Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

What Stood Out?

Solon Shows Some Grit

Third-ranked Solon locking up the Class 3A, District 5 title on Friday with a 35-17 road win at Grinnell wasn’t exactly an attention grabber.

It was more about how to the Spartans got to 8-0.

Solon trailed 10-0 in the second quarter. The Spartans had four turnovers, 10 penalties for over 100 yards and completed 4-of-17 passes for 26 yards.

Despite all that Solon found a way to earn an 18-point win on the road against a 5-3 team. That is impressive.

The Spartans ground out 335 rushing yards, which is also impressive. Junior running back Sean Stahle continued what has been a stellar season with 209 yards and three second-half touchdowns. Also, impressive.

What Were We Watching?

Liberty High’s Playoff Quest

Following an 0-5 start to the season Liberty High put itself squarely into playoff contention with back-to-back wins including an upset of then sixth-ranked Fort Madison last week.

Liberty High had its postseason hopes dashed on Friday by upstart Burlington and its speedy tailback Bryant Williams.

Williams ran for 206 yards and two touchdowns as Burlington improved to 6-2 and took sole possession of second place in Class 4A, District 3 at 3-1.

Burlington didn’t complete a pass on Friday, and attempted just one, but racked up 315 yards on the ground behind Williams and quarterback Kanyae Baker who added 77 yards and a score.

Liberty High dropped to 2-6 and 2-2 in district play and will travel to Clinton 2-6 next Friday.

Where Was the Focus?

How Would City High Bounce Back

The question for seventh-ranked City High on Friday was less about if the Little Hawks would win against one-win Davenport West and more about how the Little Hawks would respond to their first loss of the season.

It turns out City High bounced back pretty well.

City High set a single-game scoring record for the second time this season, establishing a new school record for margin of victory with a 76-0 win over the Falcons at Bates Field.

The Little Hawks forced five first-half turnovers and took a 55-0 halftime lead while improving to a 7-1 with its fourth shutout.

Who Stepped up?

West Branch junior Andy Henson

When the Bears needed a big effort from their workhorse in week eight Andy Henson delivered.

The junior tailback rushed for 236 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries as West Branch clinched a home playoff game with a 28-12 win over Wilton in the regular season finale.

What’s Next?

Three games to keep an eye on next Friday

Cascade (4-4) at Regina (8-0) – Third-ranked Regina welcomes River Valley Conference rival Cascade to Regal field in a Class 1A postseason opener.

Cardinal (5-3) at West Branch (6-2) – West Branch earned a home game with its runner-up district finish and will host Cardinal for a spot in the 1A final 16.

Clear Creek Amana (5-3) at Newton (5-3) – Clear Creek Amana remains in the playoff hunt in Class 4A but likely needs a road win at Newton to extend its season.

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