News Summary

The Iowa High School Athletic Association has announced the Class 5A Round of 16 matchups for high school football on October 31, 2025. Eight exciting games will take place at 7 p.m. with teams divided into four competitive pods. Fans can look forward to thrilling contests, insights from sports expert Dana Becker, and the path to the quarterfinals. Get ready to cheer on your favorite team in this crucial playoff journey as the teams vie for a spot in the state semifinals.

Exciting High School Football Matchups Unveiled for October 31 in Iowa!

Hey there, sports fans! As we gear up for a thrilling evening of high school football, the anticipation is in the air for the Class 5A Round of 16 games happening on October 31, 2025. Yes, you read that right! On Friday night, starting at 7 p.m., eight matchups will kick off, and excitement is sure to be at an all-time high across the state!

Four Pods, Four Chances to Shine

Here’s the scoop: the Iowa High School Athletic Association has neatly organized the 16 teams still in the hunt into four competitive pods of four teams each. It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride for the teams, as they battle it out not just for glory but also for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals. Those managing to pull off a win in the quarterfinal round will secure their chance to compete at the state semifinals in the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, which always adds an extra layer of thrill to the competition!

Pod Matchups to Keep Your Eyes On

Each pod has some intriguing matchups that fans will absolutely want to mark on their calendars:

  • Pod A: The showdown between Waterloo West (5-4) and West Des Moines Dowling (8-1) sounds like a huge clash. Don’t forget the face-off between Iowa City West (7-2) and Cedar Falls (7-2) – it’s sure to be a nail-biter!
  • Pod B: In an equally exciting bout, Indianola (6-3) goes head-to-head with Waukee Northwest (8-1), while Dallas Center-Grimes (7-2) will test their skills against Sioux City East (8-1).
  • Pod C: The matchup of Ankeny Centennial (5-4) against Johnston (7-2) is another one to watch, along with Cedar Rapids Prairie (6-3) taking on West Des Moines Valley (5-4).
  • Pod D: This pod features the underdog Waukee (4-5) facing Iowa City Liberty (8-1) and Southeast Polk (5-4) going against Ankeny (7-2). How’s that for some competitive spirit?

Insights from the Experts

As the excitement builds, you can also look forward to insights and predictions from sports expert Dana Becker. Known for a long and respected history of covering high school sports in Iowa, Becker has been providing keen analyses for the past few years. He will have those intriguing forecasts about which players are the ones to watch and some dark horse contenders—players who have the potential to surprise everyone!

Keep in mind, this thrilling playoff journey is serious business! As the regular season has wrapped up for Classes 3A, 4A, and 5A, we’re now seeing the shift to playoff anticipation for Classes 2A, 1A, A, and 8-player. With the competition tightening from a 32-team field to just 16, every game now carries significant weight!

Game On: Stay Safe and Enjoy!

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan, a proud parent, or just someone looking for nail-biting action, make sure to catch the games this October 31. Remember, the roar of the crowd adds to the magic of high school football, so grab your friends, wear your team colors, and get ready to cheer your favorite teams on!

And, hey—if you’re feeling the urge to put your predictions to the test in any form of betting, do so responsibly. Reach out to crisis counseling services at 1-800-GAMBLER if you need support. Enjoy the games!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Iowa High School Football Playoffs Start This Weekend
Week 9 High School Football Action in Iowa
Illinois High School Football Playoff Pairings Announced
Vermont High School Fall Playoffs Kick Off with Thrilling Matchups
Illinois High School Association Announces 2025 Football Playoffs
Iowa High School Football Season Ends, Playoffs Begin
Iowa High School Football Recap: Playoffs on the Horizon
Week 9 College Football Showdown: Vanderbilt’s Record-Breaking Rise and Key SEC Matchups
Megan Goodrich Shines in Swim Competitions in Casper
North High School Girls’ Swim Team Dives into Glory

Additional Resources