Sports : Football Week 9 preview: Benton, Union secure playoff spots

Vinton-Shellsburg will wrap up its 2015 season with the long road trip to Cresco to face Crestwood, just a few miles south of the Minnesota border.

The Vikings and Cadets have identical records (2-6 overall, 1-4 in Class 3A District 3).

Football programs throughout the state will learn their new district assignments early in 2016. The 2016 and 2017 schedules will be identical, but the home games the first year will be away games the next. Many coaches have expressed concern about traveling distances, such as the two-hour trip between Vinton and Cresco.

Playoff picture:

Two area teams have already earned a spot in post-season play. Benton Community, which V-S defeated in Week 1, and Union (La Porte City/Dysart) enter the final week assured of making the play-offs.

The Bobcats are 5-3 overall and 3-2 in district play heading into the regular season finale vs. Gilbert, the district leader. Even if Benton loses, the Bobcats have already earned the 4th spot in Class 3A, District 6.

A 49-48 win over Iowa Falls-Alden in Week 7 and a 41-21 win over Roldand Story made the difference for Union. Despite losing all three of its non-district contests, the Knights are 3-2 in Class 2A District 6, behind Aplington-Parkersburg and South Tama, and one game ahead of IFA and Roland Story in District standings. The Union victories would give them the tie-breaker even if they lose this week.

"We have the third spot locked up no matter what happens Friday," said Union coach Joe Hadachek.

Center Point-Urbana, began the season ranked among the Top 10 in Class 2A, but is now 4-4 on the season and 2-3 in district play. CPU is currently in 5th place in Class 2A District 3, one game behind New Hampton. A five-point loss to 4th place New Hampton means CPU would lose the tie-breaker, even if they win and New Hampton loses this week.

This is the last year for a 32-team play-off system, in which the top four teams in each district advance to the post-season. Next year, the Iowa High School Athletic Association will revert to the 16-team format used before changing to the 32-team system a few years ago.