Dream Come True: HS Football Teams Will Open at Kinnick Stadium
For many high school football players who grew up in the state of Iowa, Kinnick Stadium is the mecca of the sport. Some of the greatest to ever do it in a Hawkeye uniform played there -- Chuck Long, Bob Sanders, Brad Banks, Dallas Clark, Tim Dwight, Nate Kaeding, Ricky Stanzi, Marvin McNutt, I could go on and on and on.
For Iowa City High and Liberty High in Iowa City, they'll get to play on the same field as some of their heroes growing up.
Dubbed the "Clash at Kinnick," the two rival schools will face off on Friday, August 26 on the Hawkeye's home turf.
The last time a high school football game was played in Kinnick was almost 50 years ago when the 1A and 4A championship games were in 1975.
The release shared by City High said this: “50 years later, the Little Hawks are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a little part of Kinnick Stadium’s rich history. We will swarm, we will wave, and we will be back in black!”
Last season, the Little Hawks posted a record of 10-2. They return their leading passer Drew Larson, who threw for 1,346 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.
Iowa football and wrestling commit Ben Kueter also returns after leading City high in tackles last season with 101. He also registered 11.5 sacks and 41 tackles for a loss. Offensively, Kueter caught 24 passes for 369 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021.
Liberty also returns their leading passer from last season in Tye Hughes who threw for 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns. Second-leading tackler from last season, Christian Barney, also returns. He racked up 57.5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 7.5 TFL.
In their matchup in 2021, City High defeated the Lightning 41-0 at Liberty's home field.
This will be the fifth time the two teams have met -- the series thus far is tied at 2-2.
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