Week 6 gave Iowa’s future Hawkeyes a wide range of performances, from eye-popping offensive numbers to steady defensive production. A few commits helped power big wins, while others were asked to do a little of everything as their seasons rolled on Friday, Oct. 2.
Keyon Thomas delivered the loudest stat line of the group. The Warren Central running back piled up 31 carries for 379 yards and six touchdowns in a 53-37 win over Lawrence North, keeping the Warriors unbeaten.
Not far behind in impact, Iowa City West leaned on James Barnett in a much-needed victory that pushed the Trojans back to .500. Barnett helped clear the way for 252 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
Quarterback Chase Grove also put together a strong night despite North Central’s 65-31 loss to Carmel. Grove went 23-of-29 for 237 yards and two touchdowns, while adding seven carries for 49 yards. Meanwhile, Brayden Santibanez’s Collierville squad rolled to a third straight double-digit win, blasting Craigmont 55-0 as Santibanez continues working back from injury.
Up front, Reilly Newman showed up on both sides of the ball for Lakota West with four tackles, including a sack and a pass breakup. Nate Brenneman also made his presence felt in Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley’s 28-21 loss to Cherokee, finishing with 5.5 tackles and two tackles for loss from the defensive line.
Jaxx DeJean’s night was quieter in OABCIG’s 43-0 rout of Estherville Lincoln Central, though he still chipped in with a tackle for loss, a 40-yard punt and a 31-yard punt return. On the defensive side, Jerrence Knoblock helped West Lyon move to 5-1 with 4.5 tackles and two sacks in a 42-7 win over Ridge View.
Braylon Bingham had a busy return to quarterback duties for Pleasantville in a 42-7 win over Ogden. He completed 10 of 23 passes for 144 yards, a touchdown and an interception, and added six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack on defense. Jonathan Harris also stood out for Chicago Brother Rice in a 42-21 win over Fenwick, where he entered the week with a team-high 37 tackles, including 31 solo stops and two tackles for loss through six games.
Elsewhere, Gavin Stecker posted 4.5 tackles in Bettendorf’s 37-0 loss to Cedar Falls, Kyler Van Maanen finished with 3.5 tackles as Pella fell to Newton 20-10, and Tommy Riordan was on the losing end as Hinsdale Central dropped 42-24 to Glenbard West. Bariyus Allen’s Belmont team was shut out 61-0, though his prior five weeks included 24 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles. Jake Thies had one of the more versatile nights in Fenwick’s loss to Chicago Brother Rice, rushing seven times for 62 yards, catching four passes for 62 yards and two total touchdowns, and adding seven tackles with a tackle for loss on defense.
In Other News...
Iowa Got One Encouraging Development After A Brutal Night At Ohio State
Iowa left Columbus with the kind of loss that can linger, falling 31-14 to Ohio State after a rough night on both sides of the ball. The Hawkeyes had to navigate more than just the scoreboard, too, as three starters went down during the game, adding another layer of concern to an already difficult trip.
Kirk Ferentz offered at least a bit of relief afterward, saying the injuries to Hank Brown, Deshaun Lee and Zach Lutmer are not expected to be serious. Iowa also got a small lift from backup quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, who came in and guided the teams only touchdown drive, a modest bright spot on a night that otherwise belonged to the Buckeyes. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Just Got A Frustrating Reality Check Before Washington
Iowas trip to Ohio State turned into a sobering reminder of how thin the margin can be against the sports elite. The No. 14 Hawkeyes came away with a loss after struggling to get much going on offense, with quarterback Hank Brown throwing an interception before leaving the game with a mild sprain, while the defense had a hard time slowing down a Buckeyes attack that kept finding answers.
Jeremiah Smith was at the center of it, piling up 206 receiving yards and two touchdowns while also moving into Ohio States all-time lead in receptions and tying the program career touchdown record. For Iowa, the more immediate concern is what the performance and the injuries mean heading into Washington, where the Hawkeyes will need to regroup quickly if they want to avoid carrying this frustration into another big matchup. [Read more 🡒]
Iowa Let Ohio State Hang Around Until One Problem Took Over
Iowa had Ohio State in a game for long stretches at Kinnick Stadium, even as the Buckeyes left with a 31-14 win. The Hawkeyes did a respectable job slowing the ground game, holding Ohio State to 3.4 yards per carry on 47 rushing attempts, and for stretches the defense gave the home crowd reason to think the upset was within reach.
Jeremiah Smith changed the feel of the night. The Ohio State receiver repeatedly found space downfield, finishing with 11 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns, and Iowa never found a clean answer once the Buckeyes decided to lean on him. The Hawkeyes also had chances to tighten things up, but penalties and mistakes kept them from turning those openings into real pressure on the No. 1 team. [Read more 🡒]