14 teams have won state titles in Iowa high school football’s 23-year history with the 8-player class. Some of the institutions have subsequently shut down or amalgamated with other institutions. The Gazette’s preseason 8-Player rankings for 2023 only have one player placed in the top six. Anita CAM, the 2021 winner who is rated No. 2, received the most votes and is placed second.
Gladbrook-Reinbeck will start the season with the No. 1 designation next to its name after taking first place on four of the six ballots. The Rebels have a history of 11 players winning championships, winning back-to-back Class A state championships in 2015 and 2016. Gladbrook-Reinbeck, a 9-2 squad that advanced to the state quarterfinals last season, welcomes back a pair of second-team all-state selections. Isaac Clark, a senior quarterback, has thrown 51 touchdown passes for 3,159 yards and just nine interceptions over the previous two seasons. In 2022, Austin Vaverka was the Rebels’ top rusher (1,155 yards, 20 touchdowns), was second in receptions (412 yards), and led the team in total tackles (79, 16 for loss).
Which 2022 Dome teams are in the 8-Player rankings?
The previous year, Remsen St. Mary’s began as the top team and won the state title. The Hawks, who went unbeaten in 2022, garnered one first-place vote this time and finished eighth overall. WACO is rated No. 10 to start the 2023 season after losing to St. Mary’s, 38-16, in its first title-game appearance. Last November, No. 9 Lenox also advanced to the playoffs.
Who are the ranked Gazette area 8-Player teams?
