Iowa high school football 2023: Picking the Gazette area 8-Player districts

This is the first in a series diving into the area Iowa high school football districts for the 2023 season. Today, we examine 8-Player.

Sixty-nine teams will play 8-player football this season, with 32 advancing to the playoffs. The top three teams in each of eight districts advance automatically, plus two at-large teams.

The 8-Player regular season will be eight games, with five rounds of playoffs. Teams not making the playoffs will be permitted to play a ninth regular-season contest if they choose.

A closer look at area districts:

District 3

OVERVIEW

A program accustomed to deep postseason runs, Don Bosco was benched in the second round last year after an unbeaten regular season. The Dons (8-1 in 2022) are heavy favorites in District 3 behind the return of the Knaack brothers, who combined for 48 receptions and 76.5 tackles. Turkey Valley (7-2) also advanced to the second round and is the Dons’ primary challenger. The Trojans have, arguably, the best player in the district in Oliver Schmitt (1,077 rushing yards, 17 TDs, 57.5 tackles). Turkey Valley hosts Don Bosco in Week 7.

PREDICTIONS (*playoff qualifier)

1. *Don Bosco

2. *Turkey Valley

3. *Lansing Kee

4. Riceville

5. West Central

6. Elkader Central

7. Waterloo Christian

District 5

OVERVIEW

Central City ascended from 3-6 to 8-2 last year, and the Wildcats should continue their climb the fall, perhaps as far as the UNI-Dome. The top five running backs of a potent ground attack are back, led by senior Aiden Klostermann (1,224 yards, 20 TDs). Klostermann also was second on the team in tackles and intercepted four passes. Central City will get a good gauge immediately, hosting Winfield-Mount Union in Week 1. Easton Valley (7-2) has been one of the best 8-Player programs in Eastern Iowa lately, and will be a threat once again. Lone Tree (3-5) and Edgewood-Colesburg (4-4) figure to battle for the third automatic bid.

PREDICTIONS (*playoff qualifier)

1. *Central City

2. *Easton Valley

3. *Lone Tree

4. Edgewood-Colesburg

5. Midland

6. Springville

7. Calamus-Wheatland

District 6

OVERVIEW

WACO (13-1) made it all the way to the 8-Player championship game last year before falling to Remsen St. Mary’s. The pendulum of power shifts a bit south this season to a Winfield-Mount Union outfit that is ready to explode. The Wolves (6-4) possess a horse in Iowa recruit Cam Buffington, who rushed for 1,484 yards and 25 TDs — and counted 95.5 tackles — as a junior. WACO remains a contender despite some significant graduation losses. HLV appears to be poised for a big jump after a 1-7 season last year, and should battle for the last automatic bid with Iowa Valley (6-4).

PREDICTIONS (*playoff qualifier)

1. *Winfield-Mount Union

2. *WACO

3. *HLV

4. Iowa Valley

5. New London

6. English Valleys

7. Tri-County

District 7

OVERVIEW

Traditionally a competitive Class A program, Belle Plaine (4-5) takes the leap into 8-Player football this season. The Plainsmen make the transition with junior Ty Alcott (1,171 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns), and join a list of contenders that are known for explosive offenses. BGM (6-3) led the state in scoring offense at 67 points per game, and the focus turns to sophomore Beau Burns. Montezuma (9-3) scored 51 points per contest and welcomes back prolific receiver Garrett Watts (52 catches, 1,163 yards, 22 TDs). Then there’s Moravia (7-3, 53.6 ppg), which rates as a slight favorite in what should be a wild four-team race.

PREDICTIONS (*playoff qualifier)

1. *Moravia

2. *Belle Plaine

3. *BGM

4. *Montezuma

5. Twin Cedars

6. Melcher-Dallas

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com