Week 5 football primer

Week 5 football capsules for key area games:

CEDAR RAPIDS JEFFERSON at CEDAR RAPIDS KENNEDY

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at Kingston Stadium (Kennedy is the home team, and its fans sit on the west side)

Records and rankings: Jefferson is 3-1 overall, 0-0 Class 4A District 5; No. 4 Kennedy is 4-0, 0-0.

Overview: These are high times for the three Cedar Rapids public schools, who come into district play with a combined 10-2 record. Both of these teams have been pleasant surprises thus far, and it sets up one of the most highly anticipated matchups of this series. Jefferson outlasted Kennedy last year in overtime, and has won three straight games this season after a 27-14 loss to Cedar Rapids Washington. The J-Hawks have piled up 152 points in the last three weeks behind QB Jared Eivins, who has rushed for six touchdowns this season and passed for six more. Kennedy has grown more stingy in the last two weeks with a pair of defensive shutouts (Pleasant Valley's lone touchdown last week was on a kickoff return). Durable back Tyler Dralle is third in the state (all classes) in carries (115), netting 559 yards and six touchdowns.

CEDAR RAPIDS WASHINGTON at MUSCATINE

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at Muscatine

Records and rankings: Fifth-ranked Washington is 3-1 overall, 0-0 Class 4A District 6; Muscatine is 4-0, 0-0.

Overview: Expect plenty of fireworks and numerous points in this one. Muscatine ranks sixth in Class 4A scoring at 38.2 points per game - the Muskies outscored Clinton last week, 56-49 - while Washington is ninth at 35.5 points per contest. The Warriors spotted Linn-Mar a 7-0 lead last week before erupting for 35 second-quarter points in a 49-14 victory. Tavian Patrick sparked the Warriors with a kickoff return for a touchdown. Muscatine generally sports a prolific pass attack, and this year is no different. Luke Wichers has thrown for 818 yards and seven TDs.

OTTUMWA at IOWA CITY HIGH

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at Bates Field

Records and rankings: Ottumwa is 3-1 overall, 0-0 Class 4A District 6; City High is 2-2, 0-0. Both are unranked.

Overview: After a 2-7 season in 2014 and an 0-2 start this season, City High is showing signs of becoming a winner again. The Little Hawks seized The Boot last week in a rainstorm, 14-12, over Iowa City West. Jason Jones clinched the victory with an interception in the final seconds. Jones has been a valuable receiver as well, catching 18 passes for 311 yards. Ottumwa suffered its first defeat last week, 21-13, to Indianola. The Bulldogs are a run-heavy outfit led by Isaiah Cox (249 rushing yards, two touchdowns).

BURLINGTON at CEDAR RAPIDS PRAIRIE

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at John Wall Field

Records and rankings: Both teams are 1-3 overall, 0-0 Class 4A District 6. Both are unranked.

Overview: After dropping three straight games (and allowing 124 points in the process), this is a game that Prairie needs to get. Jalen Rima is a threat in many ways. He has rushed for two touchdowns, caught a TD pass and returned both a kickoff and a punt for scores. Burlington picked up its first win of the season last week, 14-6 over Davenport North. The Grayhounds play low-scoring games, averaging 11.2 points per game and allowing 16.5.

LINN-MAR at WATERLOO EAST

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at Waterloo

Records and rankings: Linn-Mar is 1-3 overall, 0-0 Class 4A District 5; East is 0-4, 0-0. Both are unranked.

Overview: All four of Linn-Mar's games have been decided by 14 points or more, and there's a pretty good chance that will continue Friday. The Lions are solid favorites to keep East winless and prevail in their district opener. Daniel Gorsich is one of the best receivers in the Metro; the speedster has 23 catches for 374 yards and six touchdowns. Coach Bob Forsyth said that QB Reese Phillips, injured last week vs. Cedar Rapids Washington, is 'good to go.” East has dropped 23 straight games. Carlton Todd has rushed for 427 yards and four touchdowns.

DAVENPORT CENTRAL at IOWA CITY WEST

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at Trojan Field

Records and rankings: Central is 1-3 overall, 0-0 Class 4A District 7; West is 0-4, 0-0. Both are unranked.

Overview: The beginning of the district schedule is truly a new start for West, which has faced the third-toughest pre-district 4A schedule according to the BC Moore computer. The Trojans still figure to be, at worst, a playoff team, and don't be surprised if they make a push at the 4A-7 title. West's offense has been grounded the last three weeks, managing just 25 points in that span. The Trojans have an excellent receiving tandem in Devontae Lane and Oliver Martin. Central has been held to a single touchdown in each of their last two games, losses to unbeatens Muscatine and Bettendorf.

CEDAR RAPIDS XAVIER at MAQUOKETA

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at Maquoketa

Records and rankings: No. 3 Xavier is 3-0 overall, 2-0 Class 3A District 4; Maquoketa is 3-1, 2-0.

Overview: Most likely, this is Xavier's stiffest remaining test against district competition, and Friday's winner takes sole possession of the district lead. The Saints sport a diverse offense led by Maliki Wilson (339 yards) on the ground and QB Bryce Schulte and receivers Nick Stark and Blake Whitten through the air. Schulte has passed for eight touchdowns against just one interception. After averaging 7.4 points per game in a 1-8 campaign last year, the Cardinals have become much more potent. They're scoring a healthy 26 points per game behind a balanced offense that features Jacob Kloft (274 rushing yards, four TDs).

MARION at DeWITT CENTRAL

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at DeWitt

Records and rankings: Marion is 0-4 overall, 0-1 Class 3A District 4; Central is 0-4, 0-2. Both are unranked.

Overview: It's pretty simple, and not very pretty. The loser of this game faces an uphill climb to avoid an 0-9 season. Marion has dropped 12 straight, including a rainy 35-0 loss last week in which the Indians turned it over seven times. Kory Walsh has rushed for 500 yards for the Indians.

IOWA CITY REGINA at HIGHLAND

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Riverside

Records and rankings: No. 1 Regina is 4-0 overall, 2-0 Class 1A District 6; Highland is 3-1, 1-1.

Overview: To no surprise, Regina has established itself as the superior team in its district, racking up a 110-12 margin in its first two games. Nick Phillips continues to be a two-way threat. He has rushed for 408 yards and six touchdowns, caught 12 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns and intercepted three passes. Highland's first four opponents were a combined 4-12, and this will be a whole new challenge for the Huskies. Bryce West and Nick Sandburg have combined for 350 rushing yards.

WAUKON at NORTH FAYETTE VALLEY

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at West Union

Records and rankings: No. 6 Waukon is 4-0 overall, 1-0 Class 2A District 3; No. 7 North Fayette Valley is 3-1, 2-0.

Overview: The strongest 2A district is shaping up much as it did last year, with five contenders pursuing four spots. It's been so far, so good for both of these teams in district play. Waukon further enhanced its title chances last week by slowing Dyersville Beckman in a 14-3 victory. Peyton Hesse ranks second in 2A with 837 passing yards (he has thrown for 12 touchdowns) while Wyatt Wille is tops in receiving yards with 418. Defending state champ North Fayette Valley counters with the running of Tanner Kuhens (488 yards, six TDs).

SOLON at WASHINGTON

When and where: 7:15 p.m. Friday, at Washington, Iowa

Records and rankings: Class 3A No. 10 Solon is 2-2; Washington is 3-1.

Overview: This figures to be a highly competitive non-district game. Washington has won three in a row after dropping its opener to Pella. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Reighard drives the Demons with 479 passing yards and 453 on the ground, combining for 10 touchdowns. Solon handled Marion, 35-0, in the rain last week, forcing seven turnovers. If the Spartans can get past this week, they could be poised for a lengthy win streak. Halston Durr has five touchdown catches.

LISBON at MAQUOKETA VALLEY

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Delhi

Records and rankings: Lisbon is 3-1 overall, 2-0 Class A District 5; Maquoketa Valley is 2-2, 2-0. Both are unranked.

Overview: Three teams are still unbeaten in district play in A-5 (North-Linn is the other), and Maquoketa Valley faces both of the other contenders in back-to-back weeks. Alec McDowell and Jeremy Fischer have shared the ball-carrying load upon the graduation of Ryan Parmely. The duo has combined for 807 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Lisbon has won three consecutive games after a Week 1 loss to West Branch. The Lions have allowed just 16 points in their first two district wins.

OTHER GAMES INVOLVING METRO/IOWA CITY TEAMS

Lansing Kee (1-3 overall, 1-1 8-Player District 4) at Cedar Valley Christian (1-3, 0-2), 7 p.m. Friday, at LaSalle Middle School

TELEVISED GAMES

Vinton-Shellsburg (2-2 overall, 1-1 Class 3A District 3) at No. 7 Independence (4-0, 2-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday, KCRG 9.2

* * * * *

The Gazette/KCRG/KGYM ranked teams - who and where they play. All games are Friday unless noted.

Class 4A

1. West Des Moines Dowling (3-0) is at Lewis Central (3-1).

2. Bettendorf (4-0) is at Clinton (2-2).

3. West Des Moines Valley (3-1) hosts Des Moines Hoover (3-1).

4. Cedar Rapids Kennedy (4-0) hosts Cedar Rapids Jefferson (3-1).

5. Cedar Rapids Washington (3-1) is at Muscatine (4-0).

6. Fort Dodge (4-0) hosts Mason City (1-3).

7. Ankeny (3-1) is at Ames (1-3).

8. Cedar Falls (3-1) hosts Waterloo West (2-2).

9. Waukee (2-2) hosts Marshalltown (2-2).

10. Johnston (3-1) is at Des Moines North (0-4).

Class 3A

1. Pella (4-0) is at Knoxville (3-1).

2. West Delaware (4-0) is at Crestwood (2-2).

3. Cedar Rapids Xavier (3-0) is at Maquoketa (3-1).

4. Sioux City Heelan (4-0) is at Sergeant Bluff-Luton (3-1).

5. Dallas Center-Grimes (3-1) hosts Boone (1-3).

6. Webster City (4-0) is at Greene County (2-2).

7. Independence (4-0) hosts Vinton-Shellsburg (2-2).

8. Norwalk (3-1) is at Saydel (1-3).

9. Harlan (3-1) is at Atlantic (1-3).

10. Solon (2-2) is at Washington (3-1).

Class 2A

1. Spirit Lake (4-0) hosts Cherokee (4-0).

2. Albia (4-0) is at Centerville (1-3).

3. South Tama (4-0) is at South Hardin (1-3).

4. Anamosa (4-0) hosts Camanche (1-3).

5. Baxter CMB (4-0) is at Monroe PCM (3-1).

6. Waukon (4-0) is at No. 7 North Fayette Valley (3-1).

7. North Fayette Valley (3-1) hosts No. 6 Waukon (4-0).

8. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura (4-0) hosts Charles City (1-3).

9. Mid-Prairie (4-0) is at Sigourney-Keota (2-2).

10. Williamsburg (3-1) is at West Burlington-Notre Dame (2-2).

Class 1A

1. Iowa City Regina (4-0) is at Highland (3-1).

2. Dike-New Hartford (4-0) hosts Hudson (4-0).

3. West Branch (4-0) is at Bellevue (1-3).

4. Hinton (4-0) hosts Sibley-Ocheyedan (2-2).

5. Madrid (4-0) is at Des Moines Christian (1-3).

6. Panorama (4-0) is at Central Decatur (2-2).

7. South Winneshiek (3-1) hosts Sumner-Fredericksburg (3-1).

8. Underwood (4-0) hosts Treynor (2-2).

9. West Lyon (3-1) hosts Western Christian (3-1).

10. IKM-Manning (3-1) is at Avoca AHSTW (3-1).

Class A

1. BGM (4-0) is at Garwin GMG (1-3).

2. Belmond-Klemme (4-0) hosts No. 3 Algona-Garrigan (4-0).

3. Algona Garrigan (4-0) is at No. 2 Belmond-Klemme (4-0).

4. Logan-Magnolia (3-1) hosts Oakland Riverside (0-4).

5. Denver (3-1) is at North Tama (0-4).

6. West Sioux (4-0) hosts Akron Westfield (3-1).

7. Gladbrook-Reinbeck (2-2) is at North Butler (2-2).

8. Pleasantville (4-0) hosts Bedford (3-1).

9. Audubon (3-1) hosts Mapleton MVAO (3-1).

10. Montezuma (3-1) hosts Belle Plaine (3-1).

8-Player

1. Newell-Fonda (4-0) hosts River Valley (0-5).

2. Don Bosco (2-0) hosts English Valleys (1-4).

2. Fremont-Mills (4-0) is at East Mills (4-0).

4. Glidden-Ralston (3-0) hosts Guthrie Center (1-3).

5. Marcus MMC (3-0) hosts Remsen Union (1-4).

6. HLV (5-0) is idle.

7. Janesville (3-0) is at Rockford (2-2).

8. Elkader Central (4-0) hosts Midland (3-1).

9. Coon Rapids-Bayard (3-1) is at Ruthven GTRA (3-1).

10. Colo-Nesco (5-0) is at Tri-County (1-4).

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