Top in-state games to watch

In this update, we dive into the Iowa high school football schedule this week and take a look at the top in-state match-ups to watch and where all of the Iowa commits and top targets are playing.

Top Game of the Week

Valley at Dowling Catholic

Why: In a battle that is among the top rivalries in the Midwest, these two powerhouse programs face off once again for bragging rights. Dowling Catholic comes into this battle as the seven-time defending Class 4A champions and as our #1 rated team in this class. The Maroons top recruit, tight end Andrew Lentsch, has visited Iowa City and has scholarships from Northern Iowa and others. At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, expect Lentsch to have a lot of decisions before he commits to his future home. No. 2 Valley brought in future Kansas State quarterback Jake Rubley over the off-season due to the Colorado high school football season being postponed until the spring. He threw for 146 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers in his season debut. Rubley has Division I talent surrounding him with running back Jayden Williams, wide receiver Matthew Mahoney, and tight end Eli Raridon. Williams is set to attend Kansas State as well for college, Mahoney just recently committed to Princeton after landing twenty plus scholarships, and Raridon has seen his stock skyrocket since September 1st with a number of new offers being extended his way. Also don't forget about defensive end Nasir Washington. He had visited the University of Iowa before committing to Miami of Ohio last spring.

Other Featured Game

Iowa City High at Iowa City West

Why: While this game may not have the headliners as in past years, the Battle for the Boot remains a game to watch regardless of the records of each squad. Both starting quarterbacks have garnered attention from the Iowa coaches. Marcus Morgan of West doubles as one of the best athletes in the entire state with his skills in multiple venues. He holds six scholarships at this point in the recruiting process and has been working hard to put together a strong final year at the prep level. On the City High side of things, quarterback Raph Hamilton recently ended the recruiting process with a verbal commit to the University of Mary. Each playmaker will have a large say in who holds the bragging rights for the off-season between these two squads.

Honorable Mention:

Ankeny at Waukee

Ankeny Centennial at Southeast Polk

Cedar Falls at Waterloo West

Iowa City High at Iowa City West

North Scott at Pleasant Valley

Prairie, Cedar Rapids at Dubuque Senior

Sergeant Bluff-Luton @ Lewis Central

Washington at Solon

West Branch at West Liberty

The Commitments

Name: Brody Brecht