Indians Come Up Short Versus Indianola
Tyce Sarver (22) seen in action Friday night against Indianola
Indianola, Iowa – The season opener for the Oskaloosa Indians was much like every other game was last year, an up and down emotional roller-coaster filled with nearly every twist and turn possible.
The first quarter had Osky’s Jesse Van Dalen pulling the ‘quarterback keeper’ for the 1 yard run with 3:23 remaining on the clock. The PAT kick by Jonah Renter was good, and the Indians led 7-0.
Indianola’s Matt Mitchell responded in the second quarter with a 9 yard run, with the PAT by Drew Jensen good, making the game tied up 7-7.
Osky responded quickly when Tyce Sarver returned the kickoff 95 yards. The PAT run by Drea Lamb came up short, and the Osky Indians were ahead 13-7.
Indianlola wasn’t finished before the half. Cody Smith completed the pass to Austin Dittmer for a total of 44 yards with 7:49 left on the clock. The PAT kick by Drew Jensen was good, and Indianola led 14-13.
After the half, Indianola came out looking to make the first score, and with 8:05 on the clock Matt Mitchell accomplished it by carrying the ball in from 6 yards out. Jensen once again nailed the PAT for a score showing Indianola up 21-13.
Osky wasn’t done yet and got themselves back into the ballgame on a Van Dalen pass to Spencer Medlin for a 12 yard play with 4:45 on the clock in the third quarter. The PAT pass from Van Dalen to Austin Redlich was no good. Score was Osky 19 to Indianola 21.
Things went from good to better when with 1:36 remaining in the third, Tyce Sarver carried the Indians final score from 29 yards out. The PAT run by Van Dalen came up short, and the Indians once again had the lead 25 to 21.
The fourth quarter belonged to Indianola. They scored two more times in the final quarter to seal the deal over Oskaloosa 35 to 25.
In an interview shortly after the game, Coach Schilb said that the first game is always tough. Schilb pointed out the experience his younger players gained during the evening, stating that at one point 6 sophomores were playing on offense in hopes of creating more depth.
Before the season started, Schilb said he wished there were another week to help refine the team’s game. “You can see what I was talking about. Some inconsistencies. Just things like specials teams, younger kids not knowing to get on the line or off or substitution.”
“A lot of sophomore mistakes. Those kids will learn. It’s hard to simulate that in practice.”
“I can’t say enough. Our kids came over here and fought hard. We always talk about representing our community. I think we did that. I never want to walk off the field with a 10 point loss.”
“We expected to come over here and win. I’m proud of our kids. We’re going to be a tough team because we have a lot of players that got experience tonight. We’ll just watch the film and get better and move forward.”
Looking forward to Grinnell coming to town on Friday Schilb said, “I think it’s like playing in the SCC, the Big Twelve or the Big Ten. Every week’s going to be a challenge. That’s why you play. It’s what makes it fun and exciting from week to week.”
