POLK COUNTY, Iowa — No. 1 Southeast Polk is now 8-0 after a thrilling 3OT win over No. 2 Dowling Catholic as they pursue a third straight state championship. Connor Moberly has played a large role in that success.
"In our program, it's about leading the team and winning games," said head coach Brad Zelenovich. "He's been as good as anybody we've had."
It's Moberly's second year as the starter, and with every start has come more comfort.
"I feel like even with the more pressure that's probably on me now, I don't even really look at it like that," he said. "I feel like I'm definitely more confident and more relaxed when I'm playing this year."
As he's gotten more relaxed, he's grown on the field.
"I think he's improved athletically," Zelenovich said. "I think one of the most underrated parts of his game is obviously, you know, making plays when things break down."
Moberly is committed to play at Iowa State. He's far from the first Ram to make it to a power five program. Currently, Kadyn Proctor, Xavier Nwanpka and Abu Sama are all playing significant snaps at their respective programs.
"We spent a lot of years around here with not having a lot of college players. And so to be able to have the run that we've had speaks to, you know, those players, their families, and obviously, hopefully, the program that we're trying to build here," Zelenovich said.
Before Iowa State, Moberly is hoping to lead the Rams to a third straight title.
"Three-peat, obviously (it's) going to be pretty tough and everybody's gonna have the best shot against us. But I mean, just going in every week just getting better. I think we'll just be perfectly fine."
Southeast Polk wraps up the regular season against Des Moines Lincoln on Friday.