ihsaa recaps
Football Dramatic runs, championship resurgences highlight 2019 playoffs at UNI-Dome CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The final weekend helped sum up an exciting 2019 football season with some powerhouse programs staying on top of Iowa high school football, some returning to power, new communities joining the championship fun, and one team playing for the legacy and health of their long-time head coach. Those were the storylines from the finals at the UNI-Dome, but there were so many essential details in the 2019 regular season and postseason at schools across the state. The second season of the RPI for at-large playoff qualifiers delivered more predictable results, with five highly-seeded district champions rolling to titles and four squads finishing the season unbeaten. Brief UNI-Dome highlights from each class follows… CLASS 4A: Dowling Catholic won its state-record seventh straight football title, topping city rival Valley in a tense and physical 21-16 game. The West Des Moines powers were locked in on each other since their regular season meeting, with Dowling running back Gavin Williams providing the difference in the finals with 141 yards and two TDs rushing. CLASS 3A: Epworth, Western Dubuque rebounded from a runner-up finish in 2018 to finish as undefeated and undisputed champ of 3A. Coach Justin Penner’s squad shut down previously unbeaten Solon, which played a thrilling 43-36 semifinal with Sergeant Bluff-Luton the week prior. CLASS 2A: OABCIG (Odebolt, Arthur, Battle Creek, Ida Grove) won its first football title in high-scoring fashion, led by star quarterback Cooper DeJean, who led the state in total offense (4,838 yards, 66 TDs passing and rushing). CLASS 1A: West Lyon won its fifth state title and first since 2013 after a thrilling semifinal with rival West Sioux and dominant championship against top-seeded Van Meter. The Wildcats drove to northeast Iowa for four straight playoff rounds and still proved to be the top team in a loaded 1A. CLASS A: With head coach Bob Sanger, in his 52nd season at West Hancock, Britt, battling cancer and watching from a suite seat, the Eagles held on against upstart Grundy Center and won their first title since 1996. The old-school squad ran to their fans and Sanger after the win shouting, “Sanger Strong!” EIGHT-PLAYER: Against a tough Audubon squad appearing in its first title game since 1979 in Class 3A, Don Bosco, Gilbertville and coach Colby Yoder won their fourth final in the last seven years. Photos at right from IHSAA/Tucker Photo.
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IHSAA Bulletin
