Looking at the round of 16 matchups and the pods, here is what I see
Pod A
West Hancock vs MMCRU
I think West Hancock wins, but I do think that MMCRU can keep it closer then most people think, their two loses they were not at full strength, and I know that they have been called a better version of HMS who was able to score against WH.
Gehlen vs Woodbury Central
Close game before, sometimes the team that lost has an advantage, if that is the case then I can see Woodbury Central winning this one. I also wonder if both teams are a little dinged up.
I think West Hancock comes out of the pod, and honestly the game against MMCRU might be the tougher game.
Pod B
Mount Ayr vs ACGC
ACGC got this first one pretty easily, I don't see Mount Ayr overcoming that in this one, but it might be closer then the first game.
Riverside vs Tri-Center
I think Tri Center has been playing as well as anyone in the state and I don't think Riverside can match them.
For the quarterfinals I like Tri-Center, I think ACGC's defense might be their downfall. This game might be a 54-50 type game, but I like Tri Center.
Pod C
Saint Ansgar vs Wapsie
I think Saint Ansgar might actually be the best team in the state, Wapsie is a proud program and will play tough, but I do think they are a little down this year and Saint ends up winning by 3 touchdowns or so.
Maquoketa Valley vs Nashua Plainfield
Maquoketa Valley's coach was NP's coach last year. I don't know if that has much impact on the game. I think Maq Valley is another team playing well right now. I will take them by 3 touchdowns also
Quarterfinals I think that this could be a really good game, both teams play a good defense, Maq Valley might be a little more balanced, but Saint has been there and done that many times, I'll take them in a close one.
Pod D
Lisbon vs Bellevue: Bellevue has kind of woke up the last 3 weeks and played really good football, I think that this game is close one, Lisbon squeaks by with their team speed. But I could see Bellevue pulling an upset if things break right for them.
Pekin vs Madrid: I am intrigued by this one. I don't feel like Madrid has been as good as expected, but played a tough schedule. Pekin lost to Lisbon their only difficult opponent. I think it is close, I take Madrid in this one.
Similar to what I said about Pekin I don't think Lisbon has played or beaten anyone so I think Madrid comes out on top.
