Future Hawkeyes heading to the Dome

The Iowa High School playoffs are nearly complete but teams are still fighting for a chance to play for the State title. Many future Iowa Hawkeyes will be in action throughout the semifinals so making the trip up to Cedar Falls could be worth it to catch an early glimpse on some of the recruits in 2010.

Three seniors set to sign with the Hawkeyes in February come to the UNI-Dome with their teams undefeated, ranked #1, and favored to bring home a State title. The most recent in-state commitment, Iowa City High quarterback A.J. Derby, is a huge part of the Little Hawk offense and will have a major say in their success in Cedar Falls. This senior has thrown for 1,515 yards, 20 touchdowns, and also added 670 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. Derby will face off against a tough defense from Xavier at 7:30 PM on Friday, November 13th. This is the same Xavier club who shut down Derby last season in the playoffs and ended their season.

The first player to commit to Iowa in the Class of 2010, Solon linebacker James Morris, is gunning for a third straight championship. This two time All Stater has a chance to cement his legacy as one of the best high school players ever to play in-state with another championship for the Spartans. Over his career, Morris has had the opportunity to play in three title games and could get a chance to play in number four with a win over North Fayette. These two 12-0 clubs match up in an early matchup on Monday, November 16th at 10:30 AM. For the season, Morris has rushed for 1,817 yards, 33 touchdowns, has 59 tackles, and also has tossed for 374 yards and five touchdowns.

Heading to the western side of the State, after a three year drought from the semifinals, Harlan is back and expected to add another crown to their trophy case. Future Hawkeye defensive end Matt Hoch has been dominating for the Cyclones once again this fall. He successfully made the switch on offense from tight end to fullback and has rushed for 546 yards and seven touchdowns. But Hoch is best on defense and that is obvious when watching him play. This senior has 125 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, and two interceptions for a team that is holding opponents to only 5.4 points per game. Hoch and company will be playing against undefeated Carroll on Monday, November 16th at 4:30 PM.

As for others to watch, here is a look at some interesting story lines for standout players in a variety of classes:

Marshalltown quarterback Chanse Creekmur recently decommitted from Santa Clara and has been said to be looking at his football options as well now. This one time Iowa basketball commit has tossed for 3,010 yards and 30 touchdowns for a team that is 12-0. Marshalltown faces off against #2 Dowling on Friday, November 13th at 4:30 PM.

The Hawkeyes are likely done recruiting scholarship quarterbacks but one who received early attention was Blake Haluska of Carroll. He will be looking to upset undefeated Harlan on Monday, November 16th at 4:30 PM.

Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley boasts two of the tallest receivers in the country with Marcus Heemstra and Jordan Dykstra both standing 6-foot-9. Dykstra was once committed to Iowa State but both will be signing later this month with South Dakota State. They are 12-0 and play IKM/Manning on Monday, November 16th at 1:30 PM in the Class 2A semifinals. Both Dykstra and Heemstra play wide receiver.

Another quarterback who added an Iowa Junior Day was Jake Waters of St. Albert. This soon to be three time All Stater has passed for 25 touchdowns while helping his team to a 12-0 record. The #1 rated Falcons battle Prairie Valley on Saturday, November 14th at 1:00 PM.

One of the toughest defenses in recent years will be on display Friday, November 13th at 10:30 AM. This group from North Tama has been holding teams to a jaw dropping 1.5 points per contest.

Armstrong-Ringsted running back Tyler Tonderum is gunning to finally win the title as a senior. He has rushed for 1,948 yards and 48 touchdowns for a club that is 11-1. They will battle Adair-Casey on Thursday, November 12th at 10:00 AM in the 8-Man semifinals.