K.J. Pilcher

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.

Upper Iowa is approaching a calendar year without losing at home. Cornell’s Mason Dew emerges as starting QB. Wartburg heads to Loras before showdown with Central and more. Here are five storylines in small college football.

The Gazette sports writers Jeff Johnson, Jeff Linder and K.J. Pilcher discuss Iowa High School Football Week 7 results, upcoming matchups in Week 8, games to watch in Week 7 and the recently rankings.

Some of the Gazette-area performances were better on Day 2 of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 4A state golf meet Tuesday at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston. Cedar Rapids Xavier placed eighth in the team race, while Linn-Mar senior Christian Cloyd tied for 15th.

Small classes are approaching the postseason and big games highlight Week 8. Which team has a championship defense? Is there a high school coach that can transition to be a college head coach. Will program mergers impact CRCSD?

Cedar Rapids Xavier tied for eighth and Linn-Mar was 12th after the first round of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 4A boys’ state golf meet Monday at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston.

Cedar Rapids Xavier held a goal workshop to start the season. Every player on the roster had “state championship” listed as one of their team goals. The Saints have reached the Class 4A tournament and have a chance to accomplishment the unifying objective.