Class 5A Quarterfinals Previews, Predictions

The quarterfinal round of the state playoffs often brings the most pressure. A win on Friday night secures a coveted trip to the UNI-Dome for the Final Four in each class.   Competition in 5A this week should be fierce. There are favorites and underdogs, and that's meant little in forecasting what will happen during the regular season. Buckle up, we could be in for another wild Friday night.   Let's take a closer look:   ANKENY (6-4) AT IOWA CITY LIBERTY (9-1)   Ankeny Players to Watch:  [player_tooltip player_id='1280955' first='Luke' last='Anderson'], QB (60.7 completions, 11 total TDs); [player_tooltip player_id='401669' first='Daniel' last='Larmie'], RB (1,147 yards/11 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1278885' first='Caden' last='Henkes'], RB (532 yards/4 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1280082' first='Evan' last='Irlmeier'], WR (50 catches-528 yards-4 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='897474' first='Andrew' last='Brandhorst'], WR (35-555-3); [player_tooltip player_id='1105160' first='Dawson' last='Whitinger'], LB (78.5 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 2.5 Sacks, INT); Samuel Sandvig, S (65.0 tackles); LaMarious Clark, S (52.0 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 5 INT); Tristan Hill, LB (46.5 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 3.0 Sacks); Ben Taylor, S (73.0 tackles); Ez Pinks, LB (40.0 tackles, 6.5 TFL); Manning Allen, DT (30.5 tackles, 7.0 TFL, 3.5 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1280953' first='Andrew' last='Haase'], DE (45.5 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 7.5 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1279803' first='Ryan' last='Harrington'], PK (11-15 FG, 26-26 PAT); [player_tooltip player_id='1238537' first='Zach' last='Breitbach'], OL; [player_tooltip player_id='1279990' first='Lukis' last='Beroth'], OL; [player_tooltip player_id='1280954' first='Jack' last='Dorfler'], OL; Ryan Pruin, OL; Landen Rutter, OL.   Liberty Players to Watch: Reece Rettig, QB (2,315 yards/28 TD passing, 72.5 completions, 390 yards/6 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1278898' first='Owen' last='Drapeaux'], RB (800 yards/13 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='988861' first='Sutton' last='Koller'], RB (492 yards/7 TD rushing, 30 catches/776 yards/10 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='1196514' first='Collin' last='Decker'], WR (39-446-5); [player_tooltip player_id='1129677' first='Dallas' last='Miller'], WR (56-828-8); Ethan Barber, (28.5 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 3.5 Sacks); Mason Waterbury, (31.5 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 2.5 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1617593' first='Pryor' last='Reiners'], (27.0 tackles, 3.0 INT); Landon Bell, (50.0 tackles, 2.5 TFL); Korbin Howard, (28.0 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2.0 Sacks); Quayshon Harrington Johnson (21.5 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1548918' first='Logan' last='Laubenthal'], DB (4 INT); [player_tooltip player_id='1282214' first='Caleb' last='Burnett'], OL; Jaryn Sertterh, OL; Erick Arzu, OL; Chase Schroeder, OL.   The Particulars: It's a rematch of an Oct. 11 contest played in North Liberty. The Lightning came away with a 28-20 victory with QB Reece Rettig throwing for 234 yards, passing for a touchdown and rushing for another one. [player_tooltip player_id='988861' first='Sutton' last='Koller'] caught six balls for 140 yards and a TD, while also leading the squad with 10.0 tackles. Ankeny built a 17-14 halftime lead only to be outscored 14-3 after the intermission. [player_tooltip player_id='401669' first='Daniel' last='Larmie'] rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, and [player_tooltip player_id='897474' first='Andrew' last='Brandhorst'] caught seven passes for 80 yards and a score in defeat. Ben Taylor delivered a team-high 10.5 tackles.   The Hawks have won three games in a row since falling in North Liberty, including a regular-season victory against West Des Moines Valley and last week's first-round triumph against Linn-Mar. Liberty also has won seven contests in a row after suffering its lone loss to Pleasant Valley on Sept. 13.   Howe I See It: There's an old adage stating that it's difficult to beat a team for a second time in the same season. I'm not sure who came up with it or how accurate it might be, but more often than not, the best team wins regardless of the circumstances.   I scouted the first meeting between these programs, and they looked evenly matched. The Lightning put together, perhaps, its best half of defense this season to silence Ankeny after halftime. Liberty held a 401-386 edge in total yards and a key, 2-0 advantage in takeaways.   The Hawks bring back key members from last year's team that reached the state championship game. They should be ready for the pressure and the environment having won at Dowling in '23 quarterfinals.   The Lightning have been proving doubters wrong all season and have a veteran roster hungry for the young program's first Dome trip. It looked sharp and ready to go in last week's 31-14 dispatching of Waukee, which didn't score after halftime.   I'm really torn on this one but am going to give the slight edge to Liberty being as it's at home. It's a one score game either way, but the Lightning fulfill its destiny in advancing to Cedar Falls.   ANKENY CENTENNIAL (8-2) AT DOWLING CATHOLIC (9-1)   Centennial Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='1286629' first='Chase' last='Kluver'], QB, (65.2/1,381 yards/15 TD passing, 2 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1280497' first='Braeden' last='Jackson'], RB (1,233 yards, 21 TD rushing/260 yards 3 TD receiving); JJ Morgan, RB (318 yards, 3 TD rushing); Caleb Reed, WR (42 catches, 489 yards, 5 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='245544' first='Malachi' last='Curvey'], LB (18 solo tackles, 8.0 TFL, 2.0 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1277268' first='Isaiah' last='Bassett'], DL (8.5 TFL, 4.0 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1279763' first='Mitchell' last='Grider'] (18 solo, 4.5 TFL, 2.5 Sacks); Adis Hambasic (26.5 tackles, 2.5 TFL); Jackson Reed (27.5 tackles); [player_tooltip player_id='1227598' first='Houston' last='Luce'] (4.0 TFL, 2.0 Sacks); Isaac Bruhl (32.5 tackles, 3 INT); [player_tooltip player_id='1279727' first='Reed' last='Anderson'] (73.5 tackles, 42 solo, 9.5 TFL, Sack, 2 INT); Carlos Blount (36 tackles, 3.0 TFL); Cael Woods (30.0 tackles, 21 solo); [player_tooltip player_id='1279722' first='Ryan' last='Bendezu'], PK (6-7 FG, 52 long, 51-51 PAT).   Dowling Players to Watch: Parker DePhillips, QB (65.1, 8 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='401674' first='Joey' last='Nahas'], QB (66.2, 7 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='847998' first='Rashawd' last='Davis'], RB (1,125 yards, 17 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1279933' first='Jakob' last='Skau'], WR (29 catches, 552 yards, 6 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='1619623' first='Sam' last='Drexler'], WR (34-355-2); [player_tooltip player_id='1279753' first='Trey' last='Wilson'], WR (35-374-4); Aidan Ducharme, LB (52.5 tackles); [player_tooltip player_id='1240478' first='Joel' last='Sankoh'], LB (39 solo tackles, 7.0 TFL); [player_tooltip player_id='856072' first='Ian' last='Middleton'], DL (6.0 TFL, 3.0 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='245539' first='Parker' last='Pearson'], CB, (30 solo tackles, INT); [player_tooltip player_id='1619297' first='Ryan' last='Bobo'], DL (8.0 TFL, 4.5 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1278782' first='Dylan' last='Manning'], LB (33 solo tackles, 3.0 TFL, Sack); [player_tooltip player_id='1320139' first='Will' last='Barreto'], S (16 solo tackles, INT); Marty Blount, PK (9-10 FG, 32-34 PAT).   The Particulars: These teams met on Oct. 4 with Dowling pulling out a 41-35 victory in triple overtime. Yeah, this should be a good one. The Maroons hold a 7-2 lead in the all-time series between the two central Iowa schools with Centennial last winning in 2018.   In the most recent contest, [player_tooltip player_id='1279933' first='Jakob' last='Skau'] caught three passes for 144 yards and a touchdown in the Maroon win, and [player_tooltip player_id='847998' first='Rashawd' last='Davis'] ran for 92 yards and a pair of scores. Aidan Ducharme's 7.5 tackles led the team. For the Jaguars, [player_tooltip player_id='1280497' first='Braeden' last='Jackson'] rushed for 115 yards and three touchdowns, and [player_tooltip player_id='1279727' first='Reed' last='Anderson'] posted 14.5 tackles (2.0 TFL).   Howe I See It: The regular-season meeting ended up being a tossup and the rematch shapes up to be a close affair as well. Both of these teams are capable off winning it all and are facing off already.   They lean heavily on their running backs. Centennial's [player_tooltip player_id='1280497' first='Braeden' last='Jackson'] is enjoying a breakout season, and [player_tooltip player_id='847998' first='Rashawd' last='Davis'] has been among the state's top players at the position for multiple seasons.   Dowling has been employing a two-quarterback system with DePhillips and Nahas. It's worked, but the approach will face a tough challenge against an aggressive Jaguar defense.   Kluver is ultra-efficient behind center for Centennial, and an opportunistic Dowling defense will try to force him in uncharacteristic errors. He can move the pocket and run when there are lanes.   Centennial led the first meeting, 21-3, at halftime before the Maroons rallied. Expect this matchup to be more back and forth with the defenses standing out. In a contest decided by a play or two in the fourth quarter, Dowling finds a way to get back to the Dome.   IOWA CITY WEST (6-4) AT SOUTHEAST POLK (6-4)   West Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='245608' first='Jack' last='Wallace'], QB (71.7, 2,658 yards, 32 TD passing/380 yards 8 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1361552' first='Butali' last='Butali'], RB (789 yards 6 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='847948' first='Mason' last='Woods'], WR (49 catches, 1003 yards, 11 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='1238512' first='Julian' last='Manson'], WR/DB (47-836-13/77.5 tackles); Declan Bunn, LB (64.0 tackles, 3.5 TFL); Adrian DeWaard, DB (31.5 tackles, INT); Sterling Warren, LB (49.5 tackles 3.5 TFL); [player_tooltip player_id='1619319' first='Jackson' last='Law'], DL (36.5 tackles 5.5 TFL 4.5 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1699746' first='Campbell' last='Janis'], LB (31.0 tackles, INT); Adam A Salem, PK (4-7 FG, 44-44 PAT); [player_tooltip player_id='1238174' first='Colin' last='Whitters'], OL/DL.   SE Polk Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='254611' first='Holden' last='Hansen'], QB (66.4, 1,844 yards 15 TD passing/274 yards 7 TD rushing); Landon Vander Werff (451 yards, 4 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='401671' first='Drew' last='Thompson'], RB (361 yards, 5 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='1278273' first='Sam' last='Zelenovich'], WR (61 catches, 779 yards 6 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='1279618' first='Kaden' last='Hills'], WR (29-407-4); [player_tooltip player_id='1279607' first='Emmanuel' last='Gaye'], CB (14 solo tackles, 1.0 TFL); Kane Brockman, DL (32 solo tackles, 13.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks); Charles Goode, LB (36.5 tackles, 2.0 TFL); [player_tooltip player_id='1619426' first='Brayden' last='Lewis'], DB (41 solo tackles); Noah Trexel, LB (25.5 tackles); Cael Winget, (54 solo, 8.5 TFL, Sack); [player_tooltip player_id='1619443' first='Jack' last='Hope'], LB (33 solo tackles); Cristian Scalco, LB (31 solo tackles); Kaeon Ward-Taylor, DL (23 solo, 7.0 TFL, Sack); [player_tooltip player_id='640854' first='Cooper' last='Martinson'], DL (53 solo, 7.0 TFL); Samer Arafa, PK (3-4 FG, 26-29 PAT).   The Particulars: These teams went to the Quad Cities last week and sprung upsets to earn a chance at a final four appearance with one more win. West took down Bettendorf, 21-16, and the Rams toppled Pleasant Valley, 24-21.   Not only is the lone quarterfinal game that isn't a rematch from the regular season, West and Southeast Polk haven't met since 2019. That was a 23-21 Ram triumph. The Trojans took the first three meetings in the series, those contests taking playing between '16-18.   Howe I See It: We'll see what happens Friday night when opposites meet. West boasts one of the state's top offenses, averaging 39.1 points per game with fourth-year starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='245608' first='Jack' last='Wallace'] putting it all together his senior season. The Rams' defense, led by DL [player_tooltip player_id='640854' first='Cooper' last='Martinson'], is allowing just 19.7 points per game, an outfit among the stingiest around   The forecast calls for partly-cloud skies and 50 degrees with a light 3 MPH wind. That means the Trojans should be able to operate as normal on offense, and it will be a true matchup of strength on strength.   It could be decided by the West defense facing the Ram offense. Both units have been inconsistent this season.   The Trojans were the pick to win last week at Bettendorf. I thought Pleasant Valley would top Southeast Polk.   In a coin-flip game here, Wallace and company find a way to give Eastern Iowa an even split with the central region in next week's semifinals at the UNI-Dome. There will be a new champion in 5A for the first time since '20.   JOHNSTON (8-2) AT WEST DES MOINES VALLEY (8-2)   Johnston Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='252226' first='William' last='Nuss'], QB (55.8, 1,679 yards, 16 TD passing); [player_tooltip player_id='1361616' first='D'Angelo' last='Barkue'], RB (714 yards, 10 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1616438' first='Emri' last='Jones'], RB (504 yards, 7 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='1279761' first='Nathan' last='King'], WR, (22 catches, 494 yards, 4 TD); Vincent Peterson, WR (17-342-4); Tino Daye, WR (17-294-4); Andrew Kallen, LB (25 solo tackles, 2.5 TFL, INT); [player_tooltip player_id='1619376' first='Max' last='Mincks'], LB (49.0 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 1.5 Sacks); Jacob Helgeson, (48.5 tackles, 5.0 TFL, Sack); [player_tooltip player_id='1279701' first='Micah' last='Cook'], DL (22 solo 11.5 TF: 6.0 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1361659' first='Jeffrey' last='Scott'], DL (27 tackles 8.5 TFL 3.0 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='1198833' first='Bryce' last='Beachem'], DB (23 tackles, 6 INT); Ian Yates, PK, (4-7 FG, 46-46 PAT).   Valley Players to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id='401870' first='Drake' last='DeGroote'], QB (67.1, 1,219 yards 19 TD passing/ 3 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='847993' first='Darius' last='Mason'], RB, (469 yards, 3 TD rushing); [player_tooltip player_id='1524941' first='King' last='Coleman'], Rb (653 yards, 7 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='847795' first='Xzavion' last='Robinson'], WR (37 catches, 515 yards 11 TD); [player_tooltip player_id='283945' first='Jayden' last='Brown'], WR (28-354-4); [player_tooltip player_id='1589904' first='Andrew' last='Price'], (38 solo tackles 10.5 TFL 3.5 Sacks); [player_tooltip player_id='283946' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'], ATH (2 INT, PR TD); [player_tooltip player_id='533051' first='Gage' last='Olsen'] (18 solo tackles, 2 INT); [player_tooltip player_id='1280032' first='Cam' last='Cribari'], S (14 solo tackles, 2.5 TFL, INT); Dane Christiansen, S (16 solo tackles, 2.0 TFL); Jarome Horn, DL (20 solo tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1.5 Sacks); Colin Straker Seay, DL (23 solo 7.5 TFL 3.5 Sacks).   The Particulars: Another rematch from the regular season, Valley captured the first meeting, 34-24, on Sept. 13 at Valley Stadium. [player_tooltip player_id='401870' first='Drake' last='DeGroote'] completed 22 of 24 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns in that contest with TE [player_tooltip player_id='1279870' first='Zach' last='Schemper'] catching seven balls for 125 yards and a score. Johnston was just 8 of 22 passing but racked up big-chunk plays totaling 235 yards in the air attack.   The running game was the difference in the first matchup. Valley carried 40 times for 168 yards, while the Dragons were limited to 21 yards on 20 carries. Johnston held a 1-0 edge in turnover margin.   Howe I See It: If we're adding in transitive properties, Johnston knocked off fellow quarterfinalist, Ankeny, 24-7 this season. Valley lost to the Hawks, 13-10, last month.   In the end, we can throw out their first meeting and the Ankeny results. Johnston defeated seven consecutive opponents after losing to the Tigers. Valley has won seven of its last eight contests.   The Dragons enjoy a little more momentum heading into Friday night. During their winning streak, they've outscored all of their opponents by at least two touchdowns. Valley slipped by Sioux City East, 31-28, last week, winning on a late field goal.   This one shapes up to be competitive with it being decided in the fourth quarter. Can the Tigers hold up well against the rush again? Will Johnston be able to hit big pass plays if it struggles to run?   The slight advantage goes to Valley being back at home after last week's wake-up call from the Black Raiders. The curtain isn't ready to drop on the Tigers' state-best 33rd-consecutive playoff appearance. A balanced offense gets them back to the Dome for a fourth year in a row.

The quarterfinal round of the state playoffs often brings the most pressure. A win on Friday night secures a coveted trip to the UNI-Dome for the Final Four in each class.