Indians Drop District Battle with Cardinals
by Wade Steinlage
Newton–The Oskaloosa football team chewed up clock and moved the ball, but could not keep up with an undefeated Newton squad in a 56-10 Class 4A District 4 matchup last Friday.
OHS (1-5, 0-2 District 4) was outgained just 445-304 and actually held a 16-12 advantage in first downs, but could not overcome four turnovers (three interceptions).
The hosts started with the ball and needed just four plays to take a 7-0 lead. The Indians had an answer, though, pushing the pigskin 64 yards on nine plays. Unfortunately, after reaching the Newton three-yard line, Oskaloosa was forced to kick a field goal with Linus Morrison connecting from 33 yards out to make it 7-3 with 5:41 left in the opening quarter.
The drive took just over five minutes and helped the Indians with their 30:45-17:15 edge in time of possession.
The Cardinals (6-0, 2-0 District 4) scored on their next drive and then were forced to punt. The Oskaloosa offense was primarily shut down for the remainder of the half, however, and even permitted points as Newton produced a pick-six touchdown as part of a 28-point second quarter to lead 42-3 at intermission.
The Indians started the second half with the ball, but lost their only fumble of the game on the first snap. The hosts took advantage with a TD, but Oskaloosa continued to fight and behind four productive rushes by Dom Piersel and a handful of completions by Trevor Willett and Parker Lewis, the visitors tallied their lone touchdown. Lewis hooked up with Waylon Bolibaugh on a 30-yard passing score.
Willett was knocked out of the game during that drive and did not return. He finished 13-for-22 for 131 yards, while Lewis was 6-for-11 for 70 yards off the bench.
The Cardinals notched one more late touchdown to cap the scoring.
Piersel headed the OHS running game with 51 yards, while Tatum Westercamp contributed 41 more.
Wyatt Grubb tallied a team-high six tackles, while the quartet of Bolibaugh, Maddux Ashman, Donavan King, and Jonathan Linder all came up with four stops.
“I love our guys as we continue to grind, but give credit to Newton,” Head Coach Brett Doud said. “They have great strength, speed, and numbers. We battled and hung tough throughout the first quarter, but the game quickly got away in the second. We are a blue-collar program and will get back to work.”
Next Up: Oskaloosa returns home Friday to host Pella in District 4 play at 7:30 p.m.
