The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has officially released the matchups for the round of 16 football playoffs across all classes. With the field now narrowed, 16 teams in each classification will compete in single-elimination games this Friday, all vying for a coveted spot in the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome.
Key Takeaways
- The IHSAA has finalized the playoff brackets for the round of 16 in Iowa high school football.
- Teams are organized into four-team pods, with the winner of each pod advancing to the UNI-Dome semifinals.
- Several undefeated teams, including Xavier, Gilbert, and Grundy Center, face critical tests to maintain their perfect records.
- All games are scheduled for this Friday at 7 p.m., unless otherwise specified.
The Path to Cedar Falls
The high school football season in Iowa has entered its most critical phase. Following the conclusion of the regular season for larger classes and the first playoff round for smaller classes, the championship picture is becoming clearer. Teams are now placed into four-team pods within their respective classes.
The format is straightforward: win and advance. The victor of each pod will earn a trip to Cedar Falls to compete in the state semifinals and finals at the UNI-Dome, the ultimate goal for every program in the state. This weekend's games represent a significant hurdle on that journey.
Class 5A Features Powerhouse Clashes
In the state's largest class, several compelling matchups are set to take place. Dowling Catholic, finishing the season with a strong 8-1 record, will host Waterloo West (5-4) at Mediacom Stadium. Another key game features Waukee Northwest (8-1) taking on Indianola (6-3).
The competition remains fierce across the bracket. Defending state contenders Ankeny (7-2) will face Southeast Polk (5-4) in what is expected to be a hard-fought contest. In Pod D, Iowa City Liberty (8-1) will look to continue its successful season against Waukee (4-5).
Class 5A Notables
- Top Records: Dowling Catholic, Waukee Northwest, Sioux City East, and Iowa City Liberty all enter the round with 8-1 records.
- Intriguing Matchup: Valley (7-2) hosting Prairie (6-3) brings together two programs with a history of playoff success.
Undefeated Teams on High Alert
A number of teams across multiple classes have navigated the regular season without a single loss, but the playoffs present a new level of challenge. Their perfect records will be put to the test this Friday.
Class 4A and 3A Titans
In Class 4A, Xavier (9-0) stands as a dominant force and will host Waverly-Shell Rock (4-5). Gilbert (9-0) also puts its unblemished record on the line against Lewis Central (5-4). The matchup between Fort Dodge (8-1) and Newton (8-1) guarantees that one eight-win team will see its season come to an end.
Class 3A features two undefeated teams in Clear Lake (9-0) and Solon (9-0). Clear Lake will face Mount Vernon (6-3), while Solon prepares to host Benton (5-4). These games will test whether the regular season powerhouses can maintain their momentum when the pressure is highest.
Perfection on the Line in Smaller Classes
The drive for perfection continues in the smaller classifications. In Class 2A, Kuemper Catholic (9-0) and Osage (9-0) both face tough opponents. Kuemper Catholic has an early 5 p.m. kickoff against OABCIG (6-3), while Osage will host Hampton-Dumont-CAL (5-4).
What's at Stake?
For these teams, a victory means moving one step closer to a state title. A loss ends the season. The pod system creates intense, localized brackets where teams must win two consecutive games to reach the semifinals at the UNI-Dome.
Complete Round of 16 Matchup Overview
Here is a look at the matchups across all classes for this Friday's games. All games are scheduled for 7 p.m. unless noted.
Class 2A
- OABCIG (6-3) at Kuemper Catholic (9-0), 5 p.m.
- Pella Christian (3-6) at PCM (8-1)
- Mediapolis (5-4) at Mid-Prairie (8-1)
- Hampton-Dumont-CAL (5-4) at Osage (9-0)
Class 1A
- Lawton-Bronson (5-4) at West Lyon (9-0)
- Clarion-Goldfield-Dows (6-3) at Grundy Center (9-0)
- Cascade (7-2) at Regina (9-0)
- Ridge View (6-3) at South Hardin (8-1)
Class A
- Gehlen Catholic (4-5) at MMCRU (9-0)
- West Fork (7-2) at Saint Ansgar (9-0)
- Mount Ayr (6-3) at ACGC (9-0)
- Maquoketa Valley (7-2) at Wapsie Valley (9-0)
8-Player
- North Union (5-3) at Bishop Garrigan (9-0)
- Southeast Warren (7-2) at Woodbine (8-0)
- Easton Valley (8-1) at Gladbrook-Reinbeck (9-0)
- Janesville (6-4) at Iowa Valley (9-0)
As teams make their final preparations, communities across Iowa are rallying behind their local programs for what promises to be an exciting weekend of high-stakes football.