Area small class schools were represented on the 2021 Academic All State Football teams recently released by the Iowa Football Coaches Association. 

WACO had four players be recognized for their work in the classroom with Jonah Clark, Zach Schmitz, Tyler Sutton, and Taylor Sutton being named academic all state for 8-player. Clark was the Defensive MVP of district 6 by tallying 43 tackles at his end spot and the senior reached pay dirt five times on the other side of the ball. The Sutton brothers were both first team selections with Tyler compiling 44 tackles and eight sacks while Taylor recorded 36 tackles with four of them for a loss. Zach Schmitz received the golden spike award given to all district talent that was injured throughout the year and in limited time he tallied 24 tackles defensively. The four players helped the Warriors to a 10-1 season and their first quarterfinal berth since 2010. 

Sigourney-Keota had a pair of players on the class 1A list in Colten Clarahan and Cade Molyneux. Molyneux was named Offensive MVP of district 6 with a state best 1,990 rushing yards and he reached the endzone 28 times. Clarahan was the spinner back and named to the first team. The senior amassed 1,162 total yards and nine scores while leading the state with six field goals as the kicker. S-K also concluded the year 10-1, their second consecutive 10 win season. 

To be eligible for the academic all state award a player must be a senior starter, have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better at the end of their junior year, be involved in other extra-curricular activities, and must be nominated by the head coach.