Gazette's Preseason 1A Rankings

[gdkid2010]

Any surprises here? Regina at #1... duh. I think 2-4 could go in any order really. Surprised to see WB ahead of Pella Christian, simply due to the unknowns the Bears have.


1. Iowa City Regina (7)
2. Western Christian
3. West Branch
4. Pella Christian
5. Hinton
6. Denver
7. Madrid
8. Van Meter
9. Jesup
10a. South Winneshiek
10b. West Lyon (tie)

Others receiving votes: Logan-Magnolia 5, Panorama 4, Maquoketa Valley 3, Sibley-Ocheyedan 1, Sigourney-Keota 1, Wilton 1.

http://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/regina-mount-vernon-earn-no-1-preseason-spots-20160812

 

[usfhawk]

D1 with three in top ten and another getting a vote. D1 will be a dogfight this year.

Hard to argue these rankings right now.

 

[EIHCGuy]

I think I would flip 2 and 4.

PC is a gonna be a tough out for anyone.
Western lost a boatload but returns a few key contributors. No way they make the same run unless IHSAA brackets east and west.
WB has most of its line back and Lenoch is arguably the best RB in 1A. They are right on at #2 or 3

 

[cidhawkeye]

Pre season recognition would seem to show that Regina isn't the favorite.

 

[Iabeastmode]

With the exception of a couple teams, 1a appears to have lost most if it's best teams. Teams like Underwood, South Central Calhoun, Saint Ansgar, Dike New Hartford, and Hudson. Should be an easy to run to the semi finals for top teams.

 

[GoEagles23]

Pre season recognition would seem to show that Regina isn't the favorite.

I suppose for your next trick you'll be showing us how the sun rises in the west. Regina is the 1A favorite until they lose a game to a 1A team. When was the time that happened, like 2006? Regals return four of their linemen and a boatload of skill players. I heard from a friend that the Regals' junior class beat West Branch's junior class by 80 when they were in 8th grade.

 

[nwmsbearcat]

Regina is certainly tops until someone in 1A beats them.

Also, just because some good teams left Class 1A doesn't mean there is a cake walk to the semis for anyone. IMHO...these are all teams that can make a legitimate run at the semis...Western Christian (2015 State Runner-Up 1A) , Hinton (Lost to WC by 7 in Qtrs if I remember right so game could've gone either way), West Lyon (always tough), Denver (2015 State Semis Class A), Madrid (only lost to VM by 6 in 2nd Rd), Van Meter (2015 Semifinalist), West Branch (only lost to Regina by 7 in Qtrs), Pella Christian (seems like everyone's favorite pick this year). That is 8 very solid teams the past couple years with Regina on top for 9.

Not to mention some programs that have been very good the past couple years, such as Panorama, Logan-Magnolia (2014 Class A Champs), AHSTW, Jesup, South Winn and a few others, that could break through.

I'd say Class 1A's strength is still pretty darn good.

Yes, South Central Calhoun & DNH are very good teams and St. Ansgar should still be tough. But Underwood lost to Hinton by 19 in the 2nd Round last year and graduated a bunch oh their top players. Hudson got beat in regular season by DNH by 28 and Regina in the 2nd Rd by 29. Happens every 2 years...classes pick up some very good teams and lose some very good teams.

 

[cidhawkeye]

I suppose for your next trick you'll be showing us how the sun rises in the west. Regina is the 1A favorite until they lose a game to a 1A team. When was the time that happened, like 2006? Regals return four of their linemen and a boatload of skill players. I heard from a friend that the Regals' junior class beat West Branch's junior class by 80 when they were in 8th grade.

No trick here, don't disagree on the rankings, would think as a favorite they would probably have more recognition. Luke snuck one in but the rest are Brinkman only. WB has far more, oh well it's all in how it ends.

 

[fbfan05]

With the exception of a couple teams, 1a appears to have lost most if it's best teams. Teams like Underwood, South Central Calhoun, Saint Ansgar, Dike New Hartford, and Hudson. Should be an easy to run to the semi finals for top teams.

1A did lose some good teams but I think that Denver moving up from A to 1A is a big addition. Looks like they have a great offense line and they got a big win last night against Dike New Hartford. They should be a top 3-4 team.