Week 1

[Bluejay89]

Way too early top 10 (original thread only contained 9 teams):
Regina (11-2) v Xavier (11-1) 3A
Van Meter (11-1) v Earlam (6-4)
West Lyon (7-3) v Central Lyon (7-3) 2A
Pleasantville (8-2) v Eddyville-BF (3-6)
Panorama (7-2) v Des Moines Christian (3-6)
Sigourney-Keota (8-2) v Pekin (6-3)AHSTW (9-2) v Shenandoah (4-5) 2A
AHSTW (9-2) v Shenandoah (4-5) 2A
Denver (11-1) v Dike-NH (9-3) 2A
Bellevue (10-1) v Camanche (0-9)

Others of note in Eastern Iowa :
West Branch v West Liberty
Wilton v Tipton
S Winn v Wapsie Valley
Clayton Ridge v Beckman

Many of these are rematches. I will be most interested in Regina/Xavier, West Lyon/Central Lyon, Denver/DNH, West Branch/West Liberty, and Clayton Ridge/Beckman, S Winn/Wapsie Valley. All of these playing up a class other than S Winn. Please add other games to comment on. I'd love to hear any early thoughts/predictions.

 

[Bluejay89]

Also of note, Logan-Magnolia vs. CB St. Albert

 

[nwmsbearcat]

Certainly Western Christian @ BHRV is always interesting.

 

[Bluejay89]

Certainly Western Christian @ BHRV is always interesting.

You're right. I thought I had that one in there but I didn't. Are you from that area? Two defending champs head to head in week 1. That's pretty cool. Any predictions on how this one might go? I know WC lost a lot of seniors. Not that familiar with who BHRV has returning. Another team opening with a game from an above-class opponent. I like it!

 

[cidhawkeye]

Certainly Western Christian @ BHRV is always interesting.

Should be a hard hitting competitive game, what do the teams have returning?

 

[VanderHoops]

Certainly Western Christian @ BHRV is always interesting.

Western scrimmaged a good Sioux Center team last week and looked pretty good.

Lost a lot of 3 year starters to graduation, but hoping the taste of success will translate to a stronger program year after year. Big losses at QB, WR, and linemen, but good athletes are stepping up to fill new roles.

RB, Ben Granstra, is back and is one of the best ball carriers in 1A. He'll have to do some heavy lifting this year.
New QB is 6'6" and pretty elusive, but replacing all-stater Tyson Kooima will be tough.

Boyden-Hull's depth has won this game for them in the past, and it may be the same this year, but hope to keep it competitive.

A great game for both of them to start with!

 

[VanderHoops]

West Lyon/Central Lyon is a great rivalry ever year and have seen a lot of surprises in the outcome.
Being a week 1 game, and against the only other team in the county has resulted in the underdog taking this one frequently. WL won't be looking past them.