K.J. Pilcher

Cedar Rapids Kennedy has produced prominent linebackers throughout the last decade. Ryker Stelling embraces the opportunity to carry on the tradition with the hopes of inspiring future Cougars.

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.

Western Dubuque and Cedar Rapids Xavier each placed third at their respective boys’ golf districts to advance to the 2022 Class 4A state meet Friday and Saturday at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids.

Linn-Mar’s Caden Postma has reached the Class 5A state golf meet the last two seasons. He has his sights set on finishing his high school career with one more state berth.

Cornell was within a score with the ball to start the second half. Lake Forest capitalized on a turnover and pulled away from the Rams.

No. 7 Cedar Rapids Prairie’s punishing style racked up 362 rushing yards, including 180 from Makelle Taylor, and 28 first downs as the Hawks rolled over Waterloo West, 45-14.

Former Western Dubuque prep Ben Bryant leads the American Rivers Conference in all-purpose yards and punt returns, and ranks among the league leaders in touchdowns and points for Wartburg.

Class 3A’s leader in passing yards initially wasn’t expected to start the season. But Mount Vernon QB Joey Rhomberg recovered from knee surgery in time for the opener and immediately excelled.

Did it seem like there were more blowouts than usual in Iowa high school football last Friday? We consider whether that’s a trend or an anomaly on this episode of the Prep Football Huddle podcast and discuss what else stood out in Week 5.

Iowa’s high school football season has reached the second half of the regular season for all classes. We answer questions on teams, individuals and venues.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Reid Hall said he hasn’t had the best season, but the junior earned his second straight MVC Valley Division Player of the Year honor with a medalist performance, while Linn-Mar captured its first divisional crown under head coach Chris James. Cedar Falls swept the Mississippi Division.

In this week’s Iowa high school football rewind: Sigourney-Keota’s restart has produced successful results, including a win Friday over 1A No. 1 Pella Christian. Plus, notes on wins from Cedar Rapids Xavier, Iowa City Liberty, East Buchanan, Mount Vernon and Beckman.

Quarterback Drew Larson scored as a passer, rusher and receiver, contributing to six total touchdowns and Iowa City dominated crosstown rival Iowa City West, 49-0, in the Battle for the Boot on Friday night.

Jay Oostendorp has reaped the rewards of his offseason labor, becoming a versatile and vital contributor to the Coe defense. He ranks among the defensive leaders in multiple categories.

Trey Franck opted to open-enroll and continue to attend Marion, even though he moved with his family to their farm after the summer baseball season. He briefly considered transferring to a closer school, but didn’t want to leave his friends. The Wolves have won two straight games against ranked teams after an 0-2 start.