Last-Second Kick Sees Iowa Past Iowa State
Last-Second Kick Sees Iowa Past Iowa State
In a thrilling in-state rivalry clash, the University of Iowa edged out Iowa State 24–22 in a back-and-forth contest marked by tough defense, heavy collisions, gusty winds, and multiple lead changes in the final minutes.
This was a Heart of America Conference game and with Iowa State being the defending champs, it was expected to be tough sledding for the Hawkeyes.
ISU controlled the first half, playing most of the first 40 minutes in Iowa's half of the pitch. The Hawkeyes displayed patience with good defense against the excellent phase play and continuity from ISU's experienced side.
Finally, ISU broke through for an early unconverted try late in the first half. Iowa held strong, though, and gained momentum just before halftime with a long run from halfback Michael Johnson and a near score off a 5-meter tap penalty that was stopped short due to a knock-on.
The second half shifted as Iowa’s scrum took charge, forcing multiple scrum penalties. Sophomore and vice captain Sam Zimmermann led the way there. This was Zimmerman's first match back after battling a life-threatening illness that kept him out for months.
Iowa's kept it tight and didn't try to do too much. That patience was rewarded as the hard running from the forwards started to find yardage. As the Hawkeyes worked the ball to the edges where Henry Schwob broke through for 25 meters and a try.
ISU followed that up with a well-taken individual try by Justin Johnson, counter-attacking on a high ball with footwork and pace. That restored Iowa State's lead at 17-14.
But Iowa wasn't done. Iowa wing AJ Douglas powered past four defenders to put the Hawkeyes ahead 21–17.
With three minutes remaining, Iowa State retook the lead on a lineout play finished by their No. 8 in the corner; with the conversion a tough ask from the touchline, it was now Iowa State 22 Iowa 21.
The Hawkeyes had one last answer. After earning a crucial penalty off the scrum, captain and flyhalf Ren Heimer pointed to the posts. He calmly slotted the 40-meter kick to win it for Iowa 24-22.
Kicking the game-winner was just reward for Heimer, who had been a star for Iowa as a fullback, running and juking his way to tries. His move to flyhalf asked him to be a distributor and reader of the game. He took on that role and was very good. And he kicks clutch goals.
The match showcased the intensity of Iowa rugby—tight scrums, defensive stands, and standout individual performances in challenging conditions—culminating in a dramatic finish worthy of the rivalry. But it was also a case of a team like Iowa not letting a rivalry's one-sidedness get them down. Instead, they got down to work, and now they have a win.
