Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 2

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/" data-type="link" data-id="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>   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.    Kuennen broke out as a sophomore in 2025, earning all-state honors for his work as a defensive lineman on a playoff team. He recorded 30.0 tackles, 15 of which were solo stops. Kuennen posted 2.5 tackles for loss and recovered a fumble. He shows out during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20504370/6a1e11624b1c2a9a445ebf3d" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20504370/6a1e11624b1c2a9a445ebf3d">defensive highlight film</a>. Kuennen also proved to be one of the Vikings' top offensive linemen, as can be seen when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20504370/6924af1b0d4fda37419d131e" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20504370/6924af1b0d4fda37419d131e">10th-grade highlight video on that side of the ball</a>. He fires off of the snap operating as a guard on the O-Line. Keunnen's hand placement is proper. He's strong and quick, pulling with ease and reaching blocks in space. If you're looking for a guy to break into the upper tier of 2028 prospects in the state, Kuennen would be an excellent pick.     Gary is a legitimate threat on both sides of the football and would be a special teams asset to colleges scouting him for the next level. He hauled in 31 receptions for 518 yards and three touchdowns as a Waterloo East sophomore in 2025. Gary racked up 41.5 tackles, 25 of which were solo stops. He stood out to me on defense when I saw him at the Back 2 Ballin High 2026 7v7 Tournament during the middle of April at the UNI-Dome. Gary proved he can stick in coverage. He flashed strength and technique in coming up to press. Gary changed directions fluidly with burst out of breaks. His set of skills also give him a path at receiver. It's a frame that has room to fill out without the loss of speed or athleticism, helping to create a high ceiling.     Falls, a two-year varsity starter, earned first-team all-district honors as a junior last fall. He completed 66.5 percent of his throws for 1,239 yards, and rolled up 1,513 total yards with 21 touchdowns. Falls accumulated a 146.1 Quarterback Rating. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19454788/68f8fd37c92aec83900a5a5c">11th-grade highlight video</a> reveals a dynamic dual-threat prospect behind center. Falls is capable of dinging defenses in multiple ways. He can fire it down the field and through tight windows. There's pocket presence and the ability to make plays with his legs. A good athlete with agility and speed, Falls could fit at other positions if development stalls behind center. There are talents to be an asset on special teams should be move off of quarterback in college.     Parks is one of the better uncommitted players remaining in the Iowa's 2027 Class. That could be big trouble for Xavier opponents this fall as the talented signal caller looks to impresses college scouts while making winning plays for the defending state champions. During an unbeaten run to the title, Parks completed 72.7 percent of his throws for 2,220 passing and 28 touchdowns against just two interceptions. He contributed 383 yards and 10 scores on the ground. I scouted him during the state semifinals and was impressed with how he delivered in clutch moments against a salty Newton defense. Parks plays within the Saint system, leaning into ball control and defense. If he's unleashed, the upside is tremendous. He can make all the throws.     Robertson stood out to me right away when I watched Cedar Rapids Washington play host to North Scott at Kingston Stadium. It wasn't just his impressive frame for a prep sophomore, it was his athleticism, physicality and agility. Here's what I wrote...The 10th-grader was eating up double-teams, keeping linebackers and safeties clean to make plays. Robertson showed a mature game, operating with the framework of the defense. He held up well against North Scott's challenging RPO game. Robertson has plenty of room to grow in terms of strength and sharpening his skills, which is exciting for the future and gives him a sizable ceiling...Iowa State offered him a scholarship this summer. Other big schools are poking around. He's one of the biggest up-arrow prospects in Iowa.     Few prospects in the state will be looking more forward to hitting the field this fall than Stephens. He lost his sophomore season to injury and will be looking to make up for lost time, wanting to lead Waverly-Shell Rock on a run in 2026. The versatile athlete claims scholarship offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Michigan State and South Dakota despite being off of the field for a year. His exploits on the track this spring certainly aided in that interest. Expect it to increase this fall when Stephens is impacting games in all three phases. He's a handful to slow down when running routes as a well-rounded receiver. Stephens is a playmaker in the secondary, too, and speed and elusiveness make him dangerous in the return game.

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