2020 Football Schedules Released For Fort Dodge and St. Edmond

When a football schedule is released it gives off excitement, it’s that “light at the end of the tunnel” feeling. It signifies that even though it’s off the season there is something to look forward to. The 2020 schedule will feature changes for virtually everyone in the state with the IAHSAA doing district realignment and going away from district play determining the playoff field in 4A this year. The 4A teams have been grouped with certain teams by the IAHSAA but the 16 team playoff field for 4A will be determined strictly on the RPI formula. That formula factors in your record, the record of your opponents and the record of the teams your opponents play. The other classes will still have traditional district play and district champs will earn an automatic bid to the playoffs with the rpi determining the rest.

Fort Dodge will open the “Nik Moser Era” at Dodger Stadium August 28th hosting Ames. The Dodgers handled Ames on the road in 2019 thanks in part to a 3 TD performance by Dayson Clayton. The Dodgers then are on the road at Mason City in the battle of the Decker Trophy, as Fort Dodge will be looking for its 17th straight win in the rivalry. The next two are a road trip to Sioux City North and a home tilt with Carroll. The Dodgers finish September with a roadie to take on 2019 State Quarterfinal Qualifier Ankeny and D-I WR prospect Brody Brecht. October features a home tilt with Sioux City East, a roadie to 2019 State Quarterfinal Qualifier Urbandale and a home title with Waterloo West. The Dodger finish the regular season at the defending 4A State Champions Dowling Catholic on Oct. 23rd. The Dodger will not play Marshalltown in 2020 due to the IAHSAA’s district realignment, the two teams have met every year but one since 1968.

The St. Edmond schedule has also been released. The Gaels will open Aug. 28th on the road at Eagle Grove a team they beat in 2019. The next two are home titles for the Gaels, they will play host to Clarion-Goldfield-Dows and Ogden. They’ll round out Sept on the road at Madrid and at home vs North Union. The Gaels beat North Union scoring with a TD pass in the final 30 seconds last year. October is the “meat” of the schedule for St. Edmond they’ll take on defending state champs West Hancock on the road to open the month. Then host local rival Manson NW Webster and look to avenge a loss to the Cougars from last year. St. Edmond travels to Alta-Aurelia and closes the regular season Oct. 23rd at Bishop Garrigan.