The Valley High School varsity football team will play a neutral playoff game against Dowling Catholic on Friday, November 15, at 4:00 PM in West Des Moines, IA.

What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Valley (IA) vs Dowling Catholic (IA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Dowling Catholic vs. Valley: A Rivalry Reignited in Iowa Football

The stage is set for a thrilling postseason battle between two of Iowa’s top high school football programs: Dowling Catholic and Valley. Both teams have enjoyed successful seasons in 2024, finishing with impressive records and strong performances throughout the year. The upcoming neutral-site playoff game on November 15, 2024, promises to be an exciting contest, with each team bringing unique strengths to the field.

Team Overview:

• Dowling Catholic enters the game with a 10-1 overall record, having dominated both in-state and conference play with a perfect 4-0 conference record. The team’s strong offense has put up 350 points while allowing just 206. With a win percentage of .909, they’ve been nearly untouchable this season.
• Valley, with a record of 9-2, has similarly shown their prowess, particularly in the conference, where they are unbeaten with a 4-0 record. Despite having a slightly lower overall win percentage at .818, Valley’s offense has been high-scoring, with 376 points on the board, and their defense has allowed 211 points. They, too, have been a formidable team this season.

Head-to-Head:

The rivalry between Dowling Catholic and Valley took an intense turn on September 6, 2024, when Dowling Catholic edged out Valley 26-23 in a tight non-conference matchup. That thrilling game highlighted both teams’ resilience, but it was Dowling’s ability to execute under pressure that made the difference. As the teams head into their next meeting, the stakes are high, with the winner advancing further in the postseason.

Scoring Averages:

When analyzing the scoring trends of both teams, there is a clear contrast in their offensive strategies:

• Dowling Catholic has been consistent across the quarters, averaging 12.4 points in the first quarter and gradually tapering off in the following quarters. However, their ability to respond in overtime (7 points each in OT1 and OT2) shows they are never out of the fight.
• Valley, on the other hand, has had more explosive second and third quarters, averaging 14.0 and 12.7 points in these periods, respectively. Their ability to score in the middle of the game will be crucial as they look to keep pace with Dowling’s potent offense.

Common Opponents:

Both teams share a few common opponents this season, offering a glimpse into how they might fare against one another in the upcoming game:

• Ankeny: Dowling Catholic lost to Ankeny 23-16, while Valley fell to them 13-10. Both teams struggled in this matchup but will take lessons from these close losses.
• Northwest: Both teams secured victories here, with Dowling Catholic winning 21-14 and Valley dominating 45-21.
• Southeast Polk: A win for Dowling Catholic (35-34), while Valley also triumphed over Southeast Polk (20-17), showcasing their ability to handle tough opponents.

Record Breakdown:

• Overall Record: Dowling Catholic (10-1) vs. Valley (9-2)
• Conference Record: Both teams are undefeated in conference play, with 4-0 records, making this matchup even more thrilling as they are both at the top of their league.
• Playoff Performance: Dowling Catholic boasts a perfect 2-0 record in neutral playoff games, while Valley has yet to lose in this situation, with a 1-0 record.

Game Preview:

With the stakes higher than ever, this neutral-site playoff game is expected to be a tightly contested affair. Dowling Catholic’s defense will look to contain Valley’s high-scoring attack, while Valley’s defense will aim to slow down the offensive juggernaut that is Dowling Catholic.

As both teams have demonstrated strong performances against common opponents, the game could come down to execution on both sides of the ball. Fans of Iowa high school football can expect a thrilling matchup filled with competitive spirit and high-level play. Will Dowling Catholic continue their dominance, or will Valley avenge their early-season loss and advance to the next round? Only time will tell.

Conclusion:

This game between Dowling Catholic and Valley is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. Both teams have earned their spots in the playoffs through hard-fought seasons, and this rivalry game is sure to be one for the ages. Don’t miss the action as two of Iowa’s best high school football programs clash for a shot at glory