4 Downs: Gazette staff moves the chains by answering Iowa high school football questions

The Gazette’s Iowa high school football staff poses and answers questions about the current season. This week we introduce reader questions. See how much Jeff Linder, Jeff Johnson, K.J. Pilcher and Nathan Ford can gain in 4 Downs:

1st & 10: Submitted by @TheErinRooney via X (Twitter). Who is your surprise team this fall??

Jeff Linder: Both surprise and under-the-radar: Edgewood-Colesburg. I had the Vikings (5-0, 4-0) tabbed at fifth in 8-Player District 5, and they are on track to win the thing. Ed-Co is averaging 63 points per game behind the exploits of QB Pryce Rochford, who has rushed for more than 1,100 yards.

Jeff Johnson: Gotta go with Iowa City Liberty. Did not see the Lightning being this prolific offensively with outstanding quarterback from last season Graham Beckman graduating.

K.J. Pilcher: It’s impossible to predict how teenagers will perform from week-to-week, nevertheless before they have even played. You make guesses. If anyone tells you it’s anything different that is a lie. Anyway, Decorah ascending the rankings and starting 5-0 is a “surprise.” The Vikings are averaging 30.8 points per game, while allowing less than two scores a game. The 21-14 win over Independence was a defining win and another gauge comes this week against Waverly-Shell Rock. North Linn is also 5-0 and has been impressive. Iowa City Liberty has also turned heads, winning with a potent offense.

Nathan Ford: I didn’t have Iowa City Liberty in my preseason rankings, but now the Lightning are my highest-ranked area Class 5A team at No. 7 with four solid wins.

2nd & Long: Quarterback play in Iowa City has been outstanding. Which are you taking to lead your team?

Jeff Linder: I am taking Reece Rettig of Liberty because he is a junior and I get him next year, too. All three of them (Bobby Bacon of Iowa City High and Jack Wallace of Iowa City West, too) have been prolific all season.

Jeff Johnson: With absolutely zero offense intended to Reece Rettig at Liberty and Bobby Bacon at City High, I’m going to go with Jack Wallace at West. He’s a four-year starter and has seen pretty much everything in his career.

K.J. Pilcher: Iowa City High’s Bobby Bacon has a clutch gene. The Little Hawks aren’t 3-2 without his performances the last two weeks. He has a knack for producing big plays at the most opportune time. Bacon has completed 75 percent of his passes, throwing for 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns. Interestingly, all four are in the top eight in Class 5A for passing yards. Iowa City West’s Jack Wallace leads 5A with 1,307 yards. Liberty’s Rettig is fourth with 1,106 and Bacon is fifth. Iowa City Regina’s Kyle Tracy has been solid, ranking eighth in 1A with 911 yards, propelling the Regals to a 5-0 record. Any choice works.

Nathan Ford: A question with no wrong answer. I’ll take West’s Jack Wallace because he’s a four-year starter who has experienced a ton, as detailed in JJ’s story last week.

3rd & Short: Multiple games have been decided by late two-point conversion attempts. How would you handle a one-point deficit after a late TD?

Jeff Linder: It depends on the circumstances. First of all, is my kicker a can’t-miss guy? Second, do I consider my team the better team? If I’m the favorite and trust my kicker, I extend the game to overtime and take my chances there. If I’m the underdog, I probably roll the dice and try to win it in regulation.

Jeff Johnson: What do the analytics say? LOL. I would go on feel. Let’s just say I would not be afraid about going for two.

K.J. Pilcher: Never pass up points through the first 44 minutes. When trying to pull within one or two scores late, then do it. Always go for the win on the road and don’t bother with the tie. I will always applaud coaches and players for being aggressive and going for the win in those situations. It doesn’t matter if it’s successful like City High’s last two weeks or Mount Vernon’s miss against Solon. Show confidence in your players getting those three yards and they’ll usually prove you right. Go for it!

Nathan Ford: I’m going for the win. Too many variables in overtime. If I have a chance to win the game right now, I’ll show that I trust my players to convert the two.

4th & Goal: Submitted by former Gazette Sports Editor Mark Dukes. What are the best, or your favorite, high school football media accommodations?

Jeff Linder: Boy, I hate to pick one school over the others. The vast majority of schools (probably 95-98 percent) are off-the-charts welcoming and accommodating. Anywhere that has a chair and a table, plus dependable Wi-Fi/cell service, is A-OK in my book.

Jeff Johnson: Always lots of room at good ol’ Kingston Stadium. Linn-Mar and Liberty have nice new press boxes, though you are a long way from the field. Marion’s is nice and new. The folks in Williamsburg ALWAYS make you feel welcomed. So do Lisbon, North Linn and Central City, the latter of which always has crock pots full of food. That’s just off the top of my head.

K.J. Pilcher: I have covered games from sidelines, bleachers and press boxes. We’ll cover games regardless of the accommodations, even though we appreciate it. Many good places to cover the game. Marion is my favorite. It’s newer, has a private room separated from fans but close enough for a great view and elevator access. I was super impressed with BGM – a two-tier press box with a climate-controlled upper level with plenty of space for multiple media outlets. Kingston still is a sentimental favorite. Bob Brooks Press Box has plenty of room, a great view and easy access to the field.

Nathan Ford: As long as I can squeeze into a press box when it’s cold outside, I’m happy. That said, the press boxes at Iowa City Liberty and Linn-Mar stick out as being nicer than a lot of Division III colleges where I covered games.