Oskaloosa Falls To Indianola

Oskaloosa came up just short versus Indianola on Friday night.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The heat was a factor. The completely unseasonable weather had caused the freshman game to be rescheduled to Tuesday night, but the varsity teams squared off as planned.

The season opener may not have ended the way Oskaloosa would have liked, but new head coach Mike Sterner had many things to be optimistic about. “Our kids believe in each other completely. They are willing to work for their team. When we do that, good things will happen. The scoreboard did not say win, but we won in a lot of ways Friday night,” said Sterner. “I believe in our kids. We will take many successes from our game with Indianola. I could see our team grow each play.”

Grinnell is next on the schedule, Friday night in Grinnell. Sterner shared his thoughts about the upcoming matchup, “Grinnell will bring a new and different style of offense. Their team is led by a very strong senior group, with Eli Dunne their leader. He is an outstanding QB, with lots of lookers from D1 football teams. He will be a great challenge for our team.”

Oskaloosa was the first to make it on the board Friday night on a carry by Andrew Landgrebe from 13 yards out, with 10:53 remaining on the clock.

Indianola came charging back with three consecutive touchdowns. One by Trey Bunting on a quarterback keeper from a yard out. The second was a complete pass from Bunting to Dittmer with 2:19 remaining in the 1st quarter. 14-7 in favor of Indianola.

The third consecutive score from Indianola came on a Cameron Bunting rush from 5 yards out with 3:53 on the clock in the second quarter. 21-7 Indianola’s favor.

Oskaloosa responded before the half was up, keeping the ballgame within reach. Landgrebe found the open hole and sprinted back 59 yards on the Indianola kick-off, making the game 21-14 Indianola.

Oskaloosa then tied the game up with 3:51 remaining in the 3rd quarter as Landgrebe dashed in from 12 yards out. The game was now 21-21.

Indianola had the combination once again of Bunting to Dittmer, resulting in the 48 yard TD pass to give Indianola the win, 28-21.