K.J. Pilcher

Upper Iowa’s success leads to regional ranking. Can Coe’s Brady Kelly stay hot against University of Dubuque? Cornell’s Gavin Soukup hits receiving milestones. Wartburg can clinch a share of the American Rivers Conference title. Here are five storylines in small college football.

High school football teams play in the Iowa High School Athletic Association playoffs. All seven classes will compete in the Round of 16 for a spot in the state quarterfinals.

The Gazette sports writers Jeff Johnson, Jeff Linder and K.J. Pilcher discuss Iowa High School Football Week 9 results, upcoming playoff matchups in Week 10 and games to watch.

Drake Ayala earned the nickname “No-Brake Drake” for his pedal-to-the-metal“ wrestling style fueled by a deep gas tank. He is a two-time NCAA finalist and three-time national finalist, embarking on his final college season with Iowa.

Mount Vernon secured its seventh straight state tournament berth and the 17th in the last 19 seasons, sweeping Anamosa, 25-17, 25-22 and 25-17 in the Class 3A Region 8 final Tuesday night at Mount Vernon.

The hay is in the barn and all classes have reached the postseason. See what Jeff Linder, Jeff Johnson, K.J. Pilcher and Scott Unash have to say about high school football in our last 4 Downs.

University of Northern Iowa produced a memorable 2024-25 season, placing ninth at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and almost winning the Big 12 tournament team title. The Panthers are looking to continue the success this season.

Coe’s Brady Kelly continued his strong campaign, passing for 270 yards and four touchdowns on 15-for-18 passing in the first half of a 42-21 victory over Luther Saturday at Clark Field.

Alburnett Coach Nick Wooldrik said the Pirates are built for tough, close battles. They proved him right Friday night with a 13-6 victory over Crestwood in the first round of the Class 2A high school football playoffs.

Coe returns to action against winless Luther. Central and Wartburg battle for the American Rivers Conference lead. Upper Iowa tries to remain among Great Lakes Valley Conference leaders and more in five small college football storylines this weekend.

Springville rebounded from injuries and a tough early-season schedule with a five-game win streak and a postseason appearance. The Orioles open the 8-Player high school football playoffs at Turkey Valley.

The Gazette sports writers Jeff Johnson, Jeff Linder and K.J. Pilcher discuss Iowa High School Football Week 8 results, upcoming matchups in Week 9 and games to watch.

What underdogs could bite home teams in postseason openers? Does parity reign in Class 5A? What changes would you like to see in the playoff system and to prevent forfeits?

Iowa High School Athletic Association released the first-round playoff pairings for Class 2A, 1A, A and 8-Player. Alburnett will host Crestwood in the opening round of 2A.

Dawson Kahl’s late touchdown run powers Cedar Rapids Prairie past Class 5A No. 7 Iowa City West.