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The second installment of a series that explores local high school football districts in Iowa for the 2025 campaign. We look at Class A today.
Class A consists of 56 teams, 32 of which make it to the playoffs. Out of eight districts, the best four teams advance.
Eight games will make up the Class A regular season, and there will be five playoff rounds.
Examining area districts in greater detail:
District 3
OVERVIEW
The obvious choice would be yearly power Saint Ansgar (10-2) after they advanced to the Class A playoffs the previous year. However, we’ll defy expectations and choose South Winneshiek in an unexpected way. Of all the Class A teams, the Warriors (4-5) perhaps bring back the most from their squad from the previous season. Among them is Kyle Kuboushek, who led the club in tackles (84.5) and ran for 963 yards and 13 touchdowns. Will that be sufficient to swing 40 points against Saint Ansgar, who defeated the Warriors 54-14 in the first round of the playoffs? Leading rusher/tackler Korben Michels (1,295 yards, 16 touchdowns, 76 tackles) is back with the Saints. With North Butler (5-4) a slim pick over Clayton Ridge (2-6) and Starmont (5-4) for the last playoff place, Nashua-Plainfield (6-4) provides this district with a strong third team.
Projections (*qualifier for the playoffs)
1. *Winneshiek, South
2. *Saint Ansgar
3. *Plainfield, Nathania
4. *North Butler
5. The Ridge of Clayton
6. Starmont
7. The town of Postville
District 4
OVERVIEW
The district favorite Maquoketa Valley (9-2) is more than just that. The Wildcats are a legitimate contender for the state championship. Let’s start with a defense that recorded five straight shutouts in Weeks 2–6 while allowing 9.2 points per game. Eli Dougherty (six interceptions) and seven of the best tacklers are back. A strong offensive attack is led by quarterback Brady Wall (1,893 passing yards, 17 touchdowns) and running back Rogan Heidt (1,580 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns). In 2024, Wall will welcome back three receivers with 20 or more receptions. Wapsie Valley (7-3) is the Wildcats’ most formidable opponent, led by Andrew Tiedt (58 tackles) and Bryar Bellis (team-high 31 receptions). Three teams are vying for the remaining two playoff spots: East Marshall (4-5), North Linn (6-3), and East Buchanan (3-5).
Projections (*qualifier for the playoffs)
1. The Valley of Maquoketa
2. *The Valley of Wapsie
3. *East Buchanan
4. *North Linn
5. The East Marshall
6. The North Cedar
7. Midland
Other districts with area teams
District 5
1. *Pekin
2. The Columbus Community
3. *Wapello
*Danville
5. The Highland
6. The County of Van Buren
7. London, New
Division 6
1. * Madrid
2. *Lynnville-Sully
*Earlham
*North Mahaska
5. St. Mary’s Martensdale
6. The Colfax-Mingo
7. BGM
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