Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A 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-group-1/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A 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-4a-district-2/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A 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-4a-district-3/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A 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-4a-district-4/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A 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-4a-district-5/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-5/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616410"],"_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-6a763312c29f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Buthe is an impressive combination of present production with a high ceiling. Programs at the next level saw it. He chose Minnesota on May 31. The junior piled up 28.5 tackles, 18 of which were solo stops. He proved disruptive with 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. An interception confirmed unusual athleticism for a prospect of his size. Buthe puts all of his talents on display during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19428229/69225d816e314385f62e2ddb" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19428229/69225d816e314385f62e2ddb">11th-grade highlight video</a>. He stands out most for his physicality. He operates with toughness and lets the opponent know it's going to be an ongoing battle. Power, balance and smooth feet make Buthe impactful on both sides of the line. That's bad new for programs on the Rams' schedule in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197453"],"_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-6a7638726da49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McNeal has steadily improved since overcoming the odds of playing as a freshman on the varsity for a program annually boasting one of the state's best rosters. The two-time first-team all-state defensive lineman flashed big upside during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19489541/6967eb7be26c3652c254c182">junior highlight video from 2025</a>. It led to scholarship offers from Northern Iowa, Wayne State, Northwest Missouri State and Sioux Falls during May. He chose the Panthers. McNeal is strong and agile in the middle of the D-Line. He absorbs blocks in freeing up the backers and disengages from from opponents quickly when the ball comes his way. Active and well place hands help control the guy across from him and the footwork also is on point. He racked up 38.0 tackles as a D-Tackle with 25 solo stops and 14.5 stops for loss. He also had a sack and a half. It feels like a monster senior season is loading for McNeal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1814186"],"_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-6a763a5f17db4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After breaking in with the Boone varsity in 2024, Van Roekel broke out for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/boone">Toreadors</a>&nbsp;last fall in earning all-district recognition. Twenty one of his 26.0 tackles were solo. He delivered 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and a fumble recovery.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19448475/6984dc94d3473b151b0843c7">Eleventh-grade highlights</a>&nbsp;reveal a tenacious presence coming off of the edge. Van Roekel does well in setting the edge and keeping the play in front of him. He's fast to the football and moves well laterally. Van Roekel also caught a couple of passes and showed an aptitude for blocking, keeping a path open to a future at tight end if progress stalls on the defensive line. He's deserving of more attention along the recruiting trail and that could very well be arriving with a big senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2069978"],"_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-6a763ce9a7311"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kenealy served notice that he was a prospect of note with his performance as a junior in 2025. In what was a difficult year for Jefferson, he helped provide hope that brighter days were ahead for the Yellow Jackets. Kenealy paced them with 51.0 tackles with 43 of the stops being of the solo variety. He registered 4.5 tackles for loss and forced a fumble. Kenealy contributed on offense with 59 yards and a touchdown on the ground and four receptions for 35 yards. The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26516992/6904d4f9e506a16ff8f3869a">11th-grade highlight video</a> reveals a prospect committed to playing assignment football and a knack for taking care of his responsibilities. Kenealy quickly identifies the opponent's intentions each snap, which helps him play fast. He delivers form tackles in coming up against the run and can stick with receivers in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1421476"],"_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-6a763e3016b38"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riphin II is a prospect featuring a high ceiling. At 6-foot-4 and 200-plus pounds, there's plenty of room for growth on a projectable frame. Speed, quick-twitch athleticism and a good feel for the game stand out when we pop on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22256129/6900ffabd971a01e0b855c16">junior season highlight video</a> at Denison-Schleswig. On the first clip, he utilizes his size and long arms in coverage. It results in an interception. There's a path to a future on the next level playing hybrid or linebacker. A career on offense in college also is a possibility. On the second clip of his 11th-grade tape, Riphin II uses long strides in leaving the defensive back in the dust for a long touchdown. The size and catch radius at receiver give him a high ceiling at that position. He'd also be an asset on special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2090924"],"_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-6a76401d18b43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Oberhoffer took a big step forward as an 11th-gradder in 2025. You can see the impact he had when watching <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16712151/6966a5bae26c3652c25482fe">junior highlight video</a>. Oberhoffer played an integral part in ADM reaching the state quarterfinals, where it came up short against eventual Class 4A champion Xavier. The Iowa Football Coaches Association named him to its all-state first team. Oberhoffer collected 33.5 tackles, 27 of which were solo stops. He disrupted the plans of opponents with 14.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. Oberhoffer chipped in with a two-point conversion on offense. His length, speed and athleticism make him tough to contain coming off the edge. It's a set of skills that also would work at tight end. Oberhoffer has plenty of room to fill out and add strength, giving him a sizable ceiling. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->