The third time was a charm for the Van Meter Bulldogs football team (12-0). The Bulldogs, Radio Iowa’s Class 1A No 3 rated squad, made their third straight trip to the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, playing in the Class 1A semifinals against the top-ranked West Lyon Wildcats (11-1) Saturday. Van Meter posted 417 yards of total offense against Class 1A’s best defensive unit, outscoring the Wildcats 35-21 to clinch the Bluedogs first state championship in school history. West Lyon had given up a total of 38 points in their first 11 games of the season.

Quarterback Blake Fryar’s efficiency was vital in Van Meter’s victory, completing 18 of his 20 pass attempts for 232 yards and three touchdowns. Anthony Lowman was on the receiving end of six passes, accounting for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Lowman also recorded the Bulldog’s biggest defensive play of the night, returning a fumble 75 yards for a touchdown.

Van Meter will meet No. 2 Iowa City Regina in the Class 1A championship game this Friday at 11 a.m. Regina has played in the previous eight championship game, falling to Western Christian in last year’s title game, 47-34.