4 Downs: Which Iowa high school football class is the deepest?

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

1st & 10: What class do you think is deepest with really good teams?

Linder: I give 1A a slight edge over 4A. The carousel at No. 1 is a reflection of 1A’s depth. So is the strength of team just outside the top 10. Teams like Sigourney-Keota, for instance.

Johnson: Gotta vote for Class 1A here. There are 11 teams undefeated or with one loss, and you could make a case for each of them to get to the Dome.

Pilcher: For me, Class 4A is the deepest with quality teams. A program like North Scott has been stuck in the back half of The Gazette’s weekly top 10. Lewis Central and Cedar Rapids Xavier are back from state finals appearances and are at the same caliber again. Returning semifinalist Waverly-Shell Rock, which lost to eventual champ Lewis Central, has been as dominant as anyone. Iowa City Liberty definitely has a claim to being one of the best. How deep is the class? Western Dubuque has a win over Liberty and has won five straight, but the Bobcats haven’t been able to crack the top 10. They are a UNI-Dome contending team and can prove it against WSR Friday. Newton suffered its first loss and dropped out of the rankings. Cedar Rapids Washington is 4-3 with only one 4A loss to Xavier. The Warriors are in position to earn a playoff berth but bounced in and out of the polls. Add Bondurant-Farrar, Carlisle, Norwalk and Indianola, which are all in the same meat-grinding district. Crazy deep.

Ford: Class 4A and Class 1A have the most candidates to be ranked No. 1 for me each week. Meanwhile, I feel like I leave out worthy 8-Player top-10 candidates every week, which makes sense considering it’s the biggest class. Remember the coaches association proposal that would have created two 8-Player classes? If that had happened, we could be looking at top fives (based on my ballot this week) of WACO, Easton Valley, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Lenox and West Harrison in a “2A” and Remsen St. Mary’s, Don Bosco, Fremont-Mills, West Bend-Mallard and Turkey Valley in a “1A.” Then of course a lot of good teams that aren’t ranked now would get in the top 10s. I think, for now, one class is OK but the other scenario is fun to think about and could come to fruition if the 8-Player game continues to grow.

2nd & long: Xavier hasn’t allowed a point in four weeks. Does it come to an end this week against Newton and how does it compare to other impressive defensive feats?

Linder: You hate to assume a shutout, but unless Newton gets a fluke touchdown, or a score against the second (or third) team, another bagel is a distinct possibility.

Johnson: Another shutout coming. Newton was blanked last week by Cedar Rapids Washington and had about 165 yards. Saints defenders are doing their jobs.

Pilcher: Shutouts are one of the toughest accomplishments against good teams and hardest things to predict. So many things can happen that can lead to a score here or there and sometimes defenses don’t get a say with the opposing defense and special teams being able to score. Newton’s first loss was via shutout last week at home by Washington. The Saints haven’t allowed a point in 17 straight quarters and have surrendered more than one score in just one game. They could extend the streak. Xavier’s stout defense is on par with some of their UNI-Dome teams in the 2010s and could be the best ever since the 2011 North Tama team that went 14-0 with seven shutouts, including one in the state semifinals.

Ford: At this point, I’m not betting against it ending until the playoffs. The thing about a shutout streak is there is a touch of luck involved, considering the fluky ways points can be scored, especially when the outcome has been decided. How’s this for a stat? The Saints are allowing only 3.7 yards per pass attempt. That’s like facing the Iowa offense every week.

3rd & short: Are teams’ kicking struggles a blip or a trend?

Linder: I would guess it’s just a blip. The more guys (and, in some cases, girls) that play soccer, the more quality placekickers we’re going to see. Longer legs, and more accurate.

Johnson: In my opinion, schools that also field soccer teams should never have issues with extra points. Or field goals of reasonable length, really.

Pilcher: I think I have witnessed more missed extra-point attempts and field goals this season. Some teams have elected to go for it on fourth down instead of attempting medium-range field goals. Maybe they can’t attract kickers to come out. Maybe other components — holders, blockers and snappers — are the issue. Most of the time these things are cyclical, but coaches should be friends with the soccer program.

Ford: I’m not sure, but if it is a trend I will suggest that more kickers must be specializing in soccer, a more fun sport. Just kidding. I think.

4th & goal: What is your favorite Friday night concessions fare?

Linder: Because it’s run by Mark Fiala of Jefferson softball “Cabin” fame, I have a soft spot in my heart (belly?) for Kingston Stadium. Let’s talk about press box food, too. Benton Community is unbeatable. West Delaware is great. Iowa City Liberty had some quality catering this fall.

Johnson: Are you kidding? POPCORN!!!!!

Pilcher: There are staples like burgers or pizza that are satisfying. I leave the popcorn to connoisseurs like J.J. Candy is a go-to. M&M’s or Twizzlers are great. The one thing I look forward to is the chicken sandwiches at Cedar Rapids Prairie. Football or baseball, I’m lining up and forking over cash to get one. Each. Darn. Time. Runner-up would be the dressing sandwich at Dyersville Beckman, IIRC.

Ford: As a standalone item, I would go with nachos. But if I have M&M’s to pour into a salty, buttery bag of popcorn, that combo rises to No. 1.