Introducing the Des Moines Register's 2023 preseason Iowa high school football Super 10 rankings
One question still looms large over the upcoming 2023 Iowa high school football season: Who is the best team in the state?
Coaches, players and fans from across the state want to know.
Should only programs housed in Iowa’s largest class be considered? Can 4A, 3A or even smaller classes contend with larger schools? Is one nationally recognized recruit enough to boost a team’s standing?
Enter the Des Moines Register’s Super 10 rankings. This preseason list is determined with the help of coaches, first-hand observations and discussion among staff writers from the Register, Iowa City Press-Citizen and Ames Tribune.
There is still a heavy Class 5A presence in this poll. Some teams from 4A and 3A made the cut, and others could jump onto the list during the season.
More: Ranking the top 50 Iowa high school football recruiting prospects in the 2024 class
We will update these Super 10 rankings after Week 4 and once more before the start of the postseason.
1. Southeast Polk
2022 Results: 12-1, Class 5A state champions
2023 Outlook: The back-to-back state champs lost a lot of pieces — Kadyn Proctor, Abu Sama, Harrison Gibson, Joe Zelenovich, Obald Niyonkuru, to name a few. But the Rams seem to always have talent on the roster, like Connor Moberly, Carson Robbins, most of the big defensive pieces and a talented offensive line. Plus, Southeast Polk added running back CJ Phillip in the offseason, so there’s real potential for a three-peat.
More: Introducing the top 25 Iowa high school football recruits in the 2025 class
2. Dowling Catholic
2022 Results: 10-2, reached the Class 5A state semifinals
2023 Outlook: Dowling no longer has a Division I quarterback leading the offense, but Dante Cataldo is more than capable with his experience as a backup. The Maroons have other offensive weapons in Will Leifker, Trey Wilson, Hank Brown and Ra’Shawd defense. Add Kansas State-bound Kyle Rakers on the o-line and the Maroons could put together a state title season.
More: Dowling Catholic football handing quarterback job to experienced senior Dante Cataldo
3. Valley
2022 Results: 8-5, reached the Class 5A state championship game
2023 Outlook: Valley found a way to win games when it mattered most, scratching its way into the state championship game. It was a senior-heavy team that got the Tigers to that point but don’t discount the capabilities of players like Zay Robinson and Des Moines North transfer Jayden McGregory.
More: West Des Moines Valley football returns stars on offense. The biggest question for the team? QB.
4. Johnston
2022 Results: 8-4, reached the Class 5A state semifinals
2023 Outlook: The Dragons won five straight games at the end of the season to qualify for the Dome, a first in school history. Several of the key players are back this season: Strong-armed slinger Will Nuss, towering tight end Jacob Simpson and a handful of quiet contributors on defense. This season will be make or break for players hungry to have Johnston become known as a football school.
More: Johnston quarterback Will Nuss flew under the radar in 2022. Now, he has a target on his back
5. Lewis Central
2022 Results: 12-1, reached the Class 4A state championship game
2023 Outlook: The Titans were one touchdown (with a two-point conversion, of course) from winning their second straight state title. A lot of Lewis Central’s success then had to do with Braylon Kammrad (who threw for 2,778 yards) and his connection with Jonathan Humpal. Curtis Witte looks like the workhorse in place on both offense and defense for this transition, and it helped that the Titans hang onto several key defenders.
6. Xavier
2022 Results: 13-0, Class 4A state champions
2023 Outlook: It is really difficult to build off an undefeated, state title-winning season. Quarterback Ronan Thomas will need to find a new go-to guy with Michael Cunningham gone and the ground game will need a lot of development since Aidan McDermott graduated. Xavier still has a lot of dudes, and if last year’s backups — in every position — are prepared to start, the Saints are in a good spot.
More: What we learned from the first week of Iowa high school football practice
7. ADM
2022 Results: 10-2, reached the Class 3A semifinals
2023 Outlook: If there is any good season for the Tigers to move up a class, this is it. Expect Aiden Flora and Brevin Doll to carry this run-first offense. Both were players who seemed to get better as the season went on and containing both at the same time will be a serious issue for opposing defenses.
More: Iowa football picks up commitment from ADM running back Brevin Doll
8. Cedar Falls
2022 Results: 8-3, reached the Class 5A state quarterfinals
2023 Outlook: The Tigers played in the Dome during the regular season, but had an early exit from their home territory come postseason. Cedar Falls has some serious star power on the roster — Drew Campbell, Jake Peters, Will Tompkins — and if the Tigers put together the pieces on offense, this is a team to watch.
9. Cedar Rapids Kennedy
2022 Results: 7-3, reached Class 5A playoffs
2023 Outlook: How does a team that was shut out in the first round of the playoffs turn into a top-10 team statewide? Well, a 6-foot-8, 385-pound offensive tackle who brings grit and agility to the field certainly helps. Starting quarterback Vincenzo Gianforte is back, as are many of his top targets. The defensive pieces are there, as well.
10. Mount Vernon
2022 Results: 12-1, reached the Class 3A state championship game
2023 Outlook: Mount Vernon gave Harlan all it had in the championship game. It wasn’t enough last November, but an unfinished business narrative can be great motivation. Starting quarterback Joey Rhomberg — who threw for 2,543 yards and 25 touchdowns — returns. So does the Mustangs’ top receiver, Evan Brase, several capable ball carriers and Jackson Jaspers on defense.
Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The Des Moines Register's 2023 Super 10 high school football rankings
