The Iowa high school football scene is buzzing with anticipation as two local rivals, the West Branch Bears and the Regina Regals, are set to face off on Friday, September 5, 2025.1 This highly anticipated non-conference game, a battle for bragging rights and local supremacy, is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. CDT kickoff in Iowa City.2 Both teams are coming off impressive season-opening victories and are eager to continue their winning ways. The West Branch Bears, with a perfect 1-0 record, are looking to build on a dominant 35-21 victory over West Liberty.3 The Bears have a new head coach this year and their power running offense showed impressive results in the first game, racking up 372 rushing yards.4 Meanwhile, the Regina Regals, also with a perfect 1-0 record, are coming off a 42-20 win over Wilton.5 The Regals, a team with a history of winning state championships, are known for their high-powered offense and are eager to defend their home turf.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Iowa High School Football
Game: West Branch Bears vs Regina Regals
Date/time: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 — 7 p.m. CDT
Watch: West Branch vs Regina Live (Free Trial)!
Who will win this matchup?
This game is a fascinating clash between two programs with a history of success. The West Branch Bears are coming into this game with a perfect 1-0 record, having shown off a potent new power-run offense in their season opener.6 The Bears’ running game, led by their senior running back, is capable of wearing down any defense. The Regina Regals, with a perfect 1-0 record, are also a formidable opponent. They are known for their high-powered offense and have a history of winning big games, including a state championship in 2020.7 Regina will have the home-field advantage and a passionate crowd to fuel their momentum. While West Branch’s new offense is impressive, Regina’s program has a history of winning big games, and they have a psychological edge after defeating West Branch 28-10 in 2024.8 Given Regina’s recent success and their home-field advantage, they have a significant edge in this matchup. Expect a close and physical battle, but the Regals should be able to secure the victory.
Two team records and history
The rivalry between the West Branch Bears and the Regina Regals is one of the most significant in Iowa high school football. The two teams have a long history of playing each other, with many of their games being highly competitive and consequential. Buchholz has dominated the recent matchups, having won the last 11 games in the series. In their last two meetings, the Bobcats won by scores of 42-7 and 35-7. Both programs have a rich history of success. The West Branch Bears are a perennial powerhouse, having won a state championship in 1990 and making it to the state semifinals for the last four seasons. The Eastside Rams also have a proud history, having made it to the playoffs for the last three seasons and showing significant improvement under their current coach. This game isn’t just about the final score, but also about the history and bragging rights that come with being the top team in Gainesville.
Team Recent Results list, score
The West Branch Bears and the Regina Regals have had strong starts to their 2025 seasons, with each team winning their first game.9
West Branch Bears Recent Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Aug. 29, 2025 | vs. West Liberty | W | 35-21 |
Regina Regals Recent Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Aug. 29, 2025 | at Wilton | W | 42-20 |
West Branch Bears team upcoming games schedule
Following their game against the Regina Regals, the West Branch Bears will face a demanding schedule with several key regional matchups on the horizon.
| Date | Opponent | Time (CDT) | Location |
| Sep. 12, 2025 | vs. Camanche | 7:00 p.m. | West Branch High School |
| Sep. 19, 2025 | at Monticello | 7:00 p.m. | Monticello High School |
| Sep. 26, 2025 | vs. Alburnett | 7:00 p.m. | West Branch High School |
| Oct. 3, 2025 | at Bellevue | 7:00 p.m. | Bellevue High School |
| Oct. 10, 2025 | vs. Maquoketa Valley | 7:00 p.m. | West Branch High School |
| Oct. 17, 2025 | at Midland | 7:00 p.m. | Midland High School |
Regina Regals team upcoming games schedule
The Regina Regals will have a challenging schedule after their contest with the West Branch Bears, with a number of key in-state matchups as they look to maintain their winning streak.
| Date | Opponent | Time (CDT) | Location |
| Sep. 12, 2025 | vs. Alburnett | 7:00 p.m. | Regina High School |
| Sep. 19, 2025 | at Cardinal | 7:00 p.m. | Cardinal High School |
| Sep. 26, 2025 | vs. Durant | 7:00 p.m. | Regina High School |
| Oct. 3, 2025 | at Sigourney-Keota | 7:00 p.m. | Sigourney-Keota High School |
| Oct. 10, 2025 | at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont | 7:00 p.m. | Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont High School |
| Oct. 17, 2025 | vs. Louisa-Muscatine | 7:00 p.m. | Regina High School |
For fans who want to follow the West Branch Bears live, there are several options available. The West Branch football program has its own online broadcast, “The BearCast,” which live-streams regular-season varsity home games for free on the West Branch Football YouTube channel.10 You can also listen to the games on the Mixlr app. For live score updates and game information, you can check out platforms like Sports Illustrated High School, MaxPreps, and the official West Branch High School athletics website. These websites provide real-time updates and game recaps.
For fans who want to follow the Regina Regals live, there are a few options available. You can check for live streams or broadcasts on local Iowa sports networks. For live score updates and game information, you can check out platforms like MaxPreps and Sports Illustrated High School. MaxPreps also often has a feature that allows users to provide live updates from the game.11 Additionally, the official Regina High School athletics website and social media channels may provide real-time updates during the game.
