Early Class A First Round Matchups

[Prancing Ponies]

If Van Meter and West Sioux would happen to go up to 2A, then 1A would be wide open. There were no teams close to VM and WS in 1A. The next best teams were West Branch (senior heavy in skill positions but return several good linemen), Underwood (return many skill guys but lose QB), and MFL (who return 8 starters on defense and 7 on offense).

If Grundy Center goes up to 1A and VM and WS go to 2A, I'd probably rank GC, WB, MFL & Underwood in the top 4 to start next year.

MFL yes. Underwood is a no. Not sure about WB. West Sioux will be staying in 1A I do not care how many they lose. They are just like Van Meter, there are a football factory. GC is at best a top 8 team. There is such a big discrepancy between A and 1A that needs to be taken into consideration.
The only classes that can cross and not a huge change is 1A and 2A. Everything else is a huge jump in quality. GC will have the rigors of a much tougher schedule unless the association is friendly in districting them.