Class 4A — Pella Dutch vs. Xavier Saints

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We just had the blue bloods of the 2000, with some also pretty strong teams of the 2000. As we get ready for our fourth and final game here at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. As night has now fallen all around the area and we are not done yet, we have one more to go. It's the Iowa High School athletic Association's football championships right here on Iowa PBS. I'm Paul Yeager sorry for all the yelling. I'm just so excited because we're three games down on this first of two days of championships coverage, and there's still one more to go tonight. Of course, it's all free to you anywhere in Iowa and online across the globe. You can catch the broadcast on Iowa PBS dot one. You can stream the games online at our YouTube channel or at iowapbs.org, as well as the I. Website. Don't forget, we also have that PBS app, which is fantastic as well. Download that and watch. Up next, it's Cedar Rapids, Xavier versus Pella in the four A championship. Before we meet the teams, let's find out how they made it here. Let's take a peek at how the two teams advanced. And it was Pella and Sergeant Bluff to open up the semis. They met at state baseball four months ago. Here they are in football. Emmanuel Diers get used to seeing Emmanuel Diers and his pink shoes running for the end zone. This guy is all purpose number two in the state and for he has a 16 yard run. And then it's Beckett Verus. He has the nine yard touchdown run. We're tied at seven. Then it's Michael Manning the quarterback who earned the job in the in the summer workouts finds Logan VanDenBroek. It's 21 seven Dutch at the half and then it's Diers to finish things off as he plunges his way into the end zone. 3514 Dutch advance first year coach, new coach. Same result. They're back in the title game. In the other half, it was Newton and Xavier, which might have been the best semifinal that we had last week. It's Newton and Xavier Newton's 29th playoffs and Caden Klein is going to go on a 58 yard touchdown run. He had 171 yards on the day. Whew. I'd be tired too. But he's excited. It's a quarterback show. It's Cash Parks. He's going to put it in from one yard out to score for Cedar Rapids. Xavier and then Newton Klein again on the one yard run. We're tied at 24 with seven and a half to play in the fourth quarter. And then it's Parks second two yard touchdown run. He only had 21 yards, but two of those yards came in touchdowns. Xavier holds on to win 3124. Who do you think? That was fun. Guess what? Shawn Kenney and Kevin Bowman, they're going to have the game call, and this one is going to be exciting. We've been great so far. We are back in a moment. You are watching the finals here on statewide Iowa PBS. Settle in for a coming your way next.

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We move into the evening hours in Cedar Falls, prime time football underneath the glitter of the UNI-Dome as we welcome you to the Class 4A State Championship. 11 one Pella matched up against top ranked and unbeaten Cedar Rapids Xavier. And a pleasant good evening Shawn Kenney alongside coach Kevin Bowman. So great to have you with us, Kevin. It feels like we've been down this road before because we have the ninth all time meeting between these two teams and wouldn't you know it, they're split four and four on the rubber match tonight. How about that? Hey, it's.

The veteran coach Duane Schulte with Cedar Rapids. Xavier 32 years of experience. He's taken on the young guy from Pella, and it's going to be an interesting matchup. How will Ben Bollard and Pella Dutch match up? Two traditional powerhouses meet in this for a final?

A combined seven state titles between these two programs. As we take a look at tonight's Impact Players, let's start with Pella, and they have a dynamite running back and Emmanuel Diers the senior has really been unstoppable this year, and he rushed for close to 200 yards in the semifinals. On the other side for Xavier Cash Parks. This guy has this offense going at a high pace over 2000 yards through the air. He is Class 4A top ranked passer. You move into the keys of this football game between two programs who know each other extremely well.

Yeah, that's the best part for me, is that you look at Xavier defensively. How are they going to have their alignment and assignment communicated? Pella is going to have all kinds of motions. This is therefore communication is going to be the key. And they need to move the chains. The best defense is a good offense for Pella. You need to stretch Xavier defensively, vertically and horizontally. Make them cover the entire field, and then you have to create some turnovers. You need to win that battle.

Meeting of the captains. The coin flip coming up. You take a look at these two teams, top ranked Xavier. They've been number one really since week 112 and zero this year. A win against Waverly-shell Rock in the second round, a quarterfinal win against a very good ADM team from Dallas County, 45 seven. And then the thriller in the semifinals. Gentlemen, taking down Newton. Let's listen in to the coin flip.

On a very successful season, which has earned you now the right to compete in the Iowa high school Athletic Association for a state championship tonight. As captains. That's a privilege. As captains demonstrate great sportsmanship, leadership, making your student body, your parents, your coaches proud. Play with integrity. Win with dignity. Pella. You're the visitors. It's your choice. You've won the toss. Pella has won the toss. Elected to defer their choice to the second half. Xavier will receive. Gentlemen. Shake hands. Let's have a great game.

Year one for Ben Bollard. It still seems so odd not to see Jay McKinstry along the sideline for the little Dutch. But this is the guy he entrusted the program with a longtime assistant, and now on his first trip to the UNI-Dome, he has guided Pella into the state finals. The 2003 Pella went on to star at Central, loves the city, loves the community, loves Jay McKinstry in this program and on the cusp of another state title, Duane Schulte year number 32, closing in on 260 career wins, he led Cedar Rapids LaSalle, won 25 games for that program before the merger in Cedar Rapids with LaSalle and Regis, and they became Xavier in 98. This has been a juggernaut ever since. Always an electric atmosphere inside the UNI-Dome both of these communities have traveled well. The prevalent green of Pella having some fun already. The little Dutch winning the toss and deferring. So it will be Cedar Rapids, Xavier first as the kick sails through the end zone for the touchback. High powered offense. High scoring attack led by Cash Parks, the six foot, two inch junior quarterback, a two year starter, has his name pretty much cemented atop many of the Four-a rankings, and this is his supporting cast. It's a really good offensive line, Carter Hoffmann, a 1000 yard rusher and he has plenty of weapons on the outside. Sam Leuck Ryan Kelly The home run hitter. Xavier from the 20 yard line. They will test the waters on the ground and cut down. That was Ty VanVliet a hard hitting Pella defense. When you take it, the starters and who they will send out there tonight. Not real deep. You'll see a lot of guys go both ways. They love their front four. The linebacking corps is active as anyone, and this secondary, headlined by Rex Rhamy. They make plays Rhamy six interceptions this year. Second down and nine. They go back to the left side. This time a crevice opens up and a first down rumble up to the 33 yard line for Carter Hoffmann. A pickup of 12.

Yeah, the Saints pull their guard and they also have their H-back coming across Big hole Carter Hoffmann has seen this all season. You know, Coach Schulte complains that sometimes he's worried about not getting a first down an entire game. Second play of the game. Boom. There it is.

Did not have to wait long in this one. Under a minute first down. It's a quick hitter to the fullback over the left side. Dustin Cook you know that's an interesting story. You bring up the the first first down. This has been a tradition that he has worked with his longtime statistician Dave Gearhart. Dave, a 1971 LaSalle grad, has kept stats for the program for 53 years. So they always talk before a game if they're going to get a first down. So humble. What a great story, Dave. Keep those stats coming. Second down they check down. And this one in and out of the hands. Carter Hoffmann might have had those eyes. Take a sneak peek up ahead.

Yeah, I like how Xavier starting this game. They're going to run what they typically do. They're going to be under center. And then now they're trying to spread it out a little bit more, get the ball to the running back out in the open field. Unfortunately, he can't handle the pass.

Third down and eight Pella will bring a pressure off the edge. The throw broken up. Blake DeHeus got the hand in there. And after the initial first down, the little Dutch will force a punt.

Yeah, the corner Blake DeHeus just breaks on this ball extremely well. Quarterback let's go on time. He just needs to get a little bit closer to the sideline. But a great play by the senior Blake DeHeus.

Anthony Trotta on the punt. Rex Rhamy awaiting the kick at his 30 yard line. Left footed kicker barely got it away. It's off the side of his foot. Bounces dangerously close to Rhamy who picks it up. And then he is ambushed right away. 39 yards on the punt, a return of just a yard. Good job downfield. Special teams wise. By Rex Komenda.

So here's a moment we've been waiting for, Shawn. Here comes Emmanuel Diers and the Pella offense. Exciting because you know he's going to get the ball as much as possible. They're going to feed him well, I also want to point out their left tackle number 51, Benjamin Griffin. He's their best offensive lineman. And you'll see him listed along with the rest of the offensive line. 210 two 52, 42, 15 and 285 with Griffith.

Michael Manning. The first year quarterback. They showcased a Wildcat. Look there for a moment with Diers. Now they go back to the traditional quarterback from the gun Manning the six foot, 175 pound senior is going to throw it out of the flat, making the catch up ahead. It's the tight end, Austin Schulte and a good start for Pella. Pick up a 14.

And defensively for Xavier defensive linemen. Number 81 Nolan Wilgenbusch six foot, 210 pounds and their linebacker 34 Jack Schimberg captain of the team 30 tackles, three for a loss.

First down from the 40 yard line and it will be really, truly one of the best workhorses in the state of Iowa. When you see the volume and the load that he has really taken on with this Pella offense, this 276 carry this season for Emmanuel Diers.

Yeah. Remember in the semis he had all kinds of carries 233 carries for 197 yards with three touchdowns. Xavier once again they're going to have to recognize how Pella lines up, make the adjustments right now. Communicate to each other.

A lot of pre-snap motion and they have a wide open slot. They don't go to them. Instead they swing it out to Diers who has room to run, picks up a downfield block, and is finally tackled by Carson Mahoney. So much presnap movement that time, and it caught Xavier out of position. They had the numbers game.

Yeah, and no one got a hold of Diers 38 receptions on the season for 370 yards. He has to be accounted for no matter what. It's it's easy to do that with those pink shoes. And here's here's the thing. As an old English teacher, I've got to apologize to all my former students when I say the word Diers, I know that they're going to be questioning me on this later, and I'm going to get a phone call from the grammar police.

22 yards on the completion Diers is out of the game here and now. A flag flies. This will be five yards on Pella.

Prior to the snap, false start offense number 53. Five-Yard penalty remains. First down.

Trace Hopkins the senior left guard. Offensive line headlined by a couple of two year starters. Palmer Hemming at center. Benjamin Griffith over at left tackle. Hopkins a first year starter, All-State choir. And this is a real popular kid around Pella homecoming king and all. Love it when an offensive lineman rules homecoming. First down and 15, they swing it out. First touch of the day for Harrison Mullens trying to pick up a block, but Xavier closed the gap pretty effectively.

Yeah, Pella really stretching the field here with trips to the left side. A nice little bubble route going and picked up a couple blocks. Second and 11.

Mullens is the home run hitter for Pella, averaging a whopping 17 yards per catch, and he had a big catch in the semifinal win, went for a touchdown, two catches, 75 yards. He can stretch the field. And you see a lot of the shifting. They will bunch everybody up for to the top of the field the boundary side. So what do they do. They look for Mullens just beyond the outstretched fingertips of the speedster Mullens.

And Pella goes with the diamond formation to the left, and they get the one on one matchup that they wanted with Mullens. And just over his head. But I think they're going to come back to that a couple more times in this game. They have a corner that they want to pick on, and they will probably continue to do that.

Third down Manning looks pocket collapsing. He's sacked back at the 40. The Saints got to him.

Number 81 Nolan Wilgenbusch coming in. That's three sacks for the season. He's a kid that played extremely well in the semifinal game. Keep an eye on him throughout the night. It's a.

Big play by Wilgenbusch that takes them out of any thoughts of a field goal for Nile Roe. So they will send out the punter to try to pin Xavier deep. Looking to angle it to the far side. This will take a bounce as it sails out of bounds. And let's see where they are going to mark it. Still walking up the sideline and 17 yard line is where Xavier will have it. Following the punt of 27. Taking adventure with Iowa PBS on road trip Iowa join host Brooke Kohlsdorf as we travel the state's highways and scenic byways, exploring the history, culture and natural beauty along the way. Road trip Iowa Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at 9 a.m. on Iowa PBS or stream online anytime.

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Second offensive series for Xavier and they give it to Carter Hoffmann. Hoffmann started his career as a wide receiver back in his sophomore year. They moved him to running back last year and he just took off 1000 yard season as a second team all state, and he has picked up this year where he left off a season ago.

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Second down, zipping it toward the far side. It is caught near the first down forward. Progress should net enough as they mark it at the 27. Sam Leuck the target and Leuck with the catch and it moves the sticks.

I really like what Cash Parks did here on this set. He had a nice drop, gets his back foot set and pushes off it and delivers a dime right to his wide receiver. First down.

They spread the ball around with the receiving corps. It truly is an offense that is one of the more balanced here. They work the end around and getting to the corner for a moment was Kelly, and then a jarring hit from Blake DeHeus boy.

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He he found him and he dropped him quickly.

Yeah, Ryan Kelly didn't do a very good job of reading this block because he makes the corner. He's got a lineman out in front of him, and he runs basically in the back of his line.

Yeah, you're right, that was Jasper the center who got out there. It like he blew a gasket to the turf, came up and got him just as he was ready to make a move. And that forced him into a stumble mode into the center. Jasper second down and six inside. Six minutes to go. They work the quick screen game. Ryan Kelly and back to back first downs for the Saints.

Yeah, and I like this because they send one guy in motion and then they bring their fullback number five Dustin Cook across and pound for pound, this is a kid I really like on Xavier's team. He just seems to do a lot of things really well.

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Swift moving first quarter second offensive series of the night for Xavier. Kelly goes right. Cook the fullback in motion play fake and a throw is caught. Somehow it worked its way through a couple of Pella defenders and on to the Dutch side of the field for the first time tonight, again at Sam Leuck.

Yeah. Pella Austin Schulte. He jumps his route, tries to get in front of it, and just misses it. And Blake DeHeus does the same thing. And that leads for more yards for Xavier as they continue to march down field.

20 yards on the completion Leuck. He will check out of the game for a quick breather, replaced by Brady O'Donnell.

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Parks back to back completions has Xavier in business first and ten at the 42. They will hand it off. Hoffmann lassoed down as he plunges ahead to the 39 David Garner the first one to greet him.

Yeah, and Xavier Coach Schulte and his son Reggie calling the offensive plays, dialing up a good mix, a run and pass here.

Seventh play of the drive. Coming up for the Saints.

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Tight box as they will run it to the left side and Pella providing the resistance. Garner again back to back plays. He had help from Kyler VanMaanen.

Yeah, the linebackers are playing well for Pella and they are really trying to fill that box, making it very difficult for Xavier to run anything inside the two tackles.

He's linebackers, so active. When you see Nate Warner and some of the other backers, if they will rotate into the game, Aidyn Halverson third down, third and six, it's a pitch, left side, a little bit of room and a first down run for Carter Hoffmann. They went wide that time. Good seal out block by Pladsen at left tackle. Hoffmann took it from there. It's a gain of eight.

Yeah, look at the receivers blocking downfield here too. And then on top of it once again number five Dustin Cook follow that guy. He always knows where the ball is. And if I am running with the ball I need to know where number five is because I will follow him.

Kelly and Leuck split to the right of quarterback. Cash Parks out of the I. Formation of Cook and Hoffmann. They sweep it right side cut back there for Hoffmann and they are picking up yards and chunks right now. The front five getting an initial push there, blending the inside with the outside. And the results are pretty sharp and crisp looking. Drive.

Yeah, two plays in which they've gone outside of the tackles and had some good yardage that time. I saw Hoffmann plant that right foot and accelerate upfield for a good gain.

Seven carries, 36 yards in this first quarter. Approaching five minutes of this drive for Xavier. And they will stick with the hot hand. And there he goes again into the second wave. First and goal for Cedar Rapids Xavier.

And the Saints are pounding the rock pounding the rock I love this the mentality. Follow your offensive line. This is just good, hard nosed football by the Saints.

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The ball.

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Pella backpedaling a little bit. Let's see if the Dutch can dig their heels in and get a stop. First down and goal. Why not give it to number one? Carter Hoffmann snowed under at the five.

Now keep an eye on the offensive line splits here as we get down into the the goal line area. It looks like they're reducing them. Trying to eliminate anyone from pinching. Now if you're Pella, make sure you play inside shade on the wide receivers. Do not give up. Slant.

They bring in Nolan Wilgenbusch number 81 at the bottom. He's going to come into the line of scrimmage. Line up next to his buddy Pladsen second down. Hoffmann untouched breezes his way. Touchdown Xavier!

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Carter Hoffmann is going to get his name in the paper, but it's the work of everyone else on the offensive line in the fullback who deserve most of the credit. Here we go. Swinging gate. This is what I love.

Ty Weiss adds the point after in a monster 12 play, 83 yard drive and Carter Hoffmann was not touched.

Oh. and a monster hole for him. And what an impressive drive by Xavier marching up and down the field. You know, they found that they got stuffed a little bit in the middle, and then they started to run off tackle. Just a great drive for the Saints.

From artists and dreamers to everyday Iowans with inspiring stories. Explore what makes our state shine on Iowa life. Join host charity Nebbe Tuesdays at 630 and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on Iowa PBS or stream online anytime. Duane Schulte and Cedar Rapids. Xavier 12. Play 83 yard drive and it's the Saints who draw first blood tonight on a Thursday night in Cedar Falls. Seven nothing Xavier.

John so far, Hoffmann has ten carries for 58 yards. That's a great first quarter.

This is a program that is used to playing in the dome. And really you can make the case for both of these programs. But for Cedar Rapids, Xavier, they are back in the dome for the 10th time since 2012. I mean, just think about the consistency year in, year out, new athletes each and every season. Ball jarred free on the return, and it looks like Pella got back on it. Near disaster. Avoided there for the Dutch as Jesse Chapman able to get back on it for Pella.

And when we talked to a coach Schulte, you know, one of the big things that he pushes multi-sport athletes, he wants the kids to be out for as many sports as possible. But one thing, exchange being the weight room also. And that means the other coaches have to promote that. And it must be working because Xavier does well on all their sports.

You know, that was refreshing to hear when we talked to all of the coaches and all of them pushing go out for multiple sports, and that takes cooperation among all the coaches in these high schools. Emmanuel Diers says. It's my turn now after watching Carter Hoffmann do his thing. It's Diers with just the second rush in this first quarter, good yardage, outside left tackle.

And Diers made a nice step inside. Got the corner to take a step with him and then he got around the corner and you have to contain him as a corner. You want to force all the action back inside.

Max Dougherty who made that last tackle? One of the younger starters in the defense, only a sophomore. Inside a minute to go trips. Right. Mole on the inside slot. They look the opposite way. Tight window. And this one jolted free. Tried to sneak it in there. There wasn't a lot of room. And big hit put on by Schimberg.

The captain for the Xavier Saints comes in and crushes and I believe that's a sandwich. Diers in the middle. Wow.

Jack Schimberg is the heart and soul of this defense. He is one of those guys that says, grab me, hop on those shoulder pads. I'll carry us a long way. Third down and three. They have man coverage at the bottom. They swing it out. Diers will lower the pads and he won't get there. What an open field tackle by Caleb Loffswold. That's tough to do. He's out on an island but he won the leverage battle with Diers.

Afterwards giving up some weight there too. And that's just impressive. He got his shoulder pads underneath Diers and made a nice tackle.

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For second differential, game clock to play clock. Kick is away. Ty Weiss will scoop it up on the short hop. He will change direction. Come all the way across the field. A lot of east west, not so much north south there and Samuel Manning with the special teams tackle.

Yeah. Samuel Manning just a sophomore, six one, 180 pounds getting his chance to shine on special teams. Good job.

Xavier offense that has dominated the opening 12 minutes seven first downs, 99 yards of total offense. It has been a balanced attack for Cedar Rapids Xavier, headlined by Carter Hoffmann. Play Fake by Parks wanted to go deep, now checks down. Good decision there and that will take us to the start of the second quarter. Xavier all facets clip.

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Saints by seven.

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After one.

Paul Yeager here on a short break to speak with Jim Pledge. He's president and CEO of Bank of Iowa in West Des Moines. So, Jim, tell me why Iowa banker supports Iowa PBS as well as boys athletics here in the state of Iowa?

Yes, Paul, the Student Athlete Achievement Awards are significant to Iowa student athletes and their communities because they not only recognize athletic excellence, but also academic achievement, leadership and character. Through the program's 30 year history, the IBA has awarded more than $360,000 in scholarships to student athletes in football, basketball, and wrestling. These scholarships are a win for all of us because after graduation, we hope these students will work right here in Iowa.

And that support of those scholarships is incredible, right?

It is indeed so much like the IBA supports the Iowa banks. We are committed to supporting students by investing in their education and financial future, which helps to build stronger communities. It reflects our commitment to community growth and long term success across the state.

All right Jim, thank you. All right. Let's get back to the game.

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And Athletic Association championships, the.

Iowa Bankers Association.

Honor student athletes.

Who excel on the.

Field in the classroom and in the communities where the Student Athlete Achievement Award.

And $1,000 college scholarship. The 2025 winner for the. Class 4A is Caden.

Klein from Newton High School in.

Newton.

Presenting the award is Troy. Garton from FNB Bank in Newton. Congratulations.

Caden.

And thank you. to Troy and the Iowa Bankers Association. for supporting this.

Award.

Quite a year for Newton this year and they push Xavier to the wire in the semifinals. Xavier winning 3124 and a solid opening quarter. As we welcome you back to the UNI-Dome start of second quarter action alongside coach Kevin Bowman Shawn Kenney with you from Cedar Falls and Pella reeling a little bit through the first 12 minutes.

Yeah, offensively they had a nice drive and then they got stuffed at the end of it. When they got inside the 40 yard line. And then defensively Xavier just able to move the ball do it the old fashioned way. The Saints always like to do it, pound it at you.

On second down. They will sweep it over the left side. Hoffmann not much luck, but he will move the sticks. Got enough up to the 45 yard line hit by Garner.

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Good solid run. You were thinking that the initial surge by Pella was going to prevent the first down, but Hoffmann is just tough. Bring down both backs. Been very impressive.

They list Hoffmann at 180 pounds, but up close he looks a little bit bigger than that and he certainly runs bigger than 180. He is a load. Quick throw. They try to get some room for Ryan Kelly to work, but no luck. Ty VanVliet Austin Schulte sniffing out that play forward progress to the 47.

Xavier shifted. They moved a guy over and that created an unbalanced line. And Pella did a really nice job of reacting to the bubble.

Short passing game so far for Cash Parks four of 637 yards in this opening half. They pull a lineman bootleg left underneath. This is the tight end AJ Evans, and he's a pretty easy guy to spot at six feet, nine inches tall. He is already committed to play Division one basketball at James Madison in Virginia.

He's averaging over 18 yards per catch too, and a big target dragging across the field. Like you said, John, he is easy to find.

Caught a 20 yard touchdown last week in the semifinals. The win against Newton. His catch here has Xavier in plus territory. Parks again this quick passing game back to back catches for AJ Evans as he spins up ahead to the 37. 11 more yards. Moved the chains and Xavier they have it all cooking right now.

Yeah, and you'll see AJ Evans drag across the field. Quarterback finds him. And then when you put on top of it the other tight end Nolan Wilgenbusch what a great combination of tight ends. The Saints have.

What's the counter when you have an athlete like Evans at six nine, how do you tag team him and take him out of the offense?

The key is not allowing him to get off the line of scrimmage. You're going to have to come up and do whatever you can to prevent him to get into his route.

Third catch of the game for Evans 24 yards. They go back to the ground and look at Carter Hoffmann Hoffmann into the secondary. Touchdown! Huge hole, 37 yards. Hoffmann has number two.

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When we see the replay of this, we are talking about AJ Evans making some nice catches. Watch him deliver a great block to spring Hoffmann 84. Man 692 15 and saying there's two parts of his game.

Defense. One of the strengths for Pella this year. But right now Xavier having no problems whatsoever. Point after is up and through the Saints after an opening drive, punt, they have found their offense in their last two possessions. Six plays, 65 yards and it's Carter Hoffmann with a second rushing touchdown tonight.

All set up with some short passes. You find your tight end, you get him rolling. And what happens? Everyone else the linebackers start to drop back a little bit farther. Opens up the hole. Duane Schulte man 1980 Cedar Rapids LaSalle graduate. He started his coaching career at Davenport Assumption before he was joining his high school football coaching staff. At assumption. That was Tom Kirkpatrick and Coach Kirkpatrick won two state titles at LaSalle back in 1982 and 1983.

Schulte had the opportunity to coach all three of his sons. They all played for him at Xavier. One of his sons, Reggie, the oldest now on the staff. Reggie, Bryce and Quinn. They were all quarterbacks for their father. Pella from their own five yard line, straight up the gut with the return out to the 22 yard line.

Well, this is an important possession for Pella. They need to get some points on the board. They need to move the ball. They need to do something to spread the field. Whether they do it vertically with some passes or maybe jet. I think I haven't seen them run their jet play yet.

Just two first downs for Pella in this first half. Counter type action with Diers running hard. Five yards for Diers just his third carry of the football game. And that's simply because it's been Xavier in this offense on the field, dominating the time of possession.

Pella a little deliberate in the huddle. They they like to do some of the motion. So when they're in the huddle that long, I doubt if they'll reset their formation.

Diers lassoed around the waist by Schimberg and Pella with a very operational third down and a little more than a yard.

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Big third down play for Pella. The Dutch need to move the sticks here. Let's see if Diers gets another touch.

They have everybody in. They go. Wildcat. They have showed this on a few occasions. They've never actually went with it. This time they do and that is a huge first down. Might not seem like much, but Pella needed something to get a little bit of traction and Diers with a third down carry third first down of the night.

Yeah, a little momentum now, a little confidence. It kind of changes how you walk up to the line of scrimmage, knowing you have some success. Time for bootleg pass.

And it seems like when they have needed a big play, it's number eight Mullens. So keep an eye on him sneaking through a little bit of a crevice. Goes Emmanuel Diers another tackle for Schimberg, but Pella will take that all night long as they get seven.

Yeah, and the thing about Emmanuel Diers is he's not going to accelerate to a hole or to a spot. He's going to be very patient. He's going to wait for his linemen to create a crevice for him to accelerate through. But he's he's patient. He's patient as they come.

I like what Ben Bollard is doing here. Getting a star, running back, a little bit of rhythm, getting him into the flow of this offense. They spin it to him again and he is hit at the line of scrimmage. These linebackers, they mean business. Beau Morio junior linebacker, 62 tackles coming in. He is a Division one prospect, generating some interest.

Bean was a second team conference baseball player and he's second on team in tackles with 62 so far.

Baseball is first love. but with the success he's had on the gridiron, it's quickly catching up. They show Wildcat and Pella realizing this is an important down. They want to make sure everybody is on the same page, so they will use a Time-out.

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Well, you look at this first half a little surprising with the way Xavier has handled the front lines.

Yeah, they're doing a really nice job. Xavier offensively and defensively. And the kid that I really like on the defensive line for Xavier is Wilgenbusch. And he just you'll see him slant at times and also go around very good player.

Rising from the ashes for a second consecutive season. We love this. It's college wrestling. The heart of the mat beats right here in the great state of Iowa. Catch the catch the glory and the champions of tomorrow featuring the Hawkeye women. The Iowa State men in action. Division two, Division three, as well as some doubleheaders join us as college wrestling coverage returns year two. Once again this December on Iowa PBS. Third down and three from the 41 dropping. It was Diers and now he's in trouble. He throws a pass. Wow, what a crazy sequence. It falls incomplete.

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I'm not sure who was the first person to touch that for Pella, but I thought it might have been an offensive lineman and that would be an illegal touching.

Within the area. Fourth down.

Bobbles the snap. Tries to get away, desperately throws it in the air.

[APPLAUSE]

Oh no. That's an eligible receiver. And he just gets his lunch handed to him afterwards.

Before the snap we have a stoppage as this one gets punted into the Xavier cheering section below us.

Sean, I love the fact that Pella punter wears number 65. This is Nile Roe. He was a tight end last year. They moved him to the offensive line and this is a kid that goes to the high school with a bag of footballs almost every day in the summertime, and works on kicking. And how do you want to get better? You know, kids always say, well, I really want to get better. Well, you got to work at it. And that's a great example of how to do it.

He's had a really good year punting and kicking the football for Pella. Delay of game pushes it back to the 36 Xavier coming after it gets the kick away. This is angled toward the near side. Ty Weiss putting on the brakes now, turning it up ahead and he'll return it to the 4432 yards on the punt, nine yards on the return.

I know the score is only 14 zero, but it seems like Xavier has just dominating this first half and it feels like it's 21 to 0 or 28 to 0.

Everything they have practically called up is working in this first half. The short passing game of Parks that softens up the defense Hoffmann and this offensive line taking care of business with the ground game on. First down and there he goes again, running through arm tackles. Hoffmann onto the Dutch side of the field all the way to the 39 yard line. And even behind the action Ryan Kelly the receiver finishing a block 3 or 4 yards along the Xavier sideline.

Yeah, you'll see Kelly with a good block. And also the lineman number 59. Zander Armstrong does a nice job coming around and getting to the second level.

17 yards for Hoffmann already approaching 100 yards in this first half. And we still have five and a half to go. Stop and go move by Hoffmann and a first down run takes it to the 34. Five more.

I like the surge that the Saints are getting. And between the center and guard on the right side, both of them had great get offs and drove their defender backwards. And when you can do that to the defensive line, you're going to have a big hole.

Travis Jasper the first year starter at center, Renner at right tackle. The first year starter, the team captain is over on the left side and Andrew Pladsen he's the vocal leader of this front five. Second down Hoffmann into the secondary and it will be first down. Another trip into the red zone. Another double digit yard gallop and they are just dicing away this Pella defense.

Yeah, offensive line is doing their job. But don't forget about number five that fullback Dustin Cook first team conference wrestler hard nose getting after it.

20 more yards for Hoffmann. And he's doing this against a Pella defense. That was so stubborn. Really the strength of this team all year. Ben Bollard before he took over as head coach, he was defensive coordinator under Jay McKinstry. Xavier is going to use their first time out.

Time out?

Yeah, Pella is in a situation where they're loading the box. They had seven players in the box on that last play, and that's probably a reason for the time-out.

Xavier with a couple of veterans on their coaching staff with Kevin Malloy and Dave Schreck, both those coaches served our country. Malloy with the Army, Schreck in the Air Force. And Schreck was an All-American lineman at Air Force back in his day who moved to Cedar Rapids in 2008. His son Eric was part of the pullout of Afghanistan, was actually the coordinator of the Air Force planes pulling out. So what did Coach Schulte do before this postseason stretch? He had the two veterans talk to this team about overcoming adversity and the will to win. And it showcased itself last week. They were facing some adversity at halftime in the battle with a very talented Newton team.

Well when you have anyone from the Air Force come talk to you, I had the chance to listen to Chad Henning last summer and what a fantastic know. Outland Trophy winner went to the Air Force and then played, what, 7 or 8 years for the Dallas Cowboys, won three Super Bowls. The Air Force guys are just fun to be around.

[APPLAUSE]

First and ten and Simpson.

Nearly 3 to 1 edge in total yards. Cash Parks first down after the time-out from the 14, they pitch it and Hoffmann piles his way up to the 11 Halverson the junior 215 pounder trying to slow him down.

And Xavier is just controlling the clock. On top of this, they're shortening this game, taking the air out of the football Pella has been going backwards. It's just been a good offensive drive. Again by the Saints.

Wilgenbusch into the game. Pella defense. Trying to find something positive. They need one of their playmakers to step up in a big way. 12 personnel. They float right. They throw it underneath, making the catch is the tight end AJ Evans good open field tackle by DeHeus.

Yeah, this time they found the tight end in the bootleg coming across. And they identified that. Stayed with him. But it's a great play call by Xavier. Yet now they're in a third and short good scenario.

They ask Evans to do a lot of different schemes. They can use him a number of ways. Wilgenbusch and Evans at the line of scrimmage, two tight ends. They hand it off. Hoffmann runs through one arm tackle and second and third effort. See where they mark forward progress. Here. He ends up on his back. Back at the eight Garner who has been the leader so far defensively. But I think forward progress might give Xavier enough for the first down.

Yeah, he spotted inside the five yard line there, which was first down and then gets pushed backwards.

A stop. Carter Hoffmann Lewis was only getting a first down.

[APPLAUSE]

Xavier.

Well we have confusion along the far side. Chains are showing fourth down. But as we heard from our referee, he signaled first down. So now I believe they're noticing the chains are still indicating fourth. Okay, so it is a first down like he announced. They restart the clock with 306 and counting. First and goal. Cedar Rapids Xavier Hoffmann looking for number three. Tossed the hat. It's a hat trick in this first half for the senior touchdown. Xavier a statement tonight from Eastern Iowa.

A statement drive by the Saints and once again Hoffmann into the end zone. But follow the block of number five Dustin Cook. You're going to see him come out and get the defensive guy and drive him five yards the other way.

[APPLAUSE]

Ty Weiss will add the point after.

[APPLAUSE]

Three possessions. Ever since an early punt, three straight touchdowns for Xavier, all three coming from Carter Hoffmann.

Xavier is having their way offensively right now. And and when you can run the ball and defense can't stop it, that's just an overwhelming feeling and you just have all the confidence in the world. If you're on the Saints sideline thinking we can dial up whatever we want, not a lot of time left here in the first half. Pella needs to get on the board. Let's see if they go to a no huddle right away and try to move the ball. Push the ball down field.

[APPLAUSE]

Kick will reach the end zone for a touchback. On a day in which we have already crowned three state champions, all three very tight football games. Xavier I'm sure stunning a lot of folks as people just tuning in, checking out this for a showdown all Xavier 21. Nothing 258 to go and an all important drive for Michael Manning Emmanuel Diers Harrison Mullens. And this Pella offense.

[APPLAUSE]

They start at the 20 and this one goes through the hands incomplete.

[APPLAUSE]

That's not how you want to start the drive off. Michael Manning just knows that he's trying to set it up deep. The decoy is Diers going to the left and he wants to have a swing pass back to his right. He needs to move his feet and find him with his head first, and then move the feet and throw a better pass.

Manning in year one as a starter. Coming off the best game of his career in the semifinals. He played really well in the Pella win over Sergeant Bluff-luton throws it along the far side and a diving catch is made by Hunter Brummel. The tight end.

Yeah, Brummel makes an excellent catch here. He stretches out, gets the ball right before it hits the turf. That's his 10th reception of the year. Big play here on third down with time. Going down under 230 right before half.

Pella one of four on third downs in this first half. Where will Manning go with it? Third down and five. Here comes the pressure up the middle. Manning flush. Watch out. He's swallowed up.

[APPLAUSE]

Back at the 11 Austin Dostal. He had the radar locked on number three. And he found his target. Big loss on the play 14 yards on the sack.

Yeah. The sophomore at six foot three, 210 pounds, gets the corner wraps up. Quarterback and he gets his third sack of the year. Nice job.

Xavier wants more. So they are going to use a Time-out. They're going to get the football in great shape. Stay in the know with Iowa Press. Be sure to join Kay Henderson and guest for in-depth conversations on the issues shaping Iowa. Tune in Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 12 noon on Iowa PBS or Stream Line online anytime.

So Xavier is known for returning punts extremely well. The thing is, are you really going to try and put some pressure and block this punt, or are you setting up the return? We'll see right away by how they line up. But remember Nile Roe is athletic. Even though he's wearing number 65.

Weiss and Kelly, the two return men deep and both are in plus territory awaiting this kick from Nile Roe. Roe standing three yards in the purple carpet of you and I gets the kick away. It's an end over end kick and Weiss will let this one sideline past him out of bounds. Takes a fortuitous bounce for Zo. 42 yards. Nicely done for the senior.

Yes. And Nile Roe had like a kickoff rotation in that scenario, which I think caught Xavier return men off guard. And it was a very good bounce. So let's see what Xavier can do with a minute 58 left. Only one time-out.

What a half it's been for Hoffmann three rushing touchdowns approaching 150 yards. Time out to work. Minute 58 to go. They will pull a lineman and yards after contact. We call it YAC and it just quite frankly looks like a deflated Pella team right now.

Yeah they're on their heels and Hoffmann is just gaining speed going downhill. That was very impressive. Run again. Can't say enough about the offensive line and how hard Carter Hoffmann is running.

Pella showed Blitz with their safety. They back it off running wide as Hoffmann behind Dustin Cook and this time Pella able to stretch it out. Aidyn Halverson cutting his way through.

And Xavier looks like they're in more of a hurry now. Trying to get into the huddle and get in and out as quickly as possible. As we're under 110 at this point, and they still have that time-out.

When you're running the ball as well as they are, the play action pass can be a killer. Ryan Kelly usually the guy they like to go deep with, they move the pocket right side, throwing on the run and a juggle and a drop. It's a really good throw. By Parks put it where only Kelly could make the play, but uncharacteristic drop for the normally reliable five nine senior.

Yeah, and a good sprint out action here with Parks and he turns the corner to the right and Kelly caught it once. Caught it twice and unfortunately dropped it.

Ryan Kelly wants to be sure to put on a show today. Almost a homecoming for his family. His parents, originally from Cedar Falls. Third down and eight on the delay. Slipping free is Dustin Cook tracked down at the 34 by Garner. They had him dead to right, but Cook was able to run through the arm tackle and fourth down. Xavier in no hurry. Pella not stopping the clock, obviously.

Yeah. Let's see if Xavier tries to go up and get Pella to jump offsides here. Keep an eye on Coach Schulte. He gets closer to the referee on the sideline. He may use a Time-out.

Owen Vasquez the kicker a real strong leg. He is connected from 44 this year. They can pick up a first down. They might be thinking him fourth and three with the play clock winding down. Cash Parks looks over and a time-out taken by Duane Schulte.

Time out.

Pella had the discipline right there not to jump offsides. A hard snap count with a good cadence and good discipline by the Dutch.

Duane Schulte is a big fan of Kirk Ferentz and his style of football. They just don't make mistakes and this is a first half where they have not made mistakes.

Yeah, and Coach Schulte had two boys that went on to play football at Iowa. And and Quinn was the quarterback and defensive back when he was in high school. And he just used up his eligibility last year and finds safety. I think he was a three year starter for the Hawkeyes. And man, Quinn was an incredible high school football player, too.

And incidentally enough, his other son, Reggie played right here in the UNI-Dome for head coach Mark Farley could tell Reggie was a coach's son. I remember talking with Mark before an FCS playoff game and he said, Reggie might be one of the smartest football players you and I has ever had. Just like his dad so much intelligence, the IQ, football X's and O's adjusting three plus decades of coaching along the sideline. There is some adjustment to the modern day athlete and. Duane Schulte has checked all the boxes. Fourth and three. Xavier does not have any time-outs. They're going to look for the sideline. And this one not there incomplete. So Pella gets a stop. Ryan Kelly the closest receiver and the Dutch with four seconds to go will be anxious to regroup in the locker room at halftime. Keep in mind Pella will get the football first to start the second half.

And I'm sure they will make some adjustments at halftime. And the big thing is finding Diers to get him the ball in different spots. And they have so far in the first half when they ran them in some swing passes. He's an excellent receiver, too. Good hands, really good in the open field.

They dump it off to Diers Diers with a lot of work to do, and he will get up to midfield before he is finally brought down. He was not going to go down without a fight and that is the end of the first half. What a half for Cedar Rapids? Xavier a 2 to 1 edge in time of possession. They put up 237 yards of offense and Carter Hoffmann not one, not two, but three rushing touchdowns.

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Halftime inside the UNI-Dome. Cedar Rapids. Xavier just down 380. Leads. Pella 21. Nothing here at the break. It's really been all Xavier, but we'll get to them in a minute. But I want to tell you about one young high school distance runner who has already earned a top spot in the pantheon of accomplished competitors from Iowa, and soon he will spread his wings on a larger stage at a college renowned for those with talents like his. But before he buckles in for that wild ride, he's basking in his senior year, cherishing time with the friends, mentors and family who encouraged him along the way.

Oh my God.

[APPLAUSE]

Not the time.

[APPLAUSE]

To be sitting on your hands.

[APPLAUSE]

Track fans, we got the all time best. Ladies and gentlemen, Quentin Norman has put himself at the top of the national list. Unbelievable.

There are record breakers, and then there are blockbusters that deliver like a force of nature. With the tide. He's ushered in Western Dubuque's. Quentin Norman prefers to lift all boats.

Iowa right now is at its best. It's ever been in distance running. It's really crazy to think about that, but you have the number one and number two milers, the number one and number two, like 800 runners nowadays. And it's really great to see that.

Though he shares the glory, Norman is the only high school junior in the United States to ever run Sub4 minute and sub minute 50 1600 and 800 meter races, respectively at the same meet. He accomplished both feats in the same day at the 2025 state track meet, where he also notched top performances in the 3200 and distance medley relay.

Well, look out for Quentin Norman now. Iowa versus Oregon. It's gonna be Quentin Norman.

Norman patted his resume by hauling in an all time Iowa high school best mile at an annual charity track competition in Saint Louis. He won the same event at the Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, where he has committed to run after graduation. While the University of Oregon is the traditional Mecca for distance runners, Norman still races away from height. After setting his monumental state and national records at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. He was right back, stocking shelves at his local Hy-Vee.

He showed up to work here the next day and he's like, well, I had to work. It's what I do. So yeah, he's humble. He doesn't really like to be in the spotlight. He wears a stocking cap to kind of mask his image, so he's not necessarily recognized. Every time someone comes around the corner.

I just want to take one step at a time and just enjoy the time that I have in high school. I always tell people, this is probably your best years of running. You're going to get, whether you're JV varsity and just have fun with the sport when you're in high school. Because when you're in college and when you're moving up in the world, you're going to start taking this sport really, really seriously. Yeah, I do take it serious now, but like, I'm still going to say like I still have fun with my teammates.

He lives to run. Everything he does, it's to be the best that he can. And I for sure think that rubs off on us.

All good. Yeah. Great. All right.

I ran a lot.

I truly believe that he could be an Olympian someday. So to say that I ran with him, and he's one of my best friends. So to say that I had that person in my life, you know, before all the fame stuff, it's pretty cool for me.

Norman's passion was palpable at Western Dubuque Middle School summer camp, where high school athletes helped mentor middle school runners.

I think he has a contagious personality to youngsters. They want to be around him and he's a positive role model that I think our youth needs to have more of. He's a coach's dream.

He is somebody that's going to put in the hard work no matter what, and people see that and people see him kind of do those hard things day in, day out. That's kind of his leadership style is quiet confidence.

A trio of coaches have witnessed Norman's progression since middle school. They tout his discipline, drive and its origins.

We've had.

Kids that have had real good work ethic, and we've had kids that have been really, really talented. We haven't had a kid like Quentin that's kind of put them both together. I think some of it's the culture that we get set, but he's got a good family. His parents have done a great job.

My husband, every time he races, he has the whole bench moving and I'm like, stop.

One leg really starts bouncing. And it just, yeah.

One of four children, Norman's older sister Kylie.

From Dubuque County. Kylie Norman, she's currently training for a marathon in October.

A former Dubuque County Fair Queen and Iowa State Fair contestant may have persuaded Quentin to get off the couch, away from video games and on his feet, but she avoids credit for the trailblazer born of their runs around Bergfeld Pond in Dubuque.

No, I don't think this is me at all. I just wanted a running buddy. He's not my running buddy anymore. Clearly, I just wanted a running buddy during COVID because, I mean, what else did we have to do besides spend all the time doing this? He likes.

To win. His family says Quentin has always had a competitive nature, and his coaches add Norman feels privileged to run alongside rivals, reflecting a strong sense of sportsmanship, respect and joy.

When the gun goes off, you got to be competitive. I and that's just how it goes. But after it, I sometimes talk to the guys. I just enjoy talking to. Runners, get to know the kid, and also the realization that some kids don't treat it like a sport and they treat it like a job. I mean, yeah, I can be a job, but I feel like just having fun with the sport is just what you should be doing.

Quentin Norman, write that name down. Quentin Norman, you are going to hear about him for a long time. And there's also a couple of other runners that have been pushing him at some of these other races that have helped him elevate his game. And when Mike Jay, the announcer you heard at the beginning of that piece, is excited about what he does, you know, Quentin Norman is someone special, and he just won his second state cross country title a handful of weeks ago. Sticking. Listen to this. A 1440 8.3 14 minutes, 48 seconds winning time. It's the fastest in the state meets history by eight seconds, eight seconds. He shattering records faster than we can set them. And set that camera and tripod up before we can get focused. He just. There he goes. All right. He's certainly got a bright future ahead, as we said. Headed to Oregon. You'll see him at the Blue Oval this spring. We are racing toward the second half of the four, a football championship here at the UNI-Dome, where the score right now 21 nothing Xavier. We'll see how all 21 points were scored. We've got another good runner. That's your tease. We're back after this.

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Pella fans looking for the bright side of life. Xavier fans. They're smiling. They're up 21. Nothing right here. At halftime of our fourth and final game of day one so far, Garrigan beat Woodbine in an exciting Eight-Player game. MMCRU Marcus Meriden Cleghorn. Remsen Union beat Saint Ansgar in one A. We had our first one, a overtime game. West Lyon beats Regina and now here we are with Pella and Xavier. So one thing that we haven't been able to show you. Well, okay, who am I kidding? We've seen a lot of this guy. You're going to see him a lot here. It's very fitting that one is involved in that score, because one player is dominating for Xavier right now. Let's take a look at those first half highlights. If we could please those ladies and gentlemen in the truck. Great job as always. Carter Hoffmann Carter Hoffmann. Picking up my theme here Carter Hoffmann there. That's a touchdown. One. And look at that block. And that's touchdown number two. That's 37 yards. And then Hoffmann is going to take the sweep and get into the end zone. That is touchdown number three. The senior has 20 carries 160 yards at the half. He had 130 against Newton. Coach Schultz called him the classic Xavier tailback. There's that's classic football right there 237 total yards rushing 24 178. As we mentioned, all but 18 are by Hoffmann passing. They haven't needed to pass the ball. Time of possession has been Xavier. Pella has got a big mountain to climb, and they're going to have to find a way to get something done here in the second half. But we have had we mentioned these championships, look at those scores, 44, 42, 30, 17. And that game was closer than that score. And then you got West Lyon Regina that one went to overtime and then this 121 nothing. Tomorrow, tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow Friday morning we begin at 10 a.m. for Van Meter and Kuemper Catholic. That's Carroll Kuemper Catholic Nevada, who's never been in the championship game there in the championship game against Bishop Heelan from Sioux City. Helen, pretty sure you've heard them in the championship game before. And then our nightcap at 7:00 tomorrow, Iowa City Liberty. That's one of the newest schools in the state. They'll face one of the the Dowling Catholic Maroons, who have won seven straight. Then they haven't won in six years. They're trying to get that championship, and I'm trying to find out if she's got any ice cream left to share. I'll check in with you and let you know. We'll take a break. When we come back. We have our second half play in a moment, because that has been a fantastic day here. And that's a look at our halftime score 21. Nothing here on Iowa PBS. We'll step away for a moment. Come back Shawn Kenney Kevin Bowman. They've caught their breath. They'll have the second half of Four-a right after this.

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Both teams making their way back onto the field. Halftime from Cedar Falls. What a show put on by Cedar Rapids Xavier the top ranked team in Class 4A. They lead it 21. Nothing over Pella Shawn Kenney Kevin Bowman. So great to have you with us on this Thursday night, coach. I'll tell you what, Xavier in the quest for their fifth state title and they clearly dominated the first half in particular, this bruising ground game and Carter Hoffmann.

Yeah, Carter Hoffmann has done a really nice job. But give give the fullback a lot of credit here. Number five, he's just a junior and he's banging like no one else. And he's going to be able to run the ball and catch the ball. Also he's a three headed monster. I really like the fact that they can run behind him whenever they want.

Yeah, this offensive line is moving people around and then the defense doing the job as well. They are containing a very explosive Pella offense. In particular. Emmanuel Diers. We'll see if the Saints can keep it up in the second half. We'll take one final break. When we come back, the second half kickoff just Pella have enough in the tank to get back into this football game. The Dutch offense to be on the field when we come back.

Coming up on the next episode of Iowa Life, Caleb Weiss grows creativity and tradition. Carlos Oliva becomes the Guatemalan dragon. And Midwest Pets for life helps Iowans keep their pets close.

It breaks my heart to think they'd have to give it up.

All that and more on the next Iowa life. Sunday at 1030 on Iowa PBS.

Oh, that looks really good, especially on a warm, balmy day like it was in Iowa today. Temperatures were way up there. We we made the walk across the street today to the UNI-Dome in short sleeves. You don't do that too often. Come state championship time here in Cedar Falls.

No you don't. And one of my favorite things that always took place in the days when Bob Schmidt was the PA announcer here, he would always say, hey, the temperature outside is whatever it may be inside the UNI-Dome 70 degrees.

That's a pretty good impersonation, coach.

[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER]

Work to do. An uphill climb for Pella. But this is a team that has won so many close games throughout the course of the season. The winning culture that they have in the Pella community. So you know they won't go down without a fight. As we start this second half. From the five yard line. Up ahead, Tyson Roose and Roose returns it to the 24. All right. Let's talk adjustments, starting with the Dutch. Obviously, they need to to get things going. You still take it one play at a time though.

Yeah. You have to be patient. You can't get away from your run game. Obviously when you have Emmanuel Diers, you need to find different ways to get him the ball, spread them out. Remember we talked about getting Xavier vertically and horizontally and that really hasn't happened in the first half.

Michael Manning six of nine for 64 yards in the first half. Diers had three of those catches. Make it four as they go to him right out of the gate and Cedar Xavier was just waiting. Sam Schimberg the playmaker. He has been all over the field throughout the course of the season, and you see that last name, and that's a family legacy. Linebacker tradition. The younger brother of Jack, that last name dating all the way back really to the Regis days.

Oh yes. And you go back to the Regis days and remember, that's the consolidation with LaSalle. I think maybe the most popular Cedar Rapids Regis football player bagged some groceries here in Cedar Falls for a while.

, threw the ball around in this venue that we're enjoying as well.

That's right. Kurt Warner.

Would sneak in during the overnight. They go to Diers, twisting his way on the right side, makes a defender miss Emmanuel Diers won't go down if there's somebody in the white and green tonight that can ignite this squad, it's Emmanuel Diers.

And that's just a sample size of what the man can do with the ball. You see him get to the outside, jump, cut and then patient enough to let another block or get in front of him, read that and get some additional yards.

[APPLAUSE]

Third down for Pella opening drive of this third quarter, the Dutch one for five on third downs tonight. Manning wants to get rid of it quickly and really had no clean throw. VanDenBroek was the receiver he wanted to go to, but really tight man to man coverage.

Yeah, well defended. And the fact that Manning didn't get a chance to step into his throw and actually throws it into the the bench as opposed to his players hands, but unfortunate now because they're Pella will have to punt the ball in. The last thing you want is for Xavier to have the ball again.

It's been a busy night for Roe and he just did get this punt off.

[APPLAUSE]

Pella with a three and out. It's a punt of 25 yards.

[APPLAUSE]

So much tradition and Pella not just with football, but you go back to this summer. They won state championships in both baseball and softball. And they won the two titles a day apart. You don't get that too often. This has been a team that has been road Warriors all season long. And now tonight on the road at the UNI-Dome in a big hole. They will try to get Hoffmann going. And he does in the plus territory. Carter Hoffmann to the 48. You know you keep bringing up Dustin Cook and rightfully so. He has been so good as he checks into this game as the lead blocker. Number five for Xavier and he's just a tough kid. He's all conference wrestler. The youngest of four Cook brothers to play for Xavier. His mom was a college softball player for the University of Iowa. Ryan TJ Adam and now Dustin. He will try to pave the way and he does. Big hole over the left side for Carter Hoffmann unsung heroes. Unselfish football. You need them guys that don't care about the stats, they just want the most important number or letter. In this case a, W.

And the Saints have been running this offense for years since Dwayne has been in charge, and if it's not broken, you don't have to fix it. And Dwayne just understands that as long as our offensive line is winning that war, they will continue to throw the ball to a running back who can get you yards.

Good job that time. By Gage Branderhorst. He was the first one to get the initial penetration. And that forced Hoffmann to go a little bit wider than he wanted to. And that's where Aidyn Halverson was waiting.

I always felt like a small school. Small college towns like Pella. And you take Mount Vernon or Decorah have an advantage to having that college facilities that are available. We talked a little bit about this earlier with Iowa City, but the small, small towns that really have an advantage when they have a school, they're.

On second down. They lob it. And look at this Hoffmann looked like he was dead to right. Two Pella players converging on him, and neither one could track him down. Nate Warner and Ty VanVliet were both there, but somehow Hoffmann eluded.

Yeah, and that's a risky pass. And that scenario, that's one that typically gets batted around. And we've seen that get picked. But Hoffmann once again showing his versatility.

Going to win a lot of football games if you convert on third down like Xavier has tonight three of five in this game. It's a four man rush bringing it back in as Parks. He's going to take off and run first down and smartly goes into a slide. Looked like he was going to be in some trouble. Nate Warner so close to bringing him down.

Yeah. Xavier got out of the I-formation there. They went to shotgun look and spread the field and well, we know the story. Cash Parks gets out and he can run the ball. He's a very effective runner, averaging over five yards per carry. Remember last week in the semis? He rushed for 170 yards.

Stretching first downs together. Just matriculating the first downs as Xavier will use a Time-out. Play clock was winding down so they will stop the clock. 720 to go. Third quarter Xavier in control 21. Nothing in our fourth.

Time-out. Xavier first call of the half.

Our fourth state championship game today. And there's a good look at Nate Warner, central Missouri commit over 200 career tackles. He had 16 tackles in the semifinal. And you talk about a tough customer coach. He plays with a chronic labrum issue and it's a situation where his shoulder routinely pops out. He has to get it reset. In fact, it's so bad it pops out when he's sleeping. So every night he goes to bed, he has to put on a shoulder strap. He has his arm strapped to the side of his body. He had surgery on the shoulder a couple of years ago, and it was during the line of fire when they had the deep run in the postseason. So he played with the torn labrum and now dealing with the effects of it. You can see the protective shoulder strap on his right arm. That is one tough dude right there.

Yes. And he has a set of those spider pads underneath the shoulder pads to give him a little bit a little bit more extra cushion. But that kid is a player. He'll pop it out and a play later he's back out on the field.

Deep drop deep throw receiver out there. Touchdown! Cash Parks gets into the act. His first touchdown pass of the night. And it's the home run hitter Ryan Kelly.

[APPLAUSE]

Well this was set up extremely well by the Saints. Run run run run run a little play action Ryan Kelly going down the middle of the field. At first I thought Parks underthrew him, but Kelly makes a great catch.

We kept talking about it in the first half. You knew that was in the back pocket for Duane Schulte. The connection of Parks to Kelly off the play action. Extra point is up and through. And Xavier picks up where they left off at halftime, 28 to nothing.

Cash Parks with a nice spiral. Just a little bit underthrown, but a nice catch by the Xavier receiver to put 28 up on the board.

28th touchdown pass this year for Cash Parks.

You know the interesting part now is the Saints coming into this game have gone 235 and 7077 winning 75% of their games. We've talked about their state championships 2006, 17, 18 2022 you know, Coach Schulte is seeking one for the thumb right now when it comes to those state title rings. And he's had runner up finishes 20 12, 2013 and 2022.

And you know what I'm saying. Yeah.

[APPLAUSE]

From the five Tyson Roose curling it to the outside as he beelines his way toward the Pella bench, pushed out of bounds shy of the 25. Emmanuel Diers getting ready to come out for Pella. And this is a young man that has a huge heart, huge heart, and quite a background when you look at him. He was adopted from a tiny country in Africa. That's how he arrived in the United States, came over here when he was eight years old. His adoptive parents, Jen and Doug, well known throughout the Pella community and Manuel, one of those players. He wears his personality on his sleeve, and you see the hard nose that he plays with each and every play. The passion he brings. And not only does he wear it on his sleeve, but he has a special person on his mind. You see, he is decked out in pink. The pink gloves, the pink mouthguard. He has bright pink cleats as well. And that is all for his late sister Grace, who tragically passed away and he says he does that to honor her and that she is always in his thoughts every time he steps on the field. Second down and three underneath. And that's a Pella first down. Up ahead they go to the 42 yard line, 11 yards to Austin Schulte.

That's a great play. They split the zone right there a little banana route with the tight end to get him the ball. Well done.

Schulte a familiar name. His father the head basketball coach at Pella. And the great tradition they have on the hardwood. First and ten from the far hash at the 42 yard line. Here they come up the middle. Manning does a nice job eluding, but then he is tracked down by Beau Morio.

The linebackers are so deep with Xavier, and that seems to be the tradition. Excellent linebackers and I don't know how many kids they've had that have played defensively at the University of Iowa. It just seems like one after another. It was a Matt Nelson who was a defensive lineman, went on to the NFL, and of course, we talked about Quinn Schulte just outstanding talent.

Boys.

Second down VanVliet the motion man. They will hand it off to Diers Diers into the second wave. Diers still on his feet. He has one man to beat. Diers with a stiff arm. Look at the power as he finishes his run. He delivered the punishment to Michael Bean that time 46 yards. First down Pella.

Number 71.

Well, the good news is Michael Bean can say, hey, I did take him down, but it was the hardest way possible because Emmanuel Diers just comes out with Derrick Henry, stiff arm and throws the defender down. What power?

They had contained him up until that last play. 82 yards. The longest play from the line of scrimmage and Xavier back to their old tricks. Here. Count them up. One, two three, four. Defenders circling. Number one.

Austin Dostal. Probably the one that's the first contact with him. But just a gang of Saints getting together.

As expected, Diers a heavy part of the Pella offensive production 132 all purpose yards today. 82 on the ground, 50 through the air. Manning to the airwaves looking and it's broken up. Tried to sneak it in to Harrison Mullens, but it was Loffswold who came over in the nick of time.

Well played by Loffswold. You're going to see him time this jump and get up and just knock it down. Maybe with a chance to intercept it. But the biggest thing it wasn't caught by Pella doing your job as a defensive back.

Manning thought he had his feed and Harrison Mullens, but Loffswold was there to break it up. Xavier their fans on their feet. Third down delay. It is Diers trying to find any type of opening and there's nothing there. Max Dougherty, the emotional leader of the defense, high energy guy from the secondary with the stop.

Yes, and a little help from Sam Schimberg grabbing the ankles, which is probably the best way to bring down Diers because once he gets his momentum going, he is so shifty.

Pella needs touchdowns, not field goals. Down 28. Offense stays out there. Fourth down, double move Manning rifles. It caught but shy of the goal line and Xavier comes up with the stand. Michael Bean. Second generation player for coach Schulte. Michael's father played for coach Schulte back in the day and now the senior comes up with the tackle on fourth down.

Remember, Coach Schulte couldn't name all the kids that were second generation. He was a little worried that there might be some third generation right around the corner.

He was not too happy when we asked him about that. He said, I'm not that old yet. Shut intact and Parks in this offense, with their worst starting position of the day from the five yard line. Look at this offensive line and. It's been very impressive. You have to start at left tackle with Andrew Pladsen, the team captain. There's a great picture of him and a local publication after the semifinal win. He was giving Coach Schulte a big bear hug and I asked Dwayne about that. He said, yeah, I'm not surprised. This is our emotional guy up front, has a little bit of a mean streak in practice. You need that as an offensive lineman. They have paved the way tonight for Carter Hoffmann as he inches a little bit closer to a possible record. Still a way to go. But on path 177 yards rushing tonight for Hoffmann. The record for Four-a 263.

Well we still have a quarter left to play and two plus minutes he will get many, many carries yet.

Third down they line up quickly. It is Hoffmann and he keeps his balance and is cracked down, but not before he moves the chains. Man, he is just tough to bring down. How many YAC yards as he had yards after contact tonight.

The second effort. It's incredible. Just when you think you have him down, he finds a way to finagle his way out of it. There he does a nice little twist spin and gets three more yards.

One of those guys who has endless oxygen seems like he never gets tired. And every first down pretty much a couple more minutes off the game clock. If you're Pella.

An incredible part to me is that Xavier is still able to run the ball with as many guys as Pella has in the box. It's just phenomenal that their offensive line can do that.

You mentioned all the linebackers throughout the years, all the different players heading to Iowa. Former offensive lineman Josh Volk, Xavier alum, part of the uni team this year. They run to the field side. This is Dawson Doyle with his first touch Rex Rhamy the stop.

Garner. Miebo. Strong. Weiss.

[APPLAUSE]

This team has played at a high level for Duane Schulte all year, but this performance tonight nearly flawless. Delayed handoff and dropped at the point of attack. That time they were there. David Garner who has been the best defender tonight for Pella, another tackle for Garner.

Don't throw it.

[APPLAUSE]

Yeah. Watch Garner get his hands around him and just does a nice job of staying on his feet and trying to drive him to the ground. Lands on top of him, which is the key that you are moving your feet as a tackler. Let's see if they come after the punt.

They have ten guys up at the line of scrimmage and here they come. They send all ten. But good job with the punt protection and a pretty good punt as well. Rhamy from his own 45. Makes a couple of moves. A return of 12 yards to the 43 following the punt of 37. Best starting position on the night by a mile. If you're Pella.

Pella has had a lot of success in the past, and it was Jay McKinstry. We talked about him who was the head coach for 28 years, state champions in 20 1415 and 16. And then there were runner up in 2009, 2017 and 2024 last year. And coaches last year.

It's a pretty special bond with McKinstry and Ballard. Ballard was his defensive coordinator. He coached for Jay for 15 years. Manning Uncorks. It broken up looking for Harrison Mullens Michael Bean again with the deflection. But you go back to that relationship coach between Jay and and the new Pella coach Ben Bollard. They have coached together for double digit years. And Ben just talked about how much of a great role model he has been for him. Building relationships, really building men of character. Still lives in town. He goes to the games, but he's kind of an introvert. When looking at Jay McKinstry, he will sneak in and out of games, does not want a lot of attention. This guy deserves a lot of attention as Diers picks up ten to the 33.

Yeah, and if you know Jay et al. That is just his personality. He doesn't want to steal anyone's thunder. He's been doing it for a long time. And when you are or like I was, you were the head coach. You really just want to get into the back seat and let the new guy take over.

He wants to go unnoticed so much that they even caught him sitting in the corner in the visitor side of the bleachers. On occasion or two, not cheering for the visitors. Obviously nowhere to go. Manning now is going to take a shot. Jump ball 5050 and it is nearly caught off the deflection. Final play of this third quarter and Manning said, why not? Let's try to put the ball in a place where my guy can make a play and VanDenBroek nearly did.

Media time-out.

The three guys had the chance of catching that ball, and it ended up on the ground. But Manning giving his receiver a chance.

Xavier 12 minutes away. Pursuit of their fifth state title, pitching the shutout on a late Thursday night in Cedar Falls.

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Local, regional and national artists take the stage to perform original sets and share their musical journeys on studio three. Live. Enjoy weekly performances Fridays at 8:30 p.m. online or as a podcast. So great to have you with us tonight. Fourth quarter, final quarter of football and what has been a busy opening day from the University of Northern Iowa. The majestic UNI-Dome here in the center of Cedar Falls. 28 nothing Xavier out in front alongside Paul Yeager field side coach Kevin Bowman Shawn Kenney our fantastic crew welcoming you back. As we start this fourth quarter. Carter Hoffmann 185 yards rushing, three touchdowns. Cash Parks touchdown pass, the only scoring in the third quarter. And that's where we sit right now. Pella though in good shape as the Dutch have it at the Saint 34. Second down and ten. Diers takes it for seven. Brought down by Schimberg.

In. The Saints have played extremely well defensively, holding Diers very minimal amount of yards in this game and I think obviously they're keying on him. But if I'm a Xavier defensive end right now, I'm probably coming upfield pretty hard thinking I'm going to have an opportunity for a sack.

[APPLAUSE]

Back to Diers they go and Pella will have fourth down to discuss what type of play they want to run. Here. Beau Morio starting to pick up some high volume tackles like he has all season.

Yeah, Schimberg and Morio both those guys have just been all over the field. Fantastic linebackers. And not only with defending the run, but watch them get to their hook zones when they do their drops and passing situations. Very active.

They do.

It all. They can come downhill. They can do that Tampa style defense. As you talk about dropping back here, they're going to try to come downhill. On Diers who got tripped up. But I think he stretched it far enough ahead to convert. See the official looking over. We were joking earlier. We never see a measurement anymore in this modern era of football. Somehow that part of the game has disappeared. The white hat looks over and he says, first down Pella.

Virtual measurements. You know what's going on. This is where we're at today in state of Iowa.

I missed the drama of the unfolding of the chains, the kinks. You know, there's a little kinks. They have to stretch it out. Yeah, I mean, that's good television, right?

And they wrap it around a player or a coach on the way. Yeah, that's really exciting.

Come on.

Now.

Diers crosses over the 100 yard mark. First down, Manning to the end zone. Receiver has a step and a great recovery at the last second, it looked like they had a shot at that. But Max Dougherty came flying out of nowhere to break up.

VanDenBroek yeah. Dougherty is listed as a linebacker in our program and he looked like a free safety coming all the way across the field to get his hand on that. Outstanding play.

Not a lot of real estate in the dome behind the end zone area. Good to see everybody. All right. Dougherty a collision with the wall and somebody. Expensive camera. Excellent high jumper. He was the state high jump qualifier. Spinning and pretzeling his way up ahead goes Emmanuel Diers Pella into the red zone for the second time.

Well, they're going to be consistent. They know what they like to do. And the Dutch will stay with it. I do like the fact that they're throwing the ball occasionally, setting it up, but once you get the linebackers to soften up, the run will be available.

VanDenBroek Mullens and Ty VanVliet all to the left. Now. VanVliet in motion. Diers cautiously working his way in. Now, the more you watch Emmanuel Diers, he is not committed to any school yet. But this is a guy that clearly if he chooses and wants to go down the path, he will be a college football player at some level.

Yeah, and he's a senior. Like we said, he's already has a 1700 yards rushing on the season. And what a wonderful kid. They say that he may be the funniest kid on the team. He has a great sense of humor, likes to joke around. Maybe he's a stand up comedian. If this doesn't work out for him.

Fourth down and four Michael Manning to the back of the end zone and a tug of war intercepted by Xavier. Caleb Loffswold came down with.

It.

Officials are going to talk about it. Initially, they signaled touchback interception and that call is going to stand. His defense they bend but they don't break. Two trips for Pella into the red zone. They come away empty. Both times.

Yes. Loffswold the senior five nine 160. And watch him battle to come up with this ball. Incredible timing. And it looked like it was going to be a jump ball where both guys had their hands on it. But Loffswold brings it in for the turnover.

Back to work. Play fake by Parks. He is going to launch it. Deep receiver out there making the catch in stride. 32 yards to the 48 Ty Weiss.

And this is what Xavier is really good at. They can throw deep balls better than any other program. I know it's because they they have the tradition of running the ball up the gut. And then when everyone thinks it's going to be a run, the defense backs are coming up. Instead of going backwards and they throw it, throw the ball extremely well on deep routes.

[APPLAUSE]

The ability to run the football opens up so many avenues. Just makes an offensive coordinators life so much easier. And now they will go back to the ground game with Carter Hoffmann.

[APPLAUSE]

Kyler VanMaanen Duane Schulte. When asked what makes this group so unique and he's always so humble in his responses, he says every year is special. Every year brings new identity with a new batch of players coming through. But one thing about this group, he says, they are so fun to coach. There has been no off the field drama throughout the year. He can push them hard on the field, but when he is off the field with them, they have a really good time and he's admitted he's eased up a little bit as far as his coaching goes and his younger days he was a yeller, he said. Nobody matched me for volume. I was one of those coaches that would get in the student athletes faces the right way. Obviously, for his success and the respect that he has in the community, but he says he softened up a little bit. He doesn't yell quite as much.

Yeah.

And.

You know, sometimes people don't understand when coaches are coaching you. They're trying to make you better. And sometimes it may be at a louder volume than what some people like. But the fact that if you're not coaching them, then it's time to get nervous. As a kid.

That's a good point. You go unnoticed and you don't hear much from any of the coaches. Watch out. Third down misdirection play. Spinning his way up ahead to a first down and thrown forward to the 34 yard line goes Ryan Kelly taking a page out of the Hoffman playbook. Looked a lot like the senior tailback. Kelly moves the chains a gain of ten.

Yeah, and there's a chance for him to get dragged down here. But he does a spin move, gets out of it, cuts back, avoids another tackle. First down.

That is the 21st. First down tonight for Xavier. You don't see that type of number in high school football.

That is controlling the line of scrimmage.

[APPLAUSE]

Inside run. That's three.

[APPLAUSE]

You talked about the multiple sport athletes. He believes in it. And in order to do that you have to have cooperation among all the coaches. And this is a program that has some really big names helping out as assistant coaches. I mean, you have a Hall of Fame girls coach who helps out at the younger ranks. Jim O'Connell, part of the process, state champion baseball coach who's working with kids.

And he's been the defensive coordinator for 32 years.

Throwback near side Dustin Cook gets a touch. Cook, who has been the lead blocker for the majority of the night, rewarded with a little fullback screen and it's a first down.

I'm wondering if cook has said anything at all to coach Schulte about, hey, you know, I'm banging heads all night long. Feed me just once and look what he does. A great game.

Real quickly. the baseball coach we were talking about, Dan Alter coaches, the younger kids, one of the best coaches in the state. Tom Lilly, recently retired from his head. Girls basketball position. Hall of Fame type. Career. First down. They swing it out quickly to the right. Kelly. He doesn't need much daylight.

Quick.

Extremely quick. Out in the open field. Makes a nice cut. Accelerates setting up short situation. No, it's first and goal.

Three goal.

Third catch for Kelly 45 yards. Cash Parks calmly working the Saints down the field and very quietly putting up a solid night himself. 11 of 15 for 143 Carter Hoffmann already has scored three. Let's see if they go to him. Play clock down to two. Down to one and he is going to use a Time-out just before it hit zero.

Xavier number two.

Well, we talked about the rich tradition of both schools and the thing that hits me with Pella is you look at their staff, you know, Jay McKinstry was head coach for 28 years, and at the beginning he was head co-coach with Matt Schulte. And Matt is still on the staff and not related to Dwayne, but the two met like when they were seniors in high school, running in a track meet. Both of them had kids that played football at Iowa, and it was interesting because you had three Schulte, Bryce and Quinn in Austin, all on the Iowa team.

Hoffmann steps out of bounds. Real quickly. I stand corrected. They were not able to get the time-out, so they got tagged with delay of game, but Hoffmann picks up that penalty yardage right back and then some.

Two.

[LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE]

That last carry by Hoffmann his 31st of the night 31 carries 196 yards.

[APPLAUSE]

They pitch it carry number 32 trying to cut it back in. But Gage Branderhorst was there.

Dutch are still fighting. I like that they're not going to give anything up. If the scenario of Xavier scores and connects on the extra point, it would be a running clock.

[APPLAUSE] [LAUGHTER]

They want to put Wilgenbusch split wide right alongside the smaller Kelly Xavier had confusion. You could see the coaches along the Saints sideline trying to get the attention, and they are forced to use the Time-out.

Second call Time-out.

[APPLAUSE]

Yeah, that wasn't a fair match up. You're looking at A59 guy against six foot plus. So I like that that the fact that Xavier knew that that was going to be a nice little fade route, and he had to call a time-out.

Ninth play or excuse me, this will be the 10th play of this drive coming up. They've taken it 75 yards. And most importantly they have taken off seven minutes of this game clock.

That's a slow and painful death. If you're a Pella fan, you just watch that clock wind down. It's hard to take, but credit to Xavier just outstanding team. You know, one of the things that we need to mention, there's 36 teams in Class 4A and your number two, whoever loses this and it's not looking good for the Dutch, but you know, there's nothing wrong with being the second best team in the state. You've had a great postseason run.

[APPLAUSE]

I know there's no such thing as a perfect football game, but Xavier has played about as close to a perfect game as you can play tonight. Every part of the game, they wanted to go with the fade. Now he'll just throw it up near the pylon and broken up. Cash Parks taking a pretty good hit behind the play there as he had pressure from Halverson. DeHeus with the Pbu.

It looks like they're bringing out their field goal unit. This would be about what? 17. 22 yard field goal.

Ty Weiss a little more than a chip shot and he splits the uprights. It is good. Three more for Xavier. And this crowd comes to their feet. The short trip over from Cedar Rapids. They know. what's coming next. Another state title for 50 years, market to market has been the news in Commodity market information source for anyone who lives and works in rural America. Join host Paul Yeager every Friday night at 8 p.m., Sundays at 1230 for Market to market. The Weekly Journal of Rural America or stream online anytime.

Sean in this scenario, as a head coach, you're talking about, I need to get these kids in the game. You know what's the most important thing is everyone has their opportunity to play in the state championship game, and that's where I'm going to have to get my assistants together and saying, okay, I want that next group of offensive linemen, defensive linemen, whatever it may be. So they're ready to roll.

Yeah, you never know when you're going to get back. It is so tough. All the chips out to line up in the right spots throughout the course of the regular season. Then if you earn one of the coveted playoff spots, whether it's home or away, takes a lot to be playing in late November in Iowa. Both of these teams have earned it. Roose from a yard deep, driven out of bounds.

[APPLAUSE]

Great tackle by number 30. Rex Komenda the junior 510, 175 pounds.

[APPLAUSE]

Mentioned all the road trips this year for Pella. The rigors of a regular season. They travel to Waverly. They went all the way to North Scott. They took a bus over to Marion. All three of those road trips over a four week span, even had a bus break down before they left the parking lot to Waverly in week two, which is always a coach's dream. First down, they swing it out. This is the return man getting a catch up to the 26 yard line goes Tyson Roose.

Some great blocking by his wide receivers on the outside. The Saints are in more of a prevent defense. They're trying to eliminate any big or long throws and runs.

You see Pella break huddle and their first year coach Ben Bollard life is funny. He told us he never set out to be a head coach, but he simply cared so much about Pella. As they take a shot downfield and Harrison Mullens trying to split the zone could not. Boller told us he cares so much about Pella his final year of football was in 2002 for coach McKinstry, and he did so much for him as horrors, not just on the gridiron, but him as a person. And he just wanted to pay it forward and J announced that the end was near for him as far as patrolling the sideline. He wanted to make sure all that hard work would not be lost. He almost took it upon himself to make sure, okay, we're going to keep this thing going. We're going to be okay.

And it's a great thing when you are a former student athlete and you start coaching in your hometown and you just have that ability. deep ball and Pella.

Finds the end zone lane. They just kept fighting for their first year. Coach Manning with the touchdown 74 yards. Put it right in the breadbasket for VanDenBroek.

You can see VanDenBroek has some outstanding speed. He was able to clear away from the defender. And that ball by Manning was put right where it needed to be.

[APPLAUSE]

Here comes my guy. Number 65. Nile Roe. Oh, I think they're going for two.

Yep.

Diers Mullens all their weapons out there on this two point conversion. I think they're short. One guy, though, they only have ten out there now. The 11th body will come sprinting on two point conversion for Pella late. Manning looking right. He puts some air on it. Going up and jarred loose at the last second Michael Bean as they try to go right back to VanDenBroek, but something positive for Pella Manning with a beautiful deep ball. Look at this touch.

Right in the spot where it can only be caught by your receiver and I'll go back to that play. On the two point conversion too. What a great play by Michael Bean knocking that away. That's a thing about Xavier defensive backs that played extremely well too. We're talking about the linebackers and the front four, but just overall defensively great game.

Pella Dutch. Brody VanZee. Bryant.

Kelly. Saints.

Xavier. Weary of an onside attempt. They have everybody up. Ten guys within 20 yards of the ball. And there it is straight up the middle they go. And a nice pickup there. But did I hear a whistle before. Yes I did. Flag is thrown. That was Morio who fielded it. Pella might.

Have.

Had a head start. Let's listen.

On the kicking team across the line before the ball was kicked. Five-Yard penalty. We really kicked.

It's all about timing. And one of the gunners trying to get downfield just a little bit too quick. Out of the gates.

And if I'm Xavier, I'm saying no, we'll just take the ball where we recovered it. Officials going to say, well, it doesn't work like that.

They'll try it again. Take two, and Xavier comes up with it. Diving play by Dustin Cook. Now a little pushing and shoving after the play as Cook emerges with the football.

I'm not surprised I've been mentioning his name a lot and just. I really like this kid and how tough he is, and he's a younger brother like I am. I had four older brothers, and what you have to go through as the youngest? Wow.

His brother Adam knows what it feels like to win a state title. He was part of Xavier's last run talking about Dustin Cook's brother. He was part of the 2022 title team. It hasn't all been roses for Xavier in this UNI-Dome you go back to the infamous night where the lights went out at 10:00. They had the battle with Council Bluffs Lewis Central that night, and all of a sudden a timer triggers the lights to go out and it went dark for a while. And that's still a bad taste in the mouth for Coach Schulte.

Oh, and when you brought that up in the production meeting, I was afraid he was going to jump through the zoom camera at you. He was unhappy.

He was. He was ready to bolt and he still would have caught me. Second down, gaping hole up the middle for Dustin Cook as he rumbles his way to 26. And with that carry Xavier ties a four a title game record, 24 first downs tonight.

Wow. Let's keep this thing going. How many can you have in a night?

[APPLAUSE]

I also thought it was entertaining when we brought up retirement with Coach Schulte, and his comment was, well, my wife says, what else are you going to do?

Yeah.

He thought about it. There's been a couple of times he was thinking about it after his youngest son, Quinn, graduated. His family said, no, like you said, what are you going to do with all that spare time? You need to continue coaching? So he did that. Then he had a daughter go through. He thought, well, maybe when she graduates, it would be the time. But nope, not the case.

And now he brought up grandchildren.

That's right. I said, you need to stay in there until your your grandchildren come through. And congratulations to the Schulte. He is going to be a grandpa in early 2026. Kelly outside will take it up to the 11 yard line, 13 yards to Ryan Kelly inside. Two minutes we go.

[APPLAUSE]

And that breaks a new record for first downs in a state title game.

You know, Pella has won a lot of tough games along the line here. They won that quarterfinal game against Decorah 7 to 6 when Decorah scored late in the game and then fumbled the snap on the extra point. And it just they've been really solid, Davenport North 17 to 14. Just some real tough games down this season.

[APPLAUSE]

Little Chippiness late. Try to keep it clean over the final minute 23 and counting. Xavier fans coming to their feet. This party is going to get started real quickly.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

Victory formation and a team that has flat out dominated anyone that was put out in front of them this year. Their closest game. You have to go back to week two with Western Dubuque. They beat Western Dubuque 2113. But you look at what they have done in this postseason. My goodness, 47 nothing over Waverly-shell Rock 45 seven over a really good ADM team. Newton tested them. 3124 in overtime in the semis. And now tonight in the finals, the countdown is on for Cedar Rapids. Xavier from start to finish. This was all Xavier tonight and the program has won number five. Final few moments in year 32 for Duane Schulte, the fifth state championship for Cedar Rapids. Xavier.

[APPLAUSE]

The top ten. From 2016.

[APPLAUSE]

What a performance.

Yeah, congratulations to the Saints once again being so dominant on both sides of the ball and you know, Pella just ran into a very tough team tonight. Unfortunately, they didn't play their best football. But finishing number two and there's there's. What how many other schools. 34 other schools that would trade places with them to be in that scenario.

Some of the individual numbers tonight Hoffmann rushes for 207 yards, 34 carries for Carter Hoffmann tonight. Cash Parks 11 of 16 for 143 has the touchdown pass as well to Ryan Kelly. Handshakes all the way around. I see a family friend down there in green for Pella a familiar face with the hat. The green bill and the the white hat. That's Seth Marburger Perry ties with.

The.

Marburger family. His father, Dan, was an offensive lineman, a good one for Central College and Pella. Now his son, part of the Pella coaching ranks.

That's right. Dan was out of East Central Small School. That was combination of miles and sabula. And Sabula is the only island city in the state of Iowa. But Dan's wife, Elizabeth and I worked together for 5 or 6 years at Maquoketa middle School. Outstanding lady and just feel for that family. And you know what a tough scenario.

High fives all the way around for Cedar Rapids. Xavier. They are all fired up and they should be. What a season they go perfect in 2025 and they are back on top here in the state of Iowa for the first time since 2022. They left little to doubt tonight.

[APPLAUSE]

Just a few moments. We're going to check in with our Paul Yeager as he will talk to our star of the game. And I'm sure as you watch at home, you know who that's going to be. Carter Hoffmann. He set the tone in the first half. His three rushing touchdowns propelling Xavier to a 21 nothing halftime lead. The defense holding serve up until late in Pella hit the long touchdown pass. We'll also hear from Coach Schulte on what this means. That's all coming up on our post game show. And just a little bit. What a day of football. Coach started with Eight-Player and a couple of barn burners and a and one a, this one a little lopsided and Class 4A, but yeah, three more big ones tomorrow to get to.

That's right Sean, and you're working all three of them. So you are the man. You are the marathon man this weekend. That's incredible. But one of the things that I want to point out is if I was Mr. Carter Hoffmann, I'd be booking my reservations at peppers or somewhere here in Cedar or Cedar Falls area and saying, hey, my offensive line, it's on me taking you out for supper tonight.

Absolutely. Good idea right there. The O linemen will appreciate it. Let's listen in to the trophy presentation. Your state runner up finishes.

The 2025 season.

With a record.

Of 11 and two in their 35th playoff appearance. Please help us congratulate the student athletes, coaches and supporters from Pella.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

And your class for a state champion has completed the 2025 season with an undefeated season of 13 and oh winning title number 5 in 22 playoff appearances. Congratulations to head coach Duane Schulte and the Xavier Saints.

31 to 6 Cedar Rapids, Xavier, bringing the trophy to some of their students to showcase. Oh, I think it might have broke on him. That's as I'm sure they'll find a way to get it all patched together. It's a state title regardless, as we swing it down to Paul.

Thanks, guys. All right.

Coach.

Coach him hard. Don't be a jerk. You didn't have to work too hard tonight. It seemed like it was a heck of a ball game, though. Tell me about the moxie of this team.

They've just been a fun group to coach all year. I mean, like I said, you pre-interview like a few days ago. They're just a fun group to coach. They work hard, there's no drama. They don't care about themselves. They're totally team oriented. Our scout team guys have put in a lot of work and make the starters better. Just a really, really fun group to coach.

We're going to get Carter in a moment. Tell me about Carter Hoffmann, what he meant to your team tonight.

Oh, he did great. I mean, I don't know how many carries he had, but he lugged the ball and did a fantastic job.

I'll tell you a minute. 34 for 204.

That's amazing. And he'll be the first to tell you his O-line did a great job too. And AJ has a tight end helped blocking. So it's a total team effort. But Carter's come a long ways. He started for us as a sophomore and did a great job then too. So he's been around for a few years and just a great kid.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Appreciate it I see Carter, so give me just a minute. I got to go dig into him. This could be one of those crazy live interviews. We're going to try it. I'm going to knock everything down. I knew I'd get tackled at some point. I can't hear you upstairs.

Well, Paul, just make sure you stay clear of the offensive line. because they will open up a hole. Maybe go find them and they'll lead you right to them.

They're looking for one more pancake block.

Terrific work. All.

Where's where's Carter?

And all afternoon by our Paul Yeager. Setting the stage each and every game with his pregame and his halftime show and all of his post-game work. Right in the middle of a celebration right now for Cedar Rapids, Xavier. This is a photograph that I guarantee you every one of these kids will be talking about when they're our age and beyond. I mean, you just never forget about your high school memories.

And they're going to say, why is Paul Yeager photobombing us in this scenario? I got it just doesn't seem right.

A perfect season number one from start to finish. Fighting Saints of Cedar Rapids, Xavier. And the hardware put back together for now.

[APPLAUSE] [APPLAUSE]

I love what Coach Schulte mentioned in bringing up the scout team and some of the younger players, and even some of the older players that may not get the reps. It's a team effort. That's the beauty of football. This is the ultimate team sport. You need everybody and you need bodies to perform at a high level in practice, where you can go good on good and have some of the depth to put together a performance like what we saw tonight.

Oh, definitely. And especially with your scout team trying to do what Pella does offensively and change motions and formation and do all that and be a realistic so you can get that alignment and assignment all taken care of. And obviously the scout team did a nice job because Xavier was well prepared. We talked about, you know, the state championships and reminder that LaSalle won a couple in 1982 and 83 and then Cedar Rapids. Regis was state champions in 1978.

They have been having success many years. As we check back in with Paul, who's made his way to our star of the night.

Carter, what did it mean to take those photos right there?

It meant everything. I mean, coming here watching the 2017, 2018 and 2022 team, I just knew I wanted to be on the field and doing that one day.

I'm not saying it looked easy tonight, but you just ran and ran and ran. What was your mindset coming into a championship.

[APPLAUSE]

Game?

Oh, pretty much just get as many yards as I can. My linemen did their job. They all blocked for me. Everyone just did their job on offense and that's what helped a lot.

34 carries, 204 yards. Which stat do you like the most?

Oh I'd probably say my yards cause I couldn't have done it without my linemen or my whole offense.

Shout out your o-linemen right now. Tell me their names.

Andrew Pladsen Andrew Renner Travis Jasper Keegan Kalainoff and Zander Armstrong.

Do you owe them a dinner now?

Yeah, I owe them donuts.

All right. Congratulations.

Thank you.

All right. That's a champion.

Let's go.

Earned it tonight. What a story. And what a day of football. Opening day of our state championship coverage. And the final trophy on this Thursday night belongs to Cedar Rapids. Xavier two. Proud programs. The ninth all time meeting they entered tonight squared away at four apiece. But it was Xavier the better team tonight. Don't forget two championship coverage tomorrow morning, 10 a.m. Right back here at the UNI-Dome alongside coach Kevin Bowman. This is Sean Kenny saying good night from Cedar Falls.

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