Iowa high school football 2024: Picking the area Class 4A districts

Sixth in a series diving into the area Iowa high school football districts for the 2024 season. Today, we examine Class 4A.

Thirty-six teams are assigned to Class 4A, with 16 advancing to the playoffs. The top two teams in each of six districts advance, plus four at-large teams (based on RPI).

The 4A regular season will consist of nine games, with four rounds of playoffs.

A closer look at area districts:

District 2

OVERVIEW

It’s not really a matter of Western Dubuque (11-2, 5-0) sliding back to the pack. Instead, the hunch is that the pack, or at least two members of it, will rise up and close the gap. Decorah (6-4, 3-2) and Waverly-Shell Rock (3-6, 3-2) appear to be poised to push the Bobcats. The Vikings return much of their aerial game in QB Louis Bucksa and receivers Gavin Groux and Noah Milburn. WSR (3-6, 3-2) came on strong after an 0-6 start and spoiled Marion’s playoff aspirations with a Week 9 upset. Ethan Bibler is back after rushing for 1,173 yards. Still, go ahead and cast Western Dubuque is the favorite’s chair. Graduation losses were harsh, but all-state lineman Garrett Kluesner is back, along with QB Tanner Anderson (21 TD passes in 2023).

PROJECTIONS (*playoff qualifier)

1. *Western Dubuque

2. *Decorah

3. *Waverly-Shell Rock

4. Marion

5. Waterloo East

6. Mason City

District 3

OVERVIEW

Senior classes come and go, and Cedar Rapids Xavier (8-3, 5-0) always manages to reload. This will be one of the more challenging transition years for Duane Schulte and staff, who lost a ton of seniors. Receivers Carter Hoffmann and Jack Stevenson give the Saints a couple of good options in the passing game. Like Xavier, North Scott (8-3, 4-1) advanced to the quarterfinals last year, and the Lancers vault to the role of favorites this fall. Jerrod Lee ran for 935 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, and Cash Bowe and Carson Lage combined for 71 receptions and more than 1,000 yards. If you’re in the market for a dark horse, take a long look at Oskaloosa (3-6, 1-4). Lance Pedersen takes over as head coach at Clear Creek Amana (3-6, 3-2), and forward progress is imminent.

PROJECTIONS (*playoff qualifier)

1. *North Scott

2. *Cedar Rapids Xavier

3. Oskaloosa

4. Clear Creek Amana

5. Burlington

6. Clinton

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com