Kennedy, Prairie go down to the wire

For six weeks, leadership of the MVC Valley Division has been a revolving door.

Four teams have occupied the throne, one that has been far easier to reach than keep.

The race concludes Monday, and it's a dead heat for the lead between Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Cedar Rapids Prairie.

Based on Monday's opposition, Kennedy has the advantage. The Cougars (31-7 overall, 18-6 MVC) close with a doubleheader at Waterloo East (10-28, 6-18). Prairie (26-9, 18-6) hosts Dubuque Hempstead (16-8, 23-14).

Last summer, Kennedy won its first division title in 20 years.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson is the Mississippi Division champion. The J-Hawks (34-4, 23-1) finish against Iowa City West (23-13, 13-9), which has won 20 of its last 22 games.

ON TO THE POSTSEASON

Regional play begins Monday in Class 2A and Class 1A.

All of the area ranked teams have first-round byes, and start in Wednesday's quarterfinals.

Alburnett (18-18) is the top area 2A squad assigned to play Monday. The Pirates host Clayton Ridge (11-13), with the winner hitting the road Wednesday to face No. 12 Lisbon (29-11).

Edgewood-Colesburg (17-13) takes a 10-game win streak into 1A regionals. The Vikings host West Central (11-20).

MONDAY'S CLASS 2A REGIONAL FIRST ROUND

(All Games, 7 p.m.)

Region 4

Denver at MFL MarMac

Wapsie Valley at West Branch

Region 5

Tipton at North Cedar

Clayton Ridge at Alburnett

Region 6

Cardinal at Van Buren

Danville at Mediapolis

MONDAY'S CLASS 1A REGIONAL FIRST ROUND

(7 p.m. unless noted)

Region 3

Coon Rapids-Bayard at F.D. St. Edmond

Audubon at Glidden-Ralston, 5:30 p.m.

Anita CAM at Exira-EHK, 5:30 p.m.

Garwin GMG at Colo-Nesco

Tri-County at Montezuma

Region 5

Turkey Valley at Elkader Central

West Central at Edgewood-Colesburg

Starmont at East Buchanan

Springville at Easton Valley

Midland at Bellevue Marquette

Region 6

Gladbrook-Reinbeck at Hudson

Iowa Valley at BGM

Latimer CAL at Don Bosco, 5:30 p.m.

Lone Tree at English Valleys

Iowa Mennonite at HLV

Region 7

Twin Cedars at Southeast Warren

Mormon Trail at Wayne

Seymour at Melcher-Dallas

Keota at Winfield-Mount Union

Moulton-Udell at New London

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com