Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 3A District 1

<!-- 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-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 5A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-6/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 4A X-Factors</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 identifying X-factors for as many teams across the state as possible. You can find previous editions linked atop this rundown. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204547"],"_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-6a777e9e4096e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Manske balled out as an Algona junior last season. He threw for 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns, and added 745 yards (5.6 YPC) and 10 scores on the ground. On defense, he registered 48.5 tackles, 27 of which were solo stops, and intercepted three passes. The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19481824/69b31e66c81c9915c2c68f48" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19481824/69b31e66c81c9915c2c68f48">11th-grade highlight video</a> reveals a well-rounded athlete capable of helping college programs on either side of the ball and special teams. If development behind center stalls, Manske is capable of carving out of path to success at receiver or in the secondary. The quarterback skills are worth continuing to develop. He owns a strong arm and athleticism to move the pocket or ding defenses on designed runs. Manske has room to add good weight and strength in a college conditioning program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2255718"],"_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-6a7787a8ecdc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">MOC-Floyd Valley lost plenty of production from its 2025 roster but returns a strong foundation with the likes of Uhl back in the fold. He ranked as one of the Dutchmen's top defenders with 44.5 tackles, the second most on the team. Forty of those stops were of the solo variety, and he added 6.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also rushed for a score. The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19855042/69431111b866e10e7ce00fa2" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19855042/69431111b866e10e7ce00fa2">11th-grade highlight video</a> provides evidence as to how Uhl finds success on Friday nights. Lining up in the middle of the defense's second level, he reads and reacts quickly, flowing to the football and lowering the boom upon arrival. He's a good athlete that can run with receivers in coverage. There's room to add strength and physicality on a projectable frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1906706"],"_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-6a778a973fea5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An Augustana commitment, Whitcomb is coming off of a giant junior season during which he played an integral part in Bishop Heelan reaching the state championship game. He led the team in receiving yards, tied for the top spot in touchdown catches and ranked second in receptions. Whitcomb also shined on defense with six interceptions, 17.5 tackles (14 solo) and two tackles for loss. He puts his vast array of football talents on display during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19328583/6912460b2e5cb6150ef0afe2" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19328583/6912460b2e5cb6150ef0afe2">11th-grade highlight video</a>. On defense, Whitcomb brings size and athleticism to the secondary. There's an aptitude for reading and reacting in zone coverage and skills to shut down receivers in man. Physicality against the run is present. The ranginess that makes him a tough matchup as a defensive back helps in creating a large catch radius as a receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267880"],"_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-6a778f54ea936"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arends returns for his senior season at Webster City in 2026 coming off a campaign last fall when he took a big step forward in his development. It very well could mean a huge year is loading for the multi-sport athlete that also flashed college potential in basketball. Arends had 28.0 tackles last fall with 14 of them being solo stops. He tied for the team lead in tackles for loss and tied for the team lead in passes defended. He recorded a tackle for loss and an interception. Arends all-around skills and athleticism could lead to him contributing on offense during his final prep go-around. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616430"],"_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-6a77916a6a6a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A first-team all-district running back as a junior in 2025, McIntire is a well-rounded player at the position. We see skills in running and catching the football during his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19759508/69440eb2565b3a921a9a62ff">junior highlight video</a>. It's the athleticism, which he also flashes in other sports, that keeps open the door to the possibility of lining up at other spots in the future when he arrives at Dordt next year. He'll be a special teams' asset, too. McIntire rumbled for a Humboldt-high 822 yards (6.0 YPC) and nine touchdowns last season. He caught 10 balls for 156 yards and an additional score. He averaged 19.5 yards on 10 kick returns. Wildcat opponents won't be looking forward to seeing him again this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1848693"],"_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-6a7793d011871"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Dordt College commitment is poised for a scintillating senior season with Sioux Center before heading to the next level in a year. It would follow a giant junior campaign that saw him throw for 1,675 yards and 21 touchdowns against just five interceptions. Himba rushed for 484 yards (5.3 YPC) and seven more scores. He earned district offensive MVP honors for a 9-2 team that reached the state quarterfinals. The present skills with potential to develop into much more show up when we pop on the <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19838607/6925d782b8398d5604227383" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19838607/6925d782b8398d5604227383">11th-grade highlight video</a>. There's arm strength to make all the throws and a good feel in the pocket. Himba sees the field well and gets through progressions in a timely manner. He stresses defenses when the play breaks down and the field opens up for yards on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->