This Hesse a very good quarterback, too

WAUKON — This football season couldn't be going any better for Perry and Marcia Hesse.

Their son, Parker, is a defensive end for the University of Iowa. Unless you live in a cave, you know the Hawkeyes are undefeated, ranked top 10 nationally and are closing in on the Big Ten Conference West Division championship.

Their son, Peyton, is quarterbacking a Waukon High School team that's been nearly as flawless as Iowa. The Indians are 9-1 heading into their Class 2A second-round playoff game Monday night at Aplington-Parkersburg.

Do the math, and that's 17 wins and one lone loss for the Hesses. Tough to top that.

'Yeah, it's been a pretty exciting fall for us,' Peyton Hesse said. 'We're trying to finish it out strong.'

You may not have heard as much about him as his older sibling, but Peyton Hesse has pieced together a terrific prep career.

He threw for 1,500 yards and 19 touchdowns (to three interceptions) last season as a junior. He has a school-record 2,085 yards and 29 TDs this season.

'We've just got a great group of guys,' Hesse said. 'We've got all seniors on the line, and they give me time to throw the ball. And we've got a couple of good receivers who are tall, lanky and fast.'

Those receivers are senior Wyatt Wille and junior Tanner Mathis, and they have combined to catch 97 passes for 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns.

'Peyton got a little bit of playing time as a sophomore,' said Waukon Coach Chad Beermann. 'He's a very smart kid, has close to a 4.0 GPA. He's got a good arm. Last year, he had 19 touchdowns and three interceptions. This year, he has increased his touchdowns, but also his picks because he's pushing the ball downfield more ... He loves to compete, works hard at it.'

Parker Hesse helped Waukon to the 2A state championship game in 2013 as a dual-threat QB who had more touchdowns rushing than passing. He could do that at 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds.

Peyton, on the other hand is more of a pure passer who is listed at 6 foot and 165 pounds. He says it's more like 5-11 1/2 and 160.

The brothers are close.

Peyton missed his first Iowa game this past Saturday because Waukon had practice. Parker watches all of Peyton's game films and sends his critique each and every week.

'He gives me tips on things I can do better,' Peyton said.

He was asked who has the better arm.

'You know, I don't know,' he said. 'That's always good debate when he comes home.'

Peyton said he has some colleges interested in him as an 'athlete.' He'll wait until Waukon's season is complete to concentrate on that.

'If he had Parker's size, he'd be a D-I guy,' Beermann said. 'Without a doubt.'

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com