Reivers, Blue Dragons Meet Again With NJCAA Crown on the Line

Council Bluffs, IA

For Iowa Western, the NJCAA Playoffs have become familiar territory — and so have rematches on college football's biggest junior college stage.

For the second time in three seasons, and the third time overall in the NJCAA Division I Championship Game era, the Reivers will face Hutchinson when the nation's top two teams square off Wednesday night in Canyon, Texas. The 2025 NJCAA Division I Football Championship Game kicks off Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. CST, featuring the top ranked Blue Dragons (11-0) and the #2 Reivers (11-1), poll positions they've held the entirety of the season.

As has often been the case, this season's regular-season meeting served as a preview rather than a finale when Hutchinson edged Iowa Western 30-27 at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson, Kansas in Week Three. The difference in the game came down to one extraordinary moment — a Hutchinson blocked extra point that was returned for two points, accounting for the entire three-point margin of victory. Otherwise, the game was even throughout, featuring lead changes, explosive plays, and late-game drama that mirrored many of the recent meetings between the two programs.

The loss may have been on Iowa Western's side, but it did little to separate the two teams nationally, as both powered through the remainder of their schedules and advanced to the championship game with convincing postseason wins. The Reivers have won 10 straight with only three games finishing with an opponent within two scores while Hutchinson, winners of 14 in a row dating back to October of 2024, with only two contests seeing the final tally within two scores.

Iowa Western and Hutchinson now meet for the 13th time all-time, with the series tilted toward the Blue Dragons by a pair of games. While the Reivers won four of the first five meetings, the Blue Dragons have controlled recent regular-season matchups, winning four of the last five outside of Iowa Western's dominant 31-0 victory in the 2022 NJCAA National Championship Game.

The series has been defined by close margins and high stakes. Two of the last six meetings have been decided by one point, while four of the last six were one-score games. Five of those six matchups have featured both teams inside the top five of the rankings and Wednesday's championship will mark the seventh straight meeting with either Iowa Western or Hutchinson ranked #1 in the nation.

IOWA WESTERN VS. HUTCHINSON

SERIES HISTORY (since 2022, overall Hutchinson leads 7-6)

*NJCAA Division 1 National Championship Game

Overall the series has featured seven Top-5 Matchups, 10 ranked matchups and six one score finishes with three other two score games. The Reivers have been ranked in every meeting against the Blue Dragons. The largest margin of victory in the series came in Iowa Western's 31-0 win in the 2022 national title game. The Reivers have also won games by margins of 24 and 20, while Hutchinson's largest margin of victory was 14 in the 42-28 Hutchinson victory during the 2023 regular season.

While the championship game represents the final hurdle of the season, Iowa Western has extensive experience navigating same-season rematches. Dating back to the program's early years, the Reivers have frequently faced opponents twice — both in conference play and postseason action.

Overall, Iowa Western is 8-0 in same-season regular-season rematches and 4-2 in playoff rematches against teams they previously faced during the regular season. When combining regular season and playoff games against the same opponent in a single season, the Reivers own an impressive 24-5 record.

REGULAR SEASON / PLAYOFF REMATCHES

* Midwest Football Conference Playoffs
** NJCAA Playoff Era
*** NJCAA Division I National Championship Game

Wednesday night's championship also features two of the most respected coaches in the NJCAA. Iowa Western's Scott Strohmeier, in his 17th season at the helm, continues to maintain one of the nation's most consistent programs and is nearing his 200th game coached in Council Bluffs (this will be game 196). Hutchinson head coach Drew Dallas, now in his sixth year, has guided the Blue Dragons to sustained national prominence, losing just a handful of games during his tenure while returning Hutchinson to championship contention once again.

On the field, the matchup showcases two complete teams. Iowa Western's offense has been among the nation's most balanced units, while the Reivers' "Darkside" defense has continued in 2025 to deliver the stingy results the unit has become known for. Hutchinson counters with a physical rushing attack and one of the most efficient defenses in the NJCAA. Both teams have specialized in takeaways, with Hutchinson holding a +22 advantage and IWCC ahead +13. The two teams have combined for 10 defensive scores (IW 6, HCC 4) and four other special teams scores. Each team has converted blocked extra points into points on special teams as well.

BY THE NUMBERS

Per-Game Averages

TELEVISION / RADIO COVERAGE

The 2025 NJCAA Division I Football Championship Game will be televised nationally on ESPNU and broadcast locally and to Reivers' fans on Iowa Western's flagship radio station, 89.7 The River. The Reiver Sports Network's call can also be found on the official athletics website with the return of the RSN's 'Booth Cam'. Listeners outside the Council Bluffs and Omaha metro area can stream the broadcast via 89.7 The Rivers' mobile app or by selecting the Listen Live option on the station's website.

A reminder that outside of ESPN and 89.7 The River / RSN Booth Cam any link posted is an attempt to get fans to enter their personal information. DO NOT CLICK THOSE LINKS.