Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 3

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <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>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-group-1/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 1</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-2/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-2/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 2</a>   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.   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.    The larger the school, the harder it is to stand out in multiple phases. Carpenter managed it pretty definitively at 4A Clinton last season. The junior rushed for 797 yards (5.4 YPC) and seven touchdowns, and collected 50.0 tackles, 26 of which were solo stops. He picked off a pass and added a pass defended. The versatility, speed and athleticism pop off of his 11th-grade highlight video. The running back film is interesting. With a projectable frame that can add mass and strength, Carpenter already finishes runs through contact and will outrace defenders in the open field. Good instincts and burst get him downhill in a hurry at linebacker, where he's a sure tackler. Carpenter will be a special teams' asset on the next level.     Burlington will be replacing a 1,000-yard rusher and plenty of production from the 2025 roster. That will put more pressure on Zaugg to shine as a senior. He laid the foundation for it with a sound campaign last fall. Zaugg threw for 10 touchdowns and added six more scores on the ground. He had 751 yards passing and rushed for 318 more. The output led to all-district honors. His 11th-grade highlight video puts on display the deep box of tools as a dual-threat signal caller. Arm strength to stretch the field and fit the ball into tight windows is there. The mobile Zaugg feels pressure and moves the pocket. Ball placement is on point whether firing from the pocket or on the move. Zaugg is slick with play-action and is poised under center or out of the shotgun. The Hounds are counting on a big year, and the senior is fully capable of delivering.     During a difficult 2025 season at Davenport West, Smith provided hope that better days were ahead for the Falcons. The junior amassed 83.5 tackles, 39 of which were solo stops. He produced 6.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and a half sack. Smith flashed his athleticism and versatility on a 14-yard reception. His talents as an all-around football player are confirmed with his proficiency as a long snapper. Unfortunately, there isn't much video evidence of the three-sport athlete's exploits on the football field. There are clips from a game against Clinton on his Hudl page that offer a glimpse into the playmaking ability.     Bergfeld is an exciting combination of power and speed. Iowa State saw it and offered a scholarship. The Western Dubuque senior accepted the Cyclone opportunity in June. He could slot in at running back on the next level after capturing district offensive MVP honors a year ago with 1,256 yards (7.9 YPC) and 18 touchdowns on the ground, and 122 yards and a receiving score. It's a nifty set of skills and instincts for success at the position. His size and speed stress defenses on multiple levels. There's potential for more in the receiving game as well. Bergfeld's talents also would lead to prosperity on the other side of the ball as a safety, hybrid or linebacker. It's shaping up to be a huge senior year.     Holloway is a well-kept secret on the north side of Davenport. The senior is being heavily under-recruited relative to talent. A big final prep campaign can open some eyes. More should have been opened by an 11th-grade season in 2025 that saw him collect 65.0 tackles, 49 of which were of the solo variety. His 15.5 tackles for loss and four sacks represented signs of disruption. Holloway is a quick-twitch athlete lining up on the second level of the Wildcat defense. Lateral quickness and straight-line speed lead to him getting downhill and to the football in a hurry. Long arms, a projectable frame and athleticism reveal a high ceiling for Holloway. He also could fit a a safety or hybrid spot on in college and would be a special teams' asset.     Huber owns one of the highest ceilings among uncommitted Iowa Class of 2027 prospects. Already 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, the senior still has room to fill out his frame and add strength. He's physical and athletic. The future could be at end or tackle on defense. I wouldn't close the door on him being really good on the other side of the trench, too. Huber recorded 17 solo tackles, a pair of stops for loss and a sack last season, playing assignment football within the framework of the defense. He's capable of breaking out from a statistical standpoint if given the opportunity. That said, the junior film provides evidence of production beyond the numbers. Drake has offered. He has interest from Ivy League schools. A big senior season is loading.

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