Solon, entering the field in the season-opener against Mount Vernon, faces its toughest test yet Friday when it plays third-ranked Regina in Iowa City. (Crystal LoGiudice/The Gazette)

Showdowns abound in Week 8 of the prep football season Friday, the night in which co-leaders collide in six area districts:

• In Class 3A District 4: Maquoketa (7-0, 5-0) at Marion (7-0, 5-0).
• In 2A-4: North Fayette (7-0, 5-0) at Cascade (7-0, 5-0).
• In 2A-5: Solon (7-0, 5-0) at Iowa City Regina (7-0, 5-0).
• In 2A-6: Mid-Prairie (6-1, 5-0) at Davis County (6-1, 5-0).
• In A-4: Elkader Central (7-0, 5-0) at Wapsie Valley (6-1, 5-0).
• And in Eight Man-4: Lansing Kee (6-1, 5-0) at Preston (7-0, 5-0).

In each case, both teams have nailed down bids to the postseason. Tonight’s games are about district championships.

“That means a lot to us,” said Marion Coach Tony Perkins. “Our No. 1 goal every year is to win our district. And to go 9-0 is very important. You can never take away 9-0.”

The Indians captured a showdown last week, defeating previously unbeaten Union, 37-9, on the road. They rewarded themselves with a game that’s even bigger.

More: A quick glance at the key prep football matchups

“I don’t think we’ll have any trouble getting up again,” Perkins said. “This is a special group of guys. They understand the big picture.”

In terms of state rankings, the Solon-Regina is the sexiest matchup. Top-rated Solon has won 34 consecutive games and two straight state titles. Regina is rated No. 3.

“Thirty-four straight wins, that’s truly amazing,” said Regina Coach Marv Cook. “As a high school athlete or coach, this is an opportunity you live for. Solon is a benchmark of how it should be done. It will be a great challenge.”

Both teams have been dominant through seven games. Solon averages 46.6 points per game, Regina 32.1.

And both allow about 5 points per game.

“We’re not going to stop them over and over,” Cook said. “Offensively, we’ve got to do some good things — we need to score some points and we need to keep their offense off the field.”

Like Marion, North Fayette puts a great deal of importance into district titles. The Hawks are going after their sixth in a row.
“It’s a big deal up here,” said Coach Ron Lape.

North Fayette is prolific offensively, scoring 50 points or more on five occasions this season. Tanner Mork and Tom Nesvik have combined for nearly 1,600 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns.

Cascade counters with Evan Ressler, who has rushed for 1,021 yards and accumulated 44 tackles.