Southeast Polk showed they are still the team to beat in Class 5A with a commanding win over Ankeny Centennial last week. And just like in 2024 when many were writing the Rams off, they are right back to being contenders.
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Last year in the 5A state semifinals, Southeast Polk edged Iowa City Liberty in a classic before claiming a fourth consecutive title with a win over West Des Moines Valley.
Many of those who contributed in that game - especially for the Rams - have moved on, but quarterback Austin Mart and running back Drew Thompson are ready to fill the void. Mart had two total touchdowns while Thompson ran for 119 yards and a score on 32 carries.
As for the Lightning, they continue to surprise many. A relatively new school who just moved up from 4A to 5A, Iowa City Liberty features all-state quarterback Reece Rettig, who was 22-for-28 for 179 yards and two TDs in a win over Cedar Falls in Week 1.
Teague Cantrall caught four passes for 54 with a score while Rettig led the ground game with 54 yards.
Iowa City Liberty's defense had three sacks and eight tackles for loss while Southeast Polk picked off two passes and had a pair of sacks.
2024 Recap: Southeast Polk with a wild, wild win
Last year, the two teams combined for 28 points in the fourth quarter, as the Rams claimed a 38-35 victory. Holden Hansen tossed four touchdowns and ran in a fifth while Rettig was 20 of 26 for 334 with three scores.
Kaden Hills and Dallas Miller both produced huge games, but like Hansen, have moved on. Hills caught nine passes for 172 and four scores while Miller had eight for 245 and a pair of touchdowns.
That is the only meeting between these two teams.
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