Prep Redzone Iowa | Games of the Week | 7th Edition
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Take a look below at the game preview summaries for Iowa’s top matchups across all classifications. Week 7 is full to the brim with intriguing matchups that will sort out contenders, help playoff pictures come to light, and provide a…
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Continue ReadingTake a look below at the game preview summaries for Iowa’s top matchups across all classifications. Week 7 is full to the brim with intriguing matchups that will sort out contenders, help playoff pictures come to light, and provide a lot of excitement across Iowa. Who will come out on top in Prep Redzone Iowa’s games of the week?
Iowa City High at Pleasant Valley
The Little Hawks of Iowa City High will travel to face their second big challenge of the year. The Pleasant Valley Spartans are arguably the best two-loss team in the state. City High topped Dowling in a close week 4 battle and even though they have dominated the rest of the schedule, it has been pretty light. The state has a good idea regarding who the Little Hawks are; this is their chance to prove everyone right and put the rest of 5A on notice. Pleasant Valley dropped tight matchups in week 1 to Prairie and week 3 in Linn-Mar. If the Spartans got to play those teams ten times each there is a very good chance they would win half of the time. City High’s formula has been pretty straightforward; pound the ball on offense and play fast, violent shutdown defense. They happen to be really good at this and feature one of the best Offensive Lines in the state anchored by Ostyn Friday Ostyn Friday 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL Iowa City High | 2022 IA , Avery Goodrich Avery Goodrich 6'6" | 275 lbs | OL Iowa City High | 2022 State IA , and Ethan Goodrich Ethan Goodrich 6'6" | 265 lbs | OL Iowa City High | 2022 State IA . Behind them is Darren Richardson who has emerged as one of the top power backs in the state. They have talent at Wide Receiver with the likes of Gable Mitchell running routes, but what about their Quarterback play? They have been rolling with the hot hand in Drew Larson and Quinton Tran. This might be the week they need one of them to grab the reins and solidify themself as a number one Quarterback. Ben Kueter Ben Kueter 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Iowa City High | 2023 State IA and the defense should keep it close no matter what. They have been an outstanding unit and Kueter might be playing better than anyone in the state right now. The Spartans have just as much talent and an elite Offensive Line, too. Luke Vonderhaar Luke Vonderhaar 6'4" | 255 lbs | OL Pleasant Valley | 2022 State IA , Aidan Kilstrom Aidan Kilstrom 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Pleasant Valley | 2022 State IA , and Ryan Saddler Jr. will look to create some space for Caden McDermott Caden McDermott 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Pleasant Valley | 2023 State IA and his stable of ball carriers to operate. The likes of Rusty VanWetzinga IV Rusty VanWetzinga IV 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Pleasant Valley | 2023 State IA , Tate Lyon Tate Lyon 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Pleasant Valley | 2024 State IA , and Andrew DePaepe Andrew DePaepe 6'5" | 240 lbs | DL Pleasant Valley | 2023 State IA could make it very hard for the Little Hawks to get anything going.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Iowa City High
Clear Creek-Amana at Xavier
The only blemish on Xavier’s schedule came in week 4 when they fell in a close one to North Scott. The “cardiac” Clippers, also at 5-1, fell in week 3 to Independence. This week 7 showdown kicks off a tough three game stretch for each program as they look to put a bow on the regular season. Xavier has collected signature wins over West Delaware, Cedar Rapids Washington, and Pella; the Saints will be looking to add another notch to the belt this week. Their defense has been dominant and key to their success. Thomas Sundell, Christian Stanek, Grant Reasner Grant Reasner 6'3" | 235 lbs | LB Xavier | 2022 IA , and Andrew Kram have been at the core of a lights out unit this year. They only allow 11 points per game and have really found their stride in the last two weeks only giving up 3 total points. Quarterback Alex Neal and Running Back Michael Cunningham lead a run first attack for the Saints’ offense that opens up an efficient passing game. Their spread attack hasn’t lit up the scoreboard quite yet, averaging a respectable 24 points per game, but that could change this week. The Clippers defense, while it has flashed impressive play at times and has been better of late, gives up some big plays and surrenders some points. Playmaker Aidan McDermott Aidan McDermott 6'2" | 185 lbs | DB Xavier | 2023 State IA , a two-way standout for the Saints, should be able to capitalize and turn in a big performance. The Clippers have some serious playmakers of their own in one of Iowa’s top offensive trios that features Ben Swails Ben Swails 6'2" | 175 lbs | DB Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 IA , Gage Freeman Gage Freeman 5'11" | 190 lbs | LB Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 IA , and Harrison Rosenberg Harrison Rosenberg 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Clear Creek-Amana | 2022 State IA . Moving the ball on and finishing drives against Xavier will be their toughest challenge to date. Clippers’ defenders such as Bryce Mougin, Reece Hoffman, Brody Clubb Brody Clubb 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Clear Creek-Amana | 2025 State IA , and Gunther Sandersfeld might have to get off the field and get the ball back in the hands of their offense more often than normal. Turnovers would be huge and extra possessions could be the difference.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Xavier
Harlan at ADM
Harlan, who has steamrolled everyone by at least four scores since a close, hard fought win against Lewis Central will travel in week 7 to take on a tough ADM team whose only loss came a few weeks ago to Winterset. The Cyclones are averaging 51 points and 400 yards of offense per game; their defense and special teams give them such favorable average starting field position. Teagon Kasperbauer Teagon Kasperbauer 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Harlan | 2023 State IA is completing over 60% of his passes for almost 19 yards per completion. As if the Harlan Receiving corp wasn’t scary enough with just Connor Frame Connor Frame 6'2" | 190 lbs | WR Harlan | 2022 State IA , Aidan Hall Aidan Hall 6'1" | 195 lbs | WR Harlan | 2023 State IA , and Joey Moser Joey Moser 5'6" | 150 lbs | WR Harlan | 2022 IA they have added another big weapon in Jacob Birch. This has allowed Hall to line up in the backfield more often and take carries; he is emerging as their lead and most productive back. The Harlan offense is, without a doubt, stacked and increasingly difficult to try and defend. ADM is pretty impressive on offense, too, and while they take a different approach to putting points on the board they can be just as effective. Harlan is pretty much 50/50 run-pass, while ADM is 75/25. The Tigers are lethal on the ground with Quarterback Matt Dufoe and backs Brevin Doll Brevin Doll 6'0" | 200 lbs | RB ADM | 2024 State IA and Chase Grove shouldering the workload. Lucas Ray Lucas Ray 5'10" | 155 lbs | WR ADM | 2022 IA and Cade Morse have been very reliable downfield and Dufoe has been very efficient when dropping back when the Tigers throw. Expect this one to be a high scoring affair and a big challenge for each defense. Both teams feature some of the state’s top talent. Harlan’s Will McClaughlin and Jameson Bieker are certified tackling machines and capable of getting the ball back to the offense in a hurry. Vince Benetti Vince Benetti 6'4" | 210 lbs | TE ADM | 2023 State IA and Gabe Heitz have been standouts on the Tiger defense. Their presence in the Tiger’s front seven is game changing. Heitz sideline to sideline play and Benetti’s pass rushing could be just what they need to slow the Harlan attack.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Harlan
Estherville Lincoln Central at OABCIG
The Midgets of Estherville Lincoln Central will head to Ida Grove on Friday night to take on the Falcons of OABCIG for some district action. The Midgets, 4-2, have been extremely competitive through six weeks; each of their losses came by 10 points to Humboldt and Southeast Valley. This is a team that is on the verge of something and, if they can take a step, could make some noise by the time the playoffs arrive. Going on the road and knocking off a program like OABCIG would definitely be evidence of strides they surely want to make. The Falcons, who also fell to Southeast Valley, are looking to put it all together in the last few weeks of the regular season and prove they have a legitimate chance of defending their title. Defeating a contender like Estherville Lincoln Central would certainly be proof that they could make that happen. Do it all, dual-threat Quarterbacks will be featured in this one as Beckett DeJean and Ryan Schiltz Ryan Schiltz 5'11" | 160 lbs | QB Estherville Lincoln Central | 2022 IA lead their teams into battle. DeJean has been magnificent through the air and Schiltz has been a consistent and reliable source of production. This clash of top 2A Quarterbacks will be something to keep an eye on. Each has a strong supporting cast that puts a lot of strain on opposing defenses. DeJean spreads it around to Easton Harms Easton Harms 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR OABCIG | 2022 State IA , Josh Peters Josh Peters 5'11" | 150 lbs | DB OABCIG | 2023 State IA , Gabe Winterrowd, and Treyten Kolar Treyten Kolar 6'2" | 150 lbs | LB OABCIG | 2023 IA . It also helps when you have a stud Running Back like Griffin Diersen Griffin Diersen 6'1" | 210 lbs | RB OABCIG | 2023 IA to share carries with. Can top prospect Zavion McMurran get in the backfield often and spoil what OABCIG tries to do on offense? He and the rest of the Midget defense will have their hands full. The same can be said for the Falcons defense in what should be a very evenly matched contest. OABCIG will need to have answer’s for the Midgets’ weapons. Daryl Jensen Daryl Jensen 5'9" | 160 lbs | WR Estherville Lincoln Central | 2022 IA , Owen Larson Owen Larson 5'11" | 155 lbs | DB Estherville Lincoln Central | 2024 IA , and Zavion McMurran have all had big seasons so far on offense.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Estherville Lincoln Central
Dike-New Hartford at Denver
Class 1A is stacked at the top and week 7 features two of the teams who are vying for supremacy in rankings and seeding for playoffs. Dike-New Hartford and Denver will square off and give Iowa a glimpse of what can be expected come the postseason. Dike-New Hartford has, outside of a close week 2 battle with Grundy Center, trampled the competition. Their average margin of victory on their way to 6-0 is 25 points per contest. Denver, on the other hand, hasn’t been in a close one all season. They have posted four shutouts, have only allowed 13 points, and are averaging 38 points per game. This should be a close one; the Wolverines’ experience in a neck and neck game could prove to be valuable. Running Back Jerek Hall has already eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing on the season; he is the workhorse for the Wolverines and headlines a well-balanced offense. Receivers Nate Graves and Devon Kollasch have proven to be dangerous targets. Quarterback Jacob Stockdale delivers the ball well and keeps a defense from loading up the box with his arm; he can sling it if opponents sell out against the run. They can score, but so can the run-heavy Denver offense who takes it right to their opponents 80% of the time. The backfield of Ethan Schoville Ethan Schoville 6'0" | 175 lbs | RB Denver | 2023 IA , Caylor Hoffer, Tye Bradley, and Micah Grier has been unstoppable. They pound the ball, with no mercy, for nearly 300 yards a game. When they do throw, after opposing defenses lose discipline, they hit you right over the top. Leading receivers Zander Norman, Kasey Wirtjes, and Caylor Hoffer all average over 15 yards per catch and 7 of their 29 combined catches have gone for touchdowns. Can Nick Reinicke and the Wolverines’ defense find answers for the Denver Running Game? Can Braden Powers Braden Powers 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Denver | 2022 IA and Nathan Olmstead shut down the Wolverines attack and make them one-dimensional?
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Denver
Wapsie Valley at North Tama
North Tama, 6-0, is rolling and will look to secure their 7th victory as they host Wapsie Valley on Friday night. Wapsie Valley, a formidable opponent, enters the contest at 4-2; their two losses came to powerhouses Denver and Grundy Center. Can the Warriors get it going here at the tail end of the season and rise to the occasion against another program in that echelon? They have won three straight to get to this point and will look to carry that confidence and success into a higher profile matchup. The Warriors outscored opponents 97-9 over that stretch. Senior Running Back Holten Robinson has been a spark plug for the Wapsie Valley offense and they are a lot more successful as a team when they can feed him the ball. Look for the Warriors to try and establish the run with Robinson in the backfield early. Two-way studs Hunter Kane, Dawson Schmitt, Mason Harter, and Braden Knight will have their hands full on defense trying to slow down the North Tama attack. The Redhawks’ offense has scored points in bulk this season averaging 38 points per game and defeating their opponents by an average margin of 25. Their closest contest came just a couple of weeks ago in a win over Saint Ansgar. Quarterback Gabe Kopriva, who is also their leading rusher, has been on fire averaging a little over 300 yards passing per game and there is no shortage of weapons at his disposal to get the ball to. Devin McKinely, Adam Greiner Adam Greiner 6'1" | 190 lbs | TE North Tama | 2022 IA , Michael Schrier, and Michael Bell have been scorching secondaries. Running Back Aiden Zook has done a nice job of spelling carries and adding to the passing threat out of the backfield. The 11 personnel sets that the Redhawks put on the field are a big challenge for any defense. The North Tama defense, who has surrendered some points, will need to shut down the Wapsie rushing efforts early if they want to avoid a close one.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: North Tama
Montezuma at Baxter
The world of 8-player football has been on fire with these matchups lately and that trend continues in week 7 as the 6-0 Montezuma Braves visit the 6-0 Baxter Bolts. The Braves are averaging 62 points per game, the Bolts are averaging 64, and this matchup is chock full of offensive talent that is sure to put on a show. Each team is playing pretty solid defense so far on the year, too, each holding opponents under 20 per contest. The Braves’ returning star Quarterback and Linebacker Eddie Burgess Eddie Burgess 6'4" | 230 lbs | QB Montezuma | 2022 State IA through six contests, to nobody’s surprise, has put up colossal numbers. He has thrown for 1,516 yards and 23 touchdowns, rushed for 849 yards and 20 touchdowns, recorded 50.5 tackles, and has even caught 4 passes for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns. He is one of the best in Iowa regardless of classification and gives Montezuma a big leg up on the competition. Burgess and teammates Owen Cook, Masin Sheerer, and Connor Van Zee combine to operate the fourth best scoring offense in 8-player football and it is tight at the top. That top four is elite company, only separated by a few points and Baxter is in this prolific group at number two. This game certainly has the makings of a playoff atmosphere this late in the regular season and is as high-profile as they come before postseason play. The Braves are pretty balanced in their approach; the Bolts are run heavy. They opt to run 72% of the time and average 9 yards per carry as a team; the amount of big plays and long runs is exceptionally high. Running Back Rory Heer and Quarterback Cody Damman have been unstoppable when their numbers are called. Damman has been especially effective when the Bolts decide to throw, completing nearly 70% of his passes. Is there anything either defense can do to slow these attacks down and keep points off the board? Probably not, get excited.
Prep Redzone Iowa’s Pick: Montezuma