The cohort in Conley’s heroics, Caden Lester Caden Lester 6'4" | 200 lbs | ATH Bishop Heelan | 2026 State IA was his quarterback’s go-to receiver when he was able to get it away, and over and over again, Lester came up with a big catch.

A tall, long receiver that served as Heelan’s true X all season long, Lester served as one of the reasons the Crusaders were able to stay alive through the majority of the game, as he showed ball-skills that few in the state of Iowa can rival, hauling in passes and finding ways to get open despite the fury of rushers Conley had to face on every passing play.

He finished the day with nine catches for 93 yards and the lone score of the day for Heelan.

(@LesterCaden11)

Bishop Heelan’s Caden Lester Caden Lester 6'4" | 200 lbs | ATH Bishop Heelan | 2026 State IA is a prospect I think should be getting more looks his way, but he should be able to change that with another strong season. Caden stood out on both sides of the ball last season as he recorded nine receptions, 202 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, 28.5 tackles, five interceptions (one TD), and a fumble recovery. Caden has a massive frame at 6’4″ and 210 pounds, which allows him to create mismatches on offense and hit like a battering ram on defense. His bigger frame makes it harder for defenders to challenge him coming off the line and at the catch point. Lester gets off the ball very well and shows his ability to eat up a defender’s cushion as he gets vertical. Very strong hands to hold on through contact. I was also surprised by how well Caden can move, showing a nice burst after the catch. This mobility also translates to defense, where he can cover a good chunk of the field with his range and quickness. He does an excellent job reading the QB’s eyes and has some impressive plays where he baited them into bad throws that resulted in picks. Caden currently holds offers from Upper Iowa, Northern State, Sioux Falls, Wayne State, and Grand View. Overall, Lester proved to be well-rounded as a safety, with strong instincts in coverage and the discipline to step up and fit the run.

Bishop Heelan propelled to a 6-1 start after a blowout win on the road against Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley, and Caden Lester Caden Lester 6'4" | 200 lbs | ATH Bishop Heelan | 2026 State IA continued to prove why he is a trending standout who’s stock should be rising heading into 2025. Lester recorded 2 tackles and a season-high 3 interceptions, becoming the first player this season in Class 3A to record 3 picks in a single game. Lester’s size and frame makes him a perfect LB/Safety hybrid, and he was outstanding in pass coverage on Friday night, doing a great job of tracking the ball and capitalizing off of tips from the receivers to pick off the ball. Bishop Heelan’s secondary will remain potent heading into the postseason with the presence of Lester in the second and third levels of the defense.