Iowa Western football secures its third national championship.
Reported by Des Moines Register staff.

On Wednesday, the Iowa Western football team dominated East Mississippi in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I championship game, securing a resounding 61-14 victory. The Reivers concluded the season with an impressive 12-1 record following the blowout triumph in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Hunter Watson and Jonathan Humpal each accumulated 108 rushing yards, spearheading the Reivers’ ground attack. Iowa Western showcased a significant advantage in rushing yards, amassing 335 compared to East Mississippi’s 56. The Reivers concluded the game with a total of 553 yards, outperforming East Mississippi’s 317.

Watson demonstrated versatility by also passing for 204 yards, contributing to five touchdowns in the game. His outstanding performance earned him the title of National Championship MVP.

LJ Fitzpatrick emerged as the leading receiver for Iowa Western with six receptions, covering a total of 91 yards. Latrell Bonner contributed with five catches, gaining 65 yards. The Reivers’ formidable defense limited East Mississippi to just one touchdown and forced them to punt eight times.

As the No. 2 overall seed entering the playoffs, Iowa Western’s sole season loss was to the No. 1 seed Hutchinson. The Reivers showcased their dominance by outscoring their opponents in the semifinal and championship games, accumulating a combined score of 108-21.

This report received contributions from the National Junior College Athletic Association’s media relations department.