Southwest Valley used a 28-0 run in the second half Thursday to defeat Nodaway Valley 42-16, in the middle school football opener for the Wolverines.
The Timberwolves used two quick scores to go up 14-0 early in the first quarter.
The NV defense rose to the occasion on Southwest Valley’s next possession, when pressure by Boston DeVault resulted in a pick by Kaden Herr. Unfortunately for NV, the drive ended with no points.
The defense came up big again for the Wolverines, as NV came up with a safety to cut the score to 14-2.
NV closed the gap in the second quarter on a 29-yard touchdown run by Avery Phillippi. Blake Lund snared the two-point conversion pass to make it 14-10 at halftime.
The Timberwolves attempted an onside kick to start the second half, but the Wolverines were able to fall on it, giving NV excellent field position. The Wolverines eventually scored on a fourth-and-5 from the SWV 34-yard line. NV quarterback Bryce Berlau found Lund on an out route for the score. The extra point attempt was no good.
The Timberwolves took control of the second half and pulled away for the win.
The coaching staff cited the defensive play of DeVault, Phillippi, Lund and Carter Goetz.
“We got down early but didn’t let it get to us,” said coach Dan Jameson. “We bounced back and kept playing hard. Southwest Valley has a nice team with size and speed. We just need to be more consistent on offense and a little more physical on defense.”
Gebbie leads seventh grade team
The seventh grade teams played just two quarters due to low numbers by both teams.
The Wolverines moved the ball nicely at times early on and finally found the end zone on a 39-yard gallop by Zach Gebbie. Carmine Shaw ran the two-point conversion over to complete the 8-0 win.
“Defensively, we did a nice job,” Jameson said. “We held the Southwest Valley offense to very little.”
Jameson cited the play of Landon Klobnak and Bradley Gebbie.