Class 2A Recap from Week 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Halfway through the 2025 season, Class 2A has seen a major shakeup in their standings. Of the 5 teams that remain undefeated, only one of those teams advanced further than the second round of the Class 2A playoffs last season, showing that the teams competing at the top have emerged from the middle of the pack to take ahead of this conference, but with 4 games left in the regular season, anything can happen and we could see another shakeup before the end of the year. We recap week 4 across Class 2A as we reach the mid point of the season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top Games:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mediapolis </strong>vs. West Burlington Notre Dame: <strong>28-21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For their homecoming night, West Burlington hosted a heated rival in Mediapolis, who they took down last season in a close affair 21-19. After a sloppy first half, the Bulldogs came alive in the second half, finding a rhythm on offense while slowing down the Falcons' potent rushing attack. The Bulldogs fought their way back and ultimately claimed the lead with just over a minute and a half to play on a 35 yard touchdown pass off a screen. The defense shut down the Falcons on the next drive, and Mediapolis was able to spoil their homecoming to avenge their loss from last season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Parker Holsteen (SR) - </strong>Holsteen provided much of the production for the Bulldogs' offense, rushing for 172 yards on 22 carries (7.8 YPC) and 2 rushing TDs while adding 6.5 tackles (5 solo) on defense. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mid-Prairie </strong>vs. Wilton: <strong>21-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A critical matchup between 2 contenders in the conference sitting at 2-1 right now, the Golden Hawks exploded out of the gate by claiming a 21-6 lead at halftime, but 3 interceptions and missed opportunities would arise, allowing Wilton to fight back and cut the deficit to just 1 point heading into the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, Wilton missed several opportunities in the 4th quarter, and their final drive culminated on 4th and 2, where WR [player_tooltip player_id='1241501' first='Gatlin' last='Rogers'] beat his man, but QB Gunner Edwards undershot the ball, resulting in a tipped interception with just over a minute left to seal a major win, the Golden Hawks first win over Wilton since 2019. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Kaden Kos (SR) - </strong>Kos did it all for the Golden Eagles on Friday night. Offensively, he ran for 45 yards on just 6 carries (7.5 YPC) and ran for a touchdown while catching a team-high 5 passes for 22 yards. He added 7 tackles on defense and scored on a 73 yard punt return TD. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Vinton-Shellsburg </strong>vs. Hampton-Dumont-CAL: <strong>21-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hampton-Dumont-CAL had their homecoming game hosting Vinton-Shellsburg. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs were pitted with several missed opportunities, falling short in the redzone and committing several mistakes in the game. Trailing by 7 in the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs were able to score late, but their extra point attempt was blocked, allowing the Vikings to maintain a 1 point lead. The Bulldogs were able to get the ball back and drive the ball deep into Vikings' territory. However, their last second 27 yard field goal attempt was blocked again, allowing the Vikings to spoil the Bulldogs' homecoming to earn their second win of the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Colt Koeppen (JR) - </strong>Koeppen was nearly perfect on the air, finishing 20 of 26 for 243 yards and 3 touchdowns while rushing for 28 yards on 6 carries as the Bulldogs' defense didn't have any answers to stop him.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Denver vs. <strong>Roland-Story: 21-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another team that had their homecoming on Friday night was Roland-Story, on the heels of two straight losses and facing a difficult matchup against a Denver team that had won their last two games with a combined 84-0 score. However, a spirited Norsemen' defense was able to fluster Denver's offense, limiting them to just 194 yards of total offense, a scoreless 4th quarter, and 2 turnovers, including the game-winning fumble recovery off a botched handoff in the last 2 minutes sealed the win on homecoming to get the Norsemen back to .500.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Luke Thoreson (JR) - </strong>Thoreson proved to be the top target for Roland-Story's up-and-down passing performance, finishing with 9 catches for 128 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 2PT conversion. Defensively, Thoreson added a tackle and an interception. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Okoboji </strong>vs. Spirit Lake: <strong>10-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A low scoring defensive battle between these two rivals where Spirit Lake has predominantly prevailed in this historical matchup, neither team was totally able to find their groove as this game was marred by mistakes and turnovers. However, Okoboji gritted their teeth and grinded out yardage on the ground to score all 10 points in the second half, culminating with a game-winning 34 yard field goal by [player_tooltip player_id='1649629' first='Asa' last='Jacobsen'] as time expired, allowing the Pioneers to maintain their undefeated start as they earn their first win over Spirit Lake since 2010. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Miles Wasson (JR) - </strong>Playing both ways at RB and LB, Wasson contributed to the Pioneers' deep backfield with a team-high 54 rushing yards on 14 carries. Defensively, he recorded 5 tackles (4 solo), 3 TFLs, and a sack. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notable Performances from Week 4:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oelwein vs. <strong>Dike-New Hartford: 64-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PCM </strong>vs. Pella Christian: <strong>58-27</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarke Community vs. <strong>Grand View Christian: 52-16</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Centerville</strong> vs. Davis County: <strong>50-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monticello vs. <strong>West Branch: 48-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forest City vs. <strong>Waukon: 46-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Lee vs. <strong>West Liberty: 45-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OABCIG vs. <strong>Kuemper Catholic: 43-22</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anamosa vs. <strong>Bellevue: 42-32</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sheldon vs. <strong>Western Christian: 41-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Southeast Valley</strong> vs. Estherville Lincoln Central: <strong>40-13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Van Meter</strong> vs. Woodward-Granger: <strong>40-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clarinda</strong> vs. Chariton: <strong>34-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherokee Washington vs. <strong>Unity Christian: 33-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Fayette Valley vs. <strong>Osage: 26-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New Hampton vs. <strong>Crestwood: 26-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albia vs. <strong>South Tama County: 26-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alburnett</strong> vs. Tipton: <strong>14-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley</strong> vs. Central Lyon/George Little Rock: <strong>12-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top 10 Standouts from Week 4:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1242935' first='Brock' last='Badding'] (SR) - Kuemper Catholic: 17/22, 311 yards, 4 TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1100526' first='Judah' last='Lock'] (SR) - Grand View Christian: 11/16, 227 yards, 4 TDs, 36 rushing yards on 6 carries, 1 rushing TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1900035' first='Chase' last='Wagaman'] (SR) - PCM: 7/13, 194 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 56 rushing yards on 7 carries, 1 rushing TD, 4 tackles (All solo), 3 passes defended, 1 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB Lewis Daye (SO) - PCM: 223 rushing yards on 40 carries (5.6 YPC), 2 rushing TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB Eric Medina (JR) - South Tama County: 204 rushing yards on 34 carries (6 YPC), 4 rushing TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1880262' first='Cooper' last='Gates'] (SR) - West Branch: 166 rushing yards on 13 carries (12.8 YPC), 2 rushing TDs, 1 catch, 8 yards, 5 tackles (4 solo), 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1635070' first='Adam' last='Brophy'] (SR) - Anamosa: 10 catches, 157 yards, 2 receiving TDs, 4.5 tackles (3 solo), 1 fumble recovery</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL/OL [player_tooltip player_id='1283377' first='Lucas' last='Diehl'] (JR) - Kuemper Catholic: 9.5 tackles (6 solo), 4 TFLs, 3 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Kyler Crow (SR) - Mediapolis: 7 tackles (6 solo), 4 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Seth Smith (SR) - Bellevue: 9.5 tackles (8 solo), 4 TFLs, 2 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->