AREA FOOTBALL: Daughton, Raiders run past Wolverines; East Union rolls

MOUNT AYR — Mount Ayr senior Cal Daughton couldn’t sleep Thursday night ahead of Friday’s season opening football game with Nodaway Valley.

Daughton couldn’t wait to take the field for the first game of his senior year.

Daughton took out his pent up energy on the field against the Wolverines.

Daughton rushed for 80 yards and scored three touchdowns as the Raiders rolled to a 35-0 win over the Wolverines Friday in nondistrict football.

The game was stopped with 2:03 left in the second quarter after a lengthy delay for lightening.

“I was kind of worried about it being the first game,” Daughton said. “I was really nervous.”

Daughton admitted he was pumped about the game well before kickoff.

“I maybe got three, four hours of sleep,” he said. “I laid there in bed the whole night. Being my senior year, my last first game of the year made me real nervous.”

Daughton had his share of concerns, particularly about a rebuilt offensive line.

The Raiders front line blew open plenty of big holes throughout. Mount Ayr rushed for 234 yards on 20 carries.

“I was worried about the line,” Daughton said. “The line’s been working real hard. They stepped up.”

Mount Ayr’s front line put on a performance Daughton hadn’t seen to this point.

“They haven’t showed this in practice,” Daughton said. “I was real impressed.”

A young Nodaway Valley team had its eyes opened by the overall speed of the game.

“We knew coming in that we had a lot of inexperienced players,” said Nodaway Valley coach Steve Shantz. “We are young and inexperienced. You put that combination together the first time out on the field — we’re working on trying to read keys, compressing field reading keys, trying to get to the bigger picture. Sometimes, kids look at the wrong places at the start of the play, they look different places and all sudden speed of the game catches them.”

Shantz and staff now have building blocks on film to teach the team how to improve going forward.

“Now that we’ve got the first game, get it on film, now they start understanding why we’re telling them the things we’re telling them,” Shantz said. “That Monday film, it’s always hard. We’re building them up, trying to get them to understand it, get in those right places. We’re coaching them up.”

While the Raiders were bringing in a whole host of new starters, they didn’t play like they were nervous.

“We were very aggressive. We attacked. We were loose,” said Mount Ayr co-coach Delwyn Showalter. “We played with a lot of confidence.”

Showalter wondered what his young group would do. They certainly proved up to the challenge.

“You don’t know going into that first game with as many new faces as we had if they were going to be lose and confident,” Showalter said. “They might be really up tight, but they weren’t.”

It was Mount Ayr’s steady veteran Daughton leading the way.

“Cal’s not a real focal person,” Showalter said. “He leads by example. He’s always working hard. He’ll go over and pat somebody on the back or he’ll encourage them. That’s his style of leadership. I love seeing him working hard. That has been real good for our team.”

Mount Ayr took the opening kickoff down the field and scored courtesy of a 1-yard Brayden Swank run.

A couple of minutes later, Daughton found the end zone for the first time on a 6-yard run. His run for the two-point conversion gave the Raiders a 14-0 lead.

Brad Phelps reached the scoring column later in the first quarter on a 31-yard run. A Swank run pushed the lead to 22-0.

Cal Daughton struck again on a 22-yard run with 8:12 before halftime.

The aerial game came into play late in the second quarter as Marcus Daughton found Cal Daughton for a 13-yard touchdown strike.

The last score, Showalter noted, showed the kind of team the Raiders have.

“That last touchdown was pretty impressive,” Showalter said. “At that point, we might have said lets coast into half. Our kids stayed on the attack. That was a big psychological factor for both sides.”

Lightning was spotted with time winding down before halftime. After a nearly hour delay, both Showalter and Shantz agreed that for the safety of the players and Nodaway Valley’s thin numbers that the game be called.

The teams did play one quarter of junior varsity.

For the Wolverines, who had to cancel their JV slate because of low numbers, it was a good 12 minutes of football.

“Our inexperienced kids put a lot of hard work on,” Shantz said. “They got to go out and fly around and have some success. I’m proud of those guys. It’s our first game, we’ll get better.”

UP NEXT —  Mount Ayr, 1-0, is at Southwest Valley this Friday. The Timberwolves defeated Red Oak 32-28 this past Friday.

“They have a new coaching staff. They are very up, they are a very, very confident team,” Showalter said.

Showalter noted its the first time Mount Ayr has played Southwest Valley since Corning and Villisca merged, and going back to the days when Mount Ayr and Corning were together in the old Tall Corn Conference.

Nodaway Valley, 0-1, hosts Interstate 35 this Friday. The Roadrunners defeated Martensdale-St. Marys 34-13 this past Friday.

Points by quarter

NV  0  0  —  0

MA  22  13  —  35

SCORING SUMMARY

First Quarter

MA— Brayden Swank 1-run (kick failled) 10:26.

MA— Cal Daughton 6-run (Daughton run), 8:28.

MA— Brad Phelps 31-run (Swank run), 4:48

Second Quarter

MA— Daughton 22-run (kick failed), 8:12

MA— Marcus Daughton 13-pass to Cal Daughton (Zane Powell run), 3:27.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — MA— Marcus Daughton 1-1, Brad Phelps 3-62, 1 TD, Cal Daughton 7-80,1 TD, Zach Murphy 2-10, Tristan Holmes 2-28, Brayden Swank 5-53, 1 TD. NV— Josh Allsup 1-4, Thomas Britten 7-2, Brady Hilpipre 2-(-4), Jared Corder 2-(-7), Spencer Lamb 2-(-19).

PASSING — MA — Marcus Daughton 1-2-1, 13 yards, 1 TD. NV — Spencer Lamb 9-14-0, 30 yards.

RECEIVING — MA — Cal Daughton 1-13, 1 touchdown. NV — Brady Hilpipre 2-28, Trevor Flettre 1-4, Jared Corder 3-1, Aryll Shantz 1-0, Thomas Britten 2-(-3)

PUNTS-AVG. — NV: Spencer Lamb 4-17.3.

TACKLE LEADERS (solo-assist) — MA — Marcus Daughton (1-1), Brady Phelps (1-0), Isaac Grose (1-0), Cal Daughton (3-1), Zach Murphy (2-2), Hunter Hauchman (0-1), Tristan Holmes (2-1), Brayden Swank (2-1), Clay Wimer (1-0), Hunter Wilson (1-3), Mitchell Lutrick (0-2), Jacob McCreny (5-2), John Shields (2-2), Russell Holmes (0-1), Cade Clymer (1-0). NV — Josh Allsup (4-1), Thomas Britten (2-2), Brady Hilpipre (2-0), Jared Corder (-02), Brody Erlandson (1-0), Spencer Lamb (1-0), Ryan Baudler (1-0), Kenny McMillan (1-0), Aryll Shatnz (1-0), Max Kuhns (0-1).

INTERCEPTIONS — NV — Jared Corder, 1.

FUMBLE RECOVERIES — NV — Ryan Baudler, 1

Eagles defense stymies Trojans

AFTON — East Union’s offense sputtered for most of the early part of Friday’s season-opening game with Essex.

The Eagles defense helped provided a needed spark for the team.

The Eagles scored 10 points off their defense leading to a 50-0 win over the Trojans Friday in non-district play.

Mason Gossman had a 17-yard interception return for a touchdown, while Brayden Martinez and Joshua Hardy each recorded a safety.

Coming into the contest, coach James Hardy knew how stout their defense could be.

“It was nice to see us come out and be aggressive,” coach Hardy said. “It was reassuring to the offense that was struggling that the defense was going was going to be there to help them out and continue to work.”

East Union forced four Essex turnovers. Alex Brown had eight tackles and two fumble recoveries. Joshua Hardy had seven tackles and one fumble recovery. Gossman had seven tackles and his interception return for a score.

At one point, the defense had three scores for East Union out of four.

East Union started the scoring in the second quarter on a 3-yard run by Sanden Cheers.

The defense did its part to keep the shutout going.

“It was nice to get a shutout,” coach Hardy said. “Once we got the ball rolling, as far as the defense was going, it was nice to see them come out and be aggressive.”

East Union’s offense took a bit of time to figure out what the Essex defense was trying to contain.

“We were trying a lot of things with our offense,” coach Hardy said. “We were getting the plays called, getting that rhythm for our offense in the first half. It was more about trying to find what we could do. We found some things that worked from us, then we went from there.”

The power game opened up nicely for the Eagles. Fullback Matthew Wittstock had 53 yards on 14 carries and one score. Kole Seales had 65 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns.

“They were bringing their safeties rolled up right in protection,” coach Hardy said. “That tells you the middles were wide open. He (Wittstock) had a couple sizeable runs. We were starting to get yards, calling plays to exploit their weakness.”

Gavin Klein had the other touchdown.

East Union, 1-0, is on the road this Friday at East Mills.

East Mills, 0-1, fell to Stanton 28-6.

“It will be a good road test,” coach Hardy said. “They still have a lot of talent there. We’ll get them broken down, get prepared. We’re looking forward to getting after it Friday night.”

SCORING SUMMARY

EU —  Sanden Cheers, 3-yard run

EU — Brayden Martinez safety

EU — Joshua Hardy safety

EU —  Kole Seals, 18-yard run (Seales PAT run)

EU— Mason Gossman 17-yard interception (Matthew Wittstock PAT run)

EU —  Wittstock 4-yard run (Collins to Gossman PAT pass)

EU — Seales 8-yard run. (Wittstock run)

EU — Gavin Klein 3-yard run (Wittstock run)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — EU — Kole Seales, 13-65, two TDs; Matthew Wittstock,  14-53, one TD. Gabe Nixon, 6-21,Gaven Kline, 1-3, one TD.

PASSING — EU — Ryan Collins 4-12-0, 43 yards.

RECEIVING — EU — Colton Abell 2-29, Levi Parrot, 1-11, Mason Gossman 1-3.

TACKLE LEADERS (solo-assist) — EU — Beau Boswell (5-4), Alex Brown (6-2), Joshua Hardy (5-2), Gabe Nixon (4-2)

INTERCEPTIONS — EU – Mason Gossman 1.

FUMBLE RECOVERIES — EU — Alex Brown 2. Joshua Hardy 1.

Resillient Timberwolves stop Tigers

RED OAK — In the past, Southwest Valley’s football team has struggled when times have become tough in games.

The Timberwolves faced their share of challenges in Friday’s season-opening game at Red Oak.

Coach Anthony Donahoo’s squad rose up to the challenges the Tigers presented and overcame them.

Southwest Valley equaled its win total from last season with a 32-28 win.

“It’s everything,” said Donahoo. “Starting off 1-0 is a lot better feeling than starting off 0-1.”

The Timberwolves scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Red Oak had stopped Southwest Valley inside the Tigers five-yard line. But a couple of plays later, the Tigers fumbled and the Timberwolves recovered.

Southwest Valley took advantage and scored the go-ahead touchdown.

The Timberwolves then held on for a win.

“It was great to see,” Donahoo said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The second half started going sideways at times, but the Timberwolves righted the ship in time.

“I said all night it’s how we respond to adversity,” Donahoo said. “After half, it seemed like the wheels fell off. I know in the past, Southwest Valley has had a hard time. We took a time out, brought them back in.”

Donahoo credited all involved with helping turn the game around.

“The parents, the kids have bought into this,” Donahoo said. “This was a different second half. Watching them overcome that proved a lot to them (the kids), the parents and to myself.”

The Timberwolves showed off the hard work they put in over the summer.

“Since June, these boys have bought in,” Donahoo said.

Jared Shires rushed for 110 yard and scored two touchdowns. Chance Cobb rushed for 80 yards and two more scores. He also completed 17-of-25 passes for 185 yards and one score. Jacob Webb had three receptions for 17 yards and one score. Addison Bull had seven receptions for 115 yards.

“Chance Cobb did a great job,” Donahoo said. “Red Oak did a great job stopping the run. We had to scramble and pass more.”

UP NEXT — Southwest Valley, 1-0, opens the home portion of its schedule against Mount Ayr. The Raiders opened their season with a 35-0 win over Nodaway Valley.

“I know they’re going to reload,” Donahoo said. “They’re going to be ready to go. We’re going to have to figure out a way to control the line of scrimmage and be able to run with that.”

Points by quarter

SWV  7  6  7  12  — 32

RO  7  13  8  0  —  28

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING — SWV ‚ Jared Shires 15-110, two TDs. Aiden Gaule 9-30, Chance Cobb 15-80, two TDs.

PASSING —SWV— Chance Cobb 17-25, 185 yards, one TD.

RECEIVING — SWV — Addison Bull 7-115, Grant Mauerer 2-26, Aaron Armstrong 1-17, Jace Peterson 1-2, Jacob Webb 3-17, 1 touchdown, Joey Kernen 1-8.

TACKLE LEADERS (solo-assist) — SWV —  Jace Peterson (6-0), Scott Palmer (5-0), 1 sack, Grant Maurer (5-0), Aaron Armstrong (4-0), Hayden Bayless (4-0), Jared Shires (3-0), Evan Skelton (3-0), Tyler Means (3-0), Colby Cooper (2-0), Hunter Poston (2-0), Addison Bull (2-0), Joey Kernen (2-0), Aiden Gaule (1-0), James Lamgo (1-0).

INTERCEPTIONS — SWV — Grant Mauer 1.

FUMBLE RECOVERIES —SWV — Scott Palmer 1.

Mustangs survive Rams test

ANITA — Murray has been a young team for a number of seasons.

But during Friday’s season-opening game at CAM, the Mustangs showed their experience.

The Mustangs rallied together and made big plays throughout in earning a 38-36 victory.

When the game threatened to go sideways, the Mustangs came together.

“It came down to experience and senior leadership,” said Murray coach Taylor Fulton. “They came through for us.”

Murray’s leadership helped it come through.

“We didn’t have to make too many major adjustments,” Fulton said. “We were able to tell the guys what to do. We made minor adjustments to the schemes.”

The Mustangs were able to read and react on the field as the game progressed.

“They’ve seen about everything,” Fulton said. “A lot of them have been out there a lot the last two, three years. Quite a few have played for four years. It’s nice to coach kids who’ve seen everything, who can make adjustments without having to be pulled off the field.”

Senior Dustin Teas intercepted a Rams pass in the end zone with 30 seconds left to seal the win.

Murray gave the ball back on a fumble with a minute and a half to go. CAM converted a pass on fourth down to keep the drive alive, but the Mustangs defense came away with a big stop.

“Our defense played well throughout,” Fulton said. “We had a couple of goal line stands. I was pleased with how they were reacting, how they tackled.”

The team’s veteran experience shined when the Mustangs needed it.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the senior leadership come together,” Fulton said. “We don’t have attitudes. They’re for the team. They are high energy, they work together. There’s not a kid that wouldn’t do anything that could put us in a better situation to win a football game.”

UP NEXT — Murray, 1-0, hosts Melcher-Dallas.

The Saints, 1-0, opened the season with a 42-12 win over English Valleys.

“They didn’t graduate a whole lot of players,” Fulton said. “They’re bringing back their core of starters. They don’t have overwhelming speed, but they have quite a bit of size. They liked to run the ball in the past and I look for them to do more of the same.”

Rated Knights over

TABOR — Fremont-Mills came in with plenty of hype, earning a lofty preseason ranking from various outlets.

The Knights showed what they were worthy of that praise, earning a 42-0 win over Lenox Friday.

“Everyone would agree after seeing Fremont-Mills play, they are worthy of their No. 2 pre-season ranking,” said Lenox coach Matt Malausky.

The Knights’ size overwhelmed the Tigers early.

“They’re a big, physical team,” Malausky said. “We didn’t respond to it very well at first. That was tough to watch.”

Fremont-Mills’ offensively powered through Lenox’s defense.

“We weren’t wrapping up tackling,” Malausky said.

The Knights came in loaded with experience and it showed against a relatively inexperienced Tigers squad.

“They’re a lot more experienced,” Malausky said. “They were very successful. We had a few guys with no varsity experience. For a few guys, it was their first varsity game. There’s nothing like trial by fire playing against people that are bigger, faster and stronger than you are.”

Lenox’s retooled offense couldn’t move the ball much early.

“We were hoping to catch them off guard with our changes offensively, but they overpowered us early, and we just couldn’t get the ball across midfield,” Malausky said. “It put our defense with their backs against the wall for their first five possessions.”

Still, the Tigers grew on a number of fronts as the game progressed.

Attitude was one area the Tigers can build from.

“They didn’t get negative like most kids their age would, even though they were getting their butt kicked,” Malausky said. “That’s a positive.”

The Tigers’ veterans helped keep them calm, even when things were not going well.

“I saw the kids show great leadership skills,” Malausky said. “Our kids didn’t quit, they didn’t back down and stayed positive.”

Dawson Tullberg led the Tigers with 33 yards rushing.

Tullberg had five solo tackles and three assisted tackles.

UP NEXT — Lenox, 0-1 is at Essex.

The Trojans, 0-1, lost 50-0 at East Union.

“We’ll celebrate the good things we did and we’ll look to see what we can improve upon for next week,” Malausky said.

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING —LEN — Dawson Tullberg 16-33, Sam Donaldson 8-22, Colton Hogan 3-18, Jared Hensley 3-15, Carter Still 3-0, Aaron Schmitz 1-(-2).

PASSING — LEN — Dawson Tullberg 2-8-1, 12 yards. Carter Still 1-3-0, 10 yards.

RECEIVING —LEN — Jared Hensley 1-10, Colton Hogan 1-8, Colby Lange 1-4

PUNTS-AVG. —Dawson Tullberg 5-29.2

TACKLE LEADERS (solo-assist) —Dawson Tullberg (5-3), Colton Hogan (1-4), Sam Donaldson 1-6, 1 sack), Jeremy Daye (1-0), Jared Hensley (5-8, 1 TFL), Brenden Christensen (3-0), Aaron Schmitz (7-1), Derek Venteicher (1-2), Noah Standley (0-5, 1 TFL)