Prep Redzone Iowa | Games of the Week | 2nd Edition
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Take a look below at the game preview capsules for some of Iowa’s most high-profile contests that feature top talent, sought-after recruits, and rising stars. The spotlight will be on these programs after a big week 1 as they look…
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Continue ReadingTake a look below at the game preview capsules for some of Iowa’s most high-profile contests that feature top talent, sought-after recruits, and rising stars. The spotlight will be on these programs after a big week 1 as they look to build on strong performances and sustain momentum. Every contest matters and these programs are hungry for a week 2 win. Who will come out on top in Prep Redzone Iowa’s games of the week?
Dubuque Senior vs. Prairie
Week 2 provides IHSAA fans with a battle of top 10 teams in the new 5A classification as the Prairie Hawks travel to take on the Dubuque Senior Rams. Both teams are coming off of big week 1 games. The Hawks pulled off an upset over Pleasant Valley and the Rams shut down rival Dubuque Hempstead.
Dubuque Senior proved they have a defense who can stand toe to toe with tough competition. They have one of the top Quarterbacks in the state in Jack Gilligan Jack Gilligan 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Dubuque Senior | 2022 State IA who is already showing excellent chemistry with dynamic receiving threat Walker Tart Walker Tart 6'2" | 190 lbs | WR Dubuque Senior | 2023 State IA . Gilligan carried the load in week 1 amassing over 300 total yards. He will need some help this week and the Rams will have to establish a running game to maximize their chances of beating Prairie. They could do it with an Offensive Line anchored by Tanner Buol Tanner Buol 6'1" | 260 lbs | OL Dubuque Senior | 2022 IA .
Prairie got their season off to an incredible start with a big win over top contender Pleasant Valley. Their veteran defense, led by 9 seniors, kept the high powered Spartans offense in check all night. That, combined with a huge breakout performance from Makelle Taylor in his varsity debut was a recipe for success. Look for other big time Prairie weapons like Dionte Fliss Dionte Fliss 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Prairie | 2022 IA and Gabe Burkle Gabe Burkle 6'7" | 240 lbs | TE Cedar Rapids Prairie | 2022 State IA to grab the spotlight for a balanced offensive attack. They could be explosive behind an Offensive Line led by 6’8 Evan Williams Evan Williams 6'7" | 315 lbs | OL Prairie | 2022 IA .
What to Watch For: Some of Prairie’s star talent struggled to get it going against a loaded Spartans defense last week. It appears that the Rams could have a defense that is just as tough. Will the Hawks be able to get it going and find ways to kick it into gear? Similarly, will the Rams be able to establish the running game and keep Prairie from keying on their star Quarterback? This looks like it could be back to back defensive duels for each team.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Prediction: Prairie
Clear Creek-Amana vs. Independence
The Clippers pulled out a win in a neck and neck week 1 contest with Marion. Their offense looked as advertised and the defense did just enough to limit one of Iowa’s top weapons. The Mustangs, their week 2 opponent, absolutely took it to Maquoketa showing off a ton of talent in a rout of a contest. High powered offenses look to square off here in week 2.
Clear Creek-Amana had no problem moving the ball in their first game; the three-headed monster that is Ben Swails Ben Swails 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 IA throwing, Gage Freeman Gage Freeman 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 IA running, and Harrison Rosenberg Harrison Rosenberg 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 State IA catching is one of the best in Iowa. They bring a balanced attack and are ultra efficient. The Clipper defense will look to find some answers as they see another high-powered, dynamic offense for a second straight week. Keep an eye out for Freshman Defensive End Brody Clubb Brody Clubb 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Clear Creek-Amana | 2025 State IA who burst onto the scene last week to build on his early success and lead the charge.
Independence has weapons all over the field in big time players like Marcus Beatty Marcus Beatty 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Independence | 2022 State IA , Mitchell Johnson Mitchell Johnson 5'10" | 180 lbs | QB Independence | 2023 IA , Brady McDonald Brady McDonald 6'3" | 210 lbs | TE Independence | 2024 State IA , Jake Sidles Jake Sidles 6'0" | 210 lbs | TE Independence | 2022 IA , Keegan Schmitt, and Tono Cornell Tono Cornell 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL Independence | 2024 State IA . Beatty had a huge week 1 rushing for just under 250 yards. There is no doubt that the Mustangs will continue to feed him the ball. They were able to do just about anything they wanted last week, but the Clippers will certainly be tougher to match up against in week 2. Independence has a huge opportunity to knock off a top 4A contender and send a message to the rest of 3A.
What to Watch For: Two of the best Running Backs in the state will look to lead their teams to a win this week. All eyes will be on Gage Freeman Gage Freeman 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 IA and Marcus Beatty Marcus Beatty 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Independence | 2022 State IA . Will either defense be able to slow down their opponent’s rushing attack? It is unlikely that either team will be able to shut these guys down completely, but if someone can be made to look a little more pedestrian it could be huge as it relates to the outcome of the game.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Independence
Mount Vernon vs. Solon
Mount Vernon plays host in week 2 to Solon in a game that features two of 3A’s top competitors. Each program is coming off of a big week 1 win and heads into a contest here that will really answer some questions about who is for real in this classification. Both programs feature some top talent who will have a lot to say about the outcome of this game.
Mount Vernon’s backfield shared the wealth in a strong week 1 victory over Anamosa with Trenton Pitlik Trenton Pitlik 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Mount Vernon | 2022 State IA , Owen Brase, and Henry Ryan shouldering a very even number of carries. Pitlik, a household name, dominated on both sides of the ball. He could be an even bigger factor and part of the game plan against their first real challenge in the Spartans. Brase stepped in nicely in his first game under center completing 60% of his passes and throwing for a score. He provides the Mustangs with a nice change of pace that could keep opponents honest.
Solon overwhelmed West Liberty last week on their way to a 63-0 victory. Their starters played just one half of football in week 1, but his week’s match up promises to be a lot more competitive. Blake Timmons Blake Timmons 5'10" | 175 lbs | QB Solon | 2023 IA accounted for 4 total touchdowns in their blowout win (3 passing 1 rushing) and looked outstanding in the process. The Spartans graduated last year’s top back, but Michael Pipolo and Sean Stahle Sean Stahle 5'10" | 160 lbs | RB Solon | 2023 IA both stepped in to tote the rock really well. Lots of new faces on defense could raise some questions for the Spartans this week.
What to Watch For: Solon can air the ball out and strike fast and that isn’t necessarily Mount Vernon’s style. If the relatively inexperienced Spartan defense can put up another lights out performance it could be difficult for the Mustangs to hang in this one. On the other hand, if Mount Vernon has answers for Timmons and can establish their running game it could just as easily go in the opposite direction.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Solon
Central Lyon vs. Sergeant Bluff-Luton
Central Lyon hosts Sergeant Bluff-Luton in week 2 and they will have their hands full trying to avoid an 0-2 start following a loss to 3A Boyden-Hull. The Warriors, on the other side of the coin, will look to improve to 2-0 after taking it to LeMars in bold fashion a week ago. Two preseason favorites in 2A collide in what could already be a pivotal matchup.
Central Lyon has a very impressive trio on offense in Quarterback Zach Lutmer Zach Lutmer 6'1" | 180 lbs | DB Central Lyon/George-Little Rock | 2023 State IA , Running Back Kayden Van Berkum, and Wide Receiver Cooper Spiess Cooper Spiess 5'11" | 190 lbs | WR Central Lyon | 2022 IA . While they struggled to find productivity out of the gate there is no doubt this offense can get it going and be high-powered moving forward. Lutmer was one of the most explosive dual-threats in the game a season ago as he accounted for nearly 3,000 total yards and over 30 touchdowns. The Lions will need to find ways to get him going against a fierce Warriors defense.
Sergeant Bluff-Luton was in the driver’s seat all night in week 1 led by Tyler Smith Tyler Smith 5'10" | 175 lbs | QB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2023 State IA and Jacob Imming Jacob Imming 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2022 State IA . Smith, one of Iowa’s top Quarterbacks, picked up right where he left off last season. Game flow kept the statistics a little lower, but he was as effective as ever at keeping the chains moving. This year’s Warriors defense has a very high ceiling. They kept LeMars under 200 total yards on the night, which is always an impressive feat. It will be a tall order trying to replicate that performance against a more skilled Central Lyon team.
What to Watch For: This contest features two outstanding Quarterbacks and is going to hinge on Central Lyon’s ability to keep theirs clean. Lutmer can do some very special things when he has a little time to operate. That will be a big challenge, though, and the Lions will need to find a rhythm quickly. The Warriors defense looks to be legitimate and Sergeant Bluff-Luton, overall, looks to be in great shape considering the way they can score
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Sergeant Bluff-Luton
Sigourney Keota vs. Mid-Prairie
The Sigourney Keota Cobras will welcome the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks in an early season 1A showdown that will feature some of the classification’s top players. The Cobras beat Durant by a narrow margin and the Golden Hawks demolished West Burlington. Both programs have a chance this Friday to establish themselves as serious contenders.
Sigourney Keota has an absolute machine on their Roster in Cade Molyneux who is one of the best two-way players you will find in Iowa. He had a big game on the ground in week 1 carrying 32 times for 187 yards and a score; he also added a score through the air on his lone pass of the game. The Cobras executed well last week with their grind it out mentality. They pound the rock, play defense, and dare opponents to be physical enough to try and stop them. The Cobras will need to finish drives and hit some big plays to keep up with the Golden Hawks.
Mid-Prairie rolled West Burlington in a week 1 win behind outstanding performances from Quarterback Will Cavanagh and Running Back Tyler Helmuth. Cavanagh found three different receivers for touchdowns and Helmuth averaged nearly 10 yards per carry and found the end zone twice. They stand to face a tougher task in attacking the Cobras, but appear to have the firepower to hang some points on the board this week. The Golden Hawks are led by Justice Jones Justice Jones 5'10" | 185 lbs | LB Mid-Prairie | 2022 IA on defense, one of last year’s top tacklers.
What to Watch For: It is always interesting when teams with such drastically different styles of offense meet up. Sigourney Keota runs closed formations with full backfields and Mid-Prairie spreads it out with three receivers and a versatile H-back. Will the Cobras be prepared to run a lot of coverage? Will the Golden Hawks be disciplined enough against an offense that has stood the test of time at the high school level?
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Mid-Prairie
Newman Catholic vs. West Hancock
West Hancock heads to Newman Catholic in week 2 coming off an impressive win against Garner Hayfield Ventura. The Knights looked just as strong in their first game against Central Springs. The Eagles and Knights run similar offensive schemes, so IHSAA fans should have a slobberknocker of a contest to look forward to.
Newman Catholic’s Max Burt Max Burt 6'0" | 190 lbs | QB Newman Catholic | 2023 IA is an absolute wrecking ball of a Quarterback and Safety for the Knights. He commands the Wing T offense exceptionally well, running defenders over down after down, and then slinging out of the back field once he’s lulled his opponents to sleep. If you’re looking for a big hit, he is as good as anyone at flying downhill into the box or alley and delivering it. Burt is accompanied in the backfield by Jack Manzio and James Jennings James Jennings 5'11" | 150 lbs | WR Newman Catholic | 2022 IA . They are dangerous on the ground, but may need to hit through the air a few extra times this week.
West Hancock was in total control in their opener led by powerhouse Fullback Matthew Francis and new Quarterback Logan Leerar. They methodically moved the chains and consumed the clock all night. The 28-7 final was much more one sided than the score may indicate. The Eagles might not be able to rely on Francis all night in this matchup, though, as the Knights will undoubtedly know how to take away the inside gaps.
What to Watch For: It is typically not a high scoring affair when teams that run similar option, full backfield systems meet. Each team’s defense is just too accustomed to what it takes to shut plays down. They practice against it all the time and many players go both ways so they are fully inundated with what is being read, where plays will hit, and how it is all blocked. This game will come down to execution and winning one on one matchups.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Newman Catholic
Audubon vs. Boyer Valley
Both Audubon and Boyer Valley put up big offensive numbers in their week 1 wins. Gavin Smith Gavin Smith 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Audobon | 2022 IA accounted for nearly 300 total yards and 7 total touchdowns for the Wheelers against Southeast Warren. Bulldog Quarterback Drew Volkmann had 4 total touchdowns in a more balanced attack against Rivery Valley. This one could very well be a barn burner.
Audubon came close to running the table and making it to the state title game a year ago, but ran into eventual state champ Remsen St. Mary’s and dropped a tight one. The Wheelers are once again early favorites to put it together and get to state. Gavin Smith Gavin Smith 6'0" | 175 lbs | QB Audobon | 2022 IA was one of the best athletes in the world of 8-player football last year and he looked as sharp as ever in week 1. His supporting cast from last season may have graduated, so it will be interesting to see who else can emerge for Audubon, especially in a big matchup here in week 2.
Boyer Valley brings back a couple really big names from last year in Drew Volkmann and Trevor Malone Trevor Malone 6'2" | 180 lbs | TE Boyer Valley | 2022 IA who already have a ton of chemistry. It is a lethal combination in 8-player football to have someone like Malone who can stretch the field and command a lot of attention in coverage and a Quarterback like Volkmann who can get him the ball or take off and run forever if a defense turns its back. This combination is already off to a hot start and it is hard to see anything slowing these two down.
What to Watch For: This one could very well come down to Smith and Volkmann going shot for shot with each other until the end. It seems like whoever has more possessions at the end of the game will be the team that comes out on top, so turnovers will be a critical thing to keep an eye on here. Any time a defense can get off the field without giving up points in a matchup like this is huge. Expect a lot of offense here.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Audubon