Class 3A Recap from Week 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 3A saw a major shakeup at the start of the second half of the 2025 season, with a sudden drop from 7 to only 3 undefeated teams left in the conference. Week 5 was filled with thrilling classics and unexpected results that have suddenly pivoted the direction of how this conference will play out once again. We recap the madness that went down in Class 3A Iowa across week 5!</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>Assumption </strong>vs. Central DeWitt: <strong>35-31</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the heels of back-to-back victories following an 0-2 start, Assumption was facing an undefeated Central Dewitt team whom had lost to the Knights in the previous 8 matchups, but they look poised to finally snap that losing streak this time around. The matchup proved to be a back and forth affair with Central Dewitt tearing apart the Knights' secondary with 487 total passing yards, while the Knights dominated on the ground with 323 total rushing yards. Assumption entered the 4th quarter with a 21-14 lead before the game descended into mayhem as 31 combined points were scored in the last 12 minutes. In the end, the Knights built a two-possession lead with just under 2 minutes to go, and while Assumption got a late-score, it was too late, giving the Knights a stunning upset on the road, handing the Sabers their first loss of the season, and keeping Assumption's winning streak over the Sabers alive. </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='1850755' first='Hudson' last='Krukow'] (SR) - </strong>For the first time, the best player of this game comes on the losing side as it was impossible to ignore how dominant of a performance Krukow had. Krukow finished 32 of 43 for 431 yards and 2 TDs while adding a rushing TD as he put the team on his back with a spectacular showing. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Atlantic </strong>vs. Creston: <strong>29-27</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Despite not being anticipated to be a close game with Atlantic taking on a winless Creston team, this matchup proved to be a classic that will fuel this rivalry for years to come. Atlantic built a 23-13 lead with just over 5 minutes to go in the game, when the Panthers came away with 14 unanswered points and a game-leading touchdown with just 35 seconds to go. In dramatic fashion, the Trojans managed to drive the ball down to Creston's 33 yard line with just 3 seconds to go. Following their timeout, QB Zayden Parker nailed his final throw finding Shelton Mualia in a 1-on-1 situation, who came down with the ball for a storybook finish. Atlantic snapped a 2-game losing streak to Creston as they put themselves back into contention going forward. </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='1581279' first='Gavin' last='McLaren'] (SR) - </strong>A difficult choice as there were several players that were deserving of this title, but ultimately, McLaren proved most critical to the final score as he bulled his way for 44 yards and 3 TDs on 11 carries while adding 2 receptions for 17 yards. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Algona vs. <strong>MOC-Floyd Valley: 14-13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A huge matchup between two tops teams in the conference, the matchup between the Bulldogs and the Dutchmen was largely a defensive affair, with Algona taking a 13-7 lead at halftime and holding that lead for much of the second half. However, the Bulldogs' offense was marred with 3 turnovers. The Dutchmen took advantage of these mistakes, hitting a 35 yard touchdown pass on 4th and 9 with under 9 and a half minutes to go to take a 1 point lead. The Bulldogs were unable to strike back, and a critical 4th down conversion on the Bulldogs' last drive was called back due to a holding call, forcing the Bulldogs to punt. The Dutchmen ran out the clock on the ground to secure a huge upset, cementing the Dutchmen as a worthy unit that may be a dark horse contender to win the Class 3A state title this season. </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='1581277' first='Dylan' last='Maasdam'] (SR) - </strong>Maasdam was able to spear his way through the Bulldogs' defense as he ran for 179 yards on 19 carries (9.4 YPC) and a rushing TD. He added 3 receptions for 14 yards and 3.5 tackles (3 solo) on defense. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Williamsburg </strong>vs. Des Moines Christian: <strong>17-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Raiders have struggled to a 1-3 start this season, and things weren't looking any better as they headed on the road to take on an undefeated Des Moines Christian' unit. The Raiders were able to claim an early advantage, taking a 10-7 lead by the end of the 1st quarter. The Raiders' defense dominated, limiting the Lions' effective run game to just 82 total rushing yards and a paltry 2.5 YPC. Holding the Lions scoreless through the second and third quarter, the Raiders effectively put the game away with a late touchdown throw with just over 3 minutes to go. The Lions responded with a touchdown, but the Raiders ultimately got the ball back and held on for a much-needed road upset over an undefeated foe to hopefully put the team back on track heading into the second half of this season. </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='1241518' first='Dylan' last='Weisskopf'] (SR) - </strong>Weisskopf led the way for an exceptional defensive performance that held a strong Lions' unit to just 14 points. Weisskopf led the team with 9.5 tackles (8 solo) to go with 4 TFLs. Serving as the team's Punter, he also averaged 34.8 yards per boot on 4 punts. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Webster City </strong>vs. Humboldt: <strong>21-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another stunner in a classic rivalry between Webster City and Humboldt, Webster City was on the heels of 3 straight losses heading into this matchup. The Lynx were able to control most of the game on the ground, finishing with a total 247 yards of rushing as they built a 21-7 lead early in the 4th quarter. Humboldt scored to cut the deficit to 7, but the Lynx were able to eat up a good chunk of time before the Wildcats forced the Lynx to punt with around 2 and a half minutes remaining. However, the Wildcats made a crucial mistake, committing a running into the Kicker penalty, which made it 4th and 2. With this closer distance, the Lynx opted to go for it, which they converted, allowing them to run out the rest of the clock and spoil Humboldt's homecoming, giving the Wildcats a dispiriting loss to further cloud over the Wildcats' performance in the aftermath of their magical season last 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='1844903' first='Jaxon' last='Griffith'] (SR) - </strong>The catalyst for the Lynx' run game on Friday night, Griffith ran for 123 yards on 28 carries (4.4 YPC) and 3 rushing TDs, accounting for all of Webster City's scoring plays minus extra points. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notable Results from Week 5: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Solon </strong>vs. Fairfield: <strong>77-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Madison vs. <strong>Keokuk: 55-27</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mount Vernon</strong> vs. Maquoketa: <strong>50-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Greene County</strong> vs. Perry: <strong>49-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Delaware</strong> vs. Iowa Falls-Alden: <strong>48-18</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Center Point-Urbana vs. <strong>Wahlert Catholic: 45-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington vs. <strong>Mount Pleasant: 44-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clear Lake</strong> vs. Independence: <strong>43-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charles City vs. <strong>Benton: 41-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Knoxville</strong> vs. Saydel: <strong>37-21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Winterset vs. <strong>Nevada: 34-25</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Harlan Community</strong> vs. Carroll: <strong>33-28</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bishop Heelan</strong> vs. Sioux Center: <strong>28-15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top 10 Standouts from Week 5:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1850235' first='Jadyn' last='Burton'] (SO) - Keokuk: 26/30, 377 yards, 6 TDs, 44 rushing yards on 6 carries (7.3 YPC), 1 rushing TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB Hudon Krukow (SR) - Central DeWitt: 32/43, 431 yards, 2 TDs, 1 rushing TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] (JR) - Clear Lake: 20/24, 218 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 46 rushing yards on 11 carries</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1696598' first='Jack' last='Cantwell'] (SR) - West Delaware: 141 rushing yards on 13 carries (10.8 YPC), 3 rushing TDs, 4 receptions, 92 receiving yards (23 YPC), 1 receiving TD, 6.5 tackles (4 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 INT returned for TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB/RB [player_tooltip player_id='1238514' first='Kasen' last='Thomas'] (SR) - Bishop Heelan: 180 rushing yards on 25 carries (7.2 YPC), 3 rushing TDs, 5.5 tackles (4 solo), 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH Antonio Crockett (SO) - Keokuk: 5 receptions, 167 receiving yards (33.4 YPC), 3 receiving TDs, 3.5 tackles (2 solo), 72 return yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL James Thomsen (SR) - Solon: 4.5 tackles (3 solo), 2.5 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery returned for TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Jack Georgen (SR) - West Delaware: 12 tackles (5 solo), 4 TFLs, 1 sack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1692029' first='Braxton' last='Hayner'] (SR) - Keokuk: 13.5 tackles (8 solo), 3.5 TFLs, 1 sack</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB/ATH Braxton Kelley (SR) - Solon: 44 rushing yards on 2 carries, 1 rushing TD, 1 reception, 57 yards, 1 receiving TD, 1 tackle, 1 forced fumble, 83 punt return yards, 1 punt return TD</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->