Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 3A District 6

<!-- 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/">Kickoff '26: Class 4A 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-3a-district-1/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 3A District 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-2/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 3A District 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-3/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 3A District 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-4/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-4/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 3A District 4</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-5/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-5/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 3A District 5</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":["1361102"],"_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-6a7d2a351885c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schneider lists himself as a quarterback on his Hudl page, but he did not play the position for the Harlan varsity last season. Instead, the junior led the Cyclones in receptions and receiving touchdowns, and ranked second in receiving yards. Schneider proves to be a versatile receiver during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18633882/69a5c1630e4151afcbfbc59d" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18633882/69a5c1630e4151afcbfbc59d">11th-grade highlight video</a>. It opens with him stretching the field on a long touchdown bomb and continues with him delivering big plays on a number of different routes. He brings size and long arms to the position, giving him a large catch radius. Schneider can outmuscle defensive backs and leap over them. He looks like he has potential as a returner, too. Schneider is an excellent baseball player and may end up playing that sport in college. That said, there's a future on the gridiron if he so chooses. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1656855"],"_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-6a7d2efec5978"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malik earned first-team all-state recognition as a running back last fall after rushing for 1,514 yards (7.3 YPC) and 18 touchdowns as a Carroll junior. The Tiger standout added six catches for 91 yards. When viewing his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19643329/68e27eaa9175870d02edc0f4">11th-grade highlight video</a>, a dynamic ball carrier bounces off the film. Malik gets downhill quickly, hitting the holes hard and slipping through creases with burst. He flashes another gear in the open field and is a threat to take it the distance whenever he touches the ball. Elusiveness is created by sharp cuts and keen vision. He will run over an opponent when the opportunity presents itself as well. Malik's frame can add plenty of good weight and strength without losing speed and athleticism. His skill set in the return game is intriguing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688977"],"_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-6a7d31f402a28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keely has been on the radar of Prep Redzone Iowa and college coaches for quite some time. He's steadily improved while continuing to flash a high ceiling at Greene County. He contributed all around the field for the Rams last fall. Keely hauled in 17 balls for 220 yards and a pair of touchdowns, adding 17 yards on his only rushing attempt. Defensively, eight of his 9.0 tackles were solo stops, and he intercepted a pass. Keely averaged 20.0 yards on seven kick returns. His&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23260709/690a94bb870e2f0be64060a8">11th-grade highlight video&nbsp;</a>gives is a well-rounded competitor capable of impacting the game in multiple phases. There's speed and athleticism with a projectable frame. With expected strength gains from offseason work, a sensational senior season for Keely likely is loading. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1844927"],"_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-6a7d3328a6f33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McNeal put together junior football and track seasons at Atlantic that should be garnering more interest along the recruiting trail. He rushed for 1,331 yards (6.6 YPC) and 14 touchdowns, and added a receiving score. He averaged 27.8 yards on nine kick returns, taking one of them to the house. The speed and explosion leading to success on the gridiron carried over to the oval. He's qualified twice for Drake Relays and five times at the state track meet. His attractive set of skills shine through during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18529821/696a95e3015caff4146e00d4">11th-grade football highlight video</a>. The upside as a playmaker with the ball in his hands and the added benefit of his ability as a returner will be a combination creating headaches for Trojan opponents in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1844844"],"_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-6a7d358e4999b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ray proved to be a dual-threat problem for Creston opponents as a junior last fall. The shifty signal caller threw for 1,726 yards and eight touchdowns, and rushed for 990 yards (7.7 YPC) and 10 more scores. When watching video of <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18652161/68ca29567d12a735020954fa" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18652161/68ca29567d12a735020954fa">early-season highlights</a>, Ray stresses defenses with designed runs. He's elusive with keen vision and a good feel for flowing with the play. Ray can chuck it from the pocket or when in scramble mode. It's a strong arm that can push the ball down the field or through tight windows. Ray should become more consistent as a thrower with a year under his belt. And the running ability should open up throwing opportunities in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1850790"],"_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-6a7d36bb38476"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Watch the first clip on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18440746/699d3b14245e11adc1ff0ece">Ouahbi's junior highlight video</a>&nbsp;to see the big-play ability. Stay to see it repeated. Ouahbi is a well-rounded running back just as likely to run over defenders as he is to run away from them. He rushed for 700 yards (5.7 YPC) and four touchdowns even though opponents knew they had to stop him to stop Perry. His frame can comfortably add mass and strength without the loss of speed and quickness, which should start showing up more this fall with another offseason of training under his belt. The traits that make him an effective running back also would work on defense. He should contribute on special teams, too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->