Over the next week or so I am going to be posting my outlooks for every class. I post these to try and get some discussion going, I in know way think I know it all, but rather just enjoy talking about High School Football in Iowa.
This is my attempt at predicting 8 Man this year, I will say I struggle with this class the most, and my playoff predictions are hard with not having even qualifiers out of each district.
District 1
Last Year’s Records
Remsen St. Mary’s 13-0
GTRA 7-2
St. Edmond 5-4
Kingsley Pierson 4-4 (A)
Newell Fonda 3-5
Harris Lake Park 2-6
Siouxland Christian 1-8
Prediction
Reasoning: I went back and forth a lot on this district trying to figure out where to put teams, I also don’t like betting against Remsen St. Mary’s but literally half of their roster was seniors last year, and they didn’t have that big of a team to begin with so that is a great concern for me. I went with the drop down Kingsley Pierson more on what they bring back then on the fact that they are dropping down, but I do think that 8 man will provide them less of a challenge then 11 man did, I don’t know however if some of they kids they return actually won’t because of the sharing agreement being ended. St. Edmond second with a nice young core back, and good numbers, I could easily see them win the district, although they do need to replace some of their defense. GTRA has a very explosive player back in the Schnell kid, but they do have a few holes to fill. I’m scared to drop St. Mary’s too far so I put them in forth, but I really could see them finishing anywhere. Newell Fonda has struggled since Wilken left, but also has decent numbers. Harris Lake Park should take a step forward with some players back. Finally, Siouxland Christian I think is still trying to get their identity as a program.
District 2
Last Year’s Records
Garrigan 11-1
Riceville 8-2
West Bend Mallard 5-4
Northwood Kensett 3-5
North Iowa 2-6
North Union 2-6 (A)
Rockford 0-8
Prediction
Reasoning: I really felt like Garrigan was actually the best team in 8 man last year, they just played their worst game at the wrong time against St. Mary’s, I will also say I don’t like 8 man teams having over 50 kids on the roster, but it is what it is. I think Garrigan again will be a title contender, and should easily win this district with what they bring back. North Union I put at 2 as a 11 man drop down, they were pretty young, and inconsistent last year, if they can be more consistent then they should be a playoff team. Riceville is the perfect example of the haves vs have nots in 8 man, they either won by a lot or lost by a lot last year, I like that they return quite a bit from that team, but losing the Adams boys will really hurt as well. WBM and NI are close for 4/5 I took WBM just because they are the established program, although I think North Iowa could really improve with what they bring back. Northwood Kensett is a tough one to pick, I think they could be better than this, but they haven’t shown much for a while now so I will put them in 6. Finally, Rockford really struggled, and I wonder who much investment the coach even has when the stats on quikstats stopped after a few games.
District 3
Last Year’s Records
Don Bosco 10-1
Janesville 8-2
Dunkerton 4-5
Turkey Valley 3-5
Tripoli 3-6
Waterloo Christian 2-7
West Central 0-8
Prediction
Reasoning: I think that Don Bosco is again a pretty clear favorite. Losing Knaack will hurt them, but they have been a machine for years, and that will continue. To me 2,3,4 are very close and could go any direction. Turkey Valley literally brings back everyone, they had no seniors last year. Tripoli was also very young and brings back the Urbanek kid who could be a stud for them. Janesville was very solid last year but has them most to replace, but also seem to always have athletes. Dunkerton brings back a freshman qb, but loses their RB. Waterloo Christian should continue to improve. Finally, West Central should be more competitive but probably still struggle.
District 4
Last Year’s Records
Edgewood Colesburg 10-1
Central City 6-4
Springville 6-4
Kee 5-4
Easton Valley 5-4
Calamus Wheatland 4-4
Central Elkader 3-5
Prediction
Reasoning: This is truly what I see as a toss up district, no clear favorite, no clear bottom of the district, I think that there is a good chance this district is won on a tie breaker. I went with Easton Valley at #1 for two reasons, first they were young last year returning most of their key players and two they were in the dome only a couple of years ago so they have that tradition. Springville is close, with about the same amount talent returning, but they have never went that far in the playoffs. Ed-Co is a tricky one, they ran out of Rochfords, but outside of him they bring back a ton. However, he did so much for them last year I’m not sure how they replace that. Kee high and Central Elkader are pretty close as well, Kee High always seems to be competitive year in and year out, and Central Elkader was much improved last year. Central City was very old last year, so there are a bunch holes to fill, same with Calmus Wheatland.
District 5
Last Year’s Records
Iowa Valley 8-2
WACO 8-2
Belle Plaine 7-2
Winfield Mt Union 5-4
Lone Tree 2-6
English Valleys 1-8
HLV/TC 1-8
Prediction
Reasoning: Another district with 3-4 solid teams. I think if things fall right Iowa Valley is a team that could challenge for the Dome. They bring back a stud QB/Ball Carrier, so that is a good place to start. Belle Plaine, WACO and WMU I view as pretty much the same, all have important holes to fill, but I think all have been traditionally strong and usually are competing for a playoff spot. I like Belle Plaine because they bring back the most of the three on defense. Lone Tree is next and I could see them jumping up into the top 3 or 4, but they have quite the gap to close to get there and I’m not sure what they bring back is really that great. There is also questions about if they will have a program with low numbers. HLV and English Valleys have really struggled recently, and I don’t see that changing. Kind of sad to see because HLV used to be strong year after year.
District 6
Last Year’s Records
Gladbrook Reinbeck 11-2
Clarksville 6-4
Collins-Maxwell 5-4
Colo-NESCO 5-4
North Tama 4-5 (A)
GMG 1-7
Meskwaki 0-8
Prediction
Reasoning: I do think that G-R will come back to the pack a bit this year so to speak, but overall, I think that their consistency will allow them to win the district. They also bring back a nice core, but losing the Eilers kid is a big loss. Clarksville was overall very young last year, and was able to make the playoffs, two years ago they were in the quarters so it is a program is developing consistency. Collins Maxwell was about the same as Clarksville, but loses just a little bit more. I think that North Tama will be a good 8 man program in time, but they were very old last year so they may be a year or two away. Honestly, they should have went 8 man 10 years ago. Colo-NESCO is always competitive, but never great, I think that they will be about the same this year. GMG always seems to struggle, but were quite young last year, if they can keep those kids out maybe they could be competitive. Meskwaki has nothing on Bound, but I’m guessing with a winless season and none of the games competitive they won’t take too big of a step.
District 7
Last Year’s Records
Montezuma 10-2
Southeast Warren 6-3
Wayne 5-4 (A)
Baxter 3-5
Moravia 3-6
Melcher Dallas 2-8
Twin Cedars 0-9
Prediction
Reasoning: I’m going out on a little limb with Wayne here, but dropping down from class A, but they bring back their entire rushing attack, and the Swan kid that is coming back was a very well thought of lineman. Montezuma and Southeast Warren are close, and SEW won the matchup last year, but Montezuma bringing back their qb, despite losing the top to receivers is in a better spot with what they return I think. SEW is still going to be solid with the core they bring back, but I think they do have a couple more questions. Moravia had a nice young core returning, and should have a better year than last. Baxter was very old, and lost their coach, but I think that those kids will still be competitive in most of their games. Melcher Dallas and Twin Cedars both really struggled last year, and while I think Melcher Dallas is better, I don’t see either team rising too much.
District 8
Last Year’s Records
Lenox 11-1
Bedford 8-2
Lamoni 4-4
Murray 4-5
East Union 2-6
Seymour 1-0
Mormon Trail 0-8
Prediction
Reasoning: I think that Beford and Lenox are the two programs in this district that year in and out are solid, both making the dome in the last two seasons. Bedford was sort of in a rebuild last year, and I think that Lenox will sort of go through that this year. But I do think that these two will be the top two teams in this district. I took Murray third just because of the remaining team they combine being competitive and bringing back talent the best, I don’t think that they will really compete in the playoffs but they should get there. I took Lamoni next because they are the most consistent program of any outside the top two but they relied so much on one senior last year on both sides of the ball. Mormon trail really struggled but were basically all freshman and sophomores, finally East Union over Seymour because they played varsity football last year, and I really don’t know what to do with Seymour.
District 9
Last Year’s Records
Audubon 10-1
CAM 7-3
Ar-We-Va 6-4
Glidden Ralston 3-5
Exira-EHK
Griswold 3-6
Coon Rapids Bayard 1-7
Prediction
Reasoning: I think that there are a few different ways that you could so with this district, especially within the top 4 teams. I took Ar-We-Va first as they return quite a bit off of a 2nd round team, they do have to replace their qb, but seemed to have a backup that got quite a bit of time. I took Audubon 2nd as they have been very consistent the last decade and always seem to reload, kind of the same with CAM. I think that Audubon brings back a little more, but both have some questions, that if answered could easily lead to a district title. Exira was probably the youngest of any team, but also have the most to improve, so I kept them behind the top three. CRB had a nice early season win against Baxter, but never seemed to figure it out after that, they were young so they could finish higher as well. Glidden Ralston and Griswold both struggled last year, and don’t return much so I can’t see them finishing in the upper part of the district.
District 10
Last Year’s Records
Woodbine 8-2
Fremont Mills 7-2
Boyer Valley 6-3
East Mills 5-4
Sidney 4-5
Stanton 0-9
Prediction
Reasoning: The top two in this district are very easy, either Woodbine or Fremont Mills could win the district, and could be a dome team. I took Woodbine because they went a little farther last year, and they have a bigger roster overall. Fremont Mills a clear top two with returning about everyone as well. After that all the teams will be replacing most of their production, I don’t know any JV rosters, so I went by how the team went last year along with how difficult their schedule was.
Top Ten
I will fully admit out of any of the classes, I struggle with rankings for 8 man. I went with Garrigan at the top because like I said I felt like they were the best team last year, but played their worst game at the wrong time. Don Bosco is always there, and I’m guessing that they are really hungry to get back to the dome. Woobine has so much coming back from a pretty solid team, and they have a big roster as well. I like what Iowa Valley has back as well and I think this could be a year for them to step forward into the dome. G-R is always there and while the Eilers kid is a big loss, they still bring a lot back. Fremont Mills maybe should be higher, but I think that they are second in their district. Wayne, I am kind of taking a risk on but really think they could shock some people and make a deep run. East Valley was young and over time as a program even going back to the Preston days they have been solid. Clarksville was young and seems to have it going right now, and Ar-We-Va has the most back out of their traditionally strong part of the state.
If my predictions are correct these would be my playoff pairings. It is impossible to truly get the two #4s correct, as well as which 2s would host and which would travel.
1st Place Finishers
Kingsley Pierson vs East Mills
Garrigan vs Janesville
Don Bosco vs Winfield Mt Union
Easton Valley vs WACO
Iowa Valley vs EdCo
Gladbrook Reinbeck vs Riceville
Wayne vs Murray
Bedford vs SEW
Ar-We-Va vs Collins Maxwell
Woodbine vs CAM
2nd Place Finishers
North Union vs GTRA
Turkey Valley vs Springville
Clarksville vs Tripoli
Montezuma vs Belle Plaine
Fremont Mills vsLenox
Audubon vs St. Edmond
Pods
Garrigan vs Kingsley Pierson
Gladbrook Reinbeck vs North Union
Don Bosco vs Clarksville
Easton Valley vs Montezuma
Woodbine vs Audubon
Ar-We-Va vs Fremont Mills
Iowa Valley vs Turkey Valley
Wayne vs Bedford
This is my attempt at predicting 8 Man this year, I will say I struggle with this class the most, and my playoff predictions are hard with not having even qualifiers out of each district.
District 1
Last Year’s Records
Remsen St. Mary’s 13-0
GTRA 7-2
St. Edmond 5-4
Kingsley Pierson 4-4 (A)
Newell Fonda 3-5
Harris Lake Park 2-6
Siouxland Christian 1-8
Prediction
- Kingsley Pierson
- St. Edmond
- GTRA
- Remsen St. Mary’s
- Newell Fonda
- Harris Lake Park
- Siouxland Christian
Reasoning: I went back and forth a lot on this district trying to figure out where to put teams, I also don’t like betting against Remsen St. Mary’s but literally half of their roster was seniors last year, and they didn’t have that big of a team to begin with so that is a great concern for me. I went with the drop down Kingsley Pierson more on what they bring back then on the fact that they are dropping down, but I do think that 8 man will provide them less of a challenge then 11 man did, I don’t know however if some of they kids they return actually won’t because of the sharing agreement being ended. St. Edmond second with a nice young core back, and good numbers, I could easily see them win the district, although they do need to replace some of their defense. GTRA has a very explosive player back in the Schnell kid, but they do have a few holes to fill. I’m scared to drop St. Mary’s too far so I put them in forth, but I really could see them finishing anywhere. Newell Fonda has struggled since Wilken left, but also has decent numbers. Harris Lake Park should take a step forward with some players back. Finally, Siouxland Christian I think is still trying to get their identity as a program.
District 2
Last Year’s Records
Garrigan 11-1
Riceville 8-2
West Bend Mallard 5-4
Northwood Kensett 3-5
North Iowa 2-6
North Union 2-6 (A)
Rockford 0-8
Prediction
- Garrigan
- North Union
- Riceville
- West Bend Mallard
- North Iowa
- Northwood Kensett
- Rockford
Reasoning: I really felt like Garrigan was actually the best team in 8 man last year, they just played their worst game at the wrong time against St. Mary’s, I will also say I don’t like 8 man teams having over 50 kids on the roster, but it is what it is. I think Garrigan again will be a title contender, and should easily win this district with what they bring back. North Union I put at 2 as a 11 man drop down, they were pretty young, and inconsistent last year, if they can be more consistent then they should be a playoff team. Riceville is the perfect example of the haves vs have nots in 8 man, they either won by a lot or lost by a lot last year, I like that they return quite a bit from that team, but losing the Adams boys will really hurt as well. WBM and NI are close for 4/5 I took WBM just because they are the established program, although I think North Iowa could really improve with what they bring back. Northwood Kensett is a tough one to pick, I think they could be better than this, but they haven’t shown much for a while now so I will put them in 6. Finally, Rockford really struggled, and I wonder who much investment the coach even has when the stats on quikstats stopped after a few games.
District 3
Last Year’s Records
Don Bosco 10-1
Janesville 8-2
Dunkerton 4-5
Turkey Valley 3-5
Tripoli 3-6
Waterloo Christian 2-7
West Central 0-8
Prediction
- Don Bosco
- Turkey Valley
- Tripoli
- Janesville
- Dunkerton
- Waterloo Christian
- West Central
Reasoning: I think that Don Bosco is again a pretty clear favorite. Losing Knaack will hurt them, but they have been a machine for years, and that will continue. To me 2,3,4 are very close and could go any direction. Turkey Valley literally brings back everyone, they had no seniors last year. Tripoli was also very young and brings back the Urbanek kid who could be a stud for them. Janesville was very solid last year but has them most to replace, but also seem to always have athletes. Dunkerton brings back a freshman qb, but loses their RB. Waterloo Christian should continue to improve. Finally, West Central should be more competitive but probably still struggle.
District 4
Last Year’s Records
Edgewood Colesburg 10-1
Central City 6-4
Springville 6-4
Kee 5-4
Easton Valley 5-4
Calamus Wheatland 4-4
Central Elkader 3-5
Prediction
- Easton Valley
- Springville
- Ed-Co
- Kee
- Central Elkader
- Central City
- Calmus Wheatland
Reasoning: This is truly what I see as a toss up district, no clear favorite, no clear bottom of the district, I think that there is a good chance this district is won on a tie breaker. I went with Easton Valley at #1 for two reasons, first they were young last year returning most of their key players and two they were in the dome only a couple of years ago so they have that tradition. Springville is close, with about the same amount talent returning, but they have never went that far in the playoffs. Ed-Co is a tricky one, they ran out of Rochfords, but outside of him they bring back a ton. However, he did so much for them last year I’m not sure how they replace that. Kee high and Central Elkader are pretty close as well, Kee High always seems to be competitive year in and year out, and Central Elkader was much improved last year. Central City was very old last year, so there are a bunch holes to fill, same with Calmus Wheatland.
District 5
Last Year’s Records
Iowa Valley 8-2
WACO 8-2
Belle Plaine 7-2
Winfield Mt Union 5-4
Lone Tree 2-6
English Valleys 1-8
HLV/TC 1-8
Prediction
- Iowa Valley
- Belle Plaine
- WACO
- WMU
- Lone Tree
- HLV/TC
- English Valleys
Reasoning: Another district with 3-4 solid teams. I think if things fall right Iowa Valley is a team that could challenge for the Dome. They bring back a stud QB/Ball Carrier, so that is a good place to start. Belle Plaine, WACO and WMU I view as pretty much the same, all have important holes to fill, but I think all have been traditionally strong and usually are competing for a playoff spot. I like Belle Plaine because they bring back the most of the three on defense. Lone Tree is next and I could see them jumping up into the top 3 or 4, but they have quite the gap to close to get there and I’m not sure what they bring back is really that great. There is also questions about if they will have a program with low numbers. HLV and English Valleys have really struggled recently, and I don’t see that changing. Kind of sad to see because HLV used to be strong year after year.
District 6
Last Year’s Records
Gladbrook Reinbeck 11-2
Clarksville 6-4
Collins-Maxwell 5-4
Colo-NESCO 5-4
North Tama 4-5 (A)
GMG 1-7
Meskwaki 0-8
Prediction
- Gladbrook Reinbeck
- Clarksville
- Colins-Maxwell
- North Tama
- Colo-NESCO
- GMG
- Meskwaki
Reasoning: I do think that G-R will come back to the pack a bit this year so to speak, but overall, I think that their consistency will allow them to win the district. They also bring back a nice core, but losing the Eilers kid is a big loss. Clarksville was overall very young last year, and was able to make the playoffs, two years ago they were in the quarters so it is a program is developing consistency. Collins Maxwell was about the same as Clarksville, but loses just a little bit more. I think that North Tama will be a good 8 man program in time, but they were very old last year so they may be a year or two away. Honestly, they should have went 8 man 10 years ago. Colo-NESCO is always competitive, but never great, I think that they will be about the same this year. GMG always seems to struggle, but were quite young last year, if they can keep those kids out maybe they could be competitive. Meskwaki has nothing on Bound, but I’m guessing with a winless season and none of the games competitive they won’t take too big of a step.
District 7
Last Year’s Records
Montezuma 10-2
Southeast Warren 6-3
Wayne 5-4 (A)
Baxter 3-5
Moravia 3-6
Melcher Dallas 2-8
Twin Cedars 0-9
Prediction
- Wayne
- Montezuma
- Southeast Warren
- Moravia
- Baxter
- Melcher Dallas
- Twin Cedars
Reasoning: I’m going out on a little limb with Wayne here, but dropping down from class A, but they bring back their entire rushing attack, and the Swan kid that is coming back was a very well thought of lineman. Montezuma and Southeast Warren are close, and SEW won the matchup last year, but Montezuma bringing back their qb, despite losing the top to receivers is in a better spot with what they return I think. SEW is still going to be solid with the core they bring back, but I think they do have a couple more questions. Moravia had a nice young core returning, and should have a better year than last. Baxter was very old, and lost their coach, but I think that those kids will still be competitive in most of their games. Melcher Dallas and Twin Cedars both really struggled last year, and while I think Melcher Dallas is better, I don’t see either team rising too much.
District 8
Last Year’s Records
Lenox 11-1
Bedford 8-2
Lamoni 4-4
Murray 4-5
East Union 2-6
Seymour 1-0
Mormon Trail 0-8
Prediction
- Bedford
- Lenox
- Murray
- Lamoni
- Mormon Trail
- East Union
- Seymour
Reasoning: I think that Beford and Lenox are the two programs in this district that year in and out are solid, both making the dome in the last two seasons. Bedford was sort of in a rebuild last year, and I think that Lenox will sort of go through that this year. But I do think that these two will be the top two teams in this district. I took Murray third just because of the remaining team they combine being competitive and bringing back talent the best, I don’t think that they will really compete in the playoffs but they should get there. I took Lamoni next because they are the most consistent program of any outside the top two but they relied so much on one senior last year on both sides of the ball. Mormon trail really struggled but were basically all freshman and sophomores, finally East Union over Seymour because they played varsity football last year, and I really don’t know what to do with Seymour.
District 9
Last Year’s Records
Audubon 10-1
CAM 7-3
Ar-We-Va 6-4
Glidden Ralston 3-5
Exira-EHK
Griswold 3-6
Coon Rapids Bayard 1-7
Prediction
- Ar-We-Va
- Audubon
- CAM
- Exira-EHK
- Coon Rapids Bayard
- Glidden Galston
- Griswold
Reasoning: I think that there are a few different ways that you could so with this district, especially within the top 4 teams. I took Ar-We-Va first as they return quite a bit off of a 2nd round team, they do have to replace their qb, but seemed to have a backup that got quite a bit of time. I took Audubon 2nd as they have been very consistent the last decade and always seem to reload, kind of the same with CAM. I think that Audubon brings back a little more, but both have some questions, that if answered could easily lead to a district title. Exira was probably the youngest of any team, but also have the most to improve, so I kept them behind the top three. CRB had a nice early season win against Baxter, but never seemed to figure it out after that, they were young so they could finish higher as well. Glidden Ralston and Griswold both struggled last year, and don’t return much so I can’t see them finishing in the upper part of the district.
District 10
Last Year’s Records
Woodbine 8-2
Fremont Mills 7-2
Boyer Valley 6-3
East Mills 5-4
Sidney 4-5
Stanton 0-9
Prediction
- Woodbine
- Fremont Mills
- East Mills
- Boyer Valley
- Sidney
- Stanton
Reasoning: The top two in this district are very easy, either Woodbine or Fremont Mills could win the district, and could be a dome team. I took Woodbine because they went a little farther last year, and they have a bigger roster overall. Fremont Mills a clear top two with returning about everyone as well. After that all the teams will be replacing most of their production, I don’t know any JV rosters, so I went by how the team went last year along with how difficult their schedule was.
Top Ten
- Garrigan
- Don Bosco
- Woodbine
- Iowa Valley
- Gladbrook Reinbeck
- Fremont Mills
- Wayne
- Easton Valley
- Clarksville
- Ar-We-Va
I will fully admit out of any of the classes, I struggle with rankings for 8 man. I went with Garrigan at the top because like I said I felt like they were the best team last year, but played their worst game at the wrong time. Don Bosco is always there, and I’m guessing that they are really hungry to get back to the dome. Woobine has so much coming back from a pretty solid team, and they have a big roster as well. I like what Iowa Valley has back as well and I think this could be a year for them to step forward into the dome. G-R is always there and while the Eilers kid is a big loss, they still bring a lot back. Fremont Mills maybe should be higher, but I think that they are second in their district. Wayne, I am kind of taking a risk on but really think they could shock some people and make a deep run. East Valley was young and over time as a program even going back to the Preston days they have been solid. Clarksville was young and seems to have it going right now, and Ar-We-Va has the most back out of their traditionally strong part of the state.
If my predictions are correct these would be my playoff pairings. It is impossible to truly get the two #4s correct, as well as which 2s would host and which would travel.
1st Place Finishers
Kingsley Pierson vs East Mills
Garrigan vs Janesville
Don Bosco vs Winfield Mt Union
Easton Valley vs WACO
Iowa Valley vs EdCo
Gladbrook Reinbeck vs Riceville
Wayne vs Murray
Bedford vs SEW
Ar-We-Va vs Collins Maxwell
Woodbine vs CAM
2nd Place Finishers
North Union vs GTRA
Turkey Valley vs Springville
Clarksville vs Tripoli
Montezuma vs Belle Plaine
Fremont Mills vsLenox
Audubon vs St. Edmond
Pods
Garrigan vs Kingsley Pierson
Gladbrook Reinbeck vs North Union
Don Bosco vs Clarksville
Easton Valley vs Montezuma
Woodbine vs Audubon
Ar-We-Va vs Fremont Mills
Iowa Valley vs Turkey Valley
Wayne vs Bedford
