K.J. Pilcher

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.

Iowa wrestling released its initial probable lineup during its weekly media conference Tuesday inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes have a few weights with multiple options and a couple more spots with new faces for Sunday’s season-opening dual against California Baptist at home

Cornell running back Tony Gomez amassed 112 total offensive yards and rushed for three touchdowns but it wasn’t enough to overcome Knox in a 31-27 loss Saturday afternoon in cold, windy conditions at Van Metre Field of Ash Park. Knox snapped an 18-game losing streak to the Rams that spanned at least 33 years.

No. 3 Cedar Rapids Xavier persevered in the cold and rain and outlasted No. 8 Indianola, 23-6, in a Class 4A state football quarterfinal Friday night.

Frershman Joel Lacy leads Cornell College football in rushing yards, entering Saturday’s home game against Knox College. The former New London prep averages more than 6 yards per carry and has seven touchdowns this season.

Football’s attraction comes naturally to Solon junior Ben Kampman. His dad and assistant coach, Aaron, is well-known for his University of Iowa career, preceding a 10-year stint in the NFL that yielded two Pro Bowl selections. Ben Kampman emerged as a key component to Solon’s defense, ranking sixth in Class 3A with seven sacks.

Capsules for 10 Gazette area Iowa high school state football quarterfinal games.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck extended its season, defeating AGWSR, 25-17, 25-14, 20-25, 25-18 in the Class 1A state semifinals Wednesday night at Xtream Arena. The Rebels (34-9) will face No. 4 Ankeny Christian (38-3) for the championship Thursday at 7 p.m.

Western Christian was business-like in dismantling Eddyville EBF, 25-16, 25-21, 25-11 in a Class 2A state volleyball semifinal Wednesday at Xtream Arena. The Wolfpack will get another crack at Dike-New Hartford, which has won the last two 2A crowns.