Class 2A Recap from Week 6

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through 6 weeks, there still remains to be a lot of really good football programs across Class 2A Iowa, with all 5 undefeated teams still perfect, and a slew of excellent contenders still chasing for spots, the last 2 weeks in this conference will be exciting, and it could lead to a dramatic finish toward deciding who makes it to the postseason this year. We recap what went down in Class 2A Iowa across the weekend in week 6!</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>Bellevue </strong>vs. Alburnett: <strong>33-28</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Possibly the most anticipated matchup of the week in this conference, it lived up to the hype with a thrilling second half with the game coming down to the wire. Alburnett came in looking to upset the undefeated Comets and extend their 2-game winning streak over the Comets. After a fairly quiet first half tied at 7, the units exploded for 34 points in the 3rd quarter alone. Ultimately, the connection between [player_tooltip player_id='1614201' first='Cal' last='Bonifas'] and Keenan Killburg proved unstoppable, accounting for 293 of the team's 403 yards of passing, proving critical as Bellevue built a two-possession lead in the 4th quarter and never gave it up. With their first 6-0 start since 2018, Bellevue is truly playing like a top contender in this conference. </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='1614201' first='Cal' last='Bonifas'] (SR) - </strong>Bonifas was in complete command of the passing game on Friday night as he finished 20 of 33 for 403 yards, 4 TDs, and 2 INTs as he tore apart the Pirates' secondary. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Dike-New Hartford vs. <strong>Roland-Story: 35-34</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The first time that these two teams have played each other since 2017, the Norsemen exploded out of the gate, taking a 14-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and were leading 21-7 at the half. The Wolverines made a furious rally in the second half, deviating from their run-heavy offense and clicking on a couple of big passing plays to emerge with a 34-27 lead late. The Norsemen executed an excellent final drive capped off with a touchdown through a tight window as time expired. The Norsemen gambled, going for two, with the pass on a quick out being caught. The 2PT conversion was ruled good and the Norsemen escaped with a huge win. While there was controversy over where the ball was spotted, for the Norsemen, this game was a statement victory that puts the team very much into playoff contention. </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='1907914' first='Cody' last='Long'] (SR) - </strong>Coming up huge both offensively and defensively, Long led the team with 10.5 tackles (8 solo), 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, and an interception. On the ground, he rumbled for 210 yards on 21 carries and 2 rushing TDs while catching 3 passes for 15 yards and the walk off 2PT conversion to pull off the upset. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Western Christian </strong>vs. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock: <strong>34-33</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Lions deserve credit for nearly pulling off a stunning upset over the #5 ranked unit in the conference, and having built a 27-19 lead heading into the 4th quarter, the Lions seemed on pace to do that. However, the Wolfpack emerged in the 4th quarter with several explosive passing plays, scoring 15 unanswered to take a 7 point lead with 1:27 to go. The Lions got the ball back and managed to weave their way down the field before punching in a 7 yard rushing TD with just 12 seconds to go. The Lions gambled for the game by going for 2, but their run was stuffed, allowing the Wolfpack to hold off the Lions for a close win, snapping a 2 game losing streak to the Lions. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Landon DeStiger (SR) - </strong>The Lions didn't have any answers in containing DeStiger, as he finished 22 of 37 passing for 299 yards and 4 TDs while adding 2 carries for 8 yards and a rushing TD, accounting for all of Western Christian's scoring plays. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Okoboji </strong>vs. Southeast Valley: <strong>34-31 (OT)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Southeast Valley seemed on pace to pull off a shocking upset, powering on the ground for 223 rushing yards and finishing with more total yards than the Pioneers (344-299), the Jaguars built a 28-14 lead heading into the 4th quarter. However, the Pioneers passing game was on rhythm for most of the night, ultimately proving to be the catalyst in Okoboji's rally, and with only 19 seconds left, Okoboji nailed a 53 yard touchdown pass to tie the game, leaving the Jaguars' speechless. In the end, the Jaguars were limited to a field goal in overtime, while the Pioneers marched down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown to stay undefeated in an impressive comeback. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Trey Vander Pol (JR) - </strong>Vander Pol came clutch for the Pioneers, finishing the night 21 of 30 for 235 yards and 2 TDs, hitting a perfect pass in the final minute to tie the game, and ultimately organizing the final drive in OT capped off with the game-winning 4 yard TD pass to [player_tooltip player_id='1649629' first='Asa' last='Jacobsen'] to secure the win. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Forest City </strong>vs. New Hampton: <strong>20-14 (OT)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A lot of close matchups this week that went down to the wire, and the matchup between these two struggling units proved no different. Chasing their first win of the season, Forest City struggled throughout and were on pace toward being shut out for the 3rd time this season. However, the Indians' offense roared to life in the 4th quarter, finally connecting in their passing game with some huge plays, coming through with two fourth quarter touchdowns to send the game to OT. With the ball first, New Hampton misfired on a third down throw resulting in an interception, in which the Indians responded with the game-sealing touchdown to give them their first win of a rough 2025 season for them. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Ty Sopko (SR) - </strong>Playing in all three facets of the game, Sopko recorded a tackle and an interception on defense, made both of his extra points, and led the offense with 195 yards receiving on just 8 receptions (24.4 YPC), including a clutch 74 yard touchdown catch-and-run on 4th down that proved critical in the Indians' comeback win. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notable Results from Week 6:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis County vs. <strong>Pella Christian: 70-19</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mid-Prairie</strong> vs. Centra Lee: <strong>56-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albia vs. <strong>PCM: 54-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estherville Lincoln Central vs. <strong>OABCIG: 50-21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oelwein vs. <strong>Vinton-Shellsburg: 49-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chariton vs. <strong>Van Meter: 49-16</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waukee vs. <strong>Osage: 47-24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Branch</strong> vs. Tipton: <strong>43-16</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cherokee Washington</strong> vs. Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley: <strong>43-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Woodward-Granger</strong> vs. Clarke Community: <strong>42-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sheldon vs. <strong>Unity Christian: 42-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spirit Lake vs. <strong>Kuemper Catholic: 41-21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wilton</strong> vs. West Burlington Notre Dame:<strong> 36-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Tama County vs. <strong>Centerville: 34-13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hampton-Dumont-CAL</strong> vs. Denver: <strong>32-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grand View Christian</strong> vs. Clarinda: <strong>28-17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monticello vs. <strong>Anamosa: 24-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crestwood</strong> vs. North Fayette Valley: <strong>21-17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Liberty vs. <strong>Mediapolis: 16-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top 10 Standouts from Week 6:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Dylan Bosma (SR) - Unity Christian: 16/19, 265 yards, 4 TDs, 29 rushing yards on 4 carries, 2 rushing TDs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1614201' first='Cal' last='Bonifas'] (SR) - Bellevue: 20/33, 403 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 19 rushing yards on 3 carries, 1 2PT conversion, 2 punts (38 yards per kick)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1100526' first='Judah' last='Lock'] (SR) - Grand View Christian: 20/29, 340 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 44 rushing yards on 11 carries, 1 rushing TD, 9 tackles (All solo), 2 TFLs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Landon DeStiger (SR) - Western Christian: 22/37, 299 yards, 4 TDs, 8 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1687045' first='Blake' last='Lovell'] (SR) - Cherokee Washington: 208 rushing yards on 19 carries (10.9 YPC), 2 rushing TDs, 2 receptions, 31 yards, 2.5 tackles, 1 TFL</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1900142' first='Christian' last='Williams'] (SO) - Van Meter: 206 rushing yards on 20 carries (10.3 YPC), 5 rushing TDs, 2 receptions, 21 yards, 7 tackles (4 solo)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR [player_tooltip player_id='1923069' first='Keenan' last='Kilburg'] (SR) - Bellevue: 291 receiving yards on 12 receptions (24.3 YPC), 3 receiving TDs, 14 rushing yards, 9 tackles (All solo), 15 return yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL Jackson Heims (JR) - Vinton-Shellsburg: 4.5 tackles (4 solo), 4.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR/LB [player_tooltip player_id='850243' first='Brayton' last='Alford'] (SR) - Kuemper Catholic: 14 tackles (10 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble 1 INT returned for TD, 3 receptions, 74 yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1907914' first='Cody' last='Long'] (SR) - Roland-Story: 10.5 tackles (8 solo), 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 210 rushing yards on 21 carries, 2 rushing TDs, 3 receptions, 15 yards, 1 2PT conversion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->