Iowa High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams - Nov. 18

With the 2025 Iowa high school football playoffs at its homestretch, some of the top squads will compete in their respective state championship games. Meanwhile, five teams either re-entered the top 25 list or made it for the first time. Here’s how Massey ranked the state’s best teams.

The Massey Ratings system, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

1. Dowling Catholic Maroons

The Maroons earned a low-scoring 14-10 victory over Valley in their Iowa high school football Class 5A semifinal showdown. Joey Nahas threw for 151 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Ian Middleton rushed for 151 yards. On defense, Anthony Bonanno had two sacks while Ryan Bobo added 1.5. Dowling Catholic will face Liberty in the state championship game on November 21.

2. Xavier Saints

The Saints maintained their perfect record after their 31-24 victory over Newton. Cash Parks had two rushing touchdowns and one scoring pass, while Carter Hoffmann tallied 119 rushing yards. Xavier advances to the Class 4A championship game against Pella on November 20.

3. Liberty Lightning

The Lightning advanced to the Iowa high school football Class 5A state championship game after defeating Waukee Northwest 31-15. Reece Rettig finished with 210 passing yards, 73 rushing yards, and three touchdowns (two passing). Brody Beaver added 93 rushing yards and a TD, while Alex Stunk earned two sacks on defense. Liberty will face Dowling Catholic in the title game on the 21st.

4. Valley Tigers

The Tigers’ season ended after a 14-10 loss to Dowling Catholic. Blake Dorenkamp scored Valley’s lone touchdown and finished with 104 rushing yards, while Conley Harne added a field goal. Hayden Demaray (2.5 sacks) and Alonzo Jimenez (two sacks) had commendable defensive performances. The Tigers ended their season at 9-3.

5. West Lyon Wildcats

The Wildcats are through to the Iowa high school football Class 1A state championship game after defeating South Hardin 21-7. Evan Hildring rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while Easton and Jaxton DeJong connected on a TD pass. Hildring also has two of West Lyon’s three sacks. The title game against Regina will be on November 20. 

Iowa High School Football Rankings: Nos. 6-25

6. Waukee Northwest
7. Johnston
8. Ankeny
9. Southeast Polk
10. Kuemper Catholic

11. Pella
12. Bishop Garrigan
13. Woodbine
14. Clear Lake
15. Iowa City West

16. Newton
17. Ankeny Centennial
18. Bishop Heelan Catholic
19. Sioux City East
20. Nevada

21. Sergeant Bluff-Luton
22. Adel-DeSoto-Minburn
23. Decorah
24. Regina
25. Prairie

How to Follow Iowa High School Football

For Iowa high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Hawkeye State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across Iowa.