K.J. Pilcher

Cedar Rapids Xavier broke things open with a big third quarter and held on for a 45-38 victory over Council Bluffs Lewis Central, reversing the result of last year’s Class 4A final.

Mount Vernon was not in the state contender conversation to start the football season. But, the close-knit Mustangs went from unranked to undeniable with each victory and are now one win away from a state championship.

A look at the 2022 Iowa high school state football championship games, scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

Which seven Iowa high school football teams will leave the UNI-Dome with state championship trophies? The Prep Football Huddle podcast has picks for all seven championship games and breakdowns of the Gazette-area games.

Last season, Army swooped in and saved the day when the Hawkeyes needed to salvage a competition date after travel issues prevented Oregon State from reaching Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Second-ranked Iowa will return the favor with a dual at Army at 6 p.m. (CT) Thursday.

Iowa Valley’s Emma Peach has developed into one of the state’s top wrestlers entering the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s inaugural season of sanctioned wrestling. Monday was the first day of competition for the landmark year, which was announced before she won a title at the Iowa Wrestling Officials and Coaches Association girls’ state tournament last season.

Here are 12 area wrestlers to watch for the 2022-23 Iowa high school girls’ wrestling season.

Here are answers to five questions ahead of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union’s inaugural wrestling season.

Joey Rhomberg passed for a touchdown and rushed for another as second-ranked Mount Vernon topped No. 6 Humboldt, 14-6, in a Class 3A state football semifinal Saturday night at the UNI-Dome. The Mustangs (12-0) return to the championship game for the first time since 2015.

Williamsburg’s Carson Huedepohl and Derek Weisskopf connected nine times for 177 yards and two scores, leading No. 2 Williamsburg to a 31-7 victory over Dubuque Wahlert in a Class 2A state football semifinal at UNI-Dome. The Raiders have a chance for their first state football title in school history.

University of Iowa sophomore Patrick Kennedy is taking over the 165-pound starting role. Kennedy is ready to continue to entertain fans like his predecessor, four-time Big Ten champion Alex Marinelli

The Coe Kohawks know there is more at stake in the regular-season finale against Wartburg. A chance for an American Rivers Conference title and a postseason berth is still dangling in front of them.

When it comes to Mount Vernon senior center and linebacker Clayton Flack, determination, dedication and devotion. make him much bigger and stronger than his 6-foot, 200-pound frame.

No. 3 Cedar Rapids Xavier remained unbeaten with a 38-10 victory over No. 7 North Scott in the Class 4A state football semifinal Thursday night at the UNI-Dome.

The Prep Football Huddle podcast kicks off state semifinal week with a preview of this week’s Iowa high school state football semifinals.