Iowa high school football: Make your 2018 first-round playoff picks

Playoffs? You're talkin' … playoffs?

Oh, yes.

The 2018 high school football postseason has finally arrived, at long last, which means the winners advance and the losers go home.

Of course, that also means it's time to make our postseason picks.

Below are five first-round games we selected for you to pick this week. We have a good mix of large-school and small-school contests.

My record, heading into the playoffs, is 30-15. The readers stand at 27-18.

No. 8 Johnston vs. No. 10 Cedar Rapids Prairie

Summary: Arguably the most intriguing first-round matchup in Class 4A, both teams are coming off of competitive Week 9 losses that decided their respective district titles. The Dragons playing at home could be a big factor here.

No. 5 Dowling Catholic vs. No. 9 Fort Dodge

Summary: This Fort Dodge team is as dangerous as they come, with Drake Miller leading that high-flying offense. But the Maroons thrive in the postseason, and if anybody can find a way to shut down the Dodgers, it'd be Dowling coach Tom Wilson.

No. 7 Waukee vs. Urbandale

Summary: Waukee gets to host this contest by virtue of last week's thrilling 31-30 victory over Johnston. Urbandale has rounded into form, winning six of seven games after starting 0-2. But that Warrior offense is no joke.

Class 3A: No. 1 Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. No. 8 Pella

Summary: These two teams have combined for some intense games the last couple of years. The Dutch bested Xavier in a wild state semifinal game in 2016, then the Saints returned the favor in last season's state title match. This game should be a doozy.

Class 1A: No. 1 Van Meter vs. Sumner-Fredericksburg

Summary: The top-ranked Bulldogs begin their title defense with a home game against Sumner-Fredericksburg. Van Meter has rolled up everybody it's played so far this season, but Sumner has a defense that can take it far in the postseason.