January 25, 2018 By Chris Varney
Yesterday, the Iowa High School Athletic Association set the standards for the 2018 high school football playoffs. Today, they outlined the upcoming season with the announcement of each team’s district opponents. The IHSAA re-districts every two years as enrollment changes for high schools — football is the only sport with districts while all other sports use the conference format.
In Class 3A, Grinnell and South Tama will once again be in the same district after the last two years and join with Knoxville, Newton, Oskaloosa, and Pella. The Trojans were in with northern teams like Decorah, Waverly Shell Rock and Xavier so this will be a dramatic shift for Head Coach Nate Doran’s team. For the Tigers, all 5 teams are traditional rivals.
In Class 2A, Williamsburg’s travel will be greatly reduced much like South Tama. After going east the last 4 years, the Raiders will be in District #6 with Albia, Central Lee, Davis County, Eddyville, and Mid-Prairie. Shorter bus rides for the 2A runners-up. Benton was one of the smallest 3A schools last year — now the Bobcats will be one the largest 2A schools in District #7 with Nevada, Roland Story, Union, Vinton Shellsburg and West Marshall.
East Marshall moves down to Class 1A and the Mustangs got no favors joining District #6 along with traditional superpower Iowa City Regina. East Marshall made some strides last season and is a program on the rise but they have a tough district schedule with Dike New Hartford, Jesup, North Linn, and South Hardin in District #6.
In Class A, BGM and Belle Plaine will both be in District #6 along with Cardinal, Eldon; Durant; Highland Riverside and Pekin. The latter will be the toughest opponent for both the Bears and Plainsmen who both missed the playoffs last year. Lynnville Sully and North Mahaska are both in District #8 along with Central Decatur, Grand View Christian, Martensdale St. Mary’s, and Wayne. This district clearly favors the Hawks — the only other team besides L-S with a winning record last year was Central Decatur, who was 5-4.
Finally in 8 man football, five SICL teams are all in District #4 — English Valleys, HLV, Iowa Valley, Montezuma, and Tri County. Joining them are Lone Tree, New London, WACO, and Winfield Mt. Union. It will be interesting to see how Montezuma adjusts to the 8 man game. HLV has been a powerhouse in 8 man in recent years and Iowa Valley has been solid as well. This will be an exciting district to watch because Lone Tree and WACO are solid programs as well.
See the complete high school football districts by clicking here