In northcentral Iowa, the excitement of high school football is palpable as we look at the latest rankings for the High School on SI 8-Man Football Super 8 for the week of November 18. Each game brings its own drama, and this week is no exception.
The top highlight is the Hawks who have made quite a statement by avenging their earlier loss to Bishop Garrigan. In a thrilling semifinal, they knocked out the defending state champions, setting themselves up for a chance to reclaim the championship title. This victory has put the Hawks back in the mix and eager for more.
Following closely, the Rebels have made a mark of their own. They handed Lenox its first defeat of the season, propelling them to the finals for the first time in this classification. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and determination throughout the season.
Meanwhile, the defending champions Bishop Garrigan faced a heartbreaking end to their run in the semifinals. A crucial tipped pass unexpectedly landed in the hands of a Remsen St. Mary’s player, marking the end of an impressive 23-game win streak. The loss hit hard, but their legacy remains strong.
For Lenox, the game didn’t go as planned. They encountered a resurgent Gladbrook-Reinbeck team that was on fire, leading to an exit from the playoffs. It’s a tough break for the team, but they’ll undoubtedly learn from this experience.
On a positive note for the Dons, they celebrated their first ten-win season since their perfect run in 2019. This achievement is a big boost for the program, as they now look toward future opportunities.
The Wheelers have also been consistent, reaching ten wins in four seasons since 2017, including two ten-win seasons over the last four years. Their ability to maintain a competitive edge is commendable and shows a great foundation for upcoming seasons.
The Vikings had an explosive year, averaging over 60 points per game, gathering ten wins for the first time since 2018. They’ve shown that they can score with the best of them, which is an exciting prospect for their fans.
Finally, the Braves have bounced back from a mediocre 5-5 season in 2023, doubling their win total and reaching ten victories for the third time since 2020. This revival is a solid sign of progress and resilience.
As the playoffs heat up, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks. The journey to the championship is always thrilling, and with these teams fighting tough battles, we are set for an exciting conclusion to the high school football season.
