A look at the leaders going into Week 8 proves out that the addition of Assumption, Wahlert and Xavier to the 3A ranks has not ended up in quite the dominance predicted. So a look around the State brings up some observations, but mostly questions.
District 1 & 2 - Sioux City Heelan has risen to the top and defeated Carroll by ample margin. The playoff pairings will have a big impact on the route, but I think Heelan is likely to play at the UNIDome.
District 3 & 4 - Fireworks are brewing. Undefeated West Delaware, giant killer Epworth, Western Dubuque, the ever capable and proven Solon and the playoff experienced Saints from Xavier. The playoff pairings will be huge in round 2 and beyond. It is hard to pick against Xavier, with back-to-back 4A runnerup finishes, but Solon has more championship rings, West Delaware has been strong thus far and the Bobcats have a lot to play for. My pick is Xavier, with the caveat about their heads being in it, so as to avoid dramatic mistakes or drops.
District 5 & 6 - It seems like another matchup between CCA and Assumption could be in the offing. I don't think seven turnovers will be the recipe that the Knights will bring to the game. But the playoff pairings might separate them for several rounds, and one or the other won't punch through the competition.
District 7 & 8 - Pella, Creston and Dallas Center Grimes with the latter two coming off a week 8 showdown. Look for Pella to tiptoe through the tulips unless and until they match up with the east side of the state or in the dome against Heelan. Dallas Center Grimes has won some close games, Pella hasn't had a close game. ADM-Adel and Carlisle can both "knock off" somebody in round 2.
It will all depend on pairings beyond round 1. It seems like District 4 would have the strongest 1, 2 and 3 seeds. District 8 might have the most balanced 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds. I'd see the matchups made in round 2 as pivotal for the final representation in the UNIDome.
My overall champion pick is Xavier, but injuries, upsets and conditions can factor in aplenty.
I would certainly say that 3A isn't as "open and shut" as was projected with Assumption, Wahlert and Xavier dropping down from 4A.
District 1 & 2 - Sioux City Heelan has risen to the top and defeated Carroll by ample margin. The playoff pairings will have a big impact on the route, but I think Heelan is likely to play at the UNIDome.
District 3 & 4 - Fireworks are brewing. Undefeated West Delaware, giant killer Epworth, Western Dubuque, the ever capable and proven Solon and the playoff experienced Saints from Xavier. The playoff pairings will be huge in round 2 and beyond. It is hard to pick against Xavier, with back-to-back 4A runnerup finishes, but Solon has more championship rings, West Delaware has been strong thus far and the Bobcats have a lot to play for. My pick is Xavier, with the caveat about their heads being in it, so as to avoid dramatic mistakes or drops.
District 5 & 6 - It seems like another matchup between CCA and Assumption could be in the offing. I don't think seven turnovers will be the recipe that the Knights will bring to the game. But the playoff pairings might separate them for several rounds, and one or the other won't punch through the competition.
District 7 & 8 - Pella, Creston and Dallas Center Grimes with the latter two coming off a week 8 showdown. Look for Pella to tiptoe through the tulips unless and until they match up with the east side of the state or in the dome against Heelan. Dallas Center Grimes has won some close games, Pella hasn't had a close game. ADM-Adel and Carlisle can both "knock off" somebody in round 2.
It will all depend on pairings beyond round 1. It seems like District 4 would have the strongest 1, 2 and 3 seeds. District 8 might have the most balanced 1, 2, 3 and 4 seeds. I'd see the matchups made in round 2 as pivotal for the final representation in the UNIDome.
My overall champion pick is Xavier, but injuries, upsets and conditions can factor in aplenty.
I would certainly say that 3A isn't as "open and shut" as was projected with Assumption, Wahlert and Xavier dropping down from 4A.
