The Iowa high school football season is only in its second week, but one of the state’s biggest rivalries is set to ignite on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7 p.m. CDT, as the Johnston Dragons face the Dowling Catholic Maroons. This marquee matchup features two of the most dominant and well-respected programs in Iowa, both looking to gain a crucial early-season advantage. Johnston is coming off a statement-making win in their season opener and will look to continue their momentum. Dowling, a team with a rich history of state championships, is seeking to bounce back from a narrow Week 1 loss. The atmosphere at Valley Stadium is sure to be electric, as these two Central Iowa powerhouses clash in a game that will not only determine bragging rights but also set the tone for their respective seasons and have significant playoff implications down the road.

Here’s what you need to know:
What: Iowa High School Football
Game: Johnston Dragons vs Dowling Maroons
Date/time: Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 — 7 p.m. CDT
Watch: Johnston vs Dowling Live (Free Trial)!

This highly anticipated game features two teams heading in opposite directions after Week 1. The Johnston Dragons started their season on a high note with a decisive 13-3 victory over Waukee.¹ This win showcased their strong defense and ability to grind out a victory, a promising sign for the 2025 season. On the other side, the Dowling Catholic Maroons are coming off a heartbreaking 19-20 loss to rival Valley.² While the loss was close, it puts the Maroons in a position where they need a big win to regain confidence. Dowling has a long history of success, and they will be motivated to prove their Week 1 loss was just a minor setback. However, Johnston’s momentum and Week 1 performance give them a significant edge. The Dragons’ defense will likely be the difference, holding off Dowling’s attempts to get their offense on track and securing a hard-fought victory.

The Dowling Catholic Maroons boast a legendary history in Iowa high school football, with a remarkable record of ten state championships since the year 2000.³ Their program is a model of sustained excellence, consistently producing top-tier talent and competing for state titles year after year. The Maroons are known for their physical, disciplined style of play that has made them a dominant force for decades. The Johnston Dragons have also established themselves as a strong program in recent years, with a history of successful seasons and frequent playoff appearances. While they may not have as many state titles as Dowling, Johnston has a proud tradition and is a perennial contender in their own right. The rivalry between these two schools is always intense, making every matchup a high-stakes affair.

Team Recent Results and Scores

Johnston Dragons Recent Results

The Dragons are off to a perfect start in the 2025 season after their impressive Week 1 victory.

Dowling Maroons Recent Results

The Maroons are looking to rebound after a tough loss in their season opener.

Johnston Dragons Upcoming Games Schedule

After this highly anticipated matchup, the Johnston Dragons will continue their 2025 season with a series of challenging district games.

Dowling Maroons Upcoming Games Schedule

The Dowling Catholic Maroons will look to bounce back and get their season on track after facing their rival, Johnston.

For fans who can’t attend the game in person at Valley Stadium, there are several ways to watch the Johnston Dragons vs Dowling Maroons football game. Due to the high-profile nature of this rivalry, it is often broadcast on local sports networks like Mediacom MC22 or streamed online. It is best to check the official athletic websites for both Johnston High School and Dowling Catholic High School for specific broadcast information. Additionally, platforms like the NFHS Network may carry the game, and sports news sites such as MaxPreps and Bound will provide live score updates.⁴ Checking the schools’ social media pages on game day can also provide real-time updates and links to any available streams.