Jeff Johnson

The Gazette Iowa high school sports staff answers questions about the first round of the playoffs for small schools, the RPI, Coach of the Year candidates and cool lids.

First-year forward Ryan Walsh went into Saturday night’s game against Waterloo leading the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in shots on goal by a wide margin

Alburnett got a tying touchdown pass and 2-point conversion pass with 30 seconds left in regulation, then scored a TD in overtime and the extra-point kick, giving it a thrilling 32-31 win over Columbus Community for the Class A District 5 championship.

It wasn’t the prettiest game ever, but a 21-6 win over Oskaloosa Friday night at Kingston Stadium moves Cedar Rapids Washington’s football team another step closer to the Class 4A state playoffs.

The Iowa Heartlanders finished seventh and last in the ECHL’s Central Division last season, not unexpected for a first-year franchise. With a year under their belt, they expect more success this season.

Top-tier Iowa high school football teams had statement wins in Week 7. We discuss the top teams and our top takeaways from Week 7 on this episode of the Prep Football Huddle podcast.

Which Iowa high school football class is the deepest? Will Xavier’s shutout streak continue? What’s the best concession stand food? Our staff answers in 4 Downs.

A 33-20 win over Cascade gave MFL MarMac the Class 1A, District 4 championship Friday night. The district features five quality teams which have battled for top-four spots and a corresponding playoff berth.

Pleasant Valley’s football team is undefeated, went into Friday night’s game at seventh-ranked Iowa City High ranked third. Its unique, ground-oriented offense helped produce a 51-21 win at Bates Field.

Senior Mason Neighbor has completed 64 percent of his passes and thrown 16 touchdowns for Alburnett this season. It was a good showing at a summer 7-on-7 football league against Class 5A opponents that got the first-year starter rolling.

The Iowa-Illinois game Saturday night in Champaign, Ill, features the Big Ten Conference’s best defense (Illinois) and its worst offense (Iowa) statistically.

First-year forward Isaac Johnson of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders comes from a family of eight. He is from Dalton, Minn. (population 200). But he decided to leave home for his senior year of high school to pursue his hockey goals.

With the release of the first official Iowa high school football RPI standings of the season, we break down what stands out on this week's Prep Football Huddle podcast.

The Gazette prep sports staff answers questions on hot teams and even hotter takes as fall continues and the high school football season reaches Week 7.

Waukon’s football team has advanced to the state playoff semifinals five years in a row and won two championships. Despite several key returning players, the Indians began this season 0-3. After a 28-6 win Friday night over Class 2A seventh-ranked Dubuque Wahlert, the Indians are back even at 3-3 and looking primed for another postseason run.