Class 3A Recap from Week 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we reach the halfway point for the 2025 regular season in high school football, we take a look at Class 3A, which holds 7 teams that are still sitting with an undefeated record, and all of the teams that are still undefeated did not advance further than the quarterfinals from the playoffs last season, with several of the tops team last season sitting behind them, the pecking order in this conference has swapped a bit with several teams that were either early-exits in the playoffs or not making the playoffs at all in 2024 emerging at the top of the conference. We take a look at what went down over week 4 across the conference as we reach the midpoint 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>Clear Lake </strong>vs. Nevada: <strong>21-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The biggest matchup in the conference between two top undefeated teams, the matchup between Clear Lake and Nevada proved to be a gritty one as both teams' performances were marred with inconsistencies and mistakes. However, after losing their previous two matchups to Clear Lake in blowout fashion, Nevada put up a fight in this rematch. The Lions took the lead late, and Nevada came close of matching their miraculous hail mary from week 2 as a deep throw down the sideline was barely overthrown, and their last play ended with an interception. Clear Lake has solidified their mark as a legitimate contender for the state title this season, though Nevada should very much remain in the mix after a promising performance. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] (JR) - </strong>Despite throwing 2 picks early in the game, McIntire persevered and delivered under massive pressure playing on the road against a top opponent on their homecoming night. McIntire finished 16 of 22 for 180 yards and a TD while rushing for 58 yards on 17 carries and a rushing TD. He also recorded 6 tackles (5 solo) on defense. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Wahlert Catholic vs. <strong>West Delaware:</strong> <strong>27-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the heels of an impressive 3-0 start, West Delaware had their biggest test of the season hosting the reigning 3A champions, Wahlert Catholic, who were coming off their first loss of the season against Decorah. The Hawks were able to control the game on the ground, surging their way for 297 yards of rushing while maintaining a step ahead of the Golden Eagles for much of the night. Leading by 7 with just over 3 minutes left in the game, the Golden Eagles drove to the Hawks' 5 yard line, but the Hawks' defense made a spectacular goal-line stand, forcing a turnover on downs to secure the win while snapping a three game losing streak to the Golden Eagles. West Delaware has really emerged as a legitimate team in Class 3A that may very much be in contention for the state championship in 2025. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Austin Schnieders (SR) - </strong>The catalyst for West Delaware's dominant offensive performance against one of the strongest defensive groups in Class 3A, Schnieders finished with 151 rushing yards on 19 carries (7.9 YPC) and 3 rushing TDs while finishing 7 of 17 for 88 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT on the air. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Solon </strong>vs. Benton: <strong>28-21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Solon-Benton rivalry may be one that will continue to heat up after the two teams went 1-1 against each other last season. In the rematch from Solon's playoff victory over Benton last season, the Bobcats took a 21-18 lead heading into the 4th quarter as they finished with more production offensively than the Spartans (301-242). However, Solon's defense dominated the 4th quarter, as they would finish the night with 5 turnovers forced on Benton. Solon scored 10 unanswered in the 4th quarter, and the Bobcats' final drive ended with a lost fumble, allowing Solon to stay undefeated with a 4-0 start for the second straight year. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='1693683' first='Cody' last='Milliman'] (JR) - </strong>The top enforcer for the Spartans' spectacular defensive performance, Milliman recorded 6 tackles (4 solo), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception in the win. Milliman also led the offense with 72 yards receiving on 5 catches. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Carlisle vs. <strong>Winterset: 27-23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While Carlisle leads in this historic rivalry over Winterset, the Huskies have gained the upper hand over the Wildcats in their last few matchups. Carlisle would end up outgaining Winterset in yardage (335-294), but were marred with 4 turnovers that would help trigger a massive run in the second quarter where Winterset managed to score 20 points to take a lead at halftime. Carlisle scored in the 4th, and Winterset reclaimed the lead with just over 4 and a half minutes to go. The Huskies held off the Wildcats' final drive and secured a critical win to get back up to .500.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='1620016' first='Jace' last='Bellamy'] (SR) - </strong>Bellamy was all over the field on Friday night. Offensively, he ran for 79 yards on just 7 carries and a rushing TD while catching 2 passes for 74 yards and a 46 yard TD. Defensively, he led the team with 15.5 tackles (9 solo) and 2 INTs. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Iowa Falls-Alden </strong>vs. Boone: <strong>14-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Iowa Falls-Alden entered this matchup having lost their previous 4 matchups with Boone, not having beaten them since 2009. Boone led 7-6 heading into the 4th quarter, but following a rough first half, the Cadets were able to have near complete control of ball possession during the second half. Boone had only 2 possessions during the entire second half as the Cadets chipped away with a bruising run attack and steady passing game. The Cadets claimed the lead with around 7 and a half minutes left to play, and Boone was not able to respond, giving the Cadets an upset win. Sitting at 2-2, they have already matched their total win record from both 2023 and 2024 heading into the second half of the season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Karsen Kalous (JR) - </strong>Picking apart the defense with quick throws and smart reads, Kalous finished 16 of 19 for 188 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT while rushing for a team high 44 yards on 12 carries. Defensively, Kalous added 5.5 tackles (3 solo) and 1 INT. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notable Results from Week 4:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Madison vs. <strong>Mount Vernon: 56-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fairfield</strong> vs. Knoxville: <strong>55-16</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Central DeWitt</strong> vs. Mount Pleasant: <strong>49-27</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sioux Center</strong> vs. Spencer: <strong>49-28</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saydel vs. <strong>Greene County: 47-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Atlantic</strong> vs. Storm Lake: <strong>47-22</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Independence </strong>vs. Center Point-Urbana: <strong>45-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Humboldt</strong> vs. Ballard: <strong>45-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Creston vs. <strong>Des Moines Christian: 44-31</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davenport West vs. <strong>Assumption: 42-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oskaloosa vs. <strong>Washington: 42-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Heelan</strong> vs. Sioux City North: <strong>35-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harlan Community</strong> vs. Denison-Schleswig: <strong>28-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waverly-Shell Rock vs. <strong>Algona: 28-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waterloo East vs. <strong>Charles City: 19-6</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 Jackson Flahery (SR) - Humboldt: 14/18, 228 yards, 5 TDs, 52 rushing yards on 9 carries (5.8 YPC)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1850755' first='Hudson' last='Krukow'] (SR) - Central DeWitt: 15/24, 183 yards, 4 TDs, 27 rushing yards on 3 carries, 1 rushing TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1204547' first='Nathan' last='Manske'] (JR) - Algona: 8/12, 99 yards, 2 TDs, 82 rushing yards on 13 carries (6.3 YPC), 6.5 tackles (3 solo), 2 INTs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1844927' first='Ethan' last='McNeal'] (JR) - Atlantic: 222 rushing yards on 26 carries (8.5 YPC), 3 rushing TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1631206' first='Kael' last='Williams'] (SR) - Washington: 175 rushing yards on 18 carries (9.7 YPC), 4 rushing TDs, 1 2PT conversion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR [player_tooltip player_id='1700997' first='Valley' last='Davis'] (SR) - Humboldt: 4 receptions, 96 yards (24 YPC), 3 receiving TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB/RB [player_tooltip player_id='1238514' first='Kasen' last='Thomas'] (SR) - Bishop Heelan: 143 rushing yards on 17 carries (8.4 YPC), 3 rushing TDs, 3.5 tackles (2 solo), 2 TFLs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1620016' first='Jace' last='Bellamy'] (SR) - Winterset: 79 rushing yards on 7 carries (11.3 YPC), 1 rushing TD, 2 catches, 74 yards, 1 receiving TD, 15.5 tackles (9 solo), 2 INTs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB [player_tooltip player_id='1241540' first='Jaxon' last='Anderson'] (SR) - Mount Vernon: 7 tackles (5 solo), 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 defensive TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB [player_tooltip player_id='1906852' first='Oliver' last='Grice'] (SO) - Des Moines Christian: 11 tackles (7 solo), 1 pass defended, 1 INT</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->