The Spirit Lake (IA) varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against West Lyon (Inwood, IA) on Friday, November 22, at 10 a.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAA – Class 2A” tournament.

What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Spirit Lake (IA) vs West Lyon (IA)
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 Iowa High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSAA – Class 2A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

A Showdown of Perfection: West Lyon vs. Spirit Lake Football

The 2024-2025 Iowa high school football season has been a thrilling ride for both West Lyon and Spirit Lake, two powerhouse teams that have dominated their respective conferences. With impressive regular-season records and identical performances against common opponents, this matchup is shaping up to be one for the ages.

West Lyon: A Perfect Season So Far

West Lyon has been nearly untouchable this season, finishing the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record. With an undefeated conference record (5-0) and perfect performances both at home (5-0) and on the road (4-0), West Lyon has been a force to be reckoned with. Their defensive prowess has been on full display, allowing only 78 points over the course of the season, while their offense has been equally potent, scoring an impressive 498 points.

The Wildcats’ scoring average per game is a staggering 41.5 points, and with a 1.000 win percentage, they’ve lived up to their reputation. Their dominance is further highlighted by their victory in all three games played against common opponents, including Sioux Center, Cherokee Washington, and Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, with margin-of-victory performances of 35-7, 46-6, and 42-0, respectively.

Spirit Lake: A Strong Contender

Spirit Lake has been just as impressive this season, finishing with a 12-1 record overall. Though they didn’t achieve the same perfection as West Lyon, the Indians have posted an outstanding season, with a flawless conference record (5-0) and strong performances at home (5-1) and on the road (4-0). Spirit Lake’s offense has been one of the best in the state, averaging 44.4 points per game. However, their defense has allowed 177 points over the season, though they have still managed to keep their games in hand.

Spirit Lake’s one blemish came at the hands of a tough opponent in a non-conference matchup, but the team bounced back to secure convincing wins over common foes like Sioux Center, Cherokee Washington, and Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, with victories of 45-6, 31-27, and 49-13, respectively.

Common Opponents: A Competitive Edge

Both teams have shown remarkable consistency against their common opponents. West Lyon and Spirit Lake each hold a 3-0 record when facing Sioux Center, Cherokee Washington, and Garner-Hayfield/Ventura. These results suggest that despite slight differences in overall performance, both teams are well-matched in their abilities to take on similar competition.

For instance, West Lyon’s victory over Sioux Center (35-7), Cherokee Washington (46-6), and Garner-Hayfield/Ventura (42-0) showcases their defensive and offensive capabilities. Spirit Lake matched that with similar dominance, beating Sioux Center (45-6), Cherokee Washington (31-27), and Garner-Hayfield/Ventura (49-13), proving that they too are a formidable force when it comes to handling the same teams.

Breaking Down the Scoring

When it comes to scoring averages, both teams have shown explosive offensive outputs. West Lyon, with a final average of 41.5 points per game, has relied on powerful performances to overwhelm their opponents. Meanwhile, Spirit Lake’s more balanced attack has seen them score an average of 44.4 points, with their best offensive quarter being the second (18.7 points). West Lyon’s scoring is likely to be more consistent throughout the game, while Spirit Lake’s second-quarter surge can be seen as a hallmark of their offensive style.

Looking Ahead: The Stage is Set

As both teams head into postseason play, all eyes will be on this potential showdown. West Lyon has the edge in terms of a perfect record, but Spirit Lake’s lone loss and higher-scoring offense keep them in the conversation as one of the top contenders in the state. With both teams showing dominance over common opponents and maintaining excellent records, this matchup is sure to be an exciting one.

If their paths cross in the playoffs, we will undoubtedly witness a clash of two of Iowa’s best football teams, each vying for supremacy in what promises to be a thrilling battle. Whether it’s West Lyon’s unblemished perfection or Spirit Lake’s potent offense, this rivalry promises high stakes and high drama.