Compete Sports Week 1 Top 10

[ScoutPrep4]

1. Pella 0-0
2. West Delaware 0-0
3. Xavier 0-0
4. Solon 0-0
5. Washington 0-0
6. Sergeant Bluff-Luton 0-0
7. Assumption 0-0
8. Norwalk 0-0
9. DC-G 0-0
10. Creston 0-0

Game(s) of the Week:
#3 Xavier @ #1(1A) IC Regina
#4 Solon @ #3 (2A) Mount Vernon

Other big Games:
#1 Pella @oskaloosa
Carlisle @ Ballard

 

[fmclonefan]

Des Moines Register rankings:

CLASS 3A
1. NORWALK (8-2)

2. SOLON (9-2)

3. PELLA (13-0)

4. C.R. XAVIER (11-1)

5. WEST DELAWARE (8-2)

6. DAVENPORT ASSUMPTION (7-3)

7. DALLAS CENTER-GRIMES (6-3)

8. CRESTON/ORIENT-MACKSBURG (8-2)

9. WEBSTER CITY (11-2)

10. BENTON (VAN HORNE) (7-3)

 

[La_Fleur]

Des Moines Register rankings:

CLASS 3A
1. NORWALK (8-2)

2. SOLON (9-2)

3. PELLA (13-0)

4. C.R. XAVIER (11-1)

5. WEST DELAWARE (8-2)

6. DAVENPORT ASSUMPTION (7-3)

7. DALLAS CENTER-GRIMES (6-3)

8. CRESTON/ORIENT-MACKSBURG (8-2)

9. WEBSTER CITY (11-2)

10. BENTON (VAN HORNE) (7-3)

Register has Norwalk? Is there something I'm missing there?

 

[ScoutPrep4]

Norwalk will be tough once again, no doubt in my mind with some good skilled players returning. The question will be can they find a suitable replacement at QB. My guess, it will be Beving at least to start, who saw some snaps but will need to be more accurate and obviously his role will be greatly increased. Brandsfield was a very good QB and leader. That's why I have them in the top 10 but in my opinion until Pella gets knocked off, tough to not put them as #1.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Hope we can get some talk going about the big upcoming games this week. We'll miss Brent and his prediction game. I would disagree with the Register's rankings in 3A. I pick Pella until someone takes them out. Maybe someone can post why Solon and Norwalk are so high. I assume they are playing very rugged schedules, including some 4A's, and not just about to roll a bunch of average teams.

 

[KidSilverhair]

Not only is Solon NOT playing any 4A teams in nondistrict, they aren't even playing any 3A teams. They have Mount Vernon (2A) and Iowa City Regina (1A). I'm not saying that's not pretty good competition, anyway. Solon is one of just three teams (along with Xavier and Western Christian) able to beat Regina since 2009 (!).

Norwalk does play 4A Indianola, then Winterset in nondistrict.

 

[El_Doce]

I can't imagine what the Register is thinking here. Norwalk was not a good team without Brandsfield last year. Defensively they are not strong. They have a couple of decent skill players, but not sure I would put them in all-state categories.

Its also tough to keep Pella on the top, with the number of returners they have back. If I look at strength of returners, I would say DCG would have an edge here and maybe Heelan.

I wouldn't be surprised if Norwalk finishes 4th in their district behind Pella, Carlisle and maybe Bondurant.

 

[IowaHSFootballFan]

Clearly no one has a consesus top team to start the year. The 5 media sources I just looked at (Gazette, Des Moines Register, Complete Sports, Max Preps and Radio Iowa) all seem to paint a different picture. Pella sits atop or near the top in all rankings - rightfully so. Solon's variation in the 5 polls is Not Ranked, #2, #4, #10, and #9. Heelan is in the top 10 in two of the five polls at #4 and #3, but not ranked in the other three polls.

Speaking to the East Side of the state, though.. Xavier will find a way to contend and they will no doubt be able to run the football. It won't be the same as with Wilson at RB, but they will find a way to produce. Washington will be good with quite a few three year starters on a well-coached team. Solon is going to be good because they are, like Xavier, a traditional power and expect to win a championship every year. They will be coached as well as anyone and from what I've heard about the scrimmage Solon had with 2A Union last friday, the defense is scary (led by the D-Line Iowa commit Linderbaum). Held Union to around -20 yards. West Delaware has been consistent on offense over the years, so I expect them to do the same this year. I'd look for Waverly and Oskaloosa to be solid as well. I know Oskaloosa got that transfer QB from Grinnell and they play very hard. Week 1 against Pella will be a good indicator of what Osky has.

Should be a fun season. I like how wide open it seems relative to recent years.

 

[KidSilverhair]

It does seem more wide open this year. On the east side, in District 3, Waverly-Shell Rock returns some good athletes from a strong team last year, and so does Benton. Decorah will always be good, and they bring back a 1000-yard rusher. Xavier has to replace a lot of starters (like the entire offense), and although a lot of guys on the roster got playing time last year, with Quinn Schulte moving to QB they don't have anybody else returning who had a single pass reception last year (Schulte led the team in catches last year, but he can't throw to himself, now, can he?).

District 4, you've got West Delaware (always good), Assumption, Wahlert (people are expecting good things from Wahlert) and Marion bringing back a lot of guys from a 5-win team last year. Will Clear Creek-Amana be in the mix again, or have they graduated too many?

District 5 has Solon, of course, along with Washington and Oskaloosa.

That's the thing about August, though, isn't it? Nobody knows nothing.

 

[westside rules]

can't speak for the east but on the west side I would have Heelan in and Creston out. Not trying to be a homer and I'm trying tostay grounded but Heelan will be Very good this year.

 

[IowaHSFootballFan]

can't speak for the east but on the west side I would have Heelan in and Creston out. Not trying to be a homer and I'm trying tostay grounded but Heelan will be Very good this year.

This interests me as well. Heelan folks seem to think they have a great team but overall they don't get much recognition in the polls, or outside of Sioux City for that matter. I want to accept your objective and unbiased view, but I feel wrong in doing so! Help me see what everyone else is getting wrong!

 

[fmclonefan]

The preseason polls are always a "what have you done for me lately" type situation. Heelan hasn't been to the dome the last two years, so they kinda fall off the radar as a top team, for better or for worse. I can't say I'm as familiar with the teams in NW Iowa. Will Storm Lake be as good? SBL seems to have lots of athletes, so I'm sure they will be pretty solid. They are ranked in some polls. Will Spirit Lake be better? It appears that there is some buzz around the Heelan team this year. Wouldn't be surprised if they make their way back to the dome this year. They tend not to stay away for very long.

 

[ScoutPrep4]

Heelan was definitely on my radar especially with returning Clark, who should have big year and Boever their top receiver. Waiting to see how their new quarterback steps in. Creston got the edge because they have their signal caller back along with two very good linemen to anchor their line of scrimmage. I wouldn't be surprised to see Heelan in the top 10 this year and could be soon depending how others fair..

 

[cruhawk]

I'm assuming that these pre-season polls are based entirely (or almost entirely) on last year's records/performances.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Great posts. Hope we can have some "color commentary" tomorrow night when the scores come in. Kids are all keyed up, and the ball bounces awfully funny on opening night. Will be fun to hear the story behind the score.

 

[ScoutPrep4]

Records do come into play as well as what teams bring back. Strong programs play a small role because many times teams will have strong or solid players coming up. Can be tough to track JV teams. Not a perfect science to it for me but it tends to work out or give a solid gauge at least at the start of the season. Things will change as the season goes on and nothing in high school athletics is predictable.

 

[mtdew_fever]

Nice to see a few of you had DCG in your preseason Top 10.

They came out and dominated ADM. At first glance this was a good win, but looking ahead ADM might not a game this season. ADM's coach is terrible, so not surprising.

Either way, respect the Mustangs as they are definitely a top 10 team!!!!

 

[BGI User 2364]

Heelan was definitely on my radar especially with returning Clark, who should have big year and Boever their top receiver. Waiting to see how their new quarterback steps in. Creston got the edge because they have their signal caller back along with two very good linemen to anchor their line of scrimmage. I wouldn't be surprised to see Heelan in the top 10 this year and could be soon depending how others fair..

Heelan was definitely on my radar especially with returning Clark, who should have big year and Boever their top receiver. Waiting to see how their new quarterback steps in. Creston got the edge because they have their signal caller back along with two very good linemen to anchor their line of scrimmage. I wouldn't be surprised to see Heelan in the top 10 this year and could be soon depending how others fair..

Unfortunately, Boever not out for football. Multi-sport standout taking his senior season off? Focused on hoops and baseball I heard.

 

[cruhawk]

This is true.

 

[ScoutPrep4]

Unfortunately, Boever not out for football. Multi-sport standout taking his senior season off? Focused on hoops and baseball I heard.

Well that is good information to know. He is a good athlete and a good receiver. I am sure he has his reasons but coaches like to have the best athletes stay out if possible. Heelan could have a special season brewing. Interested to see what the outcome is with Carroll tonight. I am sure they are looking for revenge.

 

[cruhawk]

They got it, 21-6, in spite of another listless first half. Heelan "D" good again; Carroll didn't have an offensive TD, and though they had some nice plays, they weren't really a threat.

BTW, Heelan does have plenty of good athletes & potential FB players walking the halls who chose not to go out. Boever is just one. As deep as this team is, they should be a lot deeper.

 

[StatewidePundit]

What are you missing if a kid chooses not to go out. Nothing.
Watched Heelan on Hudl. They look pretty damn good with the players that want to play football. Defense is tough with stunting active dline and quick linebackers. Clark is a beast.
Very good team and a threat to win it all.

 

[La_Fleur]

I am not in the know so I don't mean to bring this back up again, but I am curious as to how Grace could come back and coach at a Catholic high school after being involved in the situation he was in. Doesn't make a lot of sense

 

[BHCrusader2010]

I am not in the know so I don't mean to bring this back up again, but I am curious as to how Grace could come back and coach at a Catholic high school after being involved in the situation he was in. Doesn't make a lot of sense

Apparently he is not back. Which is a shame, no charges were ever filed. Yes, the kid messed up but my guess there are people in education, even on the board of education with worse records with than that. Heelan and the Bishop were comfortable having him back, that all that matters. They feel his has been punished enough and deserves another chance. Fair enough.
You could argue a superintendent, the supposed leader of the whole school system, driving around drunk like the Sergeant Bluff sup was busted for was a worse offense. How is he still employed ? and better yet he is on the IHSAA board ! does that make sense ?

 

[BHCrusader2010]

They got it, 21-6, in spite of another listless first half. Heelan "D" good again; Carroll didn't have an offensive TD, and though they had some nice plays, they weren't really a threat.

BTW, Heelan does have plenty of good athletes & potential FB players walking the halls who chose not to go out. Boever is just one. As deep as this team is, they should be a lot deeper.

That was a good tough game in the rain. Heelan had some penalty issues, having two touchdowns called back. Crusaders have their best team since last state championship team. Like the posters said below, who cares about the kids not out. The kids that are out want to be there and are playing hard. Heelan looks good big game next week vs SB-L.

 

[cruhawk]

One reason for my sentiments about kids not participating is the numbers on the freshman team. 15 kids out for football. The ones they do have are pretty good, but when you need sophomores to come in & play, that's a problem. My understanding is that the current seventh & eighth grades are big classes & really loaded. So this year is just a small blip. But I remember it being an honor to be on the Heelan football team, regardless of how much you would play. Of course, my day was a time when the varsity team had 60-70 juniors and seniors. Sophomores, no matter how good they were, never played on the varsity. They had their own independent 9-game schedule, and there were usually 30-40 kids on that team. Then, there were enough freshmen out--at least 45-50 most years--that they had two separate teams with separate schedules. Yes, the enrollment is smaller now. But that doesn't explain everything.

BTW, last I heard, Pat Grace IS back. He's the new OC. Do you have information to the contrary?

 

[La_Fleur]

I heard from a Heelan friend that he is back as well. He was surprised that the bishop approved it even though no charges were filed. Whether or not he should be allowed to is certainly a judgment call, but I personally would have thought that a Catholic school would have a higher standard on a situation like that.