Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is a win away from a record as the Hawkeyes get ready to host UMass on Saturday night. a victory would be his 206th at Iowa and he would surpass former Ohio State coach Woody Hayes as the Big Ten all-time leader in wins. Senior safety Xavier Nwanpka.

Nwampka says Ferentz never talks about the record.

Senior corner T.J. Hall on Ferentz possibly breaking the record Saturday night.

Hall says the record is not a focus during their preparation.

Iowa’s offense has studied recent seasons to get ready for Saturday’s game against UMass. Joe Harasymiak is in his first season as UMass head coach after serving as defensive coordinator at Minnesota and Rutgers.

That’s Hawkeye quarterback Mark Gronowski who feels the offense will make progress despite anemic passing numbers in the first two games.

Gronowski carried the ball 16 times in last week’s loss at Iowa State.

An opening third of the regular season that began in Ireland comes to an end this weekend for 14th ranked Iowa State as the Cyclones visit Arkansas State. The Cyclones are a three touchdown favorite against a Red Wolves squad they beat 52-7 a year ago in Ames.

That’s sophomore defensive back Marcus Neal. With a win the Cyclones will take a 4-0 record into a bye week.

Neal knows Arkansas State will be motivated by the chance to host a ranked team out of a power four conference.

Sophomore receiver Brett Eskildsen says they are not taking Arkansas State lightly.

Running back Abu Sama says the Cyclones are not focused on what is ahead.

Sama says they are only focused on the next challenge.

Drake coach Joe Woodley has not minded the long layoff as the Bulldogs prepare for Saturday night’s game at second ranked South Dakota State. Drake has been idle since a season opening 41-7 victory over Upper Iowa on August 28th.

It is the first of two straight games against Missouri Valley Football Conference teams. Next week the Bulldogs visit 12th ranked South Dakota.

Woodley says to make a game of it the Bulldogs must limit mistakes and play ball control.

Woodley says there is a fine line between playing cautious and making the plays needed to post a upset.

Team Scores

1. Shenandoah – 30 points

2. Clarinda – 26 points

3. St. Albert – 19 points

4. Kuemper Catholic – 15 points

5. Atlantic – 14 points

T-6. Denison-Schleswig & Harlan & Lewis Central – 10 points

T-6. Harlan – 10 points

T-6. Lewis Central – 10 pts

9. Glenwood – 5 points

10. Creston – 4 points

11. Red Oak – 1 point

Individual Champions

Singles #1 Champion: Gabi Jacobs (Shenandoah)

Singles #2 Champion: Ellie Cole (Clarinda)

Doubles #1 Champions: Ellie O’Donovan/Ella Narmi (St. Albert)

Doubles #2 Champions: Lyla Mather/Rachel Hobbie (Shenandoah)

Other Placements

3rd place: Taylin Walter – Clarinda (#1 Singles)

3rd place: Bella Lu – Kuemper Catholic (#2 Singles)

5th place: Jacobi Harter – Atlantic (#1 Singles)

5th place: Rebekah Christensen – Harlan (#2 Singles)

5th place: Hollynn Rieck/Kennedy Strider – Creston (#1 Doubles)

7th Place: Abby Ratliff – Denison Schleswig (#2 Singles)

Rivalry games always have a prospect of excitement, opportunity and challenges around them, and that is exactly what the Riverside Bulldogs are preparing for as they get ready to head to Avoca to face AHSTW. After falling out of the rankings, Riverside is back in the top ten after a 44-32 win over Mount Ayr last week. Although head coach Darrell Frain was happy with the win, he knows there is room for improvement.

It is no surprise that Jaxon Gordon played a big part in the win rushing for 422 yards and five touchdowns. As always, he will be a big factor in Friday’s contest as Frain praises his toughness, durability and work ethic.

However, on that same note, the Bulldogs will have to deal with an aggressive Vikings defense. As a team, AHSTW has accumulated 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks through two games. For Riverside, this means complimentary football on offense will be key.

On defense, the Bulldogs will face a balanced offense. Vikings quarterback Dayton Osbahr has thrown for over 250 yards and three touchdowns while Drew Lee is averaging 13.1 yards per carry. Frain says making their offensive one-dimensional will be a key to walking out of Avoca with a win.

Despite the recent success of the Riverside program, the Bulldogs have struggled with AHSTW. Since 2008, Riverside is just 2-11 against the Viking and Frain is hoping that adds a little extra motivation.

Although it’ll be a challenge for the Bulldogs, rivalry games always have an air of excitement.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm in Avoca and you can catch all the action on KJAN with the coverage starting at 6:30 pm.

The Des Moines Chrisitan Lions travel eastbound to Cass County Friday night for a road contest with the Atlantic Trojans. The Lions are currently 2-0 after beating Van Meter 29-21 in week one and winning on the road at Roland-Story 28-7 in week two. Head Coach Matt Daniels believes his upperclassmen are a major reason for the early season success.

Senior Max Town has been under center for Des Moines Christian in the first two games of the year and surpassed 200 passing yards in 2025 along with 100 rushing yards. Daniels says Town is an all-around athlete.

Senior Caleb Bailey leads the Lions with 16 tackles through the first two games of the season. The defensive end is one of the smartest and strongest players on the team in the coaches’ eyes.

The two teams haven’t met in five seasons leaving some excitement to play new competition and some unfamiliarity with the preparation process but Daniels is fully aware of the physicality level of the Trojans.

Des Moines Christian’s ability to run the ball efficiently as well will be vital.

Kickoff is schedule for 7 pm and you can catch all the action on KJANTV with pregame coverage starting at 6:30 pm.

The state high school softball tournament will remain in Fort Dodge until 2045. The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has announced a 20-year extension to keep the tournament at Rogers Park. Fort Dodge has served as host since 1970.

That’s Erin Girlich, executive director of the girl’s union. The announcement comes on the heels of a six-million dollar renovation at Rogers Park.

Girlich says the renovation was crucial as the tournament moves to a double elimination format next year.

Girlich says Fort Dodge has been a great partner for the tournament.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa women’s cross country student-athletes Ella Magallan and Elena Torres received Big Ten Conference honors after their season-opening performances at the Hawkeye Invite, the league announced on Wednesday. Magallan was named the Big Ten Women’s Freshman of the Week. Torres took home the Big Ten Women’s Athlete of the Week.

Torres posted a lifetime best in the 4,000 meters at the Hawkeye Invite on Sept. 5, crossing the line in 13:44.6. The Loveland, Colorado, native moved to third in program history with the result. Torres won the race and guided the Iowa women to the team title in the season opener. She was named the Big Ten’s Preseason Runner to Watch heading into 2025.

Magallan, a native of Burleson, Texas, placed eighth in her collegiate debut, racing 14:25.1 in the 4,000 meters. She was the fifth Hawkeye to cross the finish line and scored in her career debut, contributing to Iowa’s team title.

The Hawkeyes return to action Friday, Sept. 19, at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minneapolis, Minnesota.