4 Downs: Gazette staff hands out midseason awards, discusses Hawkeye recruits and halftime shows

The Gazette’s Iowa sports staff and contributors opted to discuss questions about high school football instead of rocket science and macroeconomics. See how much ground Jeff Linder, Jeff Johnson, K.J. Pilcher and Scott Unash cover in 4 Downs:

1ST & 10: Who is your midseason Most Valuable Player?

Jeff Linder: I like the consistency of Cedar Rapids Xavier QB Cash Parks, a lot. Fifteen touchdowns, no interceptions and an 81-percent completion percentage for the best team in the area.

Jeff Johnson: In 8-Player, I’m going with Nolan Kriegel of Iowa Valley. He has 1,364 yards and 26 touchdowns for an undefeated team. In the 11-player game, I’m going with Alburnett’s Lake Caves. He has helped the Pirates to a surprising 4-1 record with 1,232 total yards, which is the most in the state in 11 player. Honorable mention to Cedar Rapids Prairie’s David Fason, who is the best big school player I’ve seen this season.

K.J. Pilcher: Hard not to look at the production from BGM Beau Burns and consider him a shoe-in. He leads the state with 1,374 rushing yards and is second with 22 rushing TDs and 32 total TDs. Burns has passed for almost 900 yards and 10 scores. But Iowa City Liberty’s Reece Rettig is still the No. 1 difference maker in my opinion. In addition to his 1,381 offensive yards and 17 touchdowns, Rettig is a playmaker, a consummate leader. Watching him nearly will the Lightning to a 44-31 comeback win over Iowa City West, I don’t think anyone has the same impact as the senior quarterback. Sure, his interceptions are up but he does so much beyond the box score that makes him an MVP. He might even drive the bus and wash the team’s jerseys each week.

Scott Unash: I will single out three performers. For 8-Player, there is no discussion, it's Nolan Kriegel of Iowa Valley. Kriegel is putting together one of the all-timers in the 8-Player game with over 1,150 yards rushing, nearly 1,700 all-purpose yards and 38 touchdowns. For 11-Player football, I split my vote between BGM's Beau Burns and Alburnett's Laken Caves. Burns has video game numbers of nearly 1,400 yards rushing and 32 scores in five games, and Caves leads Class 2A in all-purpose yards with over 1,200 and fifth on the Pirates in tackles.

2ND & LONG: Who is your midseason Coach of the Year?

Jeff Linder: At 5-0, maybe West Delaware is punching above its weight. Or, more likely, the Hawks are just that good. Either way, my pick is Ryan King.

Jeff Johnson: Going with Jared Pospisil at Union Community. The Knights were 3-6 last season, 5-0 this season.

K.J. Pilcher: This might be one of the toughest choices. North Linn’s Jared Collum and Solon’s Lucas Stanton are two contenders. Both are 5-0 and have been impressive. The Lynx graduated a lot of talent from last season and they are a success, regardless of the letters he receives. Solon had question marks to start the year but has posted a lot of answers. It might be one of Stanton’s best coaching jobs, leading them through a gauntlet of an early-season schedule. My overall choice, however, is West Delaware’s Ryan King. The Hawks are 5-0 and play with a physical and tough mentality. I covered their win over Dubuque Wahlert. I was impressed with the hard-nosed approach. Also, the Hawks have a whole new offensive line and a new quarterback, which makes the achievements even more special.

Scott Unash: Yeah, I know I'm a fence sitter! But I split my midseason Coach of the Year vote as well with Ryan King of West Delaware and Jared Collum from North Linn. King has found a way to replace all-everything Brent Yonkovic, and has the Hawks at 5-0 going into the big Highway 20 rivalry game with Independence this week. Collum also has the Lynx unbeaten at the midpoint of the campaign and that includes a win over then-No. 1 rated Maquoketa Valley. The Lynx had to replace a tremendous amount of skill talent from last year and so far have done so brilliantly.

3RD & SHORT: What in-state Iowa Hawkeye recruit has made the biggest impact this season?

Jeff Linder: Can I make it a duo? I’ll go with Iowa City West teammates Julian Manson and Colin Whitters.

Jeff Johnson: Back to David Fason. You can’t block him from his D-line position, you can’t tackle him once he has the ball because he’s so strong. Talked to a Prairie coach recently, who said “He’s got the biggest hands I’ve ever seen.”

K.J. Pilcher: Cedar Rapids Prairie’s David Fason committed to Iowa as a preferred walk-on. Hawkeye coaches might want to revisit their offer. Fason has been a force this season, showing his versatility, athleticism and dominance. He is a solid target that can run through defenders in the open field. Prairie Coach Kyle Knock is starting to use him in the backfield and is as strong as anyone rushing. Heck, he even has four pancake blocks. On defense, he wreaks havoc, ranking among the state leaders in tackles for loss (16). Twenty-six of his 28.5 tackles are solo stops and he has six sacks. Fason has forced five fumbles with an interception. He even plays a role on special teams.

Scott Unash: No one's stock has jumped higher during the season than Cedar Rapids Prairie's David Fason. The recent Hawkeye commit has been an absolute animal on the field this year – on both sides of the ball. As my broadcast partner, John Hegarty, says, he is like tackling a runaway bison at Yellowstone! He leads Prairie with 28.5 tackles, including six sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Throw in his offensive numbers as well, 11 catches for 188 yards and two scores, and seven rushes for 56 yards and a score. Oh, and he punts too, with a 41-yard average.

4TH & GOAL: Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime act for the Super Bowl. Who would you like to see perform at halftime during title games at the UNI-Dome?

Jeff Linder: Who is Bad Bunny?

Jeff Johnson: I mean, I’d personally love to perform. I’ve got voice, you know. But I’ll go with Lil Uzi Vert instead. Because “Chill Bae” and “Do What I Want” are just such a vibe.

K.J. Pilcher: Actually, I’m down with Bad Bunny. I like his vibe. When it comes to November in the UNI-Dome, bring in former Cedar Rapids Kennedy standout Dalles Jacobus. He’s actually played on the playoff turf and brings the Iowa flavor. It would be relatable and a good fit. Now, if we’re talking wish list and bringing in a big name I’d have to go with Billie Eilish. I am a huge fan and know she would be extremely entertaining.

Scott Unash: Let's hope it never comes to this! Give me awards at halftime to honor great people doing great things in athletics anytime. But, since the question was asked, I will give you a pair. Nothing says the state of Iowa more than the Pork Tornadoes! If you haven't had fun watching them play, you aren't trying. And I have to believe that everyone at one time or another in their lives has been to see Hairball. Give me those two acts any time, any place! Of course, they probably won't appeal to the younger crowd.