News Summary

The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has unveiled the highly anticipated football schedules for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This announcement has generated excitement among players, coaches, and fans. The new schedules feature group formations for Class 5A and district formations for Classes 4A down to 8-player. Schools now have the option to schedule a ninth game if they miss the postseason, providing flexibility in their schedules. Key matchups and thrilling rivalries await, making the upcoming seasons a must-watch for high school football fans in Iowa.

Excitement Flares as Iowa Unveils 2025 & 2026 High School Football Schedules

In the heart of Iowa, there’s a buzz in the air as the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has just rolled out the highly anticipated high school football schedules for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This announcement came on a bright Monday, igniting enthusiasm among players, coaches, and fans alike!

New Group Formations and Districts

The new schedules feature group formations for Class 5A and district formations for Classes 4A down to 8-player. Each of these groups or districts is set to include six teams, except for Classes A and 8-player, which will boast seven teams per district. What makes it even more thrilling is that teams will be battling it out against every team in their respective group or district. Plus, there are additional opponents assigned by the IHSAA based on preference lists, adding to the competitive edge!

Flexibility with Scheduling

For those teams in Classes 2A, 1A, A, and 8-player, if they happen to miss out on the postseason, they have the option to schedule a ninth game. This added flexibility ensures that athletes get every chance to showcase their skills on the field.

Almost Mirror Images

The schedules for 2025 and 2026 are nearly identical. However, there are some differences in terms of home and away games. For instance, Ankeny will take on Waukee away in 2025, while they get to host them in 2026. It’s always interesting to see how the dynamics shift between seasons!

Atlantic’s Thrilling Season Opener

Mark your calendars because the Atlantic football team is set to kick off their season at home against the Glenwood Rams on August 29, 2025. The anticipation is already building! Along with hosting the Rams, Atlantic will also head to Denison Schleswig, welcome Des Moines Christian, and finally, face off at Storm Lake during non-district games.

Looking ahead, the District 6 opener for Atlantic is scheduled on September 26 against Creston. Also, fans should get ready for the homecoming game on October 3 against Perry, and the exciting home finale against Harlan on October 17. There’s a lot of thrilling action to anticipate!

What’s Coming in Week 1?

Speaking of excitement, Week 1 is packed with matchups worth tuning in for, including:

  • Dowling at Valley
  • Iowa City West at Iowa City High
  • Ankeny Centennial at Southeast Polk
  • Waterloo West at Waterloo East
  • Cedar Falls at Iowa City Liberty

Meet Newton’s Schedule

Over in Newton, the football team is set to open their campaign against Carlisle on August 29, 2025. A notable twist this year: they will not face Marshalltown for the first time since 2019! The excitement continues with opponents like North Polk, Bondurant-Farrar, and Indianola marking their 2025 schedule.

Fresh Competitors for Colfax-Mingo & Other Teams

The Colfax-Mingo team is shaking things up with six new opponents for their 2025 season, kicking off against Clarke on August 29. Meanwhile, Lynnville-Sully will take on Pleasantville to start their 2025 journey, and Baxter is gearing up for a thrilling rivalry game against Collins-Maxwell also on the same day!

Looking Ahead to 2026!

As for the 2026 season, schedules will mirror those of 2025, with locations reversed. This keeps the flame of friendly competition alive, ensuring fans have plenty to cheer about!

Mark Your Calendars!

The regular season will run from August 29, 2025, until October 24, 2025, for the larger classes, and until October 17, 2025, for the smaller classes. It’s shaping up to be an exhilarating experience for all involved. So, gear up, Iowa! Football season is just around the corner!

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