4 Downs: Iowa high school football questions and answers from the Gazette staff

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

1st & 10: Which game, or games, have the biggest playoff implications?

Jeff Linder: I still believe that West Delaware is one of the best teams in 3A, but three close losses have the Hawks at 4-3, and with the loser of this week’s game at Independence moving into the at-large pool, this almost feels like a win-or-else proposition for the Hawks. Iowa City High/Linn-Mar is big for 5A playoff seeding. Northeast-Anamosa is winner-take-all for the 2A District 4 title.

Jeff Johnson: Some teams are in must-win mode. Cedar Rapids Prairie is one. The Hawks get undefeated Bettendorf. The Cedar Rapids Kennedy-Cedar Falls winner still has a shot. The loser is out. Three-time defending Class 5A champ Southeast Polk could be on the outside looking in playoff-wise if it loses to West Des Moines Dowling.

K.J. Pilcher: A few teams are in must-win situations. West Delaware needs a win over Independence to solidify its spot. Iowa City West hosts No. 4 Pleasant Valley. The Trojans could almost earn a playoff spot with an upset and prevent it all coming down to Week 9. Also, Cedar Rapids Kennedy is not out of it, yet, at 2-5. The Cougars host Cedar Falls. A win and they still have a longshot chance with a road game at Davenport North in Week 9. A loss is the nail in the postseason coffin.

Nathan Ford: It’s fun when the schedule sets up win-and-you’re-in games that basically serve as a “wild-card round.” Class 2A has a couple games between teams with 1-3 district records where the winner gets the No. 4 seed: New Hampton at Waukon and Garner GHV at Estherville-Lincoln Central. Plenty of other districts with open spots but these are uncomplicated scenarios.

2nd & Long: Which 2023 state champion is likely to return to a title game?

Jeff Linder: All seven of them have a shot, but I would say Southeast Polk (5A) is the biggest longshot. I’ll say that Grundy Center (1A) is the least likely to get bumped off before the finals, though you could make a strong case for Lewis Central, Williamsburg, Van Meter, West Hancock or Algona Garrigan, too.

Jeff Johnson: I really like this Williamsburg team. To me, they are the team to beat in Class 3A. Again.

K.J. Pilcher: Defending state champions are a combined 44-5 this season. Lewis Central (4A), Grundy Center (1A), West Hancock (A) and Algona Garrigan (8-Player) are all unbeaten. Perennial power Van Meter (2A) is 6-1. I don’t shy away from declaring my respect for Williamsburg football. The Raiders are 6-1 with a loss to 4A No. 6 Cedar Rapids Xavier. They have been on a tear since that game, outscoring their last five foes by almost 40 points per game and averaging 52.8 points over that span. QB Grant Hocker has been impressive and they have playmakers on both sides of the ball, including Rayce Heitman, who received a preferred walk-on offer from Iowa. Grundy Center and Lewis Central would be tied for second on my list.

Nathan Ford: I think all seven have a realistic shot, which probably isn’t too common. Grundy Center in Class 1A would be my top pick right now. The Spartans have been UNI-Dome regulars lately and already have double-digit wins over teams that could be on their side of the bracket.

3rd & Short: If you were a football coach, would you prefer walking the sideline or seated in the press box?

Jeff Linder: You get a better view from the press box, so maybe the press box is a good option for a coordinator. But if I’m the head coach, I’m on the sideline to gauge the mood of the team and keep an eye on any injuries.

Jeff Johnson: I’d love to be in the press box because I think you can see more. But that’s only if I had capable coaches on the sideline that could take care of the things that need to be taken care of.

K.J. Pilcher: I know I much prefer covering a game from the press box over the sideline. Being in the press box has advantages. You are removed from the cloud of emotion surrounding the game and can think analytically. The view from above is easier to decipher plays and schemes, in my opinion, and you can still communicate with players via headset. The sideline, however, offers so much more. You can place your finger straight on the pulse of the team’s enthusiasm, attitude and effort. You’re immersed in the game and can talk directly with players. Plus, I don’t have to walk up stadium steps to the press box.

Nathan Ford: The press box offers a better view but I don’t know what I’m looking at anyway. Put me on the energized sideline and hire a get-back coach.

4th & Goal: Technology has made a big impact in high school football. What could be the next big advancement that affects the game?

Jeff Linder: Anybody who knows me, also knows that I am fairly illiterate in the world of technology. So, I’m not equipped to answer this one; it will be something I can’t even imagine.

Jeff Johnson: I can see video replay making an appearance someday. Perhaps one coach’s challenge per game.

K.J. Pilcher: Hudl has had the biggest influence. It first provided a way to break down film and allowed coaches and players access to it from home, study hall or a team meeting. It also allowed for specific plays to be broken down with attached notes. Hudl sideline made it possible for replay to be viewed on sidelines. Drone footage is already allowed but there are some limitations. Maybe that will expand. In my opinion, the next big thing will be one-way communication between coaches and quarterbacks or defensive play caller (normally a middle linebacker). The technology has already been used between coaches and catchers in softball and baseball. If added to the game, coaches can communicate plays directly to players, cutting down on miscommunication with signals or personnel running in plays. Seems like a reasonable new addition.

Nathan Ford: Curious to see what happens with Guardian Caps on top of helmets. Tripoli is wearing them and I’d guess more individuals and teams will follow over the next decade. It’s hard to see them becoming mandatory – at least in games – at this point but if the product continues to evolve that question might be asked.