Iowa high school football playoffs: Upset picks and bracket reactions in 4 Downs

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 for 4 Downs:

1st & 10: Did Linn-Mar and Cedar Rapids Prairie receive a raw deal with a rematch in consecutive weeks?

Linder: I'm sure I'll be in the minority here, but I'll say no. It's an unfortunate circumstance, especially to Linn-Mar, which picked up an impressive win at John Wall Field last week. Now, the Lions have to do it twice in a row, which would be quite the accomplishment. It comes down to numbers, and 7-vs.-10 plus the geography involved, made this a natural matchup, regardless of last week's schedule. I abhor this phrase, but I'll use it anyway: It is what it is.

Johnson: I know the IHSAA is in a no-win situation with a lot of stuff. Us Monday Morning Quarterbacks pretend like we know it all. That being said, it would have been real, real easy to flip Waukee Northwest and Linn-Mar here. They ranked ninth and 10th in RPI and are alike teams quality wise, it would seem. Just send Northwest to Prairie and Linn-Mar to Kingston to play Kennedy. I really, really, really do not like that Linn-Mar and Prairie have to play again (and at Prairie, no less) a week after they just played. Seems illogical.

Pilcher: Plenty of subjects get me riled up. Does this upset me as much as Secretariat being considered one of the top 50 athletes of the 20th century or Joe Gatto leaving “Impractical Jokers?” No, but I do think it was a scenario that could have be avoided. I’ll keep some opinions as to why it wasn’t to myself, though. The system has to account for added common sense, especially when you have teams with the same record, one has a win head-to-head and has better results over two common foes (albeit closer losses to Southeast Polk and Pleasant Valley). Instead, you’re sending the winning team back to the losing team’s stadium a week later. BUT, if you open a can of worms how do you close it? This is what is in place. The formula kicked out Prairie at No. 7 and Linn-Mar at No. 10. No caveat to avoid back-to-back rematches or change of venue. The Hawks earned the chance to host and this is how it pairs up.

Ford: Is it ideal? No. But in a class with only 36 teams and no districts, there are bound to be quick-turnaround rematches (maybe not this quick, I'll give you that). Now that we're a couple years into the RPI era, adding stated protocols or guidelines for determining 5A pairings to the IHSAA's already-helpful postseason manual might help minimize the shock factor. In the meantime, just follow @jtlinder on Twitter — Jeff seemed to be the only fearless forecaster who saw this coming.

2nd & long: Who is your biggest surprise choice to make the UNI-Dome?

Linder: I'm going to go with blood here, and pick my pal Henry Mussig and the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Rebels to pick up a road win at Turkey Valley this week, to avenge a loss to Don Bosco in the quarterfinals, and to reach the Dome in 8-Player.

Johnson: Totally going out on a limb here. Give me Columbus Community in Class A.

Pilcher: What idiot creates these questions? How many times must I say predictions only prove how much you DON’T know? With that said, I’m going way off the board and taking Ankeny Centennial as a possible 5A party crasher.

Ford: I'll pick Wapsie Valley in Class A to come out of a pod that, yes, has top-ranked, defending state champion West Hancock. It's nothing against the Eagles (or North Linn). I've had the Warriors ranked all year despite a 1-2 start but was still impressed by how thoroughly they beat Saint Ansgar last week. Plus, I've been watching Kyle Schwarber's playoff highlights while wiping tears with the sleeves of my Cubs hoodie and decided this is the time of year to take a huge swing.

3rd & short: Of the area’s unbeaten teams, which is the most likely to run the table for an undefeated season?

Linder: Some good candidates here. I could see Cedar Rapids Xavier going all the way. Or Mount Vernon. Or West Branch (and wouldn't it be something if both Pedersens won state championships this year?). But I think the most likely is Williamsburg. The Raiders have been a force, particularly on defense, all season. They just seem to be an "it" team.

Johnson: Got a one in four chance of getting this right. The unbeatens from our area are West Branch (1A), Williamsburg (2A), Mount Vernon (3A) and Cedar Rapids Xavier (4A). Give me Xavier here.

Pilcher: Four teams with goose eggs in the loss column, entering the postseason. Cedar Rapids Xavier has to get by the Norwalk/Bondurant-Farrar winner and then probably Iowa City Liberty, if it gets to the dome. Unfortunately, even if it gets a rematch with Lewis Central, it could end up like last season. Mount Vernon has a rematch with a strong rival in Solon and either has perennial power Harlan as a possible road block. Give me either Williamsburg or West Branch. Both teams have been special and dominant. The path won’t be easy — never is — but they have the best chances for a title run.

Ford: There are multiple good candidates, but it's hard for me to pick against Cedar Rapids Xavier. With that defense, coaching experience and championship history in a somewhat open Class 4A, I think the Saints have the best chance.

4th & goal: What has been the best Friday night atmosphere you’ve experienced this fall and why?

Linder: Brown Field at Manchester. Regular grass field, with fallen leaves on it. Crisp, Week 8 weather. Extraordinary light show as the home team came on the field. Turkey-dressing sandwiches in the press box. 21-20 game between archrivals. Good folks. Good time.

Johnson: This one's easy. Was the very first Friday night: Iowa City High and Iowa City Liberty at Kinnick Stadium. The reason? 8,000 people or so watching what turned out to be two very good teams play AT KINNICK STADIUM!

Pilcher: Xavier Homecoming was fun and interesting, especially since the student section’s toss of talcum powder in the air created a cloud that hid the scoreboard and part of the field for a short time. Williamsburg’s win over Solon was accompanied by a packed and electric atmosphere, but that’s still runner-up. My two trips to Alburnett were enjoyable. From the pregame recognition to two grade school students to the excitable mom who does the team video whose yells made my ears ring to the energetic parent who positively urged on the student section to support the football teams in a battle with East Buchanan and playoff win over Bellevue. Yeah, Pirates earn the gold from me.

Ford: While nothing beats being there in person, I'm amazed at the quality of the live streams that schools and media are producing. I'm able to watch a lot of great players and teams from the comfort of my home while tracking scores and storylines for our live blog every week. A shoutout to the some of the best productions that come to mind: Pella High School, KMCH, CISN and, of course, KCRG 9.2, which has been doing this for years. But even if your school just has a Hudl camera set up and lets it roll live on YouTube, it's been helpful to providing coverage.