Oskaloosa Loses First Game of Year
Tiffin–The Indian football team could not overcome a horrific start as it dropped its district opener to Clear Creek-Amana 48-9 Friday.
The Indians (4-1, 0-1 Class 4A District 4) lost for the first time this fall, despite outgaining the Clippers (4-1, 1-0 Class 4A District 4) by a 263-256 margin. The hosts made up for lack of yards with three huge returns for touchdowns in the opening half.
Oskaloosa was already down 14-0 before even putting its defense on the field as CC-A scored touchdowns on a blocked punt and a fumble recovery.
The Indians tried to get back in the game, recording a 23-yard field goal by Dawson Braden midway through the initial quarter. Keaton Flaherty used big tosses to Waylon Bolibaugh (13 yards) and Cade Kelderman (33 yards) to get into field-goal range.
Unfortunately, that would be the nearest Oskaloosa would get to its host as the Clipper offense hit paydirt three short plays later for a 21-3 edge.
Clear Creek-Amana tacked on another special teams touchdown via another blocked punt, while an interception gave the Clippers a short field in which to work. They took advantage to push their lead to 34-3 after one quarter of play.
Never waving the white flag, Oskaloosa marched 70 yards, highlighted by converting on fourth-and-10, as Flaherty crossed the goal line from a yard out.
CC-A scored two more times before the break to cap the game’s scoring. Sandwiched between the touchdown drives was a lengthy Indian possession that netted 65 yards but no points. The big play of the drive came off of Flaherty’s arm as he found AJ Lawrence for 26 yards. Flaherty finished 15-for-25 for 180 yards.
With a running clock due to the large scoring margin, the second half, which was simply a formality, was a quick one.
JaShaden Baker topped the rushing attack with 36 yards, while Darryl Fane was limited to 28 yards as the starting running back.
Bolibaugh hauled in four balls for 62 yards, while Kelderman caught three throws for 56 yards. Lawrence was good for 35 yards on three receptions as well.
Colin Snitker paced the Oskaloosa defense with 11 tackles, including one for a loss of 10 yards. Ikaika Opheim, was next with seven stops, while Donivan Tighe (five solos) and Blake Westercamp each tallied six tackles.
Next Up: Oskaloosa returns home Friday to host Newton for Homecoming at 7:30 p.m.
