Previewing 5A First-Round Playoff Games
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Happy high school football playoff season to all who celebrate. Friday night’s first-round surely will come with fireworks as teams from around the state begin their quest to hold up the biggest trophy next month. Here’s a closer look at…
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Continue ReadingHappy high school football playoff season to all who celebrate. Friday night’s first-round surely will come with fireworks as teams from around the state begin their quest to hold up the biggest trophy next month.
Here’s a closer look at Friday’s first-round games in 5A:
POD A
No. 16 Marion Linn-Mar (4-5) at No. 1 Southeast Polk (9-0)
Linn-Mar grabbed the last playoff spot in 5A and as a reward will play at the two-time defending state champions in this class. The Rams have won their last 18 games and 43 of their last 46 contests. Ankeny has been the only team to defeat them.
The Lions have their work cut out for them in this one. Making the task more difficult is being without some of their top players, who are sidelined with injuries. That group included Iowa State tight end commitment Keaton Roskop Keaton Roskop 6'3" | 215 lbs | TE Linn-Mar | 2024 State IA , who also stood out on defense. Linn-Mar did play a close game against No. 3 Pleasant Valley last week.
Southeast Polk is guided by Roskop’s future Cyclone teammate Connor Moberly Connor Moberly 6'4" | 200 lbs | QB Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA . The senior quarterback is completing 66.8 percent of his passes and enters the postseason with 19 touchdowns against just two interceptions while also rushing for five scores. CJ Phillip CJ Phillip 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Dowling Catholic | 2024 IA (809 rushing yards, 5.5 YPC, 12 TDs) is the main man on the ground with Sam Zelenovich (48 catches-676 yards-6 TDs) and Carson Robbins (34-586-8) holding it down on the outside.
Draven Woods Draven Woods 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA (42 solo tackles, 20.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks) leads a Ram defense that has pitched shutouts in two of its last three outings. Caleb Chebuhar Caleb Chebuhar 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA , Cooper Martinson Cooper Martinson 6'4" | 280 lbs | DL Southeast Polk | 2025 State IA , Trey Lust, Mason Van Der Brink, Carter Pesek, Kaden Hills and Emmanuel Gaye also are enjoying solid seasons on that side of the ball.
For Linn-Mar, running backs Dylan Muszynski Dylan Muszynski 5'8" | 180 lbs | ATH Linn-Mar | 2025 State IA and Tyree Alons have 1,255 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing between them. Stone Morgan is experienced now after replacing starting quarterback Austin Waller (injury) early in the season. He has reliable targets in Landon Sorg and Daniel Peplinski. Sam Watts Sam Watts 6'2" | 195 lbs | DL Linn-Mar | 2024 State IA , Murphy Aucutt, Carson Luense, Tate McEowen Tate McEowen 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Linn-Mar | 2026 State IA and Bryson Miell Bryson Miell IA lead a Lion defense trying to slow down a Southeast Polk attack averaging 40.4 points per game.
No. 9 Cedar Rapids Kennedy (6-3) at No. 8 Cedar Falls (6-3)
Two of the top teams in Eastern Iowa this season have been that for awhile. Cedar Falls is in the playoffs for a seventh consecutive season, while Kennedy clinched its sixth postseason berth in a row.
The Tigers topped Kennedy, 17-14, on Oct. 13 in Cedar Falls. They knocked off the Cougars, 23-16, last September at the UNI-Dome. Kennedy had won the two previous meetings.
Cedar Falls also claims victories against playoff teams in Linn-Mar and Johnston in ’23. Its three losses are against postseason teams Prairie, Ankeny Centennial and Pleasant Valley.
An offensive line led by Nebraska commitment Jake Peters and Will Tompkins Will Tompkins 6'4" | 270 lbs | OL Cedar Falls | 2025 State IA helps the Tigers average 5.7 yards per carry. Quarterback Tate Hermansen along with running backs Drake Gelhaus, William Remmert William Remmert 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Cedar Falls | 2026 State IA and Drew Gerdes benefit from the team strength. Remmert also figures into the passing game as does Logan Wroe (29-356-4) and Cade Courbat (7-133-4).
Iowa commitment Drew Campbell Drew Campbell 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Cedar Falls | 2024 State IA , younger brother of Hawkeye great Jack Campbell, leads a stingy Cedar Falls defense with 38 solo tackles, 17.0 stops for loss and 3.0 sacks. Gerdes, Ian Bohnenkamp, Andrew Lageschulte, Nolan Plagge and Colin Coonradt also shine in that phase.
Like Cedar Falls, Kennedy brings a balanced offense into the competition. Junior quarterback Vincenzo Gianforte is completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 2197 yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Cyrus Courtney Cyrus Courtney 6'1" | 190 lbs | WR Cedar Rapids Kennedy | 2024 IA (61-978-11) and Pierce McCrary (23-402-2) stand out in catching passes as does running back Calvin White (16-161-7), who also shines carrying the ball and at linebacker. Trevor Scott and Jacob Doyle Jacob Doyle 6'1" | 210 lbs | RB Cedar Rapids Kennedy | 2025 State IA together have 1,345 yards and 13 scores on the ground running behind a line anchored by Iowa commitment Nick Brooks Nick Brooks 6'8" | 340 lbs | OL Cedar Rapids Kennedy | 2025 State IA .
BJ Henry, Christian Gasper, Owen Anderson and Sam Adams lead the Cougar defense.
POD B
No. 15 Sioux City East (5-4) vs. No. 2 West Des Moines Dowling Catholic (8-1), at Williams Stadium
Dowling’s lone setback was a 37-34 loss on Oct. 13 at Southeast Polk. It didn’t eliminate the Maroons from being strong contenders for their 11th state title. They’ve defeated each of their other opponents this season by at least two touchdowns and most by more than that.
Junior running back Ra’Shawd Davis stands out on the Dowling offense with 1230 yards (5.7 YPC) and 23 touchdowns rushing. Quarterback Dante Cataldo is completing 68.0 percent of his passes with six TDs through the air and a pair on the ground. Curtis Horras Curtis Horras 6'2" | 175 lbs | WR Dowling Catholic | 2024 State IA (31-377-2) and Hank Brown (31-302-2) are his favorite targets. Kansas State offensive line commitment Kyle Rakers Kyle Rakers 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Dowling Catholic | 2024 State IA anchors a strong front. Dylan Manning, Zach Smid Zach Smid 5'10" | 180 lbs | WR Dallas Center Grimes | 2024 IA , Matthew Hanten and Kenyi James lead a defense with three shutouts this season.
Southeast Polk overwhelmed East, 48-14, on Sept. 22 in Sioux City. The Raiders have won three of four games since then. Their sophomore quarterback, Cal Jepsen Cal Jepsen 5'10" | 170 lbs | QB Sioux City East | 2026 State IA , can sling it. He has 2319 yards and 19 touchdowns passing with eight interceptions. Richard Stewart (53-810-6) is among the state’s most productive receivers. Myles Wegher Myles Wegher 5'8" | 175 lbs | RB Sioux City East | 2025 IA , Michael Williams and Logan Dolphin are other reliable targets. Wegher has a team-high 597 yards and nine scores rushing. James Hogancamp, Jacob Breyfogle Jacob Breyfogle 6'2" | 205 lbs | ATH Sioux City East | 2026 State IA , Chris Ford and Keagan Augustine Keagan Augustine 6'3" | 220 lbs | DL Sioux City East | 2024 State IA stand out defensively.
No. 10 Johnston (5-4) at No. 7 Ankeny (6-3)
Ankeny lost to Dowling, 35-14, on Sept. 8 at Valley Stadium. Johnston did not face the Maroons this season but was outscored 80-22 in a pair of losses to them in the previous two seasons.
If a meeting on Sept. 15 is any indication, this game should be competitive. Ankeny claims a 16-10 victory against Johnston from last month.
Ankeny junior Luke Anderson has 1,634 yards and 15 touchdowns with 10 picks passing. Evan Irlmeier (41-571-4) and Devon Akers (36-744-7) provide him with reliable options. Caden Henkes and Daniel Larmie Daniel Larmie 5'8" | 160 lbs | RB Ankeny | 2026 State IA have a combined 1,562 yards and 16 scores on the ground. For the Hawk defense, Connor Kayser (14.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks), Angelo Wernau (8.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks), Lio Aguirre (8.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks), Dylan Dougherty (68.0 tackles) and Jacob Mohrfeld (19 solo tackles, 4 INTs) lock it down.
Will Nuss has 1,666 yards and 17 touchdown passing with 10 interceptions for the Dragons. He shares a good connection with Minnesota tight end commitment Jacob Simpson Jacob Simpson 6'5" | 220 lbs | WR Johnston | 2024 State IA (40-678-10). D’Angelo Barkue enters the postseason with 632 yards and six touchdowns rushing. Collin Hodapp (32 solo tackles, 8.0 TFLs), Robert Gbollie (9.5 TFLs), Jacob Helgeson (48.0 tackles, 6.0 TFLs) and Taye Proctor (5.5 TFLs, 3 INTs) disrupt opposing offenses.
POD C
No. 14 West Des Moines Valley (4-5) at No. 3 Pleasant Valley (8-1)
Pleasant Valley reeled off eight wins in a row following a season-opening loss to rival Bettendorf. The Spartans reached the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. Valley won in four of the last five weeks to extend the state’s longest active streak of postseason appearances to 32.
The Spartans have been challenged in three of the last four games, the closest being a 31-28 victory Sept. 29 against visiting Cedar Falls. That may have prepared them for close postseason games. Iowa Hawkeye commitment Joey VanWetzinga Joey VanWetzinga 6'2" | 255 lbs | DL Pleasant Valley | 2025 State IA impacts the game as a two-way lineman. Coy Kipper Coy Kipper 5'10" | 140 lbs | DB Pleasant Valley | 2024 IA has been efficient throwing the ball with seven touchdown passes and only one pick. The senior is a dangerous runner as evidenced by his 609 yards and 17 TDs on the ground. Tyge Lyon Tyge Lyon 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Pleasant Valley | 2024 State IA and Tate Lyon Tate Lyon 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Pleasant Valley | 2024 State IA together have 1272 yards and 11 scores rushing.
In addition to VanWetzinga on defense, the Spartans lean on Harrison Fierce, Max Schmeltzer, David Gorsline and Josh Hansen, among others.
Valley has overcome a key season-ending injury to standout receiver Xzavion Robinson and heavy graduation losses from last year’s state championship game squad. Damon Head has enjoyed a super senior season with 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns rushing, while junior Darius Mason Darius Mason 5'11" | 230 lbs | RB Des Moines Valley | 2025 State IA has added 409 yards and seven scores on the ground. Drake DeGroote Drake DeGroote 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Valley WDM | 2026 State IA has thrown 10 TD passes and Noah Cracraft has caught 27 balls for 360 yards and a pair of scores. Isaiah Pinks Isaiah Pinks 6'2" | 170 lbs | DB West Des Moines Valley | 2024 IA , Ramez Naba, Cole Weible, Theron Castle, Nic VanArkel and Andrew Price Andrew Price 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH West Des Moines Valley | 2025 IA have stood out on the other side of the ball.
No. 11 Cedar Rapids Priarie (5-4) at No. 6 Waukee (7-2)
Waukee returns to the playoffs for the first time since a nine-year postseason run ended in ’20. The Warriors’ losses are against No. 4 Waukee Northwest and No. 1 Southeast Polk.
Prairie defeated Iowa City West last week in clinching its 12th postseason trip in a row. The Prairie Hawks posted a 3-3 mark in their final six games this season. Their four setbacks were to No. 1 Southeast Polk, No. 3 Pleasant Valley, No. 5 Bettendorf and No. 7 Ankeny.
Warrior sophomore Beckett Bakker Beckett Bakker 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Waukee | 2026 State IA has thrown for 1,228 yards and 13 touchdowns with six interceptions, and added 477 yards and four scores rushing. Grant Gammell has contributed 712 yards and 11 TDs on the ground. Gammell, Henrick Nimley, Cooper Andrews Cooper Andrews 5'11" | 170 lbs | QB Waukee | 2024 State IA and Jojo Layee all have caught at least 10 balls this season. Ian Samples, Orson Harrop, Mason Brooks Mason Brooks 6'3" | 185 lbs | DB Waukee | 2024 IA , Carter Johnson and Sam Diener are among a group playing well defensively.
Backup quarterback Wyatt Eash led Prairie to the win at Iowa City West. The junior is surrounded by talent in running back Casey Kelley along with receivers Apollo Payne, Denzil Green and T.Y. Pour. On defense, Collin Velky, Ian Monnahan, Tyler Beck, Quinton Alexander, LaMarious Clark, Wyatt Vlasek and CJ Wade stand out among a physical Prairie group.
POD D
No. 13 Ankeny Centennial (5-4) at No. 4 Waukee Northwest (7-2)
Northwest has reached the postseason in all three years of its existence. The Wolves have dropped games against Dowling and No. 10 Johnston this fall but defeated No. 6 Waukee, No. 14 Valley and this week’s opponent, No. 13 Centennial, 17-7, on Oct. 13 in Ankeny.
The Centennial football program has played in the playoffs every season since its doors opened in ’13. In addition to the Northwest setback, the Jaguars have fallen against Southeast Polk, Dowling and Ankeny.
Dual-threat quarterback Sam Johnson Sam Johnson 5'11" | 175 lbs | QB Waukee Northwest | 2024 IA has 1,377 yards and 14 touchdown passes to go with 723 yards and 11 scores rushing. Caleb James and Ryan Woodruff have teamed up for 822 yards and 12 TDs on the ground. Maverick Inman (35-715-8) has shined at receiver, while Will Retz also has been a reliable wideout. Harry Leinen Harry Leinen 6'1" | 195 lbs | LB Waukee Northwest | 2024 IA , Andrew Eastman, Chase Lamb Chase Lamb 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Waukee Northwest | 2024 State IA , Henry Kennedy and Henry Kennedy help form a salty Wolves’ defense.
The Jaguars boast a potent passing attack with quarterback Trenton Smith Trenton Smith 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Ankeny Centennial | 2024 State IA at the controls. He’s completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 1,393 and 18 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Running back Elijah Porter, a Northern Illinois pledge, has rushed for 968 yards (8.3 YPC) and 11 scores, while backfield mate Braeden Jackson has added 413 yards and 5 TDs on the ground. Max Snyder is the top receiver, and Isaiah Bassett, Zechariah Howe, Cole Pieper, Reed Anderson and Drake Dittmar will lead the defense against Northwest.
No. 12 Iowa City High (6-3) at No. 5 Bettendorf (7-2)
Sometimes we see quirky developments in postseason matchups. This would be one of them.
City High will return to Bettendorf for a second Friday in a row after stopping the Bulldogs, 42-21, last week and ending a five-game skid in the series. The two teams share a memorable history, especially from the 1990s.
Bettendorf sat out the postseason last year for the first time since ’97. The resurgence on offense was led by the three-headed rushing attack of quarterback Charlie Zimmerman, and running backs Gavin Barta Gavin Barta 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Bettendorf | 2024 IA and Jacob Whipple. The trio has a combined for 1,452 yards and 24 touchdowns running the ball. Jake Schulz (24-543-7) has been Zimmerman’s favorite target, and Landon Coleman, Aiden Lee, Cooper Agosta, Amari Washington, Jackson Laver and Isaiah Dunn have been factors for a physical defense.
The Little Hawks make their third consecutive trip to the postseason following a four-year absence. Bobby Bacon Bobby Bacon 6'0" | QB Iowa City | 2025 IA completed 18 of 21 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns with one pick last Friday. He’s improved as the season has advanced as have running back Miles Parlet (1,309 yards rushing, 13 TDs), receivers Jeremiah Madlock Jeremiah Madlock 6'2" | 185 lbs | WR City | 2024 IA (28-662-5), Carsen Newton (46-532-2) and Connor Cross (3 TDs), and tight end Parker Sutherland Parker Sutherland 6'6" | 215 lbs | TE Iowa City | 2025 IA . On defense, Sam Kueter Sam Kueter 6'2" | 190 lbs | DL Iowa City High | 2024 State IA , Dax Judge Dax Judge 6'3" | 225 lbs | OL Iowa City | 2024 IA , Jake Mitchell and Tono Cornell Tono Cornell 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL Independence | 2024 State IA stand out.