Iowa High School Football Quarterfinals Excite in Cedar Falls

The quarterfinals of Iowa high school football took place Friday night, and fans across the state were treated to thrilling moments and close finishes. Teams from each class fought hard to secure their spots in the upcoming state semifinals, set to be held at the UNI-Dome.

In Class 5A, the Tigers managed a nail-biting victory against Johnston, winning by a score of 38-35. With just under 30 seconds left and trailing by one point, Lewis Central executed a stunning play with a deep shot from Brady Hetzel to Peyton Phippen to clinch a 30-25 win against ADM. The teams from Class 5A advancing to the semifinals include Valley, Dowling, Southeast Polk, and Iowa City Liberty.

History was made as the Lightning defeated Ankeny 21-13, marking the first time in the program’s history that they reached the state semifinals. Meanwhile, Southeast Polk continued their impressive season with a powerful 42-15 victory over Iowa City West.

The action was just as intense in the lower classes. The Dragons held on to a tight lead against Gilbert, finishing with a 19-14 win to move forward, while Wilton edged out Regina 21-14, making a late-game comeback that included an onside kick recovery.

Fans witnessed an array of scores and dramatic turns throughout the evening. At one point, Valley’s running back, D’Angelo Barkue, made two remarkable 80-yard touchdown runs, showcasing the kind of fortitude teams displayed these playoff rounds. A few other highlights included a touchdown pass from Dowling that put them ahead of Ankeny Centennial by a slim margin as the game progressed.

With temperatures cooling down to the mid-to-high 40s and no rain in the forecast, conditions were perfect for high-energy football on a crisp fall evening. As we head into the next round, fans will be eagerly awaiting the semifinal matchups and more electrifying plays.

For those unable to attend the games, many options are available for fans to stream and follow the action online. With this round of playoffs wrapping up, the excitement is just beginning as teams gear up for the next phase in their quest for championship glory.