Indians Top Chargers To Be 2-0 In Conference Play

The Oskaloosa Indian Varsity team defeated Chariton 35-21 on Friday night.

Chariton, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Indians rolled into Chariton on Friday night, riding on a home win the week before over Carlisle.

The Indians tool the field on Charitons homecoming night, as Chariton held an identical record to Oskaloosa at 1-2, would the emotional boost help the Chargers overcome the Indians?

Oskaloosa took to the air more Friday night. Oskaloosa Head Coach Mike Sterner said, ” We are working to be a more balanced attack offensively, getting more of our play-makers involved in the offense.”

Stopping the passing game was a struggle, but Charitons 6’5″ receiver proved to be a challenge, but one the Indians contained. ” Our tackling is improving and our coverage is improving. Chariton was a worthy opponent with some talented receivers. I was most impressed by how our kids adjusted and listened to our advise and adjustments during the game,” Sterner said of the defensive effort by the team.

For Homecoming, Oskaloosa plays host to Norwalk. Norwalk currently holds a 3-1 record, and is 1-0 in District 8 conference play. “Our team is focused on the most important game on our schedule…the next one,” Sterner said. That’s been the attitude by the coaches and staff all year. ” If we come ready to work and improve every day this week during practice, that will show up on Friday night.”

Oskaloosa found the end zone first Friday night on a Nate Van Veldhuizen carry from 3 yards out. With 7:01 on the clock in the first, Nick Waters nails the PAT to put Oskaloosa up 7 – 0. The drive took 7 plays and covered 43 yards.

Ryder Curtis caught the 20 yard TD pass from QB Jesse Van Dalen with 11:17 remaining in the 2nd quarter. Water PAT kick is good and the Indians are leading 14-0. The drive covered 62 yards in 9 plays.

Chariton found its way on the board via a Stephen McCurdy carry from 1 yard out. Chasen Blue kicks the PAT and the score is now 14-7 in favor of Oskaloosa. The drive by Chariton covered 80 yards in 11 plays.

Oskaloosa’s Mason Wisse drives into the end zone from a yard out to give Oskaloosa its 3rd score of the evening. Waters kick is good. The TD came after the Indians covered 56 yards in 8 plays finding the end zone with 1:25 remaining in the half.

After the half, Oskaloosa hands the ball off to Andrew Landgrebe who takes it 10 yards for the TD. Waters kick is good, and the Indians lead 28-7 with 5:26 on the clock in the 3rd quarter. The drive covered 41 yards in 7 plays.

The final Oskaloosa TD came on the 27 yard dash by Landgrebe with 5:26 remaining in the 4th quarter. Waters kick is good, putting him perfect for the night. Oskaloosa 35 and Chariton 7. The drive consisted of one play for the 27 yards.

Chariton answered back on the 17 yard run by Christian Bengtson with 4:03 remaining in the game. The PAT kick is good and the Chargers are now behind by the score of 35-14. The drive was 26 yards covered in 3 plays.

The final score of the game came with 1:28 remaining in the game when Chariton’s Christian Bengtson once again found the end zone off the TJ Hockenson pass for 15 yards. After the good PAT, Oskaloosa’s lead had been cut to 14. The Chargers covered 48 yards in 2 plays.

The game ended in Oskaloosa’s favor, with a final score of 35-21.