Take Five: Solon proves why it's No. 1 in Class 3A; I.C. West dominates home opener

SOLON, Ia. — The Regina-Solon rivalry is one of the best in the state, drawing packed bleachers and sardine-can press boxes every year.

If it's possible, though, Friday night's contest between the two eastern Iowa giants felt bigger than usual. For one thing, each team is ranked No. 1 in its class.

But here's really why things were extra on edge: If Regina lost, it would be the program's first three-game losing streak since way before QuikStats began. 

Well, all anxiety evaporated pretty quickly ... for the home team. Solon dominated this game from whistle to whistle. Its defense looked as good as advertised, holding Regina to zero points on fewer than 70 yards in the first half. And its offense, which couldn't do much of anything last week against Mount Vernon, exploded for 33 points, including 27 in the first half.

With this performance, Solon proved it deserves its No. 1 ranking in Class 3A and showed why — even with Pella and its 42-game win streak coming into Friday — the Spartans are the team to beat in 3A. They also shut out Drew Adams and the Mount Vernon Mustangs, 19-0, last week.

"It means a lot. We've been on the other end of a couple of these (games vs. Regina) for a couple years," Solon coach Kevin Miller said. "And so to be on the other end in a positive way feels pretty good.

"We've been disciplined these first two weeks against pretty prolific offenses, so I couldn't be more pleased."

The Regals got their first shutout loss since 2008 — when Solon beat them, 27-0.

"Man, just to be a part of that is amazing," running back Hunter Kula said. "I love it."

Kula, filling in for injured Kendrick Harris, rushed for 18-yard and 79-yard touchdowns in the first half.

Cam Miller also ran the ball effectively and sure didn't resemble a sophomore throwing the ball. He tossed a gorgeous 39-yard dime to Ben Krutzfeldt to close the first quarter. He added 2-yard screen touchdown to Coal Flansberg in the second, and another touchdown pass to Krutzfeldt in the fourth.

Per usual with a dominant Solon win, the Spartans added a score off a turnover. Adam Bock intercepted Michael Conlon seconds after Miller's 2-yard touchdown pass and returned the pick 35 yards for the score.

Regina won this contest, 34-0, last year. It had won six of the past nine meetings. Before Friday it had outscored Solon, 215-142, since 2008, and 208-73 since 2010.

Domination for Trojans

The Iowa City West team that showed up in quarters two, three and four last week against Southeast Polk has a very real shot to dethrone Dowling Catholic as the Class 4A champs. The Iowa City West from that game’s first quarter will struggle to win anything.

Firing on all cylinders all game long was a main focus during practice this week, receiver Traevis Buchanan said. At least in Week 2, the No. 2 Trojans achieved their goal.

They dominated visiting Muscatine, 21-0, in the first quarter and controlled their way to a 51-3 win in their home opener.

During practice this week, quarterback Evan Flitz said the difference in performance would come down to West’s execution.

"We had the focus and we had the effort in Week 1. Our execution and attention to detail (were lacking)," said Flitz, who threw four touchdown passes against Muscatine. "It’s something we’ve looked at in practice — starting strong and starting fast."

This might look like a simple blowout for the Trojans. But it was much more than that. These guys are ranked second in the state. They’re a preseason favorite, a sure-fire contender and a team you expect to make the state playoffs.

Teams like that need to make statements in so-called "easy games." Cedar Rapids Kennedy did it with a 50-6 win over the Muskies last week. Now, West has done the same.

West Liberty back on the horse

Remember when West Liberty committed four turnovers and 11 penalties for 115 yards in a 35-20 loss to West Branch last week? So do the Comets, and apparently, they really don't want to lose that way again.

In the bounce-back of all bounce-backs, West Liberty throttled Class 1A Highland, 62-7, Friday night.

This was a precise, clean win for the Comets, after little of anything looked precise or clean last week.

West Liberty opens district play with a significant home contest against Mid-Prairie. The Golden Hawks and Comets are the two teams most likely to knock off Mount Vernon or Williamsburg in their district.

Lions continue strong start

Lone Tree passed a significant test Friday, besting HLV Victor, 39-24. That pushes the Lions to 3-0 on the young season.

Victor's only offense was a kickoff return for a touchdown in the first half. Lone Tree led, 18-6, at the break. Quarterback Harmon Miller had a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown in the second half. And Brock Smith added a 55-yard touchdown pass, too.

The Lions hosts Springville next Friday.

Rough home opener for Little Hawks

City High fell to No. 10 Pleasant Valley, 35-0, in its home opener. 

The Little Cy-Hawk game against Ames awaits City next week. The two teams are in similar situations: Both opened with impressive wins (Ames beat Marshalltown, 43-13, last week) before falling decisively to a ranked opponent; No. 9 Cedar Falls beat Ames, 65-7, Friday night.

The Hawkeyes will be favored in the college game over at Jack Trice Stadium. It looks like a wash right now as to who will be favored in the high school game.

Other area scores

West Branch 30, West Burlington/Notre Dame 6

Washington 55, Mid-Prairie 7

Independence 35, Clear Creek Amana 7

Matthew Bain covers preps, recruiting and the Hawkeyes for the Iowa City Press-Citizen, The Des Moines Register and HawkCentral. Contact him at mbain@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @MatthewBain_.