Iowa high school football 2025: Gazette-area state quarterfinal games to watch

A look at all 13 state quarterfinal high school football games, featuring Gazette area schools. The round begins with 8-Player games on Thursday and all other classes Friday.

8-PLAYER

Edgewood-Colesburg at Gladbrook-Reinbeck

When and where: 7 p.m. Thursday, at Reinbeck

Records and rankings: 8-Player No. 6 Ed-Co is 10-0; No. 3 Gladbrook-Reinbeck is 10-0.

Overview: The Vikings make their second straight state quarterfinal appearance and their fourth overall in 12 postseasons. They are looking for their second semifinal berth and first since 2018. The Rebels were state runners-up last season. The game pits one of top passing teams against one of the top rushing teams in 8-Player. Ed-Co ranks fifth with 28 passing and receiving touchdowns and 1,757 passing yards. Gladbrook-Reinbeck ranks fifth with 52 rushing TDs and 10th with 2,445 rushing yards. The Rebels are third with 85 total TDs. Jax Steger has powered the Vikings, scoring 49 total TDs, which is good for third in 8-Player. He is also fifth with 28 passing scores. Steger is third with 1,749 passing yards, connecting with teammate Christopher Lange for 864 yards and 13 catches on 36 catches. Carter Battin has 511 yards and seven scores on 15 catches for the Vikings. Steger has rushed for 1,131 yards and 19 TDs. The Rebels’ Treyvon Herron has been impressive, rushing for 1,062 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per carry. Trevor Mathern and Hudson Clark make a good passing combo for Gladbrook-Reinbeck. Mathern has passed for 914 yards and 19 scores, while Clark has 700 receiving yards and 15 TDs on 47 receptions. The Rebels defense has held foes to just 8.1 points per game and tallied 10 defensive TDs.

Audubon at Iowa Valley

When and where: 7 p.m. Thursday, at Marengo

Records and rankings: 8-Player No. 6 Audubon is 10-0; No. 4 Iowa Valley is 10-0.

Overview: The game boasts two of the highest scoring programs in the state. Audubon leads the state with 99 total touchdowns, 72 rushing scores and a 72-point per game average. Iowa Valley is second with 93 TDs, 70 rushing TDs and 64.8 scoring average. But Iowa Valley leads 8-Player with 5,109 all-purpose yards and 3,400 rushing yards, while Audubon ranks second with 5,105 and 3,200. Nolan Kriegel has been an offensive dynamo for Iowa Valley. The Tigers’ junior QB leads the state with 58 total TDs and 41 on the ground. He is third with 1,713 rushing yards. His 2,521 offensive yards is good for fifth in the class. Iowa Valley’s Chance Hoyt is fifth in 8-Player with 21 tackles for loss. The Wheelers counter with Aiden Kjergaard, who has more than 1,900 offensive yards. He has rushed for 1,256 yards and 30 TDs, adding 657 yards and 10 scores through the air. Mason Kasperbauer (70-797 and 15 TDs) and Paxton Beane (67-505, 10) contribute to Audubon’s rush attack. Iowa Valley is making its fifth state quarterfinal appearance and first since 2018. The Tigers are 3-1 all-time in state quarterfinal games, winning in 1981, 2000 and 2002.

11-PLAYER

Adel ADM at Cedar Rapids Xavier

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Saints Field

Records and rankings: Class 4A No. 6 ADM is 9-1; No. 1 Xavier is 10-0.

Overview: The Saints are making their 15th state quarterfinal appearance and looking for their 12th semifinal trip, which would be their first since winning the 2022 state title. The Saints throttled Waverly-Shell Rock, 47-0, while ADM topped No. 9 North Scott, 27-24. Saints quarterback Cash Parks leads 4A with 22 passing touchdowns, 77.1 completion percentage and 257.0 QB rating. His 31 total touchdowns in second and 1,686 passing yards ranks sixth. Parks had 184 yards and two TDs, including 163 and 1 passing against the Go-Hawks. Ryan Kelly has been Parks’ top target with 36 catches for 635 yards and eight scores. Xavier running back Carter Hoffmann has been steady, rushing for 937 yards and 15 TDs. ADM counters with Hudson Shull, a dual-threat QB that has been one of 4A’s top producers. He has passed for 1,473 yards and rushed for 1,092, accounting for 30 of 55 Tigers’ TDs. Reed Obstarczyk has rushed for 930 yards and 17 scores for ADM, which is making its fifth quarterfinal appearance.

Southeast Polk at Iowa City Liberty

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Liberty Stadium

Records and rankings: SE Polk is 6-4; Class 5A No. 3 Liberty is 9-1.

Overview: These two programs meet for the third time since last year’s state semifinal, splitting both games. The Rams produced a dramatic comeback for a 38-35 win en route to a fourth straight 5A state title. The Lightning avenged that loss with a 38-20 win Sept. 5, leading 38-0 after three quarters at Runnells. SE Polk beat No. 4 Ankeny, 21-14, to advance. The Lightning opened the postseason with a 34-20 win over Waukee. Reece Rettig continues another stellar season for Liberty, amassing 2,707 offensive yards and 29 TDs, including 1,901 and 16 through the air. Four Lightning receivers have at 26 catches. Pryor Reiners has 37 for 44 yards, Adrian Cherry has 29 for 266, Leo Rozz has 28 for 288 and Jordan Schroeder has 26 for 377. Landon Bell leads the Lightning defense with 52 total tackles. The Rams are led by running back Stanley Cooper, who has 1,206 yards and 16 scores on 145 carries. Liberty is third in 5A with 38.1 points per game, while SE Polk is sixth at 34.6.

Pleastantville at Iowa City Regina

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Regina

Records and rankings: 1A No. 6 Pleasantville is 9-1; 1A No. 3 Regina is 10-0.

Overview: The Regals has reached the quarterfinals for the third straight season, looking for their first semifinal trip since winning the 2020 state championship. The Regals are led by a three-headed offensive monster – QB Kyle Tracy, running back Savion Miller and tight end Tate Wallace. Tracy has surpassed more than 2,000 offensive yards with 1,725 passing and 28 TDs, including 181 yards and four scores in a 52-13 win over Cascade, hitting Wallace for two TDs. Tracy added 121 and two TDs on the ground as well. Miller rushed for 154 yards and a TD, giving him 755 yards and 14 TDs this season. Wallace is the Regals’ top receiver, hauling in 31 catches for 432 yards and seven TDs. Braylon Bingham has been Mr. Everything for Trojans. He is the team’s top passer (49 of 133 for 1,374 yards and 16 TDs), leading rusher (90-795, six TDs) and best tackler with 56 total stops and 2.5 tackles for loss. Regina beat Pleasantville, 32-21, last season.

Iowa City West at West Des Moines Dowling

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Mediacom Stadium in West Des Moines

Records and rankings: 5A No. 10 West is 8-2; 5A No. 1 Valley is 9-1.

Overview: This marks the first meeting between these teams since state finals games in 2016 and 2017 won by Dowling. The game pits the best-scoring offense against the stingiest defense in 5A this season. The Trojans averaged 43.3 points per game, beating No. 8 Cedar Falls, 38-31, in the first round. The Maroons allow only 8.1 points a contest. West is third in 5A with 2,135 passing yards, 13 more than Dowling. The Trojans are sixth with 2,059 rushing yards. Reece Wheeler has passed for 2,069 yards and 22 TDs, adding 203 yards and four scores on the ground for the Trojans. Teammate Ethan Heading has been the top target, tallying 1,138 and 13 scores on 47 receptions. West’s Campbell Janis has compiled 1,296 yards and 15 touchdowns on 169 carries. Dowling counters with QB Joey Nahas, who has thrown for 1,920 yards and 20 TDs. Sam Drexler has 48 catches for 722 yards and seven scores and Jeffrey Roberts has 40 catches for 733 yards and nine TDs for the Maroons. Dowling’s Ryan Bobo is a defensive force, recording 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks with 30.5 total tackles.

Decorah at Pella

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Pella

Records and rankings: Decorah is 8-2; 4A No. 5 Pella is 9-1.

Overview: These programs face off for the first time since the 2008 3A state semifinals, ending in a 37-20 Vikings win. Decorah avenged a regular-season loss to No. 8 Western Dubuque in the opening round. They scored in the final minute and squeezed a two-point conversion for a 25-24 victory. It could be a defensive battle. Pella leads 4A, giving up just 8.4 points per game and Decorah is 10th at 16.9. The Dutch average 6.5 tackles for loss and the Vikings are close behind at almost six a game. Both teams have thrived with takeaways. Decorah has forced 19 turnovers with 12 interceptions. Pella has 16 total and 14 interceptions. Decorah relies on the rush attack, compiling 2,129 yards. Trevor Kuennen has a team-best 838 yards and five TDs on 101 carries. QB Tanner Caddell has passed for 1,182 yards and 18 TDs and rushed for 501 yards and eight scores. Noah Milburn leads the Vikings in receiving (29-611, eight TDs) and is tied with Ian Giddings for a team-high three interceptions. Pella is powered by QB Michael Manning and running back Emmanuel Diers. Manning has 1,281 yards and 16 TDs. Diers has 1,722 yards and 14 scores, including 1,371 and 10 on the ground.

Winterset at Solon

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Spartan Stadium

Records and rankings: Winterset is 7-3 3A No. 2 Solon is 10-0.

Overview: The Spartans have added to the program’s rich postseason tradition. They have made the playoffs for the 21st straight season and their 25th quarterfinal. Solon are attempting to reach the semifinals for the 18th time. Senior QB Eli Kampman has been key for the Spartans this season. He is tied for the 3A lead in total TDs (33) and passing TDs (27). His 2,017 passing yards is good for fourth in 3A, averaging 16.7 yards per completion. Maddox Kelley leads 3A with 13 touchdown catches, recording 39 receptions for 624 yards. Kaden Hoeper adds 36 catches, 638 yards and nine scores for Solon. The Spartans have an advantage defensively. They are second in 3A, allowing only 8.2 points per game. Solon ranks first in fumble recoveries (15), fourth in tackles for loss (79) and fifth with 23 sacks. Winterset is propelled by the run game. The Huskies have rushed for 2,287 yards, led by Ben Porter’s 877 yards and seven TDs on 137 carries. Winterset has three other players with more than 380 rushing yards and at least six scores. The Huskies are 1-2 in three quarterfinal appearances, reaching the 2021 4A semifinal.

Dubuque Wahlert at West Delaware

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Brown Field in Manchester

Records and rankings: Both teams are tied at No. 5 in 3A. Wahlert is 8-2. West Delaware is 9-1.

Overview: The Golden Eagles revenge tour heads back to Manchester. The Hawks turned Wahlert away late for a 27-20 win on Sept. 19. Wahlert avenged a loss to Central DeWitt with a dominant 38-0 first-round win. West Delaware dropped Mount Pleasant, 35-21, last week. J.P. Elbert leads the Golden Eagles offense in passing and rushing. Elbert has passed for 1,271 yards and 10 TDs, adding 533 yards and 10 TDs rushing. Anderson Herbst is his top receiver with 530 yards and four TDs on 38 catches. Herbst also has 466 rushing yards. West Delaware is a run-oriented offense, amassing 2,965 yards and 41 scores on the ground, leading 3A in both categories. The Hawks rumbled for 297 yards and three TDs in the first meeting, getting 151 yards and three TDs from QB Austin Schnieders, who also passed for a score. Schnieders is part of a three-prong rush attack. Jack Cantwell leads the way with 1,005 yards with 11 TDs. Schnieders has 767 yards and Macoy Roling adds 761, scoring 12 rushing TDs apiece. West Delaware’s returned to the quarterfinals after a year hiatus. Wahlert won the 3A title last season.

Alburnett at Osage

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Osage

Records and rankings: 2A No. 8 Alburnett is 8-2; 2A No. 3 Osage is 10-0.

Overview: The Pirates advanced to their second state quarterfinal and first since 2011. They have already defeated 2A District 3 foes, opening with a 13-6 win over Crestwood and following with 34-16 victory against Waukon last week. Alburnett hits the road for the first time this season, facing the 2A D3 champion. Laken Caves has been the top playmaker for the Pirates. He is their top rusher and receiver. Caves has more than 2,100 yards and 25 TDs, offensively. Alburnett QB Brody Kaestner has passed for 1,009 yards and 10 TDs. Osage counters with Quinn Street. He has 3,118 yards and 39 TDs, rushing for 1,403 yards and 24 scores. The Green Devils defense have tallied 105 tackles for loss and 24.5 sacks with 19 turnovers. Alburnett’s defense has 16 takeaways, including 11 interceptions.

Van Meter at Mid-Prairie

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Wellman

Records and rankings: 2A No. 5 Van Meter is 8-2; 2A No. 4 Mid-Prairie is 9-1.

Overview: The Golden Hawks reached the quarterfinals for the second straight season and the seventh time in program history. They are still looking for their first trip to the semifinals. Mid-Prairie will have to overcome one of the most successful programs in the last decade. Van Meter has reached 10 straight semifinals, playing in title games from 2019-23 and winning titles in 2017, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Mid-Prairie is paced by running back Hudson Ehrenfelt. The versatile senior has almost 1,500 offensive yards and 21 touchdowns, rushing for 980 and 15. QB Brooks Weber leads the Golden Hawk pass game, throwing for 1,735 yards and 28 TDs and connecting with Kaden Kos for 508 yards and nine TDs on 35 receptions. Carson Humphrey has 443 receiving yards and eight TD. He also accounts for four of Mid-Prairie’s 12 interceptions and five of its 26 total turnovers. Mid-Prairie is second in 2A with 27.7 average win margin. The Bulldogs have a balanced offense, getting 1,294 passing yards and 16 TDs from QB Henry Lounsbury, who has rushed for 489 yards and six scores. Van Meter’s Christian Williams boasts a team-best 826 yards and 12 TDs on 145 carries.

Dyersville Beckman at Grundy Center

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Grundy Center

Records and rankings: 1A No. 6 Beckman is 9-1; 1A No. 1 Grundy Center is 10-0.

Overview: The Blazers have reached nine wins for just the third time since 2013. Beckman is playing in its seventh quarterfinal, winning their last four appearances. The most recent was in 2021. Grundy Center has won 49 straight games, dating back to the Class A title game against West Hancock on Nov. 18, 2021. The Spartans have won three consecutive crowns, including the last two 1A titles, and played in six straight state finals. Beckman is third in 1A with 65 total touchdowns (five are by the defense) and first with 52 rushing TDs. The Blazers’ Jude Kramer has rushed for 803 yards and 15 TDs and QB Brady Gogel has passed for 975 yards and seven scores. Grundy Center is powered by all-stater Judd Jirovsky. He has thrown for 1,284 yards and 19 TDs, adding 724 and 16 on the ground. Jirovsky has picked off five passes on defense. Both teams excel defensively. Beckman allows 8.2 points per game, while Grundy Center has given up 6.1 a contest. The Blazers are third in 1A with 17 interceptions, getting five apiece from Carter White and Tate Ries.

North Linn at Saint Ansgar

When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Saint Ansgar

Records and rankings: Class A No. 10 North Linn is 9-1; No. 1 Saint Ansgar is 10-0.

Overview: The Lynx made the quarterfinals for the fourth time in school history and the second time since 2022. They travel to a perennial small-school power. Saint Ansgar has beaten foes by an average of 43.8 points per game. The Saints allow just 5.9 points per outing, posting four shutouts this season. Saint Ansgar is a ground-and-pound team, ranking second in Class A with 3,230 yards on the ground, but leading the class in total touchdowns (71), rushing TDs (54), yards per carry (10.8) and all-purpose yards (5,040). Korben Michels leads the Saints with 1,374 yards and 26 scores. The Saints aren’t one-dimensional. Saint Ansgar’s Porter Schwiesow leads Class A with a 224.0 QB-rating, throwing for 744 yards and 12 TDs. North Linn’s Will Sommerfelt has been a leader with 1,700 offensive yards this season. He has passed for 819 and 15 TDs and rushed for 881 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 30 total TDs is tied for fourth in Class A. Brody Martin contributes 735 yards and six TDs rushing. The Lynx defense is salty, allowing 10.7 points per game, shutting out previous No. 1 Maquoketa Valley in the regular season. North Linn ranks first with six defensive TDs, second in sacks with 26 and third with 75 tackles for loss. Landon Mertens leads the Lynx with 13.5 tackles for loss and Logan Miller has a team-high 7.5 sacks.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com