Thursday night went OFF in Iowa high school football, and if you weren’t watching, you missed some absolute fireworks! Des Moines East absolutely exploded for a massive 49-12 win over Des Moines North, while Cedar Rapids Kennedy matched that offensive firepower, absolutely crushing Dubuque Hempstead 49-13. Talk about starting the 2026 IHSAA season with a bang!
Des Moines East Delivers a Dominant Opening Statement
That Des Moines East versus Des Moines North game on August 27, 2026, at Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines? Total domination from East. We saw Marquise Pierce, rocking jersey number 10, scoring a touchdown and getting lifted high by Mason Cook-vasquez (50) in celebration. Jamel Heliman (5) was out there catching balls in the end zone, showing off that early season chemistry. Even though Braylen Jenkins (1) took some hits, getting tackled by Des Moines North’s Blessings Mukina (6), and Trashaun Prather (13) also got brought down, East just kept pouring it on. That 49-point performance is a serious statement for Week 1, and it makes you wonder what else they have in store this year.
Forfeits and Friday’s Anticipated Showdowns
But the Thursday night blowouts weren’t the only wild stories hitting the books. Friday brought some bizarre results with two games already decided by forfeit! Cardinal picked up a forfeit win over New London, and East Mills got one handed to them by Exira-EHK. You never want to see a season start like that, right? Still, other top games promised some serious action, even if we’re waiting on those full results. Imagine the intensity for matchups like Dowling vs. Valley, Iowa City High vs. Iowa City West, Ankeny vs. Waukee Northwest, Ankeny Centennial vs. Southeast Polk, Bettendorf vs. Pleasant Valley, and Carlisle vs. Newton. These are the battles shaping up early on, and every play counts.
This is just Week 1, folks! With teams dropping nearly 50 points and unexpected forfeits already on the books, the 2026 IHSAA season is off to an absolutely wild start. We’re already seeing statements being made and crazy events unfolding. You just know the drama is only going to ramp up from here as these teams find their stride. Get ready for more!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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