Williams’ 65-Yard Touchdown Run Lifts Oskaloosa Seventh-Grade Football Team Past Newton, 14-8
NEWTON, Iowa — Kasen Williams’ 65-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter helped the Oskaloosa seventh-grade football team earn a hard-fought 14-8 win over the Newton Cardinals on Monday evening.
The Indians, led by Coach Alex DeJong, opened the game with an impressive offensive drive featuring strong blocking from the offensive line and hard running by Williams and Jaxon Stock.
Oskaloosa capped off its opening possession with a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Gatton to Greyson Caves. Gatton then connected with Bond Blackwell for the two-point conversion, giving the Indians an early 8-0 lead.
Newton responded on its first possession, scoring a touchdown and converting the two-point attempt to tie the game at 8-8.
After Newton’s opening touchdown, the Oskaloosa defense made adjustments that proved important for the rest of the contest.
The Indians held the Cardinals scoreless for the rest of the game, coming up with several key defensive plays, including an interception by Caves.
Both teams battled through a scoreless stretch as the game remained tied heading into the closing minutes.
With about two minutes and 30 seconds remaining, the Oskaloosa defense delivered another key stop, giving the Indians’ offense a chance to break the 8-8 tie.
Oskaloosa didn’t take long to capitalize.
On the second play of the possession, Williams broke free for a 65-yard touchdown run, putting the Indians ahead 14-8.
The Cardinals had one final opportunity to respond, but the Oskaloosa defense refused to give up the lead.
The Indians pressured Newton’s offense while maintaining solid secondary coverage, preventing the Cardinals from reaching the end zone.
The defensive stand secured Oskaloosa’s 14-8 victory.
The win featured several important contributions, including Gatton’s touchdown pass to Caves, the successful two-point conversion to Blackwell, Williams’ game-winning touchdown run, and a defensive effort that kept Newton off the scoreboard after its opening possession.
The Indians also benefited from strong offensive line play that helped establish the running game throughout the contest.
After the win, the team celebrated with a stop at Culver’s for dinner before heading home.
