Iowa high school football's state semifinals run Wednesday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Nov. 14, in Cedar Falls, with 28 teams across seven classes fighting for a spot in next week's championship games at the UNI-Dome.
The Iowa High School Athletic Association confirmed that all 14 semifinal games will be broadcast live through the IHSAA's Hy-Vee Championship Network, with free streaming and statewide over-the-air coverage from the UNI-Dome, the association announced in its semifinal broadcast guide. Title games are scheduled for Nov. 19 and 20.
Class 5A: Des Moines-area heavyweights collide
Ankeny (9-2) meets Johnston (10-1) on Friday, Nov. 13, at 4 p.m. Johnston shut out Ankeny when the two teams met in the regular season, and a repeat of that defensive performance would send the Dragons to the title game.
Dowling Catholic (10-1) and Southeast Polk (10-1) close out the 5A slate Friday at 7 p.m. Southeast Polk won the regular-season meeting by three points, but the Maroons rarely lose twice to the same opponent in one season.
Class 4A: Two undefeated showdowns
Carlisle (11-0) faces Sergeant Bluff-Luton (11-0) Thursday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m. Warriors quarterback Justin Ehlers has been one of the state's standout players this fall.
Western Dubuque (10-1) takes on Cedar Rapids Xavier (11-0) Thursday at 7 p.m. The Saints are chasing back-to-back undefeated state titles.
Class 3A: Solon and two unbeaten teams in action
Algona (7-4) meets Solon (11-0) Saturday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. Solon quarterback Maddox Kelley has been one of the most productive players in the class.
Clear Lake (11-0) and Des Moines Christian (11-0) meet Saturday at 7 p.m. Clear Lake brings a stronger passing game; Des Moines Christian counters with a deeper rushing attack.
Class 2A: Undefeated Lions face a surging underdog
Alburnett (10-1) and Spirit Lake (9-2) open Saturday's action at 10 a.m. Alburnett running back Laken Caves has been a consistent difference maker.
Central Lyon/George-Little Rock (11-0) faces Roland-Story (9-2) Saturday at 1 p.m. The Norsemen have been one of the surprise stories of the playoffs.
Class 1A and Class A: Familiar powers still standing
Regina (11-0) meets Treynor (10-1) Friday at 10 a.m., followed by Aplington-Parkersburg (11-0) against reigning champion West Lyon (10-1) at 1 p.m. West Lyon's only loss this season came by a single point to a semifinalist in a larger class.
In Class A, Maquoketa Valley (8-3) takes on Woodbury Central (11-0) Thursday at 10 a.m., and North Linn (10-1) faces West Sioux (11-0) Thursday at 1 p.m.
8-Player: Two matchups of unbeatens
Audubon (11-0) and Gladbrook-Reinbeck (11-0) open the semifinals Wednesday at 1 p.m. Wheelers star Aiden Kjergaard has carried much of his team's offensive load.
Iowa Valley (11-0) and Woodbine (10-0) follow Wednesday at 4 p.m. The game features a matchup between Iowa Valley receiver Landon Blum, a Penn State commit, and Woodbine's Nolan Kriegel, the state's leader in touchdowns.
What happens next
Winners advance to the state championship games at the UNI-Dome on Nov. 19 and 20, closing out the 2026 Iowa high school football season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Iowa high school football semifinals played?
Semifinal games are played in Cedar Falls, with championship games held at the UNI-Dome on the University of Northern Iowa campus.
How can fans watch the semifinal games?
All 14 semifinal games are available through free streaming and statewide over-the-air television coverage on the IHSAA's Hy-Vee Championship Network, according to the Iowa High School Athletic Association.
When are the 2026 state championship games?
Title games are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, and Friday, Nov. 20, at the UNI-Dome.