Oskaloosa Indians Claim Fifth Straight Win

The Oskaloosa Indians claimed their fifth victory in a row over Winterset on Friday night.

Winterset, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Indians continue to grow as a team, both on and off the field. Before the team traveled to Winterset, they made a stop at Mahaska Drug where they sang the Oskaloosa Fight Song to business owner Jane Nicholson.

Oskaloosa Head Coach Mike Sterner talked about why the team made that trip, “She has really been a huge supporter of our program, and has gone over and above and helped kids with meals on our togetherness nights.” He went on to say, “So they were looking for a way to repay her.”

Sterner added that the team has continued to gel together, “you see that every single play. When something bad happens, we aren’t all over each other, we’re encouraging each other.”

Looking towards this coming week’s game against District 8 leading Pella, who stands at 7-0 on the season, Sterner said that he will be looking for improvement in the tackling department. “That’s one thing I am disappointed in, is our open field tackling. A lot of arm tackles… If we do that, we’re going to be pretty solid.”

The focus is now solely on Pella. “We’re ready to roll,” said Sterner. “We’ll be ready to give our focus to them, but the bottom line is we have to be our best, and it doesn’t matter what the other team does.”

Oskaloosa’s Jesse Van Dalen put the Indians on the board first with a 19 yard quarterback keeper with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter. Nick Waters boots the PAT and Oskaloosa is up 7-0.

The Indians zip down the field in 5 plays to set up the 2 yard run from Andrew Landgrebe with 5:16 remaining in the first. Waters kick is once again good and Oskaloosa is leading 14-0.

Winterset clawed their way onto the scoreboard with the 15 yard fieldgoal by Drue Coffman. The Indians continued to lead 14-3 to end the scoring in the first quarter.

Riley Coniglio swoops up the Winterset fumble with 4:44 on the clock in the 2nd quarter. He dashes 68 yards for the touchdown, and Waters kicks it through, giving the Indians a 21-3 lead.

Winterset’s Jacob Larson finally found the end zone for their only touchdown of the half. With 12 seconds remaining in the half, Larson found his way past the defense. Coffman’s PAT kick is good and it’s 21-10 at the half.

With 6:45 remaining in the 3rd quarter, Andrew Landgrebe runs in from 2 yards out. Waters kick good and the Indians are up 28-10.

Winterset fires back when Jacob Larson passes to Brandon Allen on the 10 yards TD pass. Coffman’s kick is good and the score is 28-17 in favor of the Indians.

Oskaloosa once again responds to Winterset when Nate Van Veldhuizen bulldozes his way in from 20 yards out. Waters continues to boot the PAT and the Indians lead 35-17.

The fourth quarter turned into a back and forth battle, as Oskaloosa and Winterset repeatably responded to the others score.

Andrew landgrebe once again did the 2 yard dash with 11:07 on the clock in the fourth. Waters kick was good and Oskaloosa was in command 42-17.

Winterset wasn’t giving up when Tanner Speer carries it in from 5 yards out, but Coffman misses the PAT. Indians up 42-23 with 7:23 remaining in the contest.

After taking a shot from Winterset on the kick-off, Mason Wisse was on a mission. On the opening play of the drive, Wisse plows then streaks his way into the end-zone. Waters kicks the PAT and Oskaloosa is up 49-23.

Winterset responded on the Marc Drey carry from the 1 yard line after a 9 play, 73 yard drive by Winterset. Coffman gets the PAT and Oskaloosa remains on top 49-30.

Nate Van Veldhuizen added to the Indians score for the last time on the evening with 3:26 remaining. Van Veldhuizen dashes 35 yards for the TD. Waters ends up perfect on the evening, once again connecting on the PAT. Oskaloosa 56-30 over Winterset.

Winterset had one more score left in them when Jacob Larson completes the 29 yard TD pass to Brandon Allen. Coffman kicks the PAT and the final score is 56-37 in favor of the Indians.