IA Team Preview: Indianola Indians

The Indianola Indians have maintained a steady presence in the 5A conference, having generally put up solid results, with 5+ wins over 8 of the last 10 seasons in the most talented conference in the state. 2025 proved to bring similar results, finishing 6-4, which included a 3-0 start, though ultimately losing in the first round of the playoffs to Waukee Northwest. The Indians retained a strong amount of talent from that roster that will look to push the Indians even further and possibly even toward the top in the 5A conference as they look to break new ground.   We take a look today at 8 players that will lead the way for the Indians in 2026!    Taking the reins as the lead back for the Indians in 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='2090466' first='Daxton' last='Heimbaugh'] gave a lot of promise and a lot of juice for their offense. Heimbaugh ran for 717 yards (6 YPC) and 5 rushing TDs. Also serving as the primary punter, Heimbaugh averaged 35.3 yards per punt on 19 punts last season. Heimbaugh shows great vision and speed working outside the perimeter, being able to cut back and change direction very well, showing a low center of gravity who can move around like a bowling ball, being able to keep his feet and balance through contact. Heimbaugh will look to step up his game and take an even bigger role as a core piece of the Indians' offense in 2026.     Unfortunately, [player_tooltip player_id='2090446' first='Tanner' last='Jackson']'s junior campaign was limited by injury, ending his season after just 2 games. The centerpiece of the Indians' O-line proven to be tenacious and perfectly setting the tone, and his presence was sorely missed on their offense in his absence. Jackson is able to pick up on his reads quickly, constantly scanning and adjusting well to the defense's alignment, and proves effective in jamming defenders at the line, maintaining a steady base, and keeping his balance against more agile defenders. If Jackson can stay healthy through the entire 2026 season, Indianola's offense will benefit all the better.     [player_tooltip player_id='2338955' first='Parker' last='Amos'] brings impressive potential and value for the Indians' offense as he returns as the lead receiver from the 2025 season. Amos caught 32 passes for 368 yards and 3 TDs as a junior. Amos added 294 punt return yards (22.6 YPA). Amos brings track speed to the field, with an unverified 4.5 40 yard dash time, Amos is dangerous in space, being able to navigate through tight creases with ease, and break into the open field, as well as create vertical space down the field as a route-runner to beat defenders over the top and reel in long TDs. Amos will look to continue his productivity as he enters his senior season.     Another returning starter for the Indians' receiving corps, [player_tooltip player_id='1607041' first='Rylan' last='Hilton'] brings plenty for the offense to be excited about, but once again, the question will remain to be answered will he be able to stay healthy the entire season. Hilton caught 14 passes for 188 yards and 4 TDs in 2025 despite only 14 total quarters of play. Hilton shows outstanding athleticism for his size, and he's already proven over the offseason that his injury has not slowed down his performance, having been a stud at the South Dakota State prospect camp, which earned him multiple D2 offers before ultimately committing to play at Sioux Falls. Hilton will look to stay healthy in 2026 and drive Indianola's offense to greater heights.     Despite splitting playing time with senior Asher Brueck, [player_tooltip player_id='2339473' first='Bo' last='Blake'] is expected to step up to the plate as the Indians' primary starting QB to command the offense in 2026. Blake finished last season with 634 passing yards, 5 TDs, and 6 INTs while adding 3 rushing TDs While not a dual threat QB, Blake can work well outside of the pocket, proving to maintain his poise and progressions while scrambling and hit a dart to his receivers on the run. Blake will look to fine tune his mechanics as he goes into his senior campaign, but with a significant amount of experience working with this offense already, and the returning starters to aid him, Blake should quickly find a sync with these guys that could help the Indians find their stride in 2026.     What [player_tooltip player_id='1608230' first='Riley' last='Lafrenz'] lacks in size, he makes up for in explosiveness and active aggression against his opponents. Despite playing a limited role, Lafrenz racked up 15 tackles, 4 TFLs, and a fumble recovery in 2025. Despite playing in the Nose in the toughest conference in the state, Lafrenz proves slippery and agile to make it difficult for blockers to get a grip and to seal in the inside gaps, while also being able to seamlessly fit through the gaps and emerge in the backfield to stop the run behind the LOS. Lafrenz has been a target already for several NAIA teams, and he should continue to garner serious attention as a priority target for small-school units.     [player_tooltip player_id='2339488' first='Max' last='Martinez'] is expected to see playing time on both sides of the ball, emerging as a potential standout at both WR and CB. Offensively, Martinez caught 13 passes for 118 yards and a TD. He added 17.5 tackles, 3 INTs, and a fumble recovery returned for a TD. A great off-ball/nickel DB who does a great job adjusting to the flow of the routes and moving around in the secondary, Martinez shows great ball-tracking skills and is able to find lanes with the ball in his hands after both the catch and the INT to bring the most of his opportunities after the catch. Martinez should remain to hold a big role for the Indians as a two-way standout as he enters his senior campaign.     Playing at both Tackle and DE, [player_tooltip player_id='2161996' first='Jase' last='Bates'] rounds out this corps as a two-way stud on the trenches. Playing a pivotal role as a run blocker, Bates acn holds his ground well, showing great arm extension, maintaining his balance, and flashes a bit strength that can drive defenders on their backs. Bates works best against defenders trying to win outside, using his extension to jam, grab, and toss defenders to the ground to win the rep with almost no resistance. Bates is another standout who could see prominent playing time on both sides of the trenches as he enters his senior season.

The Indianola Indians have maintained a steady presence in the 5A conference, having generally put up solid results, with 5+ wins over 8 of the last 10 seasons in the most talented conference in the state. 2025 proved to bring similar results, finishing 6-4, which included a 3-0 start, though ultimately losing in the first round of the playoffs to Waukee Northwest. The Indians retained a strong amount of talent from that roster that will look to push the Indians even further and possibly even toward the top in the 5A conference as they look to break new ground.