Prep football: Class 4A, District 8 predictions

After a magical season that saw Cedar Rapids Kennedy reach unmatched heights — a rise from 3-8 to 13-1 and advancement to the 4A championship game — what happens next?

If the Cougars slide, it won't be far. All-stater Jackson Coker anchors the line, quarterback Nick Duehr is back, and so are top tacklers Johnson Mator and Garrett Kubovec.

Linn-Mar and Iowa City West are the top two challengers. The Lions figure to be the most improved team in the Metro, and should be able to score plenty of points around QB Reese Phillips.

West should rebound from a 4-7 campaign and has a blue-chip recruit in WR Oliver Martin, who caught 73 passes for 1,187 yards and 14 TDs.

Team Previews

• Kennedy intent on remaining a state contender

• Talented Iowa City West hopes for turnaround

• QB Reese Phillips aims to lead motivated Linn-Mar

• Prairie comfortable in Year 2 under Mark Bliss

How They'll Finish

 1. Cedar Rapids Kennedy*

 2. Linn-Mar*

 3. Iowa City West

 4. Cedar Rapids Prairie

 5. Burlington

 6. Ottumwa

*Playoff qualifier

You Pick

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