WEST DES MOINES, IA — The lights of Valley Stadium will burn bright this Friday, September 5th, as two of Iowa’s premier high school football programs, the Johnston Dragons and the Dowling Catholic Maroons, prepare for a heavyweight non-conference battle. This early-season matchup, scheduled for a 7:00 PM kickoff, presents a fascinating contrast in early narratives: the surging, confident Dragons versus the traditionally dominant Maroons, who are unexpectedly looking to avoid an 0-2 start.
For fans tracking all the action across the state, this is precisely the type of high-stakes game that defines Iowa prep football. Follow all the latest from this game and more on our dedicated Iowa High School Football page.
What: Iowa High School Football
Who: Johnston vs Dowling Catholic
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Valley Stadium
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
The Stakes at Valley Stadium
On paper, this is a non-conference game. In reality, it carries the weight of a potential playoff preview. For the Johnston Dragons (1-0), ranked 10th in Iowa, this is a monumental opportunity. A victory over a perennial powerhouse like Dowling Catholic would send a seismic shockwave through Class 4A and announce the Dragons as legitimate title contenders. Their hard-fought 13-3 victory over Waukee in Week 1 demonstrated a gritty, defensive-minded approach that wins big games.
Conversely, the Dowling Catholic Maroons (0-1), ranked 7th statewide, find themselves in unfamiliar territory. A narrow 20-19 road loss to open their season has the historic program facing early adversity. For a team synonymous with championship success, the urgency to defend their home turf and right the ship is palpable. An 0-2 hole is a deep ditch no team wants to climb out of, especially one with Dowling’s lofty standards.
Team Breakdown: Johnston Dragons
The Dragons enter Week 2 riding high. Their Week 1 win over a tough Waukee squad was a masterclass in defensive execution and opportunistic offense. Holding any opponent to a mere three points is a statement, and it’s that defensive unit that will need to be the backbone of their effort against Dowling.
Head Coach Brian Woodley’s squad averaged 13.0 points in their opener, a number they will likely look to improve upon against a stout Maroons defense. The key for Johnston will be establishing offensive consistency. If their defense can continue to create turnovers and get stops, their offense merely needs to capitalize on those opportunities. The Dragons have already proven they can win a low-scoring, physical dogfight—a style that often travels well into hostile environments like Valley Stadium.
Their national ranking of 912th might seem modest, but their state ranking of 10th in Iowa and 4th in their class shows they are a force to be reckoned with locally. This game is their chance to prove they belong in the state’s elite conversation.
Team Breakdown: Dowling Catholic Maroons
Despite the Week 1 setback, it is far too early to count out the Maroons. Dowling Catholic’s program is built on a foundation of excellence, resilience, and reloading, not rebuilding. Their 19-point output in a loss shows the offensive firepower is there; the issue was likely a few critical mistakes at inopportune times.
The scoring averages by quarter from their first game (7.0 in Q1, 3.0 in Q2, 7.0 in Q3, 2.0 in Q4) indicate an ability to start strong out of the locker room and after halftime. However, they will need to put together a complete, four-quarter performance to subdue a disciplined Johnston team. The Maroons’ defense, which surrendered 20 points, will be laser-focused on containing the Dragon’s attack and giving their offense more chances to operate.
With a national ranking of 766th and a state ranking of 7th, the talent in the Dowling locker room is undeniable. Playing their home opener in front of the Maroon faithful at Valley Stadium provides a significant boost. Expect a highly motivated, physical, and sharp Dowling Catholic team to take the field.
Key Matchups and X-Factors
The outcome of this clash will likely be decided in the trenches and by a few critical individual battles.
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Johnston Defense vs. Dowling Offense: This is the game within the game. Johnston’s defense, fresh off a dominant showing, faces its toughest test. Can they pressure the Dowling quarterback, stifle the run game, and force the Maroons into obvious passing situations? If they can, they will control the tempo.
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Turnover Battle: In what projects to be a close, hard-hitting game, the team that wins the turnover margin will have a massive advantage. Johnston’s ball security and Dowling’s ability to force takeaways will be a constant subplot.
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Quarterback Composure: How each signal-caller handles the pressure of this marquee matchup will be crucial. The Dowling QB will need to solve a confident Johnston secondary, while the Dragons’ quarterback must make smart decisions against a defense that will be hunting for momentum-shifting plays.
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Special Teams: Often the difference in a one-score game, field position, punt coverage, and field goal accuracy could ultimately decide the winner. The two points Dowling scored in the fourth quarter of their first game came via a safety, showing they can create points from defensive and special teams pressure.
Historical Context and What It Means
While the head-to-head record for this specific season is 0-0, the historical weight leans heavily toward Dowling Catholic. The Maroons have long been the gold standard in Iowa high school football. However, Johnston’s program has been on a steady ascent, and defeating Dowling would be the program’s signature win—a milestone that could change its trajectory for years to come.
For Dowling, this is about reasserting their dominance and proving that Week 1 was an anomaly. A win stabilizes their season and reinforces their identity. A loss, while not catastrophic this early, would raise questions and create a must-win scenario for the following weeks.
How to Follow the Action
Fans unable to make the trip to Valley Stadium can follow the live updates provided by our dedicated team of reporters. Johnston Lockard will be on the sideline covering the Dragons, while Brian L will provide the Maroons’ perspective. ThisScoretracker coverage ensures you won’t miss a single play, touchdown, or critical moment.
For comprehensive coverage of this game and every other major matchup across the state, be sure to bookmark our hub for Iowa High School Football events.
Prediction: A Friday Night Classic
Expect a classic, hard-nosed Iowa high school football game. Valley Stadium will be electric, and both teams will leave everything on the field. Johnston’s confidence and formidable defense will make this a grueling contest from the opening kickoff. However, Dowling Catholic’s pride and the advantage of playing at home, combined with their ingrained culture of winning, should provide the slight edge they need.
This game has all the makings of a one-score affair that comes down to the final possession. Look for the Maroons to make just enough plays in the fourth quarter to secure a hard-earned victory and even their record.
Final Score Prediction: Dowling Catholic 24, Johnston 20
No matter the result, this showdown between Johnston and Dowling Catholic is exactly why we love high school football. It’s more than just a game; it’s a test of character, preparation, and heart.
