WEST DES MOINES, IA — The wait is over. One of Iowa’s most anticipated high school football rivalries is set to explode back onto the field tonight. The Dowling Catholic Maroons and the Valley Tigers will renew their storied contest in a Week 1 non-conference showdown at Valley Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM, and while both teams enter with pristine 0-0 records, the intensity of this West Des Moines clash guarantees nothing will be left on the field.
What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Dowling Catholic vs Valley
When: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Valley High School
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
This early-season matchup is more than just a game; it’s a statement opportunity. For the Maroons, a perennial powerhouse ranked 4th in the state, it’s the first step in another quest for championship glory. For the 15th-ranked Valley Tigers, it’s a prime chance to set a new tone for the season and topple a giant in front of a raucous home crowd. The records may be blank, but the history books are full, and both teams are eager to write the first chapter of the 2025 season on their own terms.
A Tale of the Tape: Preseason Rankings and Pedigree
On paper, the matchup presents a fascinating contrast in recent tradition and current potential. The Dowling Catholic Maroons enter the fray as a recognized force, not just within Iowa’s Class 5A, but on a national scale, where they hold the No. 475 ranking. Under the guidance of a relentless program, the Maroons have built a culture of excellence, defined by disciplined defense and a powerful, executing offense. Their state ranking at No. 4 signifies the high expectations that follow them every season.
Across the field, the Valley Tigers command immense respect. Ranked 15th in Iowa and within the state’s largest classification, Valley is a program known for its toughness, athleticism, and ability to compete with the very best. Their national ranking of 1,034 doesn’t tell the whole story; any team that steps into Valley Stadium understands the challenge that awaits. The Tigers’ home-field advantage is significant, and they will look to use that energy to disrupt the Maroons’ rhythm from the opening whistle.
The starkest statistic for both squads is the identical 0-0 record across the board—overall, league, non-league, home, and away. This clean slate is what makes opening night so compelling. Preseason scrimmages and practice reports only mean so much. The truth reveals itself under the bright lights of a Friday night, and this game will answer critical questions about both teams’ character and readiness.
The Rivalry Factor: More Than Just a Non-Conference Game
Though officially labeled a non-conference game, to call this just another season opener would be a profound misrepresentation. The Dowling Catholic vs. Valley game is a cornerstone of the Iowa high school football calendar. It’s a rivalry steeped in community pride, historical clashes, and often, postseason implications.
These two West Des Moines institutions have battled for years, creating moments of brilliance and heartbreak that players and fans remember for a lifetime. For the seniors on both sides, this is one last chance to etch their name into this rivalry’s legacy. The energy in the stadium will be electric, a mix of hope, anticipation, and unbridled passion for two programs that simply do not like to lose to each other.
This game often serves as a barometer for the rest of the season. A strong performance, win or lose, can provide a team with the confidence and film needed to make crucial adjustments for the grueling conference schedule ahead. A victory here can set a powerful trajectory, providing momentum that can carry a team deep into the fall.
Key Storylines to Watch Tonight
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First Game Jitters vs. Veteran Poise: How will each team handle the Week 1 pressure? Which squad will shake off the rust first? Dowling Catholic’s program is built on a foundation of executing in big moments, but Valley’s home crowd will be a major factor. The team that commits fewer turnovers and penalties in the first half will likely seize early control.
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The Battle in the Trenches: As with most great football games, this one will be won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Dowling’s offensive line against Valley’s defensive front will be a marquee matchup. Can the Maroons establish a running game and protect their quarterback? Can the Tigers’ defensive line generate pressure and create negative plays? The answers to these questions will dictate the flow of the entire game.
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Quarterback Play: The performance of the quarterbacks is always under the microscope. Which signal-caller will manage the game effectively, make smart decisions, and deliver the ball accurately when it matters most? This game could very well come down to a single drive led by a cool-headed QB.
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Special Teams X-Factor: In what is expected to be a tight, physical contest, the third phase of the game could be the difference-maker. A clutch field goal, a momentum-swinging punt return, or a pinned-deep kickoff could provide the slim margin needed for victory.
Looking Ahead: The Road Beyond Week 1
While all focus is on tonight’s grudge match, the outcome will send ripples through each team’s schedule. For Dowling Catholic, a win solidifies their top-ranking status and prepares them for upcoming battles against common opponents like Waukee and Ankeny Centennial later in the season.
For Valley, a victory against a top-five opponent would be a massive statement, skyrocketing their confidence and state ranking. It would prove they can compete with anyone and set a formidable standard for their own contests against those same common foes, Waukee and Ankeny Centennial.
These future matchups add another layer of intrigue to tonight’s game, as both teams will use this film to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses against a high-caliber opponent.
How to Follow the Action
For live updates, drive-by-drive analysis, and final score confirmation from this game and every other major Iowa high school football showdown, stay locked into Iowa High School Football Insider. Our team of dedicated reporters, including Dowling’s own Brian L., will be providing comprehensive coverage all season long.
Final Prediction: A Classic in the Making
Expect a hard-hitting, defensive struggle early on as both teams feel each other out. The team that can successfully establish its offensive identity—whether through the air or on the ground—will gain a crucial upper hand. Dowling Catholic’s pedigree in big games is undeniable, but Valley’s home-field advantage and hunger to make a statement cannot be overlooked.
This has all the makings of a four-quarter war that isn’t decided until the final minutes. In a rivalry game of this magnitude, throw the rankings out the window. It will come down to desire, execution, and perhaps one single play.
Be at Valley Stadium tonight at 7:00 PM to witness what promises to be an unforgettable kickoff to the 2025 Iowa high school football season. If you can’t make it, follow along live. This is why we love Friday nights in Iowa.
