Iowa High School Football Top 25 Rankings - Sept. 17

With another week of Iowa high school football action in the books, West Lyon takes the number one spot in the top 25 rankings. Meanwhile, Waukee Northwest and North Polk complete the top three. Here’s how Massey ranked the state’s best teams based on their last games.

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. West Lyon Wildcats

The Wildcats haven’t allowed any points through three games. They defeated Unity Christian, 35-0, pushing their per-game average to 38.3 points. Against the Knights, Evan Hildring led the way with 136 rushing yards and three touchdowns. West Lyon can extend their winning streak to 17 games with a win against Alta-Aurelia on September 19.

2. Waukee Northwest Wolves

After winning two close games, the Wolves had a dominating performance against Iowa City High. With Mack Heitland throwing for 448 yards and six touchdowns, Isaiah Oliver (196 receiving yards, two TDs) and Jordon Green (158 yards, four TDs) also had huge games. Now at three victories, Waukee Northwest is only one win away from matching its 2024 total. The Wolves will play another road game, this time against Prairie on September 19.

3. North Polk Comets

The Comets have been on the fortunate end of close games. Their first three victories, including their 38-37 nailbiter against Adel-DeSoto-Minburn, were by a total of seven points. Against the Tigers, Carson Reinhart had 110 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Bryce Burke had 125 passing yards and a touchdown. After two consecutive games at home, North Polk will visit Pella on September 19.

4. Xavier Saints

The Saints are at 3-0 following their 54-21 domination of Clear Creek-Amana. It’s the highest points Xavier has scored through three games, and they have a better start compared to last season. Quarterback Cash Parks threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns, while Dustin Cook made 105 receiving yards. Meanwhile, Carter Hoffman was sensational, finishing with 173 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Saints can clinch their fourth consecutive victory early in the 2025 Iowa high school football season by defeating Williamsburg on the 19th.

5. Dowling Catholic Maroons

The Maroons have won two in a row after a 27-0 shutout of Dallas Center-Grimes. This result gives Dowling Catholic good momentum as they host Southeast Polk on September 19. Against the Mustangs, Ian Middleton (143 rushing yards, one touchdown) and Henry Smid (104 yards) powered the run game. Joey Nahas also had 123 passing yards and two touchdowns.

6. Liberty Lightning

The Lightning have three wins in as many games after beating Linn-Mar 28-7. It’s the fewest points they’ve allowed this season, which translates to their largest margin of victory through three weeks. Quarterback Reece Rettig led the way with 250 passing yards, 67 rushing yards, and three touchdowns (two rushing). Liberty returns to action with a September 19 road game against Johnston.

7. Valley Tigers

After losing to Waukee Northwest, the Tigers found their footing via a 41-3 victory against Urbandale. It would have been their first shutout victory in the 2025 Iowa high school football season if not for the field goal the J-Hawks scored with three minutes left in regulation. Drake DeGroote had an all-around game, tallying 191 passing yards, 33 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. On defense, Jaron Horn and Benjamin Booth combined for 4.5 sacks.  Valley can improve to 3-1 with a win against Waukee on the 19th.

8. Southeast Polk Rams

The Rams are back in the win column after a 35-20 outcome against Norwalk on the road. It’s a big game on the ground for Southeast Polk, as proven by Stanley Cooper’s 239 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Drew Thompson had 164 rushing yards and a couple of TDs. The Rams can get their third win in four games against Dowling Catholic on the 19th.

9. Decorah Vikings

The Vikings improved to a 3-0 record after pulling off a 19-13 overtime victory against Wahlert Catholic. Tanner Caddell threw two touchdown passes, which were caught by Trevor Kuennen and Ian Giddings. Meanwhile, Caddell added 70 rushing yards and a touchdown. Kuennen was also commendable on defense, collecting five tackles and an interception. Decorah can get win number four against Western Dubuque on September 19.

10. Pella Dutch

While the Dutch scored only ten points, it was enough to secure a victory against North Scott, which they limited to three points. Emmanuel Diers finished the game with 107 rushing yards and scored the lone touchdown. After two consecutive road games, the 2025 Iowa high school football season for Pella continues at home against North Polk on September 19.

11. Clear Lake
12. Ankeny
13. Solon
14. Kuemper Catholic
15. West Delaware
16. Johnston
17. Iowa City West
18. Grundy Center
19. Ankeny Centennial
20. Wahlert Catholic
21. Indianola
22. Sioux City East
23. Nevada
24. Adel-DeSoto-Minburn
25. Western Christian