It’s a very new look Class 2A in a number of ways in 2023, maybe my most anticipated class to watch unfold.
District 1: Central Lyon/George-Little Rock
Replacing a talent like Zach Lutmer is tough, but Reece Vander Zee is a pretty nice replacement to have. Lions return quite a bit from their state title team a year ago, Western Christian could have a say in this one too.
District 2: Spirit Lake
Indiana appear to be a heavy favorite in this North Central Iowa district as they return Caden Lundt and Bode Huggins at QB and RB. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows could be a sleeper here otherwise.
District 3: New Hampton
This all-northeast Iowa district has a lot of teams going through rebuilding years on paper, but New Hampton gets the slight edge over Osage. Braden McShane is in line for a monstrous senior year.
District 4: Monticello
This district quietly has a chance to maybe be the most entertaining district in 2A, with NFV and Northeast Goose Lake returning a lot from solid teams last year. But it’s going to be tough for anyone to slow down Preston Ries, so I’m riding with the Panthers.
District 5: Mediapolis
This very well might be the weakest 2A district, but I’m riding with the tradition-strong Mepo Bulldogs. Still a good chunk of talent from last year’s squad. Davis County might be another team to watch.
District 6: PCM
This league feels like a two-team race between the Mustangs and West Marshall, but the Mustangs appear to have more pieces returning off a playoff team from last year. Ben Gonzalez could have a huge tear for the Trojans, however.
District 7: Van Meter
Bulldogs are replacing virtually every key contributor from their state title team last year, sans RB Ben Gordon, who could be in for a 2,000+ yard season. Otherwise, this appears to be the Bulldogs district to lose.
District 8: Carroll Kuemper
The Knights are coming off a surprise season last year, with a playoff appearance in 1A before bumping back up. DJ Vonnahme leads the charge as a one-man wrecking crew on both sides. Greene County and Roland-Story will also be in the mix here.
District 1: Central Lyon/George-Little Rock
Replacing a talent like Zach Lutmer is tough, but Reece Vander Zee is a pretty nice replacement to have. Lions return quite a bit from their state title team a year ago, Western Christian could have a say in this one too.
District 2: Spirit Lake
Indiana appear to be a heavy favorite in this North Central Iowa district as they return Caden Lundt and Bode Huggins at QB and RB. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows could be a sleeper here otherwise.
District 3: New Hampton
This all-northeast Iowa district has a lot of teams going through rebuilding years on paper, but New Hampton gets the slight edge over Osage. Braden McShane is in line for a monstrous senior year.
District 4: Monticello
This district quietly has a chance to maybe be the most entertaining district in 2A, with NFV and Northeast Goose Lake returning a lot from solid teams last year. But it’s going to be tough for anyone to slow down Preston Ries, so I’m riding with the Panthers.
District 5: Mediapolis
This very well might be the weakest 2A district, but I’m riding with the tradition-strong Mepo Bulldogs. Still a good chunk of talent from last year’s squad. Davis County might be another team to watch.
District 6: PCM
This league feels like a two-team race between the Mustangs and West Marshall, but the Mustangs appear to have more pieces returning off a playoff team from last year. Ben Gonzalez could have a huge tear for the Trojans, however.
District 7: Van Meter
Bulldogs are replacing virtually every key contributor from their state title team last year, sans RB Ben Gordon, who could be in for a 2,000+ yard season. Otherwise, this appears to be the Bulldogs district to lose.
District 8: Carroll Kuemper
The Knights are coming off a surprise season last year, with a playoff appearance in 1A before bumping back up. DJ Vonnahme leads the charge as a one-man wrecking crew on both sides. Greene County and Roland-Story will also be in the mix here.