-8 to 9-2 in a single year is quite impressive, and the Warriors retain several key starters from that roster that will look to help them contend in the conference once again.