Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-1/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-2/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-2/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-3/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-3/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to believe a new high school football season is so close. The first games kick off Aug. 29. While we want to enjoy the rest of the summer, it's ok to be excited about another run of Friday night lights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In preparation for the upcoming campaign, I'll be rolling out content to get us ready. We'll be looking at X-factors to get started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617623"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a62bdfc6ff28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newman is a great teammate, willing to set aside personal numbers in doing whatever his asked of him. While his statistics were modest last season, his contributions were appreciated by college coaches. Blocking, athleticism and upside as a receiver led to his stock skyrocketing this offseason. He landed on Illinois for his commitment after considering Iowa State and Wake Forest, among others. Expect the Jaguars to lean more heavily on Newman in the passing game this year. They're looking to balance their offense and his presence as a matchup nightmare is a great place to start. A huge senior season is loading for Newman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2073254"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a62c3d275140"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Darboh, a Northern Iowa commitment, wrecks the dreams of opposing offenses. The junior edge rusher blasts off and into the chest of opponents off of the snap, as we can witness during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24024420/6902f3426e29fafe1c8fcffa">11th-grade highlight video</a>. Darboh is effective putting his hand on the ground or when standing up. While the speed and quickness are off the charts, he also owns an impressive array of pass-rushing moves and violent hands that help him separate. Darboh is powerful with a projectable frame capable of adding good weight while keeping his explosiveness. In 2025, he racked up 63.0 tackles, 57 of which were of the solo variety. He registered 18.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1608230"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a62c778b3815"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Northwestern College, Grand View, Graceland and Morningside have extended opportunities to Lafrenz. He would do well choosing any one of those programs. The Indianola defensive lineman also could attract more attention with a super senior season on top of what he's already shown. Lafrenz is a mix of power and speed on the inside of the defensive line, operating with excellent leverage and burst. Offensive linemen often are overwhelmed by his motor and impressive array of moves. His hands are strong and active. He'll be a nightmare for opponents in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198380"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a62c8de5a8cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lofflin flashed upside last year for a North team that struggled to gain traction. Her rushed for 223 yards, averaging 6.4 per carry and scoring a team-best three touchdowns. Lofflin also caught three passes and three of his 4.0 tackles were solo stops. The potential for more pops off of his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19663410/68f290ce6056eceb83aa31b8">junior highlight video</a>. Lofflin looks natural running the football, displaying patience and vision that lead to flowing with the play. He can hit the crease hard and bounce it outside when it's available. Lofflin appears poised for a big senior campaign with additional contributions possible on defense and special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197442"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a62cb8c480c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rinnan is a three-year starter as Urbandale's quarterback. He's made a lot of plays for the J-Hawks. Rinnan will take the knowledge and athleticism that leads to success behind center with him to the defensive side of the football at Air Force, where he committed. Until he gets to the academy, Rinnan will continue tormenting prep opponents as a dual-threat quarterback and an emerging hammer on defense. He'll be at the top of the scouting report on offense and defense this season, not something you can often say about guys playing in Class 5A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1361315"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a62cddf21f62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Booth has been impacting games in the trenches of Iowa high school football's highest level since he was a sophomore in 2024. He shined on the biggest stage against rival Dowling Catholic in a state semifinal win that year. He built on that performance last fall in helping the Tigers get back to The Dome. Booth is a powerful force operating on the defensive front. He's regularly influencing play whether dropping the guy with the ball or absorbing blocks to free up teammates for tackles. Booth is a smart player with a lot of energy that will create frustration for opposing offenses again this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->