Wegher steals the spotlight
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – This is why Brandon Wegher had scholarship offers from all over the country.
Wegher, a 5-foot-11, 206-pound four-star running back from Sioux City (Iowa) Heelan, showed why he's ranked as one of the top 15 all-purpose running backs in the nation this past Friday night.
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The Iowa commitment led the Pride to a 28-13 victory over the Harlan Cyclones, who came into the game as the No. 2 ranked team in the state.
Wegher had 30 carries for 308 yards, two catches for 15 yards, and three rushing touchdowns. Wegher's biggest run came on a third and 8, when he took a toss 88 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter.
"Yeah, that was actually an accident, we ran the wrong play." Wegher said. "It was called a sweep pass, but I ended up with the ball, and I guess it worked out."
Like it did most of the night.
Wegher showed why he's one of the top prospects in the state of Iowa with his dominance on both sides of the football, and even some special work on special teams.
Along with his job at running back, Wegher works triple time as a safety and kicker.
Wegher took a fake punt on fourth and 8 and ran with it for a gain of 15 yards with his team only up seven.
"I knew I was running it." Wegher said. "I didn't even think about punting it."
The run lead to the Pride eventually scoring on that drive with a Wegher 15 yard run.
Wegher knew that gaining 300 plus yards doesn't came by itself.
"I can't thank my line enough," Wegher said. "They say I make their job easier, but I don't know what I would do without those guys."
Wegher wasn't the only Division I prospect that made an impact in the game.
Junior Zach McCabe showed why he is a star in two sports.
The 6-foot-6, 200-pound quarterback for Heelan has three Division-I offers for basketball from Butler, UNI and Indiana State.
After starting for two years as the Pride quarterback, he has gained some interest from some schools for football.
"I have gotten some interest letters from Iowa, Nebraska and Iowa State." McCabe said.
And after Friday it's easy to see why. McCabe completed 7 of 12 passes for 74 yards, and had 19 yards rushing on four carries. He also had a rushing touchdown against the Cyclones' tough defense.
McCabe said he plans on taking a few visits after football season to most of his schools. Of the three offers that McCabe has he says he is mostly interested in the Butler Bulldogs but isn't going to be making any major decisions yet – even between football and basketball.
Harlan's star junior, defensive end Matt Hoch, has said he has received a lot of interest letters. He already says Iowa has offered him a scholarship.
Hoch finished the game with five hurries against the quarterback, but no sacks. The defensive end also plays tight end. He had two catches for 12 yards.
"I have received letters from Alabama, Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Iowa State and Missouri." Hoch said Friday night. "Missouri is very interested in me. I am going to the game this weekend to see my brother."
Matt's older brother Dan Hoch committed to Missouri last football season.
"Dan being down there is a huge factor, and it kind of gives Missouri an edge, but Nebraska is probably my No. 1 school right now," he said.