2023 marks the 2nd cycle of the 6-class format the IHSAA adopted prior to the 2021 season, which added the largest class of 5A to Iowa High School Football. Class 3A saw some departures of teams that have normally competed in what was Iowa’s 2nd biggest class prior to 2021, but the 2023-24 cycle brings some of those teams back into the fold, especially in Class 3A, District 2.
Webster City moves back down to 3A after spending 2 years in 4A, thanks to their free and reduced lunch rate. On the other end of the spectrum, Clear Lake moves back up to the 3A ranks after a near-decade run in Class 2A. Otherwise, Algona, Humboldt, Charles City and Hampton-Dumont-CAL remain in Class 3A, as they had in the previous 2 years. This district preview should show why it has a chance to be one of the most entertaining in all of 3A.
Webster City
The Lynx graduate some key talent at the skill positions in offense and defense but do return perhaps the best running back in the state in Jaxon Cherry, who ran for over 1,800 yards as a junior in Class 4A a season ago. Offensively, Webster City does return more than half their offensive line in Josh Stansfield, Landon Griffin, Brandon Lahr, as well as tight end and leading receiver Keegan Hisler.
Defensively, the aforementioned Cherry spearheads a defense that has specialized in pressuring opposing passing attacks with speed in the front seven. Keegan Hisler can be a game-breaker as an edge linebacker, while Jayden Weinzetl and Cael Nixon could have breakout seasons defensively. A challenge for the Lynx defense will include replacing their interior defensive line from 2022, as well as half their defensive backfield.
Humboldt
The last two seasons have been banner ones for Derrick Elman’s tenure as head coach at Humboldt, back-to-back double-digit win seasons, as well as back-to-back UNI Dome appearances as well. However, there’s going to be many new faces for the 2023 Wildcat squad, but one that remains will be senior running back Lance Coon, who rushed for over 1,500 yards as a junior. Coen Matson will likely step into the role at quarterback, while the Wildcats will also look to replace the entire offensive line but do return leading receiver Corey Dettmann.
Defensively, Humboldt loses their top 4 tacklers, but return seniors in Gaige Allen and Corey Dettmann, and have to replace many pieces to their front seven. The Wildcats also replace their top defensive backs, as interceptions-leader Trever Beach departs, as well as Ty Gargano and Will Orness. A rigorous non-district slate, that includes defending 1A Champions Van Meter, 4A District Champ Spencer and 4A foes Ballard and North Polk, could throw a wrench to Humboldt’s hopes of gelling a vastly new team together quickly.
Algona
The first half of 2022 for Algona had all kinds of promise, with the Bulldogs sitting at 3-1 headed into district play. However, the last incarnation of Class 3A, District 2 was not kind to Algona, as they finished 1-4 in the district with some heavy hitters such as Humboldt, Nevada and North Polk. This time around, the Bulldogs are surrounded by very familiar foes in 4 fellow NCC teams and Charles City, whom they’ve met with 11 times prior to 2023. The Bulldogs will be led on the offensive end by the passing game of quarterback Alex Manske, who’s seen his share of FBS suitors collegiately, and receivers Porter Reffer and Jayden Erpelding. Jack Limbaugh will lead an offensive line that will replace more than half it’s starters.
Defensively, Limbaugh is poised for a breakout season after recording 21 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and a sack. Overall, the Bulldogs return a number of top tacklers in Alex Manske, Reid Louwagie, Tate Slagle and Matt Hoover, who will need to lead a defense that will have to improve if they want to take the step forward to winning a district title.
Hampton-Dumont-CAL
Perhaps the most intriguing team in the district, the Bulldogs return many starters from last season’s playoff team in 3A, clinching a playoff spot in the penultimate week of the regular season. Offensively, senior quarterback Gavin Meader’s dual-threat ability will make him a challenge for any defense, and will have a number of weapons at his disposal. This includes running backs Brody Walton and Karter Janssen, as well as receivers Tucker Heeren and Scott Harr. The offensive line will need to take another step forward as well.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will need to someone to replace the production of Chase Spradlin and Anthony Valenzuela, but Brody Walton, Cael Burmester, Gavin Meader highlight a strong back seven for HD-CAL. The front four might be the most talented in the district, with the duo of Carter Heilskov and Scott Harr book-ending the edge for the Bulldogs.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake moves back up to 3A for the first time in nearly a decade, and look as if they have the horses to compete in the wide-open District 2. Offensively, the Lions return quarterback Cael Stephany, who threw for nearly 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, but also threw 13 interceptions. He will have a backfield that has another year of offseason work with junior Titan Schmitt and sophomore Sam Dodge, Schmitt missed a 1,000-yard season by less than 50 yards in 2022, but with the Lions returning their entire offensive line, Schmitt should have his chance to get that magic 1,000 number. Junior tight end Thomas Meyer will lead the receiving room, but the Lions will need to find some depth at receiver
Defensively, Thomas Meyer will also lead a veteran defensive line unit, as Meyer had a team-high 10 tackles for loss as a sophomore. The linebacking core will have to replace top tacklers in Kaleb Hambly and Hayden Rieck, but a defensive backfield that includes Titan Schmitt and Sam Dodge should be a prolific one in 2023.
Charles City
The Comets come into 3A, District 2 as the “outsiders” in this North Central Conference party, but the Comets will hope flying under the radar will allow them some wiggle room to build off a 1-8 mark in 2022 with a fairly young team. The Comets return quarterback Jordan Foster returns, looking to raise his touchdown numbers and cut his interception numbers from 2022. Also back is leading rusher and receiver Isaiah Roe as well.
Defensively, the Comets will be replacing their top 5 tacklers from 2022, and will need players such as Isaiah Roe and senior Josiah Cunnings to step up and become big-time playmakers.