Arguello ‘bets on himself’ at Iowa Western

Newton senior quarterback Zay Arguello had opportunities to play college football at a four-year school. But he’s not ready to give up on playing at the highest level just yet.

“We made the decision to bet on myself and go JUCO so we narrowed it down to Iowa Western and Iowa Central,” Arguello said at his signing day ceremony at Newton High School recently. “After I took both visits, we decided Iowa Western had everything for me and would be the best fit.”

Arguello wants to play quarterback at a big-time four year program. And after two recent QBs at Iowa Western Community College took their talents to NCAA Division I Iowa State and Charles Southern, Arguello thought he could be next in line for that opportunity. And he wants to get to that level as soon as possible.

“They send a lot of guys to the next level. A lot of college coaches trust the coaching staff,” said Arguello about why he chose Iowa Western over Iowa Central. “And with the QBs they had last year both moving on, the starting quarterback job is open. I will show up this summer, work hard and compete and the best guy will win the job.”

Newton head football coach Andy Swedenhjelm thinks Iowa Western is a great fit for his two-year starting quarterback. The Reivers run a similar spread offense that will allow Arguello to run the ball, too.

Arguello chose the JUCO route but also had offers from NAIA Culver Stockton and Dakota State.

“They are not afraid to run the quarterback at all. That’s something they’ll look to do with Zay,” Swedenhjelm said about Iowa Western. “He’s a really good fit for them. The head coach values mobile quarterbacks and likes to do different things with them.

“I think Zay sees potential with the JUCO route. He gets two years if he wants it and then can do the recruiting thing all over again.”

Newton went 5-4 this past season and 0-8 in 2020 with Arguello running the offense.

He threw for 1,092 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions this past fall and completed 48 percent of his passes. Arguello also rushed for 748 yards and 15 TDs while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

In 2020, Arguello passed for 518 yards, rushed for 526 and scored eight total TDs. He completed 40 percent of his passes and averaged 5 yards per carry.

Arguello registered two catches for 25 yards this past fall and hauled in five catches for 46 yards in 2020.

“I need to learn defenses more. That will help take my game to the next level,” Arguello said.

Swedenhjelm said the biggest challenge for all high school football players going to the next level is the speed of the game. But expects Arguello will be excited to improve his craft in Council Bluffs.

“Iowa Western is a top notch JUCO in the state of Iowa,” Swedenhjelm said. “They have done a great job recruiting and getting a lot of the good instate players.

“Zay has made huge strides from his junior year to this season. I think he’s betting on himself to continue to make improvements, and he’ll work really hard and see where it takes him.”

Iowa Western went 10-1 last season with the loss coming in the national championship game. Newton’s Josh Meyer is a former Newton Cardinal who is currently on the Reiver roster as a kicker.

Current teammate Reese Hammons also will join Arguello in Council Bluffs and will play safety for the Reivers.

“I don’t think they would tell you they made this decision to be with each other,” Swedenhjelm said. “But they are familiar with one another and are good friends. Whenever you walk into an unfamiliar situation like that, it’s always nice to have somebody you already know around to help you out during the tough times.”