The opening week of Iowa’s high school football season unfolded with a blend of dominance and surprise, as teams across the state stepped onto the field for their first contests of the year.
Dowling Catholic, the reigning Class 5A champions, opened their campaign with a 21‑0 shutout of West Des Moines Valley, a performance that reinforced their status among the state’s elite.
Week One Recap
Sergeant Bluff‑Luton and Sioux City Bishop Heelan each posted victories, with the former topping Bishop Heelan 21‑10 in a ranked matchup that drew considerable attention.
Iowa City West edged Iowa City High by a 30‑29 margin, a nail‑biter that kept the scoreboard tight until the final seconds.
Southeast Polk also made a statement, routing Ankeny Centennial 56‑25, while Waukee Northwest fell 28‑20 to Ankeny, marking their first loss of the season.
Sioux City East completed a dominant opening, defeating Sioux City North 47‑0, underscoring the breadth of talent in the region.
The upcoming slate, scheduled for Friday, September 4, promises further intrigue, with No. 1 Dowling Catholic set to face Johnston and No. 3 Waukee Northwest taking on West Des Moines Valley.