Jeff Linder
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Sportswriter at The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), with focus on high schools and Iowa women's basketball. Father of two, husband of one.
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Articles by Jeff Linder
Fake punt helps send East Buchanan to the Class A District 4 title
WINTHROP — Caught off guard with that fake-punt call? kAm*@F H6C6?’E 2=@?6]k^Am kAm“x H2D?’E 6IA64E:?8 E92E[” t2DE qF492?2? BF2CE6C324< z66?2? !2=D D2:5] “~FC 4@2496D ?6G6C 5@ E92E]”k^Am kAm}6G6C D2J ?6G6C]k^Am kAm~? 7@FCE9\2?5\`h[ ;FDE 367@C6 92=7E:>6[ %C6J r@C?6== C2465 cc J2C5D 7@C 2 E@F495@H? @? 2 C6G6CD6 @FE @7 AF?E 7@C>2E:@?[ 2?5 D:IE9\C2?<65 t2DE qF492?2? H6?E @?
Gazette high school football poll 2026: How the ranked teams fared in Week 8
How the ranked teams from The Gazette’s football poll fared in Week 8: kAmr=2DD dpk^Am kAm}@] ` $@FE962DE !@=< Wf\`X =@DE E@ }@] b y@9?DE@?[ bg\b_]k^Am kAm}@] a (6DE s6D |@:?6D s@H=:?8 Wf\`X 362E p?<6?J r6?E6??:2=[ bf\`_]k^Am kAm}@] b y@9?DE@?
Vinton-Shellsburg makes its first postseason in 17 years
New Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings head coach Joe Hadachek gives direction to players as they run plays during football practice in Vinton on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette) JIM SLOSIAREK There’s a bell at the north end of the Karr Athletic Complex in Vinton. A victory bell. “We only ring it when we win,” Vinton-Shellsburg football coach Joe Hadachek said. “It’s been kind of dusty for years.” Kind of dusty. Kind of quiet.
High school football playoff pairings for 2A, 1A, Class A and 8-Player
East Buchanan quarterback Keenan Pals (0) throws under pressure during the second quarter of a game against Maquoketa Valley at Donald Kremer Field in Winthrop, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. Michael Baniewicz/The Gazette The Iowa High School Athletic Association has released first-round pairings for the 2026 football playoffs in Class 2A, Class 1A, Class A and 8-Player. The 16 winners in each class will be assigned to four-team pods next week, as will the 16 playoff teams in 5A, 4A and 3A.
Gazette high school football poll 2026: How the ranked teams fared in Week 8
Cedar Rapids Xavier quarterback Cash Parks races downfield as teammate Dawson Doyle blocks Decorah’s Grant Knutson during Friday night’s game in Decorah. Becky Walz/Decorah Leader How the ranked teams from The Gazette’s football poll fared in Week 8: Class 5A No. 1 Southeast Polk (7-1) lost to No. 3 Johnston, 38-30. No. 2 West Des Moines Dowling (7-1) beat Ankeny Centennial, 37-10. No. 3 Johnston (7-1) beat No. 1 Southeast Polk, 38-30. No. 4 Ankeny (6-2) lost to West Des Moines Valley, 36-35.
Fake punt helps send East Buchanan to the Class A District 4 title
East Buchanan quarterback Keenan Pals (0) runs downfield during the second quarter against Maquoketa Valley on Friday night at Donald Kremer Field in Winthrop. Michael Baniewicz/The Gazette WINTHROP — Caught off guard with that fake-punt call? You weren’t alone. “I wasn’t expecting that,” East Buchanan quarterback Keenan Pals said. “Our coaches never do that.” Never say never.
Clear Creek Amana rallies past Solon, repeats at Wamac tournament champion
Clear Creek Amana girls celebrate after winning the semifinals during the WaMaC Conference Volleyball Tournament Semifinals at Solon High School on Thursday, October 15, 2026 Jason Rubin for The Gazette SOLON — Same finalists as last year. Same outcome, too. Clippers in 3.
High school football 2026: Week 8 area capsules
Maquoketa Valley running back Rogan Heidt (17) carries the ball against North Linn in the first half of the game at North Linn High School in Troy Mills, Iowa on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. Savannah Blake/The Gazette The following is a list of a dozen area capsules for Week 8 of the Iowa high school football season: Cedar Rapids Xavier at Decorah When and where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, at Decorah Records and rankings: No. 1 Xavier is 7-0 overall, 3-0 Class 4A District 2; Decorah is 4-3, 3-0.
Heiden’s advice to Woliczko: Freshman season is ‘a roller coaster’
IOWA CITY — Ava Heiden has been there. kAm$96 92D 6IA6C:6?465 E96 9:89D 2?5 =@HD E92E 2 7C6D9>2? D62D@? AC@G:56D]k^Am kAm“xE’D 2 C@==6C 4@2DE6C[” w6:56? D2:5] “~?6 82>6 J@F >:89E ?@E A=2J[ 2?5 E96 ?6IE J@F >:89E 86E c_ >:?FE6D]”k^Am kAmw6C 25G:D66 :D 96C C@@>>2E6[ |4z6??2 (@=:4K<@]k^Am kAmp 7:G6\DE2C C64CF:E — E96 3=F6DE @7 3=F6 49:AD E92E E96 x@H2 H@>6?’D 32D<6E32== AC@8C2> 92D =2?565 D:?46 r2:E=:? r=2C< — (@=:4K<@ >:89E 36 4@?D:56C65 3J @FED:56CD 2D E96 7FEFC6 @7 E96 7C2?49:D6]k^Am kAm%96?
History repeat? Hawkeyes’ hopes are high after last March’s heartbreak
IOWA CITY — A quick, yet relevant, women’s basketball history lesson: kAmx? a_aa[ x@H2 DF776C65 2 D9@4<:?8 }rpp E@FC?2>6?E D64@?5\C@F?5 9@>6 =@DD E@ rC6:89E@?] %96 ?6IE EH@ J62CD[ E96 w2H<6J6D C624965 E96 u:?2= u@FC]k^Am kAm(9J :D E92E C6=6G2?En q642FD6 E96 w2H<6J6D DF776C65 2?@E96C D9@4<:?8 }rpp D64@?5\C@F?5 =@DD =2DE J62C[ E@ ':C8:?:2 :? 5@F3=6\@G6CE:>6]k^Am kAm“w6J[ |2C49 92AA6?D[” x@H2 r@249 y2? y6?D6? D2:5 2D E96 w2H<6J6D >6E E96 >65:2 %F6D52J 2E r2CG6C\w2H<6J6 pC6?2] “*@FVC6 D@>6E:>6D @?
Iowa City West repeats as MVC volleyball tournament champion
NORTH LIBERTY — The match was epic. That last point was awkward. kAm“x H6?E FA E@ DH:?8[ 2?5 W%2J=@C ~EE6X H6?E FA E@ DH:?8[” x@H2 r:EJ (6DE’D $@A9:2 pFDE6? D2:5] “x H9:7765 :E]”k^Am kAm~EE6 5:5?’E[ E9@F89[ 2?5 E92E F?4@?G6?E:@?2= A@:?E — >2E49 A@:?E — D6?E (6DE E@ :ED D64@?5 4@?D64FE:G6 |:DD:DD:AA: '2==6J r@?76C6?46 G@==6J32== E@FC?2>6?E 492>A:@?D9:A]k^Am kAm%96 r=2DD dp 7:7E9\C2?<65 %C@;2?D Wae\eX H@? 2== E9C66 @7 E96:C >2E496D :?
Iowa City West repeats as MVC volleyball tournament champion
Sophia Austen, Iowa City West Jeff Linder/The Gazette NORTH LIBERTY — The match was epic. That last point was awkward. “I went up to swing, and (Taylor Otte) went up to swing,” Iowa City West’s Sophia Austen said. “I whiffed it.” Otte didn’t, though, and that unconventional point — match point — sent West to its second consecutive Mississippi Valley Conference volleyball tournament championship.
16:38! Mount Vernon-Lisbon’s Evelyn Moeller shatters her own course record
Mount Vernon-Lisbon’s Evelyn Moeller runs towards the finish line during the WAMAC Cross Country Meet at Seminole Valley Park Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Moeller finished first with a time of 16:38.2. Amir Prellberg/The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS — The reins came off. “Coach (Kory Swart) said I could go for it today if I was feeling good,” Evelyn Moeller said.
Gazette high school football poll 2026: Who the ranked teams play in Week 8
Iowa City Liberty’s Carter Lester tries to take down Johnston’s Henry Clevenger in high school football earlier this season at Liberty. Jason Rubin for The Gazette Who the ranked teams from The Gazette’s most recent football poll play in Week 8: Class 5A No. 1 Southeast Polk (7-0) is at No. 3 Johnston (6-1). No. 2 West Des Moines Dowling (6-1) is at Ankeny Centennial (2-5). No. 3 Johnston (6-1) hosts No. 1 Southeast Polk (7-0). No. 4 Ankeny (6-1) is at West Des Moines Valley (4-3).
History repeat? Hawkeyes’ hopes are high after last March’s heartbreak
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Jocelyn Faison (0), guard Chazadi 'Chit-Chat' Wright (11) and guard Dani Carnegie (3) pose for a portrait during media day at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Savannah Blake/The Gazette IOWA CITY — A quick, yet relevant, women’s basketball history lesson: In 2022, Iowa suffered a shocking NCAA tournament second-round home loss to Creighton. The next two years, the Hawkeyes reached the Final Four. Why is that relevant?
Heiden’s advice to Woliczko: Freshman season is ‘a roller coaster’
Iowa Hawkeyes forward McKenna Woliczko (center) joins center Layla Hays (left) and center Ava Heiden (right) for a portrait during media day at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2026. Savannah Blake/The Gazette IOWA CITY — Ava Heiden has been there. She has experienced the highs and lows that a freshman season provides. “It’s a roller coaster,” Heiden said. “One game you might not play, and the next you might get 40 minutes.” Her advisee is her roommate, McKenna Woliczko.
The Gazette’s 2026 high school football rankings, post-Week 7
In Class A, generally — and in District 4, specifically — decision week has arrived. kAm%9C66 82>6D :? E96 D>2==6DE @7 E96 ``\A=2J6C 4=2DD6D H:== >2<6 2 >2;@C 7@@EAC:?E :? 9@H E96 7:?2= C2?<:?8D W2?5 7:CDE\C@F?5 A2:C:?8DX D92<6 @FE]k^Am kAm{@42==J[ J@F’G6 8@E E96 EH@ 3:88:6D :? r=2DD p s:DEC:4E ci }@] f }@CE9 {:?? We\`X H6=4@>6D }@] g (2AD:6 '2==6J We\`X[ 2?5 }@] e t2DE qF492?2? We\`X 9@DED |2BF@<6E2 '2==6J Wd\aX]k^Am kAmp== 7@FC @7 E9@D6 E62>D 2C6 c\` :?
Linder’s 2026-27 preseason Associated Press women’s basketball ballot
Iowa head coach Jan Jensen talks with players during a women’s basketball practice Tuesday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Nick Rohlman/The Gazette The Associated Press’ 2026-27 women’s basketball preseason poll will be released Oct. 20 (ballots are due today), so in the spirit of transparency, here is the ballot I have submitted. My preseason rankings are purely mathematical.
The Gazette’s 2026 high school football rankings, post-Week 7
North Linn players run onto the field ahead of the game against Maquoketa Valley at North Linn High School in Troy Mills, Iowa on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. Savannah Blake/The Gazette In Class A, generally — and in District 4, specifically — decision week has arrived. Three games in the smallest of the 11-player classes will make a major footprint in how the final rankings (and first-round pairings) shake out.
Gazette high school football poll 2026: How the ranked teams fared in Week 7
How the ranked teams from The Gazette’s football poll fared in Week 7: kAmr=2DD dpk^Am kAm}@] ` $@FE962DE !@=< Wf\_X 362E }@] d (2F<66 }@CE9H6DE[ ba\ag]k^Am kAm}@] a (6DE s6D |@:?6D s@H=:?8 We\`X 362E }@] e (2F<66[ ac\e]k^Am kAm}@] b y@9?DE@?
Gazette high school football poll 2026: How the ranked teams fared in Week 7
Waterloo East's Gianni Gary (39) is stopped by Cedar Rapids Xavier's Beau Morio (44) and Jackson Owens (7) during the first half of a football game at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids on Friday, October 9, 2026. (Cliff Jette/Freelance) Cliff Jette How the ranked teams from The Gazette’s football poll fared in Week 7: Class 5A No. 1 Southeast Polk (7-0) beat No. 5 Waukee Northwest, 32-28. No. 2 West Des Moines Dowling (6-1) beat No. 6 Waukee, 24-6.
Iowa City West leads the locals in reaching the Westside semifinals
Iowa City West outside hitter Cyan Blommer (1) hits the ball during a match at the Westside Invitational volleyball tournament Saturday at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids. Michael Baniewicz/The Gazette CEDAR RAPIDS — As memories go, homecoming can be a high-schooler’s highlight. It doesn’t always mix well with Saturday volleyball tournaments, though. The further you advance, the less time to get home, shower and prepare for the evening festivities.
Iowa Valley? One-man show? Nowhere near it
Iowa Valley’s Layne Peska (1) and Zavier Pedersen (24) celebrate Peska’s touchdown against English Valley at Tiger Field in Marengo Friday, October 9, 2026. Amir Prellberg/The Gazette MARENGO — The postgame message, as it has all season, remained one of less-than-satisfaction. “Coach (Casey) Krull has been very adamant: ‘Not good enough.
IGHSAU releases 2026 regional volleyball pairings
Ten area teams, including five from the Wamac Conference, have earned preliminary top seeds for regional volleyball tournaments. kAm%96 x@H2 v:C=D w:89 $49@@= pE9=6E:4 &?:@? C6=62D65 C68:@?2= A2:C:?8D %9FCD52J]k^Am kAmxvw$p& H:== C6=62D6 @?6 >@C6 D6E @7 C2?<:?8D[ H9:49 4@F=5 7=:A E@A D665D[ 2?5 E9FD 9@>6 4@FCE 7@C C68:@?2=D :? r=2DD dp[ cp 2?5 bp] %96 @E96C EH@ 4=2DD6D H:== 92G6 C68:@?2= 7:?2=D 2E ?6FEC2= D:E6D]k^Am kAmx@H2 r:EJ (6DE :D 2 AC@;64E65 E@A D665 :? dp[ H:E9 (6DE6C?
IGHSAU releases 2026 regional volleyball pairings
Clear Creek Amana’s Julia Schlarbaum (8) hits the ball in a match against Bettendorf at the Caroline Found Invite Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Iowa City West High School. Ben Lamparek/Hometown Current Ten area teams, including five from the Wamac Conference, have earned preliminary top seeds for regional volleyball tournaments. The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union released regional pairings Thursday.
Gazette high school football poll 2026: Who the ranked teams play in Week 7
Who the ranked teams from The Gazette’s most recent football poll play in Week 7: kAmr=2DD dpk^Am kAm}@] ` $@FE962DE !@=< We\_X :D 2E }@] d (2F<66 }@CE9H6DE Wc\aX]k^Am kAm}@] a (6DE s6D |@:?6D s@H=:?8 Wd\`X :D 2E }@] e (2F<66 Wc\aX]k^Am kAm}@] b y@9?DE@?
The Gazette’s area volleyball Super Ten & standings (Oct. 7, 2026)
Area volleyball Super Ten and standings through matches played Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. kAm`] x@H2 r:EJ (6DEk^Am kAm#64@C5i `h\d] |'r '2==6Ji e\_]k^Am kAm$EC62<i (@? a]k^Am kAm!C6G:@FDi `DE]k^Am kAma] sJ6CDG:==6 q64<>2?k^Am kAm#64@C5i b`\b] #:G6C '2==6J }@CE9i g\_]k^Am kAm$EC62<i (@? ac]k^Am kAm!C6G:@FDi fE9]k^Am kAmb] (6DE6C? sF3FBF6k^Am kAm#64@C5i ad\b] |'r '2==6Ji d\`]k^Am kAm$EC62<i (@?
Simply ‘Super:’ Liberty’s Keegan Decker runs to the MVC boys title
Iowa City Liberty’s Keegan Decker runs towards the finish line during the MVC Super Meet at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course Thursday, October 8, 2026. Decker finished the race in first with a time of 15:01.8. Amir Prellberg/The Gazette WATERLOO — Keegan Decker topped a star-studded field of 350 runners five days ago. How do you top that? “I wanted to see if I could drop them early today,” he said.
The Gazette’s area volleyball Super Ten & standings (Oct. 7, 2026)
Western Dubuque’s Adrian Mascardo (7) bumps a ball against Iowa City West at Iowa City West High School Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Amir Prellberg/The Gazette Area volleyball Super Ten and standings through matches played Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. 1. Iowa City West Record: 19-5. MVC Valley: 6-0. Streak: Won 2. Previous: 1st. 2. Dyersville Beckman Record: 31-3. River Valley North: 8-0. Streak: Won 24. Previous: 7th. 3. Western Dubuque Record: 25-3. MVC Valley: 5-1. Streak: Won 10. Previous: 5th. 4.
Gazette high school football poll 2026: Who the ranked teams play in Week 7
Xavier Saints’ Sam Schimberg (3) reacts after stopping Waverly-Shell Rock in the fourth quarter of the game at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. Savannah Blake/The Gazette Who the ranked teams from The Gazette’s most recent football poll play in Week 7: Class 5A No. 1 Southeast Polk (6-0) is at No. 5 Waukee Northwest (4-2). No. 2 West Des Moines Dowling (5-1) is at No. 6 Waukee (4-2). No. 3 Johnston (5-1) is at No. 7 Sioux City East (5-1).
Newly-minted No. 1 Liberty boys lead Thursday’s MVC field
Keegan Decker (504), of Iowa City Liberty, battles Johnston's Jack Crossland (637) for the lead as they descend the opening hill Saturday morning, Sept. 5, 2026, at the Spartan Invitational boys cross country meet at Crow Creek Park in Bettendorf. Decker won the individual title for the second year a row, finishing the 5,000-meter course in 15:47. Crossland was the runner-up in 15:55. Cole Carrizales, of Cedar Rapids Prairie, running behind Decker, also finished in the top 10, taking sixth in 16:19.
The Gazette’s 2026 Iowa high school volleyball mock regional brackets, final draft
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union is likely to announce its regional volleyball pairings later this week. kAmx? E96 >62?E:>6[ 96C6 :D %96 v2K6EE6’D ux}p{ 5C27E @7 >@4< A2:C:?8D ]]] 2== 7:G6 4=2DD6D[ 2== bcf E62>D]k^Am kAm%96 A@DED62D@? 368:?D :? =2E6 ~4E@36C[ H:E9 :E 2== 4@>:?8 E@ 2 4C6D46?5@ 2E E96 DE2E6 E@FC?2>6?E[ }@G] a\d 2E )EC62> pC6?2 :? r@C2=G:==6]k^Am kAm~FC 3C24<6ED 2C6 2DD6>3=65 3J FD:?8 E96 >@DE C646?E xvw$p& C2?<:?8D 7@C E96 E@A `d E62>D[ 2?5 q@F?5 7@C E96 C6DE @7 E96 7:6=5 :?
High school football 2026: Week 7 area capsules
English Valleys’ Jack Osborn, left, throws downfield in an 8-player District 5 football game against WACO Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at Carson Field in North English. Ben Lamparek/Hometown Current The following is a list of a dozen area capsules for Week 7 of the Iowa high school football season: Eddyville EBF at Iowa City Regina When and where: 7 p.m. Friday, at Regina Records and rankings: EBF is 5-1 overall, 3-0 Class 1A District 6; Regina is 6-0, 2-0.
Beckman quickly found its setter, and now has found its groove
Beckman's Jaylin Burkle (6) attempts to hit a point against Grundy Center Spartans during Iowa High School Volleyball State Tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville Tuesday, November 4, 2025. (Amir Prellberg/The Gazette) Amir Prellberg The most serious preseason question surrounding the Dyersville Beckman volleyball program? Setter. And now? Answered. In full. Sophomore Addie Koelker has proven to be a more-than-merely-suitable replacement in running Beckman’s offense, and the Blazers are on a tear.
The Gazette’s 2026 Iowa high school volleyball mock regional brackets, final draft
Marion's Abbey Kirk (11) passes the ball during their match against the Sioux Center Warriors at the state volleyball tournament in the Xtream Arena in Coralville on Monday, November 3, 2025. Sioux Center Warriors won the match 25-24, 19-25, 25-14, and 25-21.(Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette) Elizabeth Wood The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union is likely to announce its regional volleyball pairings later this week. In the meantime, here is The Gazette’s FINAL draft of mock pairings ...
The Gazette’s 2026 high school football rankings, post-Week 6
For the first time in the history of The Gazette’s football poll, Alburnett has reached a new height. kAm%96 !:C2E6D 2C6 }@] ` :? r=2DD ap]k^Am kAmp=3FC?6EE’D cb\a` G:4E@CJ 2E q6==6GF6 — 4@FA=65 H:E9 r2CC@== zF6>A6C’D b`\`b FAD6E =@DD 2E $A:C:E {2<6 — D6?E E96 !:C2E6D E@ E96 ap A62<]k^Am kAm%9C66 5:776C6?E p=3FC?6EE CFD96CD DFCA2DD65 E96 `__\J2C5 >2C< =2DE H66<i ~H6? w6?C:<D6? W`ce @? `b 42CC:6D[ H:E9 E9C66 E@F495@H?DX[ r@@A6C uC2?<=:? W`be @? `c 42CC:6DX 2?5 {2<6? r2G6D W`_g[ @?
The Gazette’s 2026 high school football rankings, post-Week 6
Alburnett’s Brody Kaestner (9) throws a pass against Iowa City Regina at Alburnett Martin Complex Thursday, September 10, 2026. (Amir Prellberg/The Gazette) Amir Prellberg For the first time in the history of The Gazette’s football poll, Alburnett has reached a new height. The Pirates are No. 1 in Class 2A. Alburnett’s 43-21 victory at Bellevue — coupled with Carroll Kuemper’s 31-13 upset loss at Spirit Lake — sent the Pirates to the 2A peak.
Hawkeyes land commitment from 4-star forward Khalia Hartwell
IOWA CITY — Despite her residency, Khalia Hartwell didn’t really have a rooting interest when Iowa and South Carolina met in the women’s basketball Final Four in 2023. Or in the national championship game in 2024. kAm“x’G6 ?6G6C C62==J 366? 23@FE 2 46CE2:? E62>[” D2:5 w2CEH6==[ H9@ 92:=D 7C@> p?56CD@?[ $]r] “&DF2==J[ x’> >@C6 23@FE 46CE2:? A=2J6CD]”k^Am kAmp e\7@@E\c AC6D6?46 — “H:E9@FE D9@6D[” D96 :?D:DE65 — w2CEH6== 4@>>:EE65 E@ A=2J 7@C E96 w2H<6J6D[ DE2CE:?8 :? a_af]k^Am kAm“x@H2 H@?
Hawkeyes land commitment from 4-star forward Khalia Hartwell
IOWA CITY — Khalia Hartwell, a 6-foot-4 post from Anderson, S.C., has committed to the University of Iowa women’s basketball program, The Gazette has learned.
Texton Bollers: 3 TDs by air, 1 by land in CCA’s 43-7 win over Marion
MARION — For a glorious first half, Texton was textbook. kAm%6IE@? q@==6CD 6?8:?66C65 2? 26C:2= 82>6 E92E H2D 3@E9 677:4:6?E 2?5 6IA=@D:G6[ E9C@H:?8 7@C aga J2C5D — ada 367@C6 :?E6C>:DD:@? — :? =625:?8 D:IE9\C2?<65 r=62C rC66< p>2?2 A2DE |2C:@? cb\f :? 2 r=2DD cp s:DEC:4E c 7@@E32== 82>6 uC:52J ?:89E 2E |2C:@? $E25:F>]k^Am kAm“w6 92D 2 =@E @7 H62A@?D[” r@249 {2?46 !656CD6? D2:5 27E6C E96 r=:AA6CD :>AC@G65 E@ d\` @G6C2==[ a\_ 5:DEC:4E] “W|2C:@?X AFE D@>6 AC6DDFC6 @?
Gazette high school football poll 2026: How the ranked teams fared in Week 6
How the ranked teams from The Gazette’s football poll fared in Week 6: kAmr=2DD dpk^Am kAm}@] ` $@FE962DE !@=< We\_X 362E x@H2 r:EJ w:89[ ch\a`]k^Am kAm}@] a p?<6?J Wd\`X =@DE E@ }@] c y@9?DE@?[ af\_]k^Am kAm}@] b (6DE s6D |@:?6D s@H=:?8 Wd\`X 362E r652C #2A:5D z6??65J[ be\_]k^Am kAm}@] c y@9?DE@?
Gazette high school football poll 2026: How the ranked teams fared in Week 6
Xavier Saints running back Beau Morio (44) tackles Waverly-Shell Rock Go-Hawks running back Grady Harris (2) as he carries the ball in the third quarter of the game at Waverly-Shell Rock High School in Waverly, Iowa on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. Savannah Blake/The Gazette How the ranked teams from The Gazette’s football poll fared in Week 6: Class 5A No. 1 Southeast Polk (6-0) beat Iowa City High, 49-21. No. 2 Ankeny (5-1) lost to No. 4 Johnston, 27-0.
Clear Creek Amana has playmakers, and now also has belief
Clear Creek Amana head football coach Lance Pedersen watches his team warm up prior to facing Marion at Marion High School on Friday, October 2, 2026. (Cliff Jette/Freelance) Cliff Jette To Lance Pedersen, as it is for most coaches, football is a dual-outcome endeavor. There are wins. And there are losses. “There’s no such thing as a moral victory,” Pedersen said.
Texton Bollers: 3 TDs by air, 1 by land in CCA’s 43-7 win over Marion
Clear Creek Amana's Texton Bollers (18) passes the balll under pressure from Marion's Kael Batey (65) and Marion's Elijah Dreyer Sr. (55) during the first half of a football game at Marion High School on Friday, October 2, 2026. (Cliff Jette/Freelance) Cliff Jette MARION — For a glorious first half, Texton was textbook.
Near-flawless first set ignites West in sweep of City High
Iowa City West’s Taylor Otte (24) and Josephine Austen (18) celebrate a point against Iowa City High at Iowa City West High School Thursday, October 1, 2026. Amir Prellberg/The Gazette IOWA CITY — At 14-9 in the third set, the announcement came over the public-address microphone: “Pizza and hot dogs, on sale for one dollar.” In other words: The match is nearing its conclusion. Get ‘em while they’re hot.
Hawkeyes land commitment from 4-star forward Khalia Hartwell
IOWA CITY — Khalia Hartwell, a 6-foot-4 post from Anderson, S.C., has committed to the University of Iowa women’s basketball program, The Gazette has learned. Hartwell was the Gatorade Player of the Year last year as a junior, averaging 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. She led her team to a 27-2 record. She visited Iowa City for Cy-Hawk weekend two weeks ago. Hartwell becomes the second member of Iowa’s 2027 recruiting class, joining Jada Seubert of Stevens Point, Wis.
Iowa’s Ava Heiden earns preseason all-Big Ten honors
IOWA CITY — University of Iowa women’s basketball player Ava Heiden is one of 10 players named to the 2026-27 coaches’ and media preseason all-Big Ten teams. A junior and a native of Sherwood, Ore., Heiden averaged 18.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 64.1 percent from the field last season as the Hawkeyes finished 27-7 and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.
High school football 2026: Week 6 area capsules
Xavier Saints running back Dawson Doyle (34) breaks away and carries the ball into the Warriors end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Savannah Blake/The Gazette The following is a list of a dozen area capsules for Week 6 of the Iowa high school football season: Dubuque Senior at Cedar Rapids Jefferson When and where: 7 p.m. Thursday, at Kingston Stadium Records and rankings: Senior is 2-3; Jefferson is 1-4.
Iowa City schools run the Mississippi Valley Conference
Iowa City West head volleyball coach Jaedynn Evans paces on the sideline during a match against Western Dubuque on Sept. 22 at Iowa City West High School. Amir Prellberg/The Gazette OK, so a forecast for inclement weather — correctly, most likely — has nixed the Battle for the Spike outdoor showcase. The annual volleyball match between Iowa City High and Iowa City West moves indoors Thursday; first serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at West.
Triple Option Podcast: Iowa High School Football Week 5 Recap & Week 6 Preview (9/29/26)
Gazette sportswriters Jeff Johnson, Jeff Linder and K.J. Pilcher recap week 5 of Iowa high school football and look ahead to week 6 matchups. kAm%C:A=6 ~AE:@? A@542DE :D 2 H66<=J x@H2 9:89 D49@@= 7@@E32== A@542DE E92E CF?D H66<=J 5FC:?8 7@@E32== D62D@?] %9:D 6A:D@56 H2D AC@5F465 3J v2K6EE6 56AFEJ 5:8:E2= 4@?E6?E >2?286C q2:=6J r:49@?]k^Am kAm#625 >@C6 23@FE E96 82>6D 762EFC65 :? E9:D H66<’D 6A:D@56ik^Am kAmW_id`X r652C #2A:5D y6776CD@? 2E r652C #2A:5D !C2:C:6k^Am kAmW`idhX r652C #2A:5D (2D9:?8E@?
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