SSI Football: Thoughts On The Upcoming 2025 HS Football Season!

The calendar has flipped once again, welcome to June! We are now just two short months away from football practice beginning. There is quite a deep pool of talent in Northwest Iowa to discuss and we have a short time before kickoff to do so, let's get started! Thank you to Security National Bank for their continued sponsorship!

2025 Pre-Season Notebook

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Congratulations to head coach Justin Smith and his coaching staff on a 2024 state class 3A runner up finish at (11-1) for Sergeant Bluff-Luton! The decision to change up the offensive attack to a more ground oriented approach last off-season and playing to the strength of the roster was a game changer. Five ball carriers each totaled more than (500) yards rushing behind a physical offensive line. Three of those players return led by senior Joey Hardy (747) yards and (8) scores. Junior RB Ryan Husen (1,089) yards and (14) touchdowns along with senior QB Isaiah Jervik (770) yards and (10) scores. The time of possession and number of snaps on offense overwhelmed opponents in 2024. The Warriors graduated some solid talent but there are still experienced players returning to set up what should be a very intriguing season.

Bishop Heelan of head coach Jon LaFleur finished (6-4) with a playoff berth in 2024. The center piece for this fall will be senior two time all-state D-1 prospect LB/RB Kasen Thomas 6-2 (217). Thomas was named first team all-state for the second season in a row. Thomas has scheduled (4) official visits with Arizona, Nebraska, Iowa State and Iowa for this spring. The Crusaders also return talented senior RB Avery Favors 5-11 (200) who will also play a role in the rushing attack coming off a (234) yard rushing season. Favors is receiving interest from a handful of midwest colleges and universities. Senior QB Noah Conley (671) yards passing and (5) touchdowns. Senior DT Jacob Galvan 6-1 (265) and senior TE/WR Caden Lester 6-4 (205) are garnering collegiate interest and will be two more key performers for Coach LaFleur and the Crusaders.

Sioux City North head coach Mitch Mohr will be looking to some experienced players to assume leadership roles on both sides of the football. Here are some key players to know for the upcoming season ahead of camp. Senior Jack Mogensen 5-9 (180) a multi-sport athlete returns at WR/LB for the Stars. Senior prospect Austin Nelson 6-3 (210) returns to TE/DE after solid contributions on both sides of the football. In watching Hudl film on Nelson, he does a great job blocking up front and opening holes in the run game. Nelson has a great feel for the game to get involved in the passing game as well. Nelson understands and plays with good leverage at DE. Senior QB Zach Hagan returns after passing for (586) yards and (4) touchdowns. Sophomore playmaker RB Trey Henry will look to spring some big plays out of the backfield this fall.