Rematch: Cedar Rapids Washington vs. Cedar Falls in one Class 4A Semi-Finals Football Matchup

One team will end the season tonight in the UNI-Dome, as Cedar Rapids Washington (11-1) meets Cedar Falls (11-1) in the 2nd game of the Class 4A Semi-Final Football Playoffs. Ankeny (11-1) and West Des Moines Valley (12-0) meet in the first game.

Washington and Cedar Falls opened the season verses one another in the Dome back in August. Washington won 28-9, taking control of the game in the 2nd half on Cedar Falls home field.

What is the magic number on defense? Is it 25 points, as a friend recently suggested?

Here our my keys to the game:

1. Turnovers (The Gazette had an article today highlighting Washington +16 turnover margin in '08)
2. Momentum (Washington is playing on Cedar Falls' home field)
3. Control of the line of scrimmage (line play is always important in football - especially in the playoffs)

The Gazette highlighted the following in today's edition:

"These teams met in their season-openers in late August with Washington
winning, 28-9, at the UNI-Dome. Cedar Falls has won 11 straight since behind a
defense that posted five shutouts during those 11 wins. LBs Jeff Hanson and Jeff
Conrad, and DB Jake Farley lead that defense. QB Kyle Bernard has passed for
1,328 yards and 17 TDs and RB Jay Brummell has rushed for 1,179 and 17 TDs.
Washington has won 10 straight and boasts the second highest scoring
differential in 4A at 25.2 ppg. Fellow semifinalist W.D.M. Valley leads 4A
at 31.2 ppg. The Warriors’ explosive offense averages 454 yards and 37.8 points
per game. QB Wyatt Suess has passed for 2,886 yards and 23 TDs. WR Keenan
Davis has 45 catches for 740 yards and 6 TDs despite missing all or parts of six
games with an injury. Junior TB Andre Dawson has rushed for 1,422 yards and 25
TDs." - The Gazette

It's hard to pin point any one thing. It's a classic match up of Washington's offensive skill vs. Cedar Falls' and their defense. One real factor that could be interesting to watch is Washington's offense in a weather controlled Dome, as opposed the the mud and rain of several games this fall outdoors.

cidsports' prediction:

Cedar Rapids Washington 42

Cedar Falls 24

peace