For the first time in school history, Norwalk Football will compete in the state’s largest division – Class 5A – for at least the next two seasons. 

The Iowa High School Athletic Association announced the latest football classifications this past winter, using school enrollment numbers and each school’s free and reduced lunch percentages to determine the final classifications. The largest 36 schools are placed in Class 5A, and Norwalk currently ranks 36th on the list.

As a result, the Warrior football team’s schedule for 2025 and 2026 will consist entirely of 5A opponents. Norwalk has been assigned to Group 1 of Class 5A along with Des Moines East, Iowa City High, Ottumwa, Southeast Polk and Waukee Northwest. However, the 16 playoff berths in 5A will be based entirely on RPI rankings.

In addition to their five Group 1 opponents, the Warriors will also play Indianola, Sioux City East, Ames and Urbandale during the next two seasons.

Norwalk Activities Director Josh Tobey tells KNIA Sports that the move to Class 5A football is a huge change, but he believes that Coach Paul Patterson, his staff and the players are ready to embrace the challenge of facing some of Iowa’s best gridiron programs.

“I think the boys are definitely up for the challenge, and I’m excited to see what they do,” Tobey said. “Norwalk is a growing community and this is who we are now. We’re not going to get any smaller, and this is kind of where we belong now. Unless the state changes the classification system, we’re a 5A football team.”

Little Hawkeye Conference rivals Indianola and Dallas Center-Grimes have also made the jump to 5A football this year. Norwalk will open the season at Indianola on Friday, August 29.