Hesse leads North Squad air attack in 49-35 Shrine Bowl win

Waukon High School graduated senior Peyton Hesse threw three touchdown passes and amassed 152 yards in converting eight of 12 passes in the 2016 Iowa Shrine Bowl played in the UNI-Dome at Cedar Falls Saturday evening, July 23. Hesse’s three touchdown passes helped the North Squad to a 49-35 victory in the annual football classic that also serves as the biggest fundraiser for the Shrine hospitals of Iowa.

After the North squad fought its way back from an early 21-7 scoreboard deficit, Hesse connected on a 58-yard touchdown pass with Gladbrook-Reinbeck graduated senior Colton Dinsdale to help the North keep pace. Hesse then connected on touchdown passes of 19 and 23 yards in the second half with Cedar Rapids Washington graduate Isaiah Nimmers, who scored three total touchdowns on his way to being named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Hesse plans to continue his football career at Coe College this fall. Also representing Waukon High School at the annual football classic was cheerleader Mariah Hancock, who was selected for the event’s Cheer Squad along with fellow cheerleader Kate-Leigh Wilson. However, Wilson was unable to participate in this year’s event, which was her second time being selected as a Shrine Bowl cheerleader.