Class 3A/4A Playoffs: Closer Look At North Central Iowa Games

Dana Becker

October 23, 2020 @ 08:15 AM

Thirty-two teams remain standing as we embark on the second week of the playoffs here in Iowa. Chilly temperatures greeted those that battled it out last week to advance, and that will likely be the case again around the state. But on the gridiron, the action should be hot and intense as everybody wants to take that next step towards making the UNI-Dome. Here’s a look at the matchups involving north-central Iowa teams this week in Class 3A and 4A prep football: Humboldt at Spencer For Humboldt to advance, they will need to figure out a way to defeat Spencer for the first time since 2017. The Wildcats rolled past Sioux City Heelan last week, 40-17, as Caden Matson accounted for six touchdowns and almost 400 yards. The junior has 1,320 yards passing and 932 yards rushing with 27 total TDs on the year. Matson is the key here for Humboldt both this week and moving forward. He has quickly shot up the charts of many coaches around the state with his tremendous playmaking skills both throwing the football and running with it. Humboldt will need more of that to upset Spencer, which features an offense led by Jon Nissen. The senior has 783 yards and nine scores on the year. Mason City at Webster City A district rematch between Mason City and Webster City takes place in the second round. The Lynx won the first encounter, 42-7, and have been on a dominant run most of the year. Webster City has relied on its run game once more, racking up almost 2,500 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns at over seven yards per carry. Trey Mathis has another milestone season, running for 1,143 and 14 scores. Mathis is as quick and powerful as they come running the football. His ability to run you over is just as impressive as his speed darting to paydirt. The Mohawks earned their first playoff victory in years thanks to Ben Amundson. The senior has 384 yards rushing with sophomore quarterback Kale Hobart passing for 667 and three scores. Storm Lake at Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley It was a historical night for Storm Lake last week, as the Tornadoes won their first-ever playoff game, 36-28, over LeMars. Now, they get the task of Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley for the second time in three weeks. These two teams met to conclude the regular season, with the Nighthawks earning a 28-14 win. Ben Raveling leads a balanced Storm Lake offense with 497 yards and six scores. Angel Godoy has 303 yards, Eduardo Sanchez 225 and David Soto 157. Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley leans on Caleb Kats and Kody Noble. Kats has thrown for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns, with Noble adding 1,038 and 12 on the ground. Fort Dodge at Waterloo West After receiving byes in the first round, Fort Dodge and Waterloo West collide in Class 4A. With the extra time off, the Dodgers are hopeful to have a near-healthy Dayson Clayton. The senior has 901 yards and nine touchdowns on the year despite missing several games. Carson Peterson has throw for 922 yards and 11 touchdowns with Tyler Schreier catching 44 passes for 640 yards and eight scores. If healthy, Clayton is without a doubt one of the top talents in the state at the running back position. Fort Dodge has also allowed him to run the Wildcat offense, which has made him even more dangerous in the open field. For West, Carter Schulte has 1,516 yards passing and 12 touchdowns. Tay Norman is his favorite target with 41 receptions for 640 yards and four scores. These two teams last met in 2015 with the Dodgers posting a 47-7 victory.