At home in the dome; State semifinals for football decided last Friday night

LISBON - In all seven classes of football, the final four are all preparing to make their way to the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls. 

Last weekend the Iowa High School Athletic Association held their quarterfinals of the football playoffs as the 2024 football season nears the crowning of their champions. 

8-player 

Lenox continued their undefeated season with a 62-20 victory over Montezuma. The game was close, 14-7 after the first quarter, but a 21-0 second quarter by the Tigers helped them gain the win. 

Bishop Garrigan bested Edgewood-Colesburg 51-36. The Golden Bears led most of the game, but had to hold off a 22-point fourth quarter by Edgewood-Colesburg. 

Gladbrook-Reinbeck needed two overtimes to defeat Don Bosco, 34-33. Gladbrook-Reinbeck led 14-7 at half, but a fourth quarter score by the Dons forced a 21-21 overtime. Both teams scored a touchdown in the first overtime, but Gladbrook-Reinbeck held the Dons out of the endzone for a two point conversion in the second overtime. 

Remsen-St. Mary’s defeated Audubon 61-20 to earn the final spot in the 8-player football semifinals. 

Class A

Madrid, fresh off their win over Pekin, continued to use their tough-running quarterback, Preston Wicker as the Tigers defeated Lisbon 27-14 in the quarterfinals. Madrid never trailed in the game, and handed Lisbon their first loss of the season. 

Saint Ansgar downed Maquiketa Valley 44-13. Tri-Center pulled off a mild upset over AC/GC 47-20 and West Hancock took care of Woodbury Central 44-15. 

Class 1A

Wilton scored 14 points in the final 12 minutes to stun Regina Catholic 21-14 on Friday night, sending Wilton to the dome. The score was tied 7-7 at halftime, but Regina scored a touchdown in the third quarter. Wilton scored two fourth quarter touchdowns for the victory. 

The No. 1 team in class 1A, defending champions, Grundy Center continued to steamroll opponents, as they won 36-6 over Sumner-Fredericksburg. 

Dike-New Hartford won 36-19 over South Hardin. Hinton battled Underwood and walked away with a 37-15 victory. 

Class 2A

Blowouts were the dominant story in class 2A as West Lyon took complete control of Kuemper Catholic 49-14. 

Prairie City-Monroe blanked Mid-Prairie 41-0. Spirit Lake was able to down North Fayette Valley 42-13. 

Van Meter is seeking defense of their 2023 title, as they advanced to the Dome with a 31-0 win over Anamosa.

Class 3A

Mount Vernon had to go on the road, and make up an early deficit to continue their season. The Mustangs trailed Algona 22-7 at halftime. The second half belonged to the Mustangs as they galloped to an eventual 31-28 victory.

Wahlert Catholic bested Independence 24-7 to earn their spot in the Dome. Sergeant Bluff-Luton worked their way to a 53-21 victory over Nevada. 

Humboldt humbled Solon in a 35-3 win. 

Class 4A

Pella used a 12-point second quarter to gain a 19-14 victory over Gilbert. For the Dutch the win avenged an earlier loss to the Tigers this season. 

North Scott battled their way to a 28-24 win over Decorah. 

Lewis Central knocked out ADM 32-25, the Titans are trying to win back-to-back 4A titles. North Polk continued to win as they were able to beat Xavier 35-14. 

Class 5A

Iowa City Liberty may feel like the odd man out as the Des Moines area schools dominated much of the 5A quarterfinals. 

Liberty took out Ankeny 21-13 to advance to the Dome. 

Southeast Polk moved a step closer to defending their 2023 State championship as they were able to win 42-15 over Iowa City West. 

Dowling Catholic won 14-10 over Ankeny Centennial. 

Valley scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to take down Johnston 38-35 to make it back to the Dome.