CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KCRG) - The Lightning ended the drought - they are the first 5A Eastern Iowa team to play in the football state title game.

But Iowa City Liberty couldn’t end the much longer drought: Since 2009, no Eastern Iowa team has won the championship in the state’s largest class (either 4A or 5A). The streak will last another year, as Dowling Catholic took care of Liberty 27-10.

The Lightning - in the UNI-Dome for the second straight year - had beaten Southeast Polk and Waukee Northwest to get to the title game. But they fell into an early hole in the state finals and could not dig themselves out.

Quarterback Reece Rettig threw for 139 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Wide receiver Adrian Clerry had 66 yards on six receptions, catching Liberty’s only TD.

Ian Middleton

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