Valley Advances Past Dallas Center-Grimes in Playoffs
Valley secured a 31-8 victory to move into the Iowa state quarterfinals.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
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Valley defeated Dallas Center-Grimes 31-8 in the Round of 16 of the Iowa high school football playoffs. The win propels Valley into the next round of the postseason.
Why it matters
The victory allows Valley to keep their championship aspirations alive in the state tournament. They now move forward to prepare for their upcoming quarterfinal opponent.
Valley quarterback Jack Tracy threw three touchdown passes and one interception, while running back Blake Dorenkamp recorded 30 carries and a 61-yard touchdown run. The victory improves Valley's postseason standing following their 7-3 regular season record.
The players
Jack Tracy
He serves as the starting quarterback for the Valley football team and accounted for three passing touchdowns in the playoff win.
Blake Dorenkamp
He is a primary running back for Valley who carried the ball 30 times and scored on a 61-yard touchdown run.
The details
Valley capitalized on turnovers, scoring a touchdown just four plays after recovering an opening-drive fumble. A fourth-quarter interception also set up another scoring drive to seal the 31-8 win.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Valley defeated Dallas Center-Grimes in the playoff matchup.
November 6, 2026: Valley is scheduled to face Johnston in the state quarterfinals.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Valley in contention for the state title as the bracket narrows to the final eight teams. The performance positions them to face Johnston in the next stage of the Iowa high school football playoffs.
Valley now moves into the state quarterfinals with a clear date against Johnston on the calendar. The victory ensures their continued presence in the postseason bracket for the upcoming week of competition.
The takeaway
Valley demonstrated efficiency by leveraging defensive turnovers into immediate points. Maintaining this turnover margin will be critical as the team advances into the competitive state quarterfinals.
What happens next
Valley will compete in the state quarterfinals against Johnston on November 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the state postseason, visit the Iowa Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Des Moines Register.
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