Four Downs: Tackling Iowa high school football questions

The Gazette's Jeff Johnson, Jeff Linder and K.J. Pilcher tackle prep football questions.

1ST AND 10

Q: Did the opener between Regina and Xavier feature two state finalists?

JJ: It'd be difficult to pick against Regina getting to the Class 1A state championship game. The Regals have been there seven straight years. Playing Xavier and Solon to start the season can only help Regina, if it begins 0-2.

Last week was a great win for Xavier, and the Saints always will be a threat to get to the championship in 3A. But I'll have to see how things continue to play out a few more weeks before declaring them championship game worthy.

2ND AND LONG

Q: Who is the next big Division I player in The Gazette area?

KJP: Solon's Tyler Linderbaum has committed to the University of Iowa. See if this sounds familiar: Good-sized and athletic lineman, state medalist heavyweight wrestler and multiple-sport athlete. Cut from the same mold as former Hawkeye and NFL lineman Austin Blythe and Iowa freshman Tristan Wirfs, who could play this week as a true freshman.

My colleague, Jeff Johnson, likes the talent and playmaking ability of Iowa City High's Zach Jones.

Iowa City West's Jalen Gaudet, who had four catches for 114 yards against Southeast Polk, is gaining recruiting attention.

3RD AND SHORT

Q: What will Iowa City Liberty's impact be on Iowa City West, Iowa City High and other area football programs?

JL: I think the impact on City High will be minimal, just because of geography.

The impact on West will be significant in terms of numbers and depth. But there is enough talent to go around, and — as was the situation after the Ankeny split — both programs will thrive.

4TH AND GOAL

Q: Is football safer now than 5-10 years ago?

JL: With all the technological advances, etc., it certainly had better be much safer than it was. If it's not, somebody has failed.

KJP: Coaches, players and even parents are more knowledgeable. Programs have staff members specifically trained to handle concussions, as well as other injuries. Technology has improved and continues to develop. It's a tough, physical sport. Some things are unavoidable, but how those things are handled are much better than years past.

JJ: Certainly the game is safer from a concussion standpoint. Technology and simple awareness have made it so. But 'safe' is a relative term. Kids are bigger, faster and stronger than they've ever been, and this is a collision sport.