Sports, November 14th

By Slaten Swords · Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

Postseason High School Football

Classes A and 4A held their semifinal matchups yesterday and a majority of the games were decided before the final whistle. 

For Class A, Wapsie Valley was in complete control for a half of play, leading 7 to 6 over #2 Saint Ansgar at the break. Then the Saints broke through with three huge plays in the third quarter: an 83-yard kick return touchdown, a 90-yard touchdown pass from Porter Schwiesow to Korben Michels, and a Schwiesow 30-yard dash to the endzone as they outscored the Warriors 24 to 0 in the second half to win 31-7. 

It was the Michael Schmillen show as #1 MMCRU shut out West Sioux 28-0. Schmillen reeled in three receptions for 147 yards and three touchdowns in a truly dominating display, while the Royals defense curtailed the Falcons’ rushing attack to just 49 yards. The Class A championship contest is set for November 20th at 1 pm between Saint Ansgar and MMCRU. 

The Class 4A semifinals saw Emmanuel Diers of Pella run all over Sergeant Bluff-Luton, tallying 197 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Dutch’s 35-14 victory over the Warriors. Michael Manning added 157 yards and a touchdown through the air. 

In the closest finish of the day, Xavier’s mad dash of a second half saw Cash Parks plunge in from a yard out late in the fourth quarter to beat Newton 31-24. Parks finished with three total touchdowns in the winning effort. Caden Klein put the Cardinals on his back in the loss, amassing over 300 total yards and three touchdowns. 

Pella and Xavier will meet at 7 pm on November 20th for the Class 4A state title. 

Class 1A will play today with Grundy Center taking on Regina Catholic at 10 am and West Lyon facing off against South Hardin at 1 pm. 

The Class 5A semifinals are set for tonight with Dowling Catholic facing off against Valley at 4 pm and Waukee Northwest dueling with Iowa City Liberty at 7 pm.

The Class 2A semifinals will lead off tomorrow, November, 15th, with Osage and Van Meter playing at 10 am and Kuemper Catholic squaring off against Wilton at 1 pm. The Class 3A semifinals will follow with Bishop Heelan kicking off against Wahlert Catholic at 4 pm and Solon taking on Nevada at 7 pm.

#1 Bishop Garrigan and #2 Woodbine will meet on November 20th at 9:30 am for the Eight-Player state championship.

High School Girls’ Basketball

Mediapolis will travel to Burlington tonight for a scrimmage. 

Mt. Pleasant will host their jamboree on Monday, November 17th, with Columbus, Mediapolis, and Winfield-Mt. Union also participating.

New London will scrimmage against Fairfield and Van Buren County will take on Sigourney at a jamboree held by Cardinal on Tuesday, November 18th.

Southeastern Community College

The women’s basketball team will face off against Moberly Area Community College tomorrow, November 15th, at a tournament held by John Wood Community College. 

The men’s basketball team will travel to Olive-Harvey College tonight at 6 pm.

The men’s and women’s wrestling teams will travel to Luther College tomorrow for a tournament. 

The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) released the All-Region Teams for Division II volleyball yesterday and the Blackhawks put four on the list. 

Aviana West was named to the All-Region First Team after finishing 4th in the conference with 405 kills for the season. Finding a spot on the Second Team was Taryn Havener, as she posted 74 total blocks and 273 kills. Jacque Adair made the Third Team with 379 kills on a kill efficiency of 0.150. Fairfield alum Maddie Jones was named All-Region Honorable Mention as she amassed 793 assists for the year, adding 44 aces and 23 kills for the squad. 

College Football

#21 Iowa returns to action tomorrow, November 15th, in a road showdown against #17 USC at 2:30 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

Iowa State is now on a bye week. 

College Basketball

The #21 Iowa women’s team put on another dazzling display of offense, clobbering Drake 100-58 last night. Layla Hays collected a double-double from off the bench, cashing in for 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Hawkeyes will travel to Cedar Falls to take on UNI on Sunday, November 16th, at 2 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will host Xavier tonight at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM will be on the call.

The #16 Iowa State women’s team will face off against Norfolk State on Sunday at 1 pm.

The #16 Iowa State men’s team will compete at home against Stonehill College on Monday, November 17th, at 7 pm. KILJ 98.5 FM and AM 1130 will be on the call.

This Day in Sports History

1943 – Sid Luckman became the first passer in NFL history to eclipse the 400-yard plateau when he threw for 433 yards and 7 touchdowns in his team’s 56-7 rout of the New York Giants.

1993 – Don Shula became the winningest coach in NFL history when the Dolphins defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 19-14, at the old Veteran Stadium. The victory was the 325th of Shula’s career.

2018 – New York Mets pitcher Jacob DeGrom wins the NL Cy Young Award; his 10 wins were the fewest ever by a Cy Young winner in a non-strike-shortened season.

Mount Pleasant Chorale to Present “Lessons and Carols” on December 6

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 5:40 am CDT

The Mount Pleasant Chorale, accompanied by the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, will present its annual Lessons and Carols program on Saturday, December 6, offering the community a chance to step into the spirit of the season with music and scripture. 

The event will take place at the First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant, beginning at 3 p.m. Admission is free, with a free-will donation accepted to support future performances. 

Lessons and Carols is a long-held tradition for many choirs across the country, blending Biblical readings with choral arrangements and instrumental selections. The program typically reflects themes of hope, anticipation, and celebration leading into the Christmas season. 

Organizer Blair Buffington says the Chorale looks forward to bringing this meaningful musical experience to the community once again. 

For more information, community members may contact the Mount Pleasant Chorale at mountpleasantchorale@gmail.com 

New London High School Presents “Game of Tiaras” This Weekend

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 5:39 am CDT

The New London High School Masqued Tigers are gearing up to delight audiences with their fall production of Game of Tiaras, a fast-paced and hilarious parody written by Don Zolidis. The show brings together classic fairy-tale characters and the dramatic flair of a fantasy epic, resulting in a performance full of comedy, twists, and over-the-top royal theatrics.

Join the Masqued Tigers for one of their performances on November 14th at 7:00 p.m., and on November 15th at 2:00 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. The Saturday evening performance is also Senior Night, recognizing the hard-working seniors who have contributed their talent and leadership to the program.

All performances will be held in the New London High School Auditorium. Tickets are available online and can also be purchased at the door. Please note that passes are not accepted for this production.

Game of Tiaras is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc., and showcases the dedication of New London’s student actors, technical crew, and directors. With its clever humor and high-energy cast, the show promises a fun night out for families, students, and community members alike.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this royal comedy on stage and support the talented performers of New London High School!

SNAP Recipients: November Benefits Now Being Issued

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 5:09 am CDT

If you receive SNAP benefits in Iowa, the Department of Health and Human Services says your November benefits are now being released following the end of the federal government shutdown. Many Iowans may see their balance as early as tonight, with all benefits expected to be available within the next several days.

The 43-day government shutdown had delayed November payments, but with federal agencies reopened, the USDA has authorized states to resume distribution. Iowa HHS says their team is moving quickly to make sure every eligible household receives its benefits as soon as possible.

HHS Director Larry Johnson says the state is grateful to get this support flowing again and thanked volunteers who helped food banks and pantries meet the increased need during the shutdown.

Governor Kim Reynolds also recognized the community support that kept families fed during the delay. Iowa’s six regional food banks have now met the state’s $1 million donation match challenge—funds that helped purchase food, expand distribution, and support local pantries in all 99 counties.

SNAP recipients are encouraged to check their EBT card balances to see when their November benefits are available and visit hhs.iowa.gov/snap for updates.

Karen Brown

By Hayden Douglas · Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 5:02 am CDT

A celebration of life luncheon for Karen Brown, New London, who died October 13, 2025, will be held at Dover Museum, from 11am-2pm, Saturday,
November 15, 2025.

online condolences can be sent to Elliotfuneralchapel.com

Aviana West Headlines ICCAC’s All-Region Division II Volleyball Honors for Southeastern Community College

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 4:35 pm CDT

West Burlington, IA- The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) released the All-Region and special awards for Division II Volleyball today and Southeastern Community College (SCC) placed four on the list.

1St Team

Aviana West was the lone selection from SCC to make the 1st Team. The Burlington Notre Dame alum was phenomenal in her sophomore season, finishing 4th in the conference in kills with 405 for the season and playing stellar defense with 398 digs.

2nd Team

Taryn Havener, a middle blocker, lived up to the position as she second on the team with 74 total blocks and fourth on the team with 273 kills.

3rd Team

The freshman outside hitter, Jacque Adair, made the 3rd team with a kill efficiency of 0.150 leading to her finishing second on the team with 379 kills. She added 33 blocks, 50 aces, and 494 digs to the all-around effort.

Honorable Mention

Maddie Jones, the Fairfield graduate, made the team as a setter. The sophomore led the team with 793 assists for the season, contributing 44 aces and 23 kills to the squad.

Henry County K9 Axel Retires After Years of Dedicated Service

By Hayden Douglas · Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 12:28 pm CDT

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the well-earned retirement of K9 Axel, who officially signed off for his final 10-42 at 12:06 p.m. on November 13, 2025.

Since joining the force in 2021, K9 Axel has served as an invaluable partner to his handler, Deputy Scott Bell. The bond between a K9 and their handler is unlike any other, built on trust, dedication, and shared purpose—and the strength of that partnership has been evident throughout Axel’s years of service.

Together, Deputy Bell and K9 Axel have formed a formidable team, responding to countless calls across Henry County. During his career, Axel played a vital role in detecting narcotics, tracking fleeing suspects, locating missing persons, and assisting in the arrest of dangerous offenders. His intelligence, discipline, and unwavering loyalty made him an indispensable member of the department and the community he served.

As K9 Axel hangs up his leash and begins a well-deserved retirement, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt gratitude for his courage and commitment to public safety.

“We wish you a retirement filled with rest, playtime, and plenty of treats—you’ve earned every bit of it.” – HCSD

Southeastern Community College’s Henrique Vieira Named ICCAC Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year and More Awards

By Slaten Swords · Thursday, November 13th, 2025 at 11:36 am CDT

West Burlington, IA- The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) released the All-Region and special awards for Division II Men’s and Women’s Soccer and Southeastern Community College (SCC) put 11 total Blackhawks on the list, including a Coach of the Year honor.

Men’s Team

The men’s SCC team finished the season 12-3-3, going undefeated at home in nine contests and finishing as the runner-up in the Region 11 tournament.

Helping the Blackhawks soar to their best season since 2020—a year that ended in the program’s first national title—was their trio of First Team All-Region athletes in Angel Frias, Louey Franks, and Yota Ishikawa.

Frias led the team in goals with nine and points with 21 for the season. Franks netted four goals, while Ishikawa claimed six goals and five assists for 17 points, which was second-best on the team.

Finding spots on the Second Team was a trio of midfielders: Tom Nhommasith, Tomas Raposo, and Johsua Barboza. Nhommasith assisted on three goals, while Raposo tied with Ishikawa for the team lead in assists with five.

Barboza put together a solid season of scoring goals with seven on the season, finishing with 15 points for the year.

Gregory Zuniga and Pelayo Alonso were named All-Region Honorable Mentions.

In his first season at the helm, Henrique Vieira earned ICCAC Division II Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year for leading the Blackhawks to the Division II championship game, collecting a 7-1-2 conference record, and being ranked as high as #5 in the NJCAA rankings.

Women’s Team

Anna Infantino led the honors for the Blackhawks as the midfielder was named Second Team All-Region. The sophomore finished the season with two assists.

Servane Veyrac was a scoring machine for SCC as the sophomore forward led the team with nine goals on the season and contributed two assists for a team-leading 20 points.

The women’s team finished with a 3-13 record with all three wins coming at home.