Semifinal Showdown
The Norwalk Warriors, seeded fifth, traveled to Cedar Rapids to face the top‑seeded Xavier Saints in the Class 3A semifinals. After a tightly contested first half that ended goalless, the Warriors broke the deadlock in the second half.
Senior forward Eli Scavo opened the scoring in the 59th minute, rising to meet a cross and striking the ball past the Xavier goalkeeper. Just two minutes later he doubled the lead from a free‑kick delivered by Teegan Kralik, sending the ball curling into the net.
Goalkeeper Jacoby Robbins kept the clean sheet with a leaping save in the closing stages, preserving the 2‑0 margin. Xavier finished the season with a 14‑2‑2 record, while Norwalk’s defense had already posted shutouts against Marion and Xavier earlier in the tournament.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
The Warriors will now wait for the outcome of the other semifinal between Dallas Center‑Grimes and Des Moines Hoover, the winner of which will meet Norwalk in the state title game. A victory would mark the team’s fifth championship.
Coach Thomas Cavin and midfielder Eli McKown have emphasized discipline and focus as the squad prepares for the final. The team’s recent performances have been highlighted by strong offensive output, including seven combined goals in wins over Marion and Xavier.