Iowa City West's Boland mastering the game

IOWA CITY — Nate Boland is faster than last year. The Iowa City West quarterback still can make all the throws.

But Coach Brian Sauser said Boland's ability to read defenses and process in-game situations gives him a unique dimension among the state's top quarterbacks.

'His mental aptitude out there is probably as good, if not better, than any kid I've ever been around,' Sauser said. 'He's gone from being just a good thrower — a very accurate thrower — to managing the whole game.'

"He sees things on the defensive side. For high school kids to be able to do that, that means that game is moving pretty slow for them and he really understands what's going on out there.'

The Class 4A sixth-ranked Trojans (8-1) host Dubuque Hempstead (4-5) tonight in a first-round playoff game at Trojan Field.

West needed a go-ahead touchdown drive from Boland in the final minute to beat the Mustangs, 39-35, on Oct. 4.

Earlier this season, Sauser said he's never coached a player who was so in step with his approach to the game. There's a mutual trust and respect.

The coach and quarterback work together on the game plan. When Boland sees something develop during a game, they make the adjustments.

Boland is like an assistant coach under center with a unique perspective.

'He tells me what the game plan is and we go out and execute it,' Boland said. 'If I see something else, I go talk to him about it to see what he thinks of it.'

"I think knowing the game and knowing all the situations and what to do in each situation has really helped me become the player I am now.'

Boland isn't all brains. The senior finished seventh in Class 4A and first in the MVC with 2,031 total yards — 1,298 passing and 733 rushing. Boland averaged 7.0 yards a run.

His mobility often causes coverage breakdowns in the secondary.

The quarterback doesn't flinch in tight situations, either. Boland led game-winning drives in the fourth quarter against Cedar Rapids Prairie and Hempstead.

In that game against the Mustangs, West trailed 35-32 with 80 yards in front of them and only 49 seconds left. On the drive, Boland completed an improbable deep 49-yard pass. That throw set up a 3-yard Micah Kelsay TD run two plays later ... and with 8 seconds on the clock.

'Like I've talked about all year, that calm, intelligence and maturity about him,' Sauser said. 'He understands situations. He never gets rattled. He has a knack for making plays all the time.'