OT: Iowa HS Football Playoffs

[HemiHawk]

A below .500 team getting in a is a joke. A 5-4 team getting in isn't that much better. Both from the DSM area. No shocker there.

Yes Ankeny is 5-4 but had the #15 RPI. Both Cedar Falls and Centennial did not pull away from Ankeny until late in the games. Ankeny led CF 7-0 at the half and only trailed Cent 7-0 at the half. The Ankeny D finally wore down in both games because the offense couldn't get anything going consistently. Special teams really hurt themselves against CF with two turnovers resulting in a 5 yard drive and a 20 yard drive so CF only had two sustained long drives for points in the game. Johnston only beat Ankeny 14-9. The Dowling game was a mess for Ankeny. That being said, do I expect Ankeny will beat Valley? No. But there's always a chance.

Ankeny's four losses.

#1 Centennial
#3 Cedar Falls
#7 Dowling
#8 Johnston

Here are the current BCMoore rankings.

http://ia.bcmoorerankings.com/fb/2018/latest/4ARank.html

Southeast Polk is 4-5 but had the #1 SOS and is ranked #11. Ankeny is #12.

Not trying to argue with you but just trying to add some perspective. The playoff system is not perfect but I like that 16 teams get in. There are only 42 teams in 4-A and all the "bubble" teams were 5-4 except SE Polk. Every team that is at least 6-3 made the playoffs. BTW Pleasant Valley got in at 5-4 with a bcmoore sos of 3. There were a few other 5-4 teams but all with an sos in the 20's and 30's.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

I never claimed that LC was better than the 4A teams. I can see why people have made this claim though. Centennial is good, but I think most would say Centennial was better last year. Dowling was better last year. So, with those teams theoretically being down, and LC being better than last year, I could see some making that claim. I never did and won't, but I can see why.

My claim was that Miller is not better than Duggan, and I will stand by that all the way. I don't think it's close.

I don't think it's close either. Miller is better than Duggan. Good luck with this.

 

[HemiHawk]

Ya, please see da following link, I just look at objective data:

https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other

Maybe jump out of the simple cave man point of view:
- B1G - GREAT!! Our middle name is DEFENSE; we are UNDER-RATED; 2 Teams should be in CFP.
- B12 - BAD!! Can't even spell DEFENSE; they are OVER-RATED; 0 Teams should be in CFP.

Have I got it right? LOL

This thread is about high school football numb-nuts. Take your Iowa - ISU pissing match elsewhere.

 

[Roy-munson]

Ankeny centennial is going to start there dominance I don’t know if they win this year, but you can see the talent in the junior high kids.. there are few former nfl players kids that are in junior high there and they look pretty good... irk if Fred jackson boy will be as good as Fred but if he is Centennial will be dominate

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Yes Ankeny is 5-4 but had the #15 RPI. Both Cedar Falls and Centennial did not pull away from Ankeny until late in the games. Ankeny led CF 7-0 at the half and only trailed Cent 7-0 at the half. The Ankeny D finally wore down in both games because the offense couldn't get anything going consistently. Special teams really hurt themselves against CF with two turnovers resulting in a 5 yard drive and a 20 yard drive so CF only had two sustained long drives for points in the game. Johnston only beat Ankeny 14-9. The Dowling game was a mess for Ankeny. That being said, do I expect Ankeny will beat Valley? No. But there's always a chance.

Ankeny's four losses.

#1 Centennial
#3 Cedar Falls
#7 Dowling
#8 Johnston

Here are the current BCMoore rankings.

http://ia.bcmoorerankings.com/fb/2018/latest/4ARank.html

Southeast Polk is 4-5 but had the #1 SOS and is ranked #11. Ankeny is #12.

Not trying to argue with you but just trying to add some perspective. The playoff system is not perfect but I like that 16 teams get in. There are only 42 teams in 4-A and all the "bubble" teams were 5-4 except SE Polk. Every team that is at least 6-3 made the playoffs. BTW Pleasant Valley got in at 5-4 with a bcmoore sos of 3. There were a few other 5-4 teams but all with an sos in the 20's and 30's.

No, I appreciate the research. I just think 4A should have different rules as to who gets in (fewer teams). My beef is the same as the NCAA tournament. Those are all quality losses but still losses. Or maybe bowl games... why reward teams that are 6-6. To each their own.

 

[cheerscoach]

Will the state's best QB lead Fort Dodge to an upset win over WDM Dowling, and finally get a playoff win this century?

The state's best QB is Hunter Dekkers. 6'3, 225 lb. QB out of West Souix Hawarden. 61.5%, 34 TD's with only 6 picks. 400 yds. rushing. Only a junior. Top 10 basketball player. Why isn't anyone recruiting this kid?

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

Eastern Iowa 4A schools get dominated by Des Moines every year. This year will be no different. Quality of talent, play, coaching just way better out here. My money would be on Valley or Centennial.

You beat me to it.

Don’t we do this every year & doesn’t DM Metro win it every year??

Not saying this to talk trash but Eastern Iowa is in the rear view mirror in everything.

 

[CF_93]

You beat me to it.

Don’t we do this every year & doesn’t DM Metro win it every year??

Not saying this to talk trash but Eastern Iowa is in the rear view mirror in everything.

Eastern Iowa is only in the rear view mirror of the city of West Des Moines. Until somebody other than Dowling or Valley wins it, the rest of Central/Western Iowa has proven nothing. Since 2000, Central/Western Iowa teams outside of West Des Moines have gone 1-3 against Eastern Iowa teams in championship games. Central Iowa is a bit like the American League, with Centennial, Valley and Dowling being the likes of the Astros, Red Sox and Yankees. While DM Hoover, North, Roosevelt, are playing the roles of the 115 loss Orioles, White Sox, and Royals. There’s just a massive chasm between the have’s and have not‘s and central Iowa.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

The state's best QB is Hunter Dekkers. 6'3, 225 lb. QB out of West Souix Hawarden. 61.5%, 34 TD's with only 6 picks. 400 yds. rushing. Only a junior. Top 10 basketball player. Why isn't anyone recruiting this kid?

West Sioux cheats. Therefore invalid.

 

[millhawk]

The state's best QB is Hunter Dekkers. 6'3, 225 lb. QB out of West Souix Hawarden. 61.5%, 34 TD's with only 6 picks. 400 yds. rushing. Only a junior. Top 10 basketball player. Why isn't anyone recruiting this kid?

Is he the best? I don't know but he should be on everyone's radar.

 

[HaydenHawk8]

Can someone please post scores from tonight...thanks.

There are no games. All games are on Fridays now. That’s why there is only 16 per class.

 

[HemiHawk]

Xavier is good in 3A but look out for North Scott. They are pretty good.

I hate the current playoff system and it needs to change. 7-2 teams should not be left out. I’d say 24-32 teams is just right. Every other state you have teams that have 2-3 wins make post season.

I don't like 7-2 teams being left out either. But when you have a large number of schools in a class where do you draw the line? I like using the RPI. Its tough because when you have too many teams in the playoffs they are diluted with 4-5 or 3-6 teams and adds no value to the playoffs and how many rounds do we really need. District champs and the rest from RPI. I suppose like any tournament there are those bubble teams.

Eastern Iowa is only in the rear view mirror of the city of West Des Moines. Until somebody other than Dowling or Valley wins it, the rest of Central/Western Iowa has proven nothing. Since 2000, Central/Western Iowa teams outside of West Des Moines have gone 1-3 against Eastern Iowa teams in championship games. Central Iowa is a bit like the American League, with Centennial, Valley and Dowling being the likes of the Astros, Red Sox and Yankees. While DM Hoover, North, Roosevelt, are playing the roles of the 115 loss Orioles, White Sox, and Royals. There’s just a massive chasm between the have’s and have not‘s and central Iowa.

Title game history.

http://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FB.4.CHAMPGAME.results.pdf

 

[cheerscoach]

Is he the best? I don't know but he should be on everyone's radar.

I have no idea who he even is. I was just looking at Iowa High School Athletic Assoc. stats, and his numbers jumped out at me so I looked to see who he was. QB's at 1A schools rarely garner any attention, although Jesse Ertz from Mediapolis caught the attention of Kansas State a few years back and I believe he started some games for them when he wasn't hurt.

 

[CF_93]

I don't like 7-2 teams being left out either. But when you have a large number of schools in a class where do you draw the line? I like using the RPI. Its tough because when you have too many teams in the playoffs they are diluted with 4-5 or 3-6 teams and adds no value to the playoffs and how many rounds do we really need. District champs and the rest from RPI. I suppose like any tournament there are those bubble teams.



Title game history.

http://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FB.4.CHAMPGAME.results.pdf

Precisely where I referenced from. In case there was any confusion, I was only referring to 4A. I really don’t pay much attention to the smaller schools.

 

[millhawk]

I have no idea who he even is. I was just looking at Iowa High School Athletic Assoc. stats, and his numbers jumped out at me so I looked to see who he was. QB's at 1A schools rarely garner any attention, although Jesse Ertz from Mediapolis caught the attention of Kansas State a few years back and I believe he started some games for them when he wasn't hurt.

West Sioux won the title last year I believe. And he was impressive in both games at the dome. My nephew has to face him this Friday ugh.

 

[CuttyDoesIt]

Iowa is starting their HS football playoffs and Texas is still in regular season. Playoffs here will not end until week before Christmas.

How does that work with basketball season?

 

[HaydenHawk8]

I don't like 7-2 teams being left out either. But when you have a large number of schools in a class where do you draw the line? I like using the RPI. Its tough because when you have too many teams in the playoffs they are diluted with 4-5 or 3-6 teams and adds no value to the playoffs and how many rounds do we really need. District champs and the rest from RPI. I suppose like any tournament there are those bubble teams.



Title game history.

http://www.iahsaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FB.4.CHAMPGAME.results.pdf

I just think of a team won 7 games they deserve to be in. The iahsaa schedules the non-conf and districts. So the individual school has zero say in who they play. So the RPI factor really isn’t in the schools hands it’s whoever the state decides you play. How is that fair. I know schools get to request teams to play, but the state in the end decides, which is BS.

Also if your gonna use RPI, then also have a true 1 vs 16 bracket. Quit doing this bracke A or bracket B. The games are on Friday and teams are w/in 4-5hrs of each other. Set it up and play a true bracket. This “re-shuffling” is gonna be a mess and again the “state” decides it. Not a good look and I know several coaches who are against this system.

Illinois has 32 teams and they split two brackets 16 teams and they play a true 1 vs 16, 2 vs 15. Teams might travel 2-3hrs but it’s set up and played the right way. IAHSAA has to re-do this. With all the coaches and admins upset over the current set up.

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

Actually, under previous formats, there have been 7-2 teams to miss the playoffs, or had to go on the road in the old 32-team field (which means they too would have missed had it been 16). That used to be more common in 4A when there were 48 teams. But with the teams that moved down to 3A, most of those teams (Waterloo East notwithstanding) were competitive to very good teams in 4A. That made the 3A field deeper IMHO.

There have been 8-1 teams left out of the playoffs in previous formats.

 

[CF_93]

There have been 8-1 teams left out of the playoffs in previous formats.

That maybe true in smaller classes. Not in 4A.

 

[HemiHawk]

I just think of a team won 7 games they deserve to be in. The iahsaa schedules the non-conf and districts. So the individual school has zero say in who they play. So the RPI factor really isn’t in the schools hands it’s whoever the state decides you play. How is that fair. I know schools get to request teams to play, but the state in the end decides, which is BS.

Also if your gonna use RPI, then also have a true 1 vs 16 bracket. Quit doing this bracke A or bracket B. The games are on Friday and teams are w/in 4-5hrs of each other. Set it up and play a true bracket. This “re-shuffling” is gonna be a mess and again the “state” decides it. Not a good look and I know several coaches who are against this system.

Illinois has 32 teams and they split two brackets 16 teams and they play a true 1 vs 16, 2 vs 15. Teams might travel 2-3hrs but it’s set up and played the right way. IAHSAA has to re-do this. With all the coaches and admins upset over the current set up.

Hey Hayden check out this link. It shows who made the playoffs, district champs, etc in different colors when you click on complete RPI at the bottom of each classes brackets. District champs/co-champs are in blue and rpi qualifiers are in yellow. You can see who is or isn't left out and why. They tried to seed the teams by rpi, its' not perfect but pretty close. In 8 man for example, the #16 rpi team is left out because the #19 rpi team was a district champ. These kinds of things do happen to teams "on the bubble" of rpi.

https://www.iahsaa.org/football/2018-postseason-qualifiers-brackets/

Believe me, I'm all for 7 win teams making the playoffs as well. I can see where coaches don't like the rpi system because when there are multiple district co champs they all get a spot in the final 16 leaving fewer spots for other teams. I will say that 7 win teams were left out in the past as well, but they did not get first or second in their district.

Now I'm not sure about other states, but in Iowa our biggest class is 8 man at 65 teams. A has 62. 1A, 2A, 3A each have 54 while 4A has 42. So in Iowa when you expand to 32 teams you have a lot of sub par teams in the playoffs now. Not a fan and not sure many are. So we are left with a few teams each year who are six or seven win teams but did not win their district and have a lower rpi. The only rule change I would make is that district champs plus 7 win teams get in then go to rpi. I could live with that. I am not in favor of letting schools do their own scheduling either.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

West Sioux won the title last year I believe. And he was impressive in both games at the dome. My nephew has to face him this Friday ugh.

West Sioux cheats.

 

[SoDakHawk]

The state's best QB is Hunter Dekkers. 6'3, 225 lb. QB out of West Souix Hawarden. 61.5%, 34 TD's with only 6 picks. 400 yds. rushing. Only a junior. Top 10 basketball player. Why isn't anyone recruiting this kid?

I believe he's been to both Iowa and ISU football camps and has taken a visit to ISU. I'm sure he's on a lot of radars including MVFC schools like USD, SDSU, NDSU, UND, UNI, etc.

 

[cheerscoach]

I believe he's been to both Iowa and ISU football camps and has taken a visit to ISU. I'm sure he's on a lot of radars including MVFC schools like USD, SDSU, NDSU, UND, UNI, etc.

Thanks, I had never heard of him. I was being somewhat tongue in cheek with my proclamation. Looks like he's having a good senior year and if he has a good playoffs, his stock may continue to rise.

 

[HemiHawk]

West Sioux cheats.

Not sure if serious. Only got a slight reading on the sarcasm meter.

 

[SoDakHawk]

These playoffs are screwed up. I just look at Western Iowa 3A because that is what I know. So you have SB-L, the #1 seed. You would think they play #16 seed which is Carroll. Should happen, can't complain about travel as they are both in western Iowa. No, SB-L gets the #14 seed Heelan, cross town rival. While the other game of bracket A is #11 Spencer and #15 Norwalk.

So SB-L gets doubly hosed here. Not only do they not get the benefit of playing the 16 seed since they are the 1 seed, but of the other matchups in their "bracket" they get the toughest game. Before you say, yeah but Spencer is a higher seed than Heelan and they won the head to head matchup, think about it for a second. Of that 4 team bracket who is the school SB-L would least want to face? There is your answer. I have a feeling that matchup was going to happen no matter what the outcome of Heelan vs Spencer. SB-L and Heelan will always meet up in the 1st round of the playoffs as long as each qualifies, no matter what. It's about the gate receipts, no way the IHSAA passes up a chance on that money.

The state could have easily switched up brackets A & B and had #1 SB-L play #16 Carroll and #2 Lewis Central play #15 Norwalk, #10 Harlan v #11 Spencer, and #7 Oskaloosa v #14 Heelan. All teams are in Western Iowa except Oskaloosa (Norwalk is close enough by DSM just 1 1/2 hrs to CB) and it would have been Heelan travelling to the higher seed Oskaloosa. Because they wanted to avoid extensive travel for one game it messed up the brackets for A & B. Let's be honest, it wasn't about the travel, that is the excuse, it's about the gate.

 

[HemiHawk]

These playoffs are screwed up. I just look at Western Iowa 3A because that is what I know. So you have SB-L, the #1 seed. You would think they play #16 seed which is Carroll. Should happen, can't complain about travel as they are both in western Iowa. No, SB-L gets the #14 seed Heelan, cross town rival. While the other game of bracket A is #11 Spencer and #15 Norwalk.

So SB-L gets doubly hosed here. Not only do they not get the benefit of playing the 16 seed since they are the 1 seed, but of the other matchups in their "bracket" they get the toughest game. Before you say, yeah but Spencer is a higher seed than Heelan and they won the head to head matchup, think about it for a second. Of that 4 team bracket who is the school SB-L would least want to face? There is your answer. I have a feeling that matchup was going to happen no matter what the outcome of Heelan vs Spencer. SB-L and Heelan will always meet up in the 1st round of the playoffs as long as each qualifies, no matter what. It's about the gate receipts, no way the IHSAA passes up a chance on that money.

The state could have easily switched up brackets A & B and had #1 SB-L play #16 Carroll and #2 Lewis Central play #15 Norwalk, #10 Harlan v #11 Spencer, and #7 Oskaloosa v #14 Heelan. All teams are in Western Iowa except Oskaloosa (Norwalk is close enough by DSM just 1 1/2 hrs to CB) and it would have been Heelan travelling to the higher seed Oskaloosa. Because they wanted to avoid extensive travel for one game it messed up the brackets for A & B. Let's be honest, it wasn't about the travel, that is the excuse, it's about the gate.

I agree on all levels. They should at least play true to the seeds.

 

[gonegolfing]

I've got Clear Lake as biggest screw not making playoffs.

 

[SoDakHawk]

I agree on all levels. They should at least play true to the seeds.

True to the seeds as much as possible taking into account travel. I wouldn't have a #16 team out of SE Iowa travel all the way to a #1 seed out of NW Iowa, but when you have the opportunity to make that happen when they are both on the same side of the state you so it. Especially when the setup is there for a 2/15 matchup as well. I truly believe they butchered the entire western side of the brackets just so they could get a SB-L v Heelan matchup in the first round because of the gate.

I'm sensitive to it because they used to do the same thing in 4A with the Heelan vs SC East matchup every year. No matter what happened in the rest of the state it was going to be Heelan vs East first round and the winner playing Dowling/Valley second round, damn the seeds.

 

[HemiHawk]

I've got Clear Lake as biggest screw not making playoffs.

I can see the argument. 7-2 and #12 rpi. What hurt them is that they didn't win (or tie) the district. Teams who tie for the district both get in leaving less spots for rpi teams. Maybe all 7-2 teams should get in, then go to rpi.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Not sure if serious. Only got a slight reading on the sarcasm meter.

I'm probably being serious....

 

[Gonzo Bloor]

That maybe true in smaller classes. Not in 4A.

3A

 

[LineDriveHawk]

These playoffs are screwed up. I just look at Western Iowa 3A because that is what I know. So you have SB-L, the #1 seed. You would think they play #16 seed which is Carroll. Should happen, can't complain about travel as they are both in western Iowa. No, SB-L gets the #14 seed Heelan, cross town rival. While the other game of bracket A is #11 Spencer and #15 Norwalk.

So SB-L gets doubly hosed here. Not only do they not get the benefit of playing the 16 seed since they are the 1 seed, but of the other matchups in their "bracket" they get the toughest game. Before you say, yeah but Spencer is a higher seed than Heelan and they won the head to head matchup, think about it for a second. Of that 4 team bracket who is the school SB-L would least want to face? There is your answer. I have a feeling that matchup was going to happen no matter what the outcome of Heelan vs Spencer. SB-L and Heelan will always meet up in the 1st round of the playoffs as long as each qualifies, no matter what. It's about the gate receipts, no way the IHSAA passes up a chance on that money.

The state could have easily switched up brackets A & B and had #1 SB-L play #16 Carroll and #2 Lewis Central play #15 Norwalk, #10 Harlan v #11 Spencer, and #7 Oskaloosa v #14 Heelan. All teams are in Western Iowa except Oskaloosa (Norwalk is close enough by DSM just 1 1/2 hrs to CB) and it would have been Heelan travelling to the higher seed Oskaloosa. Because they wanted to avoid extensive travel for one game it messed up the brackets for A & B. Let's be honest, it wasn't about the travel, that is the excuse, it's about the gate.

All kinds of things wrong with the RPI - not sure SB-L can complain too much. They go 8-1 and LC goes 9-0. SB-L loss is a running clock loss to LC. Makes zero sense, so no reason to expect the matchups to make sense.

 

[HaydenHawk8]

Let’s face it the state wants to be in control and they get what they want. I can’t even imagine talking to a team that was 7-2 and had a top 16 RPI. Those kids did enough to earn a playoff spot.

 

[6packgone]

Just want people to know the schools pick there non district football games so if a school picks three easy schools than lose two games in district that how u get 7-2 teams not getting in.

 

[gonegolfing]

Just want people to know the schools pick there non district football games so if a school picks three easy schools than lose two games in district that how u get 7-2 teams not getting in.

No you have a district with no clear best team in it have 3 teams go 4-1 in district so all teams qualify leaving a quality team whose only losses are to Crestwood and 3A Waverly-Shell Rock is how a 7-2 Clear Lake team doesn't get in.

 

[HaydenHawk8]

Just want people to know the schools pick there non district football games so if a school picks three easy schools than lose two games in district that how u get 7-2 teams not getting in.

Pretty sure the schools pick 4 opponents and the state tries to meet your demands. But yet there were schools who put down Illinois, Nebbie, and Wisconsin schools and the state said no out of state games (outside of 2 games).

I think if you put down team A they also have to put your school down too. So both schools request it. Otherwise the state chooses your opponent at random.

 

[MepoDawg#]

Just want people to know the schools pick there non district football games so if a school picks three easy schools than lose two games in district that how u get 7-2 teams not getting in.

Not 100% accurate. Like someone else posted. A school lists who they want and if the other school lists them then they may get schedules, but not guaranteed. It’s really up to the State.

 

[mthawkeyes]

Yes Ankeny is 5-4 but had the #15 RPI. Both Cedar Falls and Centennial did not pull away from Ankeny until late in the games. Ankeny led CF 7-0 at the half and only trailed Cent 7-0 at the half. The Ankeny D finally wore down in both games because the offense couldn't get anything going consistently. Special teams really hurt themselves against CF with two turnovers resulting in a 5 yard drive and a 20 yard drive so CF only had two sustained long drives for points in the game. Johnston only beat Ankeny 14-9. The Dowling game was a mess for Ankeny. That being said, do I expect Ankeny will beat Valley? No. But there's always a chance.

Ankeny's four losses.

#1 Centennial
#3 Cedar Falls
#7 Dowling
#8 Johnston

Here are the current BCMoore rankings.

http://ia.bcmoorerankings.com/fb/2018/latest/4ARank.html

Southeast Polk is 4-5 but had the #1 SOS and is ranked #11. Ankeny is #12.

Not trying to argue with you but just trying to add some perspective. The playoff system is not perfect but I like that 16 teams get in. There are only 42 teams in 4-A and all the "bubble" teams were 5-4 except SE Polk. Every team that is at least 6-3 made the playoffs. BTW Pleasant Valley got in at 5-4 with a bcmoore sos of 3. There were a few other 5-4 teams but all with an sos in the 20's and 30's.

I think that #15 Ankeny and #16 SE Polk are better football teams than #'s 11-14. Barring a rash of turnovers, they will compete into the 4th quarter with Valley and Centennial or better.

 

[Incredible Hawk]

I hear IC West is down a starter - Shouldn't matter vs Kennedy, but their chances of making a long run took a "big hit"

*pun intended

 

[6packgone]

It’s up to the school. If both schools can reach date and agreement than the game is approved by the state. If your school doesn’t lineup teams the state will lineup schools for you. There we three games played out of state last year. There will be more 2020 when schools have enough time to lineup games that the state will approve