Indians Claim First Victory Of The Season
Oskaloosa Quarterback Ethan Arnold moves the ball downfield against the Saydel Eagles on Friday night.
Oskaloosa, Iowa — It was homecoming in Oskaloosa, but the stands were nearly empty. Mother Nature was making a splash all across Central Iowa, and Oskaloosa was in the crosshairs of a torrential downpour that lasted until half-time.
The Oskaloosa Indians football had enjoyed a week of well wishes, topped off with the traditional Homecoming Parade and the pep rally before the big game.
After falling to 0-3 on the season, a win on homecoming night could help lift some sagging spirits through the rest of the season.
For Oskaloosa, Junior Quarterback Ethan Arnold rushed for a TD. Senior Blake Howard then snagged the interception and returned it 33 yards for a TD. Connor Swim kicked the 2 PAT points and Callan Tomlin kicked the field goal. The Eagles had a safety, making the total for the 19-14 win over the Saydel Eagles.
Kyler Salazar (JR) rushed for 59 yards on the rain soaked turf over 12 attempts. Ethan Arnold (JR) had 44 yards and Jason Beebe (JR) added 27 more rushing yards.
Adam Carriker (SR) had the lone reception for 7 yards on the evening.
Tanner DeKock (SO) had 3 solo tackles, with Peyton Crouse (JR), Zayne McKay (SR), Kyler Salazar (JR) and Addison VandeWall (JR) each with 2 solo tackles.
McKay recovered 2 fumbles, and Crouse and Salazar each recovered a fumble during Friday night’s action.
“It was really tough conditions and they wanted it so badly,” said Oskaloosa Head Coach Mike Sterner of his team’s effort on Friday night. “Really, the team that wanted it went out and got it tonight.”
Sterner was happy with the defensive effort the team gave on Friday night, with the exception of a long run by Saydel near the end of the game, resulting in an Eagles score.
The weather played more into the Indians hands on Friday night. Historically, the Indians have a solid running game and they took advantage of the adverse conditions to claim the win.
On Friday night, the Indians travel to Chariton, with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff time. The Indians return home on October 2nd to face the Grinnell Tigers at the Lacey Complex Stadium.
