Since the games are played Monday night, I think this represents predictions:
Carlisle @ Washington
Carlisle has the toughness edge, Washington has the "QB in the playoffs" edge. Carlisle went down in overtime and had some relatively close fought losses. Lots of playoff teams on their schedule. Take Carlisle away, based on solid play and limited errors.
Gilbert @ Dallas Center-Grimes
Dallas Center- Grimes might flex a little bit of muscle at home. Gilbert had a late September/early October swoon, while DCG has been on a roll since being pounded by Pella early. A bit tougher competition and playing at home will make the difference.
Newton @ Pella
Newton took on CCA and came away with a win. A big confidence booster, and it will be needed after falling by 55 points to Pella less than a month ago. Look for Pella to tiptoe through the tulips in the end zone again. Newton has the capacity to play it much closer than before, but a gap of 55 points is tough to close.
Norwalk @ Creston
This is a difficult one to call. Creston might not be peaking and Norwalk may be gelling. Both lost in Week 8, the opener match was 27-17 in Creston's favor. Mistakes/turnovers/big plays will be making the difference. Which way does it go? Norwalk, perhaps in OT.
Sergeant Bluff-Luton @ Carroll
If it is high scoring, then Sergeant Bluff-Luton is the favorite. If Carroll brings the defense, they are the favorite. If weather limits offense, favor Carroll. This is an outstanding matchup. Carroll in a nailbiter.
Solon @ West Delaware, Manchester
Solon is clicking and putting points on the board. West Delaware is not clicking. All of that can change fast, depending on the legs of the WD QB. The Spartans are doing well against schools with West in the name...and the Spartans will head North to chalk up a "W".
Waverly-Shell Rock @ Xavier, Cedar Rapids
WSR beat Western Dubuque and Western Dubuque beat Xavier. Seems straightforward enough, right? Except that playing Xavier on their "mounded" field means that the visiting team has to take away some aspect of the Saints game. Passing, running, special teams or defense? If WSR shuts down Xavier passing they have a shot. If they shut down Xavier's running they have a very good shot. If they are depending on scoring three or four times against the Xavier defense they don't have a shot. Xavier has brought their defense to the playoffs in past years and seem ready to continue that approach. The Saints look heavenly at home...and might have the edge in special teams too.
Webster City @ Bishop Heelan Catholic, Sioux City
Webster City has done a good job to get this far, but no farther is the message that Heelan is ready to send. Hats off to Webster City if they hang tough and even for a half or three quarters, but it is tough to see them coming out on top.
Carlisle @ Washington
Carlisle has the toughness edge, Washington has the "QB in the playoffs" edge. Carlisle went down in overtime and had some relatively close fought losses. Lots of playoff teams on their schedule. Take Carlisle away, based on solid play and limited errors.
Gilbert @ Dallas Center-Grimes
Dallas Center- Grimes might flex a little bit of muscle at home. Gilbert had a late September/early October swoon, while DCG has been on a roll since being pounded by Pella early. A bit tougher competition and playing at home will make the difference.
Newton @ Pella
Newton took on CCA and came away with a win. A big confidence booster, and it will be needed after falling by 55 points to Pella less than a month ago. Look for Pella to tiptoe through the tulips in the end zone again. Newton has the capacity to play it much closer than before, but a gap of 55 points is tough to close.
Norwalk @ Creston
This is a difficult one to call. Creston might not be peaking and Norwalk may be gelling. Both lost in Week 8, the opener match was 27-17 in Creston's favor. Mistakes/turnovers/big plays will be making the difference. Which way does it go? Norwalk, perhaps in OT.
Sergeant Bluff-Luton @ Carroll
If it is high scoring, then Sergeant Bluff-Luton is the favorite. If Carroll brings the defense, they are the favorite. If weather limits offense, favor Carroll. This is an outstanding matchup. Carroll in a nailbiter.
Solon @ West Delaware, Manchester
Solon is clicking and putting points on the board. West Delaware is not clicking. All of that can change fast, depending on the legs of the WD QB. The Spartans are doing well against schools with West in the name...and the Spartans will head North to chalk up a "W".
Waverly-Shell Rock @ Xavier, Cedar Rapids
WSR beat Western Dubuque and Western Dubuque beat Xavier. Seems straightforward enough, right? Except that playing Xavier on their "mounded" field means that the visiting team has to take away some aspect of the Saints game. Passing, running, special teams or defense? If WSR shuts down Xavier passing they have a shot. If they shut down Xavier's running they have a very good shot. If they are depending on scoring three or four times against the Xavier defense they don't have a shot. Xavier has brought their defense to the playoffs in past years and seem ready to continue that approach. The Saints look heavenly at home...and might have the edge in special teams too.
Webster City @ Bishop Heelan Catholic, Sioux City
Webster City has done a good job to get this far, but no farther is the message that Heelan is ready to send. Hats off to Webster City if they hang tough and even for a half or three quarters, but it is tough to see them coming out on top.
