An season full of highs and lows was capped off by one final peak this week as the Greene County football team snagged a pair of all-district honors.
Senior linebacker and part-time running back Jake Berns as well as junior wide receiver Trey Hinote and sophomore Xavier Hayes represented the Rams on the Class 3A, district 2 first team.
Though the Rams mustered just a single win this past fall, the trio was a constant throughout.
Berns was one of the top defenders in the entire state, let alone district 2. The linebacker was fifth in the district with 74.5 total tackles, which placed him ninth in the state. He recorded 44 solo tackles, which led the Rams, averaging 8.2 tackles per game. His total was 30 more than the next closest Greene County defender. Berns also carried the ball 39 times, rushing for 155 yards, a four yard average, the third best total on the team.
Hinote was one of the top receivers in the district as well as the state, securing 44 receptions for 569 yards, which was the 14th-best receiving total in all of 3A and fifth in the district. The junior’s 44 receptions led the district, ahead of Perry’s Brandon Kenyon (39) and placed him sixth in the state.
Hinote’s 152 yards and nine catches in the season-opener against Kuemper was the 12th best total in 3A this fall.
The speedy receiver also reeled in 10 receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ 61-21 victory over Iowa Falls-Alden Sept. 22.
In the season finale against Ballard, Hinote caught seven balls for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
Hayes played an instrumental role as a defensive back and kick returner, never more important than in the win over IF-A. The sophomore hauled in two interceptions in the victory, helping support a stout defensive effort.
Hayes finished the year with three interceptions, which was tied for fourth in district 2. He also returned a kick 99-yards for a touchdown against Gilbert, a score that gave the Rams the lead. He tallied 220 return yards on five returns, which was sixth most in the district. In addition, he produced 28 total tackles, including 15 solo.
Quarterback Clint Dennhardt and lineman Tyler Miller were tabbed with honorable mention recognition.
Dennhardt was fifth in district two with 1,013 yards passing to go with 13 total touchdowns. He ran for 241 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns.
Miller anchored the offensive line as well as the defensive line, forcing several quarterback hurries while paving the way for a rush attack that produced 938 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Rams rushed for a school-record 420 yards and eight touchdowns in their 40-point win over Iowa Falls-Alden, aided by Colby Kafer’s school-record 285 rushing yards.
Pella seeks fourth straight title in 3A championship
In Class 3A semifinal action at the UNI Dome last week, Pella had to hold off a valiant comeback to punch their fourth straight trip to the championship.
The Dutch, who have won three consecutive state titles, rushed out to a 35-0 lead in the first half but watch Harlan charge back, outscoring them 22-8 in the second half. Pella eventually held on, 41-39, knocking down a game-tying two-point conversation pass from the Cyclones (10-2).
Pella (11-1), winners of 10 straight, was led by quarterback Ryan Gustafson, who threw for 180 yards and three touchdowns.
Harlan quarterback Deren Schmitz was tremendous through the air, throwing for 358 yards and five touchdowns, completing 25-of-49 passes.
Cedar Rapids Xavier had a much easier time reaching the title game, blasting Solon (11-1), 35-7. Xavier (12-0), the 2006 Class 4A state champion, was led by its rushing attack, which produced 210 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Quinn Schulte ran for 107 yards and three touchdowns.
The Class 3A championship game is set for 7 p.m. Thursday night inside the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.
Dowling Catholic seeks its fourth straight title as well in 4A against Iowa City West, at 7 p.m. Friday.
Waukon and Williamsburg square off in the 2A championship at 2 p.m. Friday.