Ryan Murken
Your Prep Sports

This time of the year can get a little hectic.

Back to school time always seems to come with an adjustment period as the easygoing and carefree summer lifestyle gives way to a return to structure and schedules in the fall.

In an attempt to add some organization to the hectic life of a high school football fan here is a fall viewers guide to the Your Prep Sports area football schedule.

If you are a loyal supporter, follow your favorite team for the next nine weeks.

If you are looking for the top game to catch each week, then get out a marker and start circling dates on your calendar.
Ryan Murken
Week 1 (August 26) – Regina at Cedar Rapids Xavier

Why to watch: A classic big school vs. small school battle between two of the most successful teams in their respective classes over the past decade. These two have split the previous two meetings in the budding rivalry with the road team winning both games.

Regina won the first meeting 21-7 in 2014 and Xavier rallied from a 35-7 halftime deficit last year and earned a 38-35 win on field goal as time expired. Regina

Week 2 (September 2) – Solon at Regina

Why to watch: Two of the most successful programs in the state over the past decade have formed one of the state’s best rivalries. Regina snapped Solon’s 42-game winning streak back in 2010 and the Spartans returned the favor ending a 56-game winning streak for Regina with a 29-28 overtime win in the 2014 season-opener.

Regina won last year’s meeting 21-13 and has won three in a row over Solon in Iowa City.

Week 3 (September 9) –West Branch at Jesup

Why to watch: West Branch rolled to a second consecutive district title last season winning every district game by double figures. The first district contest of the season at Jesup will go a long way in determining if the Bears add a third straight district crown.

The J-Hawks return seven starters on offense and six on defense from a squad that won six games last year and could be one of a short list of teams that could challenge the Bears in 1A District 3.

Week 4 (September 16) – City High at West High

Why to watch: The annual Battle for the Boot is among the best rivalries in Iowa high school athletics and it has been back and forth for the last have decade. The Boot has changed sides every year since 2011 with the two teams splitting the last four games.

City High won 14-12 in a rain-soaked affair at City High last season and West High won 30-6 in 2014 in the last meeting at West High. As always the winner gets bragging rights and the boot and this season will have momentum heading into district play.

Week 5 (September 23) – West High at Cedar Rapids Prairie

Why to watch: A tricky district opener awaits West High in the aftermath of Boot week. The loser of this game will have an uphill climb to grab one of the two playoff spots in District 8.

Prairie and West High have developed a bit of a rivalry since the Hawks stunned West High in the 2012 playoffs with West High winning the most recent meeting 35-20 in the opening round of the 4A playoffs last season.

Week 6 (September 30) – West Delaware at Clear Creek Amana

Why to watch: The Clippers believe they are legitimate contenders in Class 3A, District 4 race and nothing would cement that belief more than a winner over perennial power West Delaware.

West Delaware is 31-5 over the past three seasons and reached the 3A semifinals last year.

Week 7 (October 7) – West High at Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Why to watch: This could end up being the District 8 title game.

Defending 4A runner-up Kennedy is coming off a 13-1 season, the only loss a 41-10 setback to West Des Moines Dowling in the title game.

The two Mississippi Valley Conference rivals have split two very different three-point games the past two seasons with West High winning 12-9 in 2014 and Kennedy winning last year’s season opener 34-31 in Cedar Rapids.

Week 8 (October 14) – Bettendorf at City High

Why to watch: Another meeting of perennial powers that should have title implications in 4A District 7.

Bettendorf won both meetings between the two teams last year including a 31-7 victory in the 4A quarterfinals.

Week 9 (October 21) – Solon at Fairfield

Why to watch: Week nine always means district title time and Solon has gotten used to being in that situation.

The Spartans are one of just two teams in 3A, District 5 coming off a winning season in 2015 and should be in the title hunt but will likely need a road win over the Trojans to win a district title.