Sioux City Bishop Heelan and Williamsburg advanced to the Iowa Class 3A football championship game with victories in Saturday’s semifinals at the UNI-Dome.
Heelan defeated Creston, 16-13, while Williamsburg beat Solon, 45-14.
Heelan, which won just one game in its previous three seasons, reached the state championship game for the first time since 2004. Williamsburg, which finished as the Class 2A runner-up last season, will be making its first appearance in the Class 3A championship game.
In the Heelan-Creston game, the Crusaders scored on three of their first four drives, but were held scoreless in the second half. Creston got as close as 16-13 with six minutes remaining, but Heelan was able to run out the clock.
Heelan’s Ricky Feauto led the team with 99 rushing yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Quinn Olson added 67 rushing yards and a touchdown.
In the Williamsburg-Solon game, the Raiders took advantage of eight turnovers to cruise to victory. Williamsburg picked off four passes and recovered four fumbles.
Williamsburg’s Rayce Heitman had a big game on both sides of the ball. He finished with six catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding an interception, a pass breakup, 13 tackles, and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Williamsburg quarterback Derek Weisskopf completed just 12 passes, but he threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns.
The Iowa Class 3A football championship game will be played at 1 p.m. Friday at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.