The Eight Most Intriguing Iowa High School Football Quarterfinal Games.

The high school football regular season has come and gone, as did the first round of the postseason. 331 teams began the year with the hopes of concluding their season by hoisting a state championship trophy in Cedar Falls, now only 48 teams still have that dream attainable to them.

The first round of postseason brought us tons of excitement, given that a trip to the UNIDome is on the line, I think it's safe to say that this week could possibly provide even more excitement.

There are a total of 24 games this weekend, my pal Connor Ferguson and I have you covered with the eight  most interesting matchups this weekend.

CLASS 8-MAN

Trevor: #6 Southeast Warren (11-0) at #2 Ar-We-Va (10-0)

BC Moore Projection: Ar-We-Va by 25.01

Don't let the spread fool you, this matchup has the potential to be loads of fun.

Southeast Warren made the drop to eight man at the absolute right time. The Warhawks returned their leading passer (Colby Page), rusher (Alex Hommer) and receiver (Kaleb Bauer) from a 4-5 team in 2017. Coach Shane Rowland's squad has put up video game numbers, averaging over 59 points a game led by Pages 34 passing scores and Hommer's 1,337 rushing yards with 24- touchdowns. The Warhawks stepped up defensively as well, winning by an average of 43 points per game. 

Their opponent, Ar-We-Va also comes into Friday night undefeated. The Rockets, who in year's past have relied on the philosophy of "just outscore the other team by one point," has made a vast improvement defensively. This year, the Rockets held their opponents to 14 points or less all but twice. The Rockets' offense has held true to what you would expect from an Ar-We-Va offense, the Rockets' like to sling it with quarterback Keegan Simons (1,798 Yards, 27 TDs and 3 INTS), but they can also hurt you in the running game thanks to the duo of Simons (546 yards and 18 scores) and Drew Schurke (629 yards and 9 TD's). 

This game could be a shootout or a defensive battle, neither one would surprise me. I look forward to the battle of Page/Simons against the respective defenses. Something is going to have to give and it's tough to forecast which one it will be. However, I've seen Ar-We-Va play twice this year and I can confidently say that they are the best 8-man team I've seen this year and I don't think they've played their best football yet.

Prediction: Ar-We-Va 42 Southeast Warren 32

CLASS 8-MAN

Connor: #9 New London (9-1) at #1 Iowa Valley (10-0)

BC Moore Projection: Iowa Valley by 1.54

Defense wins championships. That’s a saying we’ve all heard in sports, and there might be some truth to it, but it isn’t going to be what wins this Friday’s game between No. 1 Iowa Valley (10-0) and No. 9 New London (9-1).

When these two teams play, offense is the name of the game. In their first-round playoff matchups, the Tigers and Whalers combined for 152 points in their wins, and the offensive statistical wonders don’t stop there. In the team’s nine wins this year, New London averaged 63.1 points per game, routing each opponent they played and never failing to score 42 points or more.

However, the Whalers were upended once this year – to Iowa Valley. Uncharacteristically, both teams in the matchup were held to under 30 points, something no other teams on either’s schedules could do. Iowa Valley won the first matchup 22-12.

For both teams to find a different result in this one, they will need to get their running back’s gears turning. Iowa Valley’s Ben Smith and Noah Mumby have nearly combined for 2,000 yards between themselves this season, but both were held to under 70 yards in the first matchup. The same goes for Keontae Luckett, Isaac McSorley and Jordan Johnson from New London. All three of the Whaler running backs have been on their game this season, that is until they got to the Iowa Valley game.

This one is pretty simple: The better rushing attack will win.

Prediction:  Iowa Valley 28, New London 24

CLASS A

Trevor: #14 Newman Catholic (8-2) at #4 AHSTW (10-0)

BcMoore Projection: AHSTW by 7.02 

Both of these teams are coming off the emotional rollercoaster of winning an overtime game, Newman Catholic downed North Tama with a field goal to advance with a 31-28 win. As for AHSTW, I'll be honest, there was a point on Friday night where I thought the Vikings season was over, but AHSTW picked up an exciting 30-28 win over Alta-Aurelia. During said overtime, the Vikings had to rely on a missed field goal and an unsuccessful two point conversion to keep their season alive, which is exactly what they did.

Newman Catholic had displayed a balanced offense this season, relying on the arm of Merritt McCardle for 879 yards and 13 touchdowns, and the legs of Ben Jacobs for 881 yards and 15 scores. Jacobs' running back counterpart, Josh Fitzgerald has provided the Knights with a two-headed monster, amassing 872 yards and nine scores, Fitzgerald has also hauled in 22 catches for 257 yards and seven touchdowns. 

AHSTW had some big shoes to fill this year after graduating their do all quarterback RJ Harris, but Blake Osbahr has filled those shoes quite well, chucking the pigskin for 1,859 yards (3rd best in Class A), 27 touchdowns (best in Class A) and just four interceptions. Osbahr's favorite target has been speedster Drake Partridge, who is responsible for 879 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Vikings have rushed for 2,128 yards this season and the bruiser that is Gabe Pauley is responsible for 1417 yards. The 2018 Class 1A 170 pound state wrestling champion has carried defenders into the endzone 22 times this season.  

I think it's safe to say that both these offenses are pretty balanced. AHSTW has the advantage in the passing game and Newman Catholic has the slight edge in the rushing game (just slight). The team that steps up and makes the biggest or most defensive plays will probably advance to the UNIDome. Newman Catholic has the advantage in the turnover comparison (22 to 16), but turnovers nearly cost AHSTW the win last week and I think coach Davis Pattee is going to emphasize the importance of ball security this week.

Prediction: AHSTW 36 Newman Catholic 30

CLASS 1A

Trevor: #9 West Sioux (9-1) at #1 South Central Calhoun (10-0)

BCMoore Projection: West Sioux by 1.48

The fact that West Sioux is a one point favorite according to BCMoore, but ranked eight spots lower than South Central Calhoun in RPI is an interesting dynamic, but I think it also speaks to the level of football that is played in northwestern Iowa.

 The Falcons dropped their season opener to Class 2A powerhouse Boyden/Hull-Rock Valley, but then peeled of nine-straight wins, pitching three shutouts and holding their opponents to 14 points or less seven times while scoring 35 or more points in every game. Quarterback Hunter Dekkers was a large part of their nine game winning streak tossing for 2,774 yards (2nd most in 1A) and a 1A best 38 touchdowns. Junior Kade Lynott has also been a major staple in the Falcons' season, racking up 1,952 yards (771 rushing, 1181 receiving) and 26 touchdowns (10 rushing and 16 receiving). Wide receiver Chase Koopmans has also made tons of plays, picking up just over 900 yards while finding the end zone 16 times. 

As for top-ranked South Central Calhoun, they have relied heavily on their superb defense. The Titans have allowed just 36-points so far this season. Their defense lived up to expectations last week with a 10-0 win over West Lyon, but don't kid yourself, the offense can put up points if need be, averaging just under 37-points per game. Quarterback Cole Corey has been calling shots for the Titans this year, tossing for five scores, but SCC has earned most of their offensive production in the running game, averaging just over 200 yards per game and scoring 29 of their 39 offensive touchdowns on the ground. 

This game looks like it's going to be a throwback type of game. South Central Calhoun's defense has stood tall all season, but the West Sioux offense is the best one they've seen to date. West Sioux just contained one of Class 1A's best rushing attacks (Treynor), but it's been nearly impossible to score on South Central Calhoun's defense and they've picked off 16 passes this year. I think West Sioux will sling it this week and the Titans take advantage of that at least once. Defense does win championship or at least this game. 

Prediction: South Central Calhoun 14 West Sioux 7 

Connor: #6 Dike-New Hartford (10-0) at #3 Interstate 35 (10-0)

BC Moore Projection: Dike-New Hartford by 22.99

This might be one of the more peculiar matchups in the state for this week’s second round playoff action. Two 10-0 teams in #6 Dike-New Hartford and #3 Interstate 35 will face off on Friday night, with little outlook on who has had the better year so far. Neither team played any of the same ten opponents leading up to Friday, and of course they haven’t played each other yet, either.

With that being said, Interstate 35 comes into this one with two dynamic weapons on offense that Dike-New Hartford will have to pay attention to. The Roadrunners’ arsenal includes running back Mason Cassady, who’s rushed for 1,377 yards and 18 touchdowns so far this year. Add in wideout Richie Griglione’s 797 yards and 12 touchdowns, and the Roadrunners seemed fully staffed to make a run to the UNI-Dome. The key to the win for Dike-New Hartford will include keeping those two out of the end zone at all costs.

As for Dike-New Hartford, the Wolverines come into the game with a heavy rushing offense. So heavy, in fact, that quarterback Drew Sonnenberg has only thrown the ball 109 times this season. That’s an average of 10.9 actual passes per game. Though, Sonnenberg has made a case for his team to possibly pass the ball just a little bit more. In his 109 attempts, Sonnenberg has completed 74 of them – good for 67.9% - with 1,277 yards and 15 touchdowns. Behind him is running back Cade Bennett and utility star Cade Fuller. Bennett has been getting the heavier load in carries turning 164 of them into 1,445 yards and 19 scores, though Fuller isn’t too far behind. Fuller – while have gotten 44 carries this season – leads the team in receptions and receiving yards corralling 24 catches for 439 yards this year.

All three will be a problem for the Roadrunners defense on Saturday, though the winner will be decided on which team can contain the opposing stars the most.

Prediction:  I-35 24, Dike-New Hartford 23

CLASS 2A

Trevor: # 7 Southeast Valley (8-2) at #1 Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley (9-1)

BCMoore Projection: BHRV by 31.75

Before you ask how a team with a loss can have the top RPI, let me inform you that the Nighthawks lone loss this season was a 14-point road loss to 3A No. 1 Sergeant Bluff-Luton. BHRV has been dominant the last few years while their opponent Southeast Valley has improved every year and finds themselves at 8-2 with a win over No. 5 Algona earlier this year.

Jaguar quarterback Hunter Kruse has racked up 1,435 yards and 17 scores through the air, but the Jaguars got to 8-2 by relying on the run game, particularly senior Kyler Fisher, who rushed for just shy of 2000-yards and found the end zone 33 times this season. Not to mention he's coming off a first round win over OABCIG in which he rushed for 316 yards and seven touchdowns. He's good and if they want to tame the beast that is BHRV, he might have to put up a similar game. 

Speaking of the beast that is BHRV, the Nighthawks (awesome name btw), have cruised since their midseason hiccup, outscoring their last six opponents-275 to 43. Quarterback JT Van't Hul threw for 1,739 yards and 19 scores, but he's also dangerous with his legs, racking up 710 rushing yards and 11 scores. Van't Hul is not their only rushing threat, teammate Elliott Van Kekerix carried the rock for 655 yards and 9 scores. On the defensive side of the ball, BHRV has forced 25 turnovers on the season.

BHRV is the better team on paper, I don't think there's any doubt about that, but Fisher could be the game-changer for Southeast Valley. Can he put up a performance even close to what he did last week? If he does, then I think the Jaguars have a chance to win it, but BHRV is so good.

Prediction: BHRV 34 Southeast Valley 14

CLASS 3A

Trevor: #10 Harlan (8-2) at #2 Lewis Central (10-0)

BCMoore Projection: Lewis Central by 32.64

I honestly did not know this until this week, but Lewis Central has never made it to a state semifinal, I assumed they had got there at least once, but they have not, however, they can change that with a win over Hawkeye Ten foe Harlan. The Cyclones, on the other hand have been a staple in Cedar Falls and are looking for their 28th semifinal appearance. This weeks meeting marks the second meeting of the year between these teams, Lewis Central took the first battle 49-14.

I can confidently say that I think Harlan is the best two-loss team in the state, with the exception of maybe Dowling. As I mentioned, the Cyclones dropped to Lewis Central, their other loss came courtesy of a two-point loss to No. 1 Sergeant Bluff on a last second touchdown. Last year, Harlan relied on the dynamic playmaking of Nick Foss, but he's at Minnesota State-Mankato now, so they had to replace him this season. The Cyclones have preferred to beat teams threw the air with quarterback Preston Mulligan tossing for just under 2500 yards and 29 touchdowns. Mulligan has plenty of weapons with Eli Bouldan (33 rec, 784 yards and 9 TD's), Johnathan Monson (39 catches, 600 yards, 5 TD's) and Brett Sears (25 rec, 538 yards and 12 TD's). They can also make plays through the ground, led by Alex Schechinger's 601-yards and seven touchdowns.

As for Lewis Central, they are led by the treat that is quarterback Max Duggan. The TCU commit has thrown for 1,878 yards, 23 touchdowns and just two interceptions, both of which came last week against Carroll. Duggan has also been able to make plays with his legs rushing for 981 yards and 21 touchdowns. Running back Mike Gittins has complimented Duggan in the run game, carrying the pigskin for 572 yards and nine scores. In the passing game, Duggan's favorite target has been Josh Simmons, who has hauled in 45 catches for 925 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Titan defense has picked off 11 passes this season, five of which have came in their last two games. Championship teams create turnovers.

This is the game I will be at this week and I'm super stoked for it. Duggan went off in their first meeting, posting 307 yards  (192 passing, 115 rushing) and six touchdowns (2 passing, 4 rushing), but I think it would be very naive to underestimate Harlan and their legendary coach Curt Bladt. Coach Bladt will have his team ready to play and they will give Lewis Central their best shot, but will it be enough?

Prediction: Lewis Central 31 Harlan 28

CLASS 4A

Trevor: #16 Southeast Polk (5-5) at #8 Johnston (8-2)
BCMoore Projection: Johnston by 4.68

I did not expect to be previewing Southeast Polk/Johnston, I don't know that anyone did, but give credit to Southeast Polk, they pulled off the upset of the season last week a thrilling 21-17 win over top ranked Ankeny Centennial. The Rams started the season 1-5, but have peeled off four straight victories and seem to be playing their best football when it matters the most. Their opponent, Johnston suffered two losses this season, both in entirely different fashions, one a 27-0 drubbing to Dowling Catholic and a 31-30 heartbreaker to Waukee.

The Rams have relied heavily on the run game all season, powered by the two-headed monster of quarterback Josiah Cole (848 yards, 13 TD's) and Division 1 running back Gavin Williams (1051 yards, 10 TD's). Those two were the key cog in their upset last week, rushing for a combined 238 yards and two touchdowns in the win, I think it's safe to say that those two are going to have to step up again if the Rams are to pull of another upset.

Johnston offense is a bit more balanced, led by quarterback Andrew Nord, who has thrown for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns while also adding 678 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Nord has been complimenting in the run game by Jordan Rusch (658 yards, 5 touchdowns) and Nuutele Davis (319 yards, 8 touchdowns). The combo of Rusch and Davis is a "thunder and lightning" duo for the Dragons, Rusch has shown the explosive playmaking ability (his longest TD run is 68 yards) while all eight of Davis' scores have come from within 14-yards.

Southeast Polk making it to Cedar Falls with a 6-5 record would be quite the story and it's not entirely inconceivable. If you enjoy quality rushing attacks, then this is the game for you. I think Southeast Polk is going to have to rely on big games from Cole and Williams once again while also avoiding turning the ball over to a very opportunistic Johnston defense. Will the Rams keep their magical postseason rolling? Can Johnston advance to their first ever state semifinal?

Prediction: Southeast Polk 20 Johnston 16