Dowling tops Southeast Polk in Iowa high school football semifinal
CEDAR FALLS —The Maroons will have a chance to defend their title. Dowling Catholic (11-1) defeated Southeast Polk (10-2), 44-14, in the Class 5A semifinal on Friday, Nov. 13. The Maroons advance to play Johnston – which beat Ankeny earlier on Friday – in the Iowa high school footbal l state championship game on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. The 30-point win marked a turnaround from the regular season matchup between these two teams, which Southeast Polk won, 31-28, on Sept. 18. "We had to grow, and I thought they outplayed us that night," said Dowling coach Tom Wilson. "We had to grow and get better, and our kids have bought into that. And now, we're in the state championship game, and we'll see what happens." The Maroons wasted no time putting points on the board, with Ethan La Cava finding Beau Williams on a 67-yard score to give Dowling a 7-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. The Maroons' defense forced Southeast Polk to punt on their first possession, and Dowling settled for a field goal on their next to extend the lead to 10-0. The Rams picked up their first touchdown in the opening minute of
