Class 2A Recap from Week 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 2A Iowa continues to show a really intriguing outlook on who is standing out on top of the conference. The 5 undefeated teams heading into this week all stayed perfect by the end of the weekend, and with an impressive 27 teams holding winning records right now in the conference, it will be a tight battle for spots in the postseason when the time comes. We recap what went down in week 5 in Class 2A Iowa over this last weekend!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top Games:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Van Meter vs. <strong>Clarinda: 17-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>After a promising 3-1 start, Clarinda was put to the ultimate test at home against top 2A contender Van Meter. Despite Van Meter being favored, the Cardinals proved that they are worthy contenders in this conference by keeping up in this duel on the trenches. Thanks in part to some methodical and well-executed drives, including a time-consuming 9 and a half minute drive in the 4th quarter, Clarinda ultimately took the lead on a 33 yard field goal with just over a minute and a half left to play. Clarinda then made a massive gamble by going for the onside kick which they recovered, allowing them to run out the rest of the clock. The win snaps a 56 game winning streak that Van Meter had in the district while firmly establishing Clarinda as legit contenders to make a deep run for the Class 2A state title this season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Noah Harris (SR) - </strong>In full command for Clarinda's offense, Harris was able to chip away at the Bulldogs' defense with his legs and with quick throws. Harris finished 7 of 11 for 148 yards and a TD while rushing for 89 yards on 29 carries and a rushing TD. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Grand View Christian vs. <strong>Woodward-Granger: 7-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Woodward-Granger thrashed the Thunder with 52 points scored on their defense last season, but this time around, the Thunder were prepared to slow them down, and the Hawks were limited to just 1 touchdown in the game. Unfortunately, once again, the Thunder were not able to generate any momentum offensively, with 2 total rushing yards and failing to capitalize on an extra point, the Thunder trailed by one late, driving the ball deep into Hawks' territory, when on a third down, the Thunder made a serious gaffe in which the ball snapped over the QBs head, sailing behind the QB and was recovered by the Hawks with less than 3 minutes to go. The Hawks would ultimately run the clock out to secure a huge win in a defensive classic. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='1370717' first='Kane' last='Mahler-Moreno'] (SR) - </strong>Mahler-Moreno had a big day on defense in applying pressure on Grand View Christian's passing game, finishing with 4.5 tackles (4 solo), 4.5 TFLs, and a sack. He also led the team with 51 receiving yards on 3 catches. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">West Branch vs. <strong>Alburnett: 20-17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With West Branch having won the previous 3 matchups against Alburnett, the Pirates were looking to snap their losing streak and put themselves in an advantageous spot in the conference. Friday night proved to be a total cluster of problems between both teams, with the two offenses combining for 5 turnovers and both passing units combining to finish 5 of 22 passing. Alburnett didn't have a single completion, but were able to completely dominate on the ground, rushing for 275 yards. West Branch suffered from several missed opportunities, including a critical redzone interception in the third quarter that Alburnett capitalized into points to build a 2 possession lead, and in the end, the Bears' final drive ended with another interception within the last 2 minutes, giving the Pirates a huge upset at home. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: Owen Henriksen (SO) - </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1901425' first='Laken' last='Caves'] had a great night on Friday, but with limited reps due to a sprained ankle, Owen Henriksen stepped up to the plate and had a big role on both sides of the ball. Henriksen ran for 116 yards on 26 carries (4.5 YPC) and a rushing TD while adding 4 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, a sack, and a fumble recovery on defense. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Roland-Story </strong>vs. Vinton-Shellsburg: <strong>21-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Coming off a close win over Denver last week, Roland-Story took the road against the Vikings. The Vikings were in control for the first half, ending with a 7-0 lead as the Norsemen weren't able to establish much ground. Coming out of the second half, the Norsemen responded with two touchdown drives to make a 14-14 tie heading into the 4th. In the 4th, the Norsemen took the lead on a short touchdown run before forcing a turnover on the Vikings with over 6 minutes to go. The Norsemen were able to run out the clock on their ensuing drive to solidify their second straight one-possession win. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='1907914' first='Cody' last='Long'] (SR) - </strong>Relying heavily on Long's effective running ability during the second half, Long ran for 166 yards on 31 carries (5.4 YPC) and 2 rushing TDs, including the go-ahead score in the 4th quarter. Long added a reception for 8 yards and had 4 tackles on defense. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Central Lyon/George-Little Rock vs. <strong>Cherokee Washington: 28-21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Historically, the Lions have dominated this rivalry, but in the midst of a 0-4 start, the Braves entered with an opportunity to add to their win total over the Lions. Ultimately, the Braves had total control of the game offensively as they compiled 415 total yards on the Lions' defense as they built a 28-14 lead by the end of the third quarter. While the Lions were able to score in the 4th, it was too little too late as the Braves held on for a solid win as they have now beaten the Lions in back-to-back seasons following 11 straight losses dating back to 2006. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Top Performer: [player_tooltip player_id='1221948' first='Jaxon' last='Paulsrud'] (SR) - </strong>Paulsrud tore up the Lions' defense both on the air and on the ground. Paulsrud finished 11 of 16 for 115 yards and 2 TDs while rushing for 167 yards on 14 carries (11.9 YPC) and 2 rushing TDs. Additionally, Paulsrud added a team-high 12 tackles (9 solo) and 3.5 TFLs. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Notable Results from Week 5:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clarke Community vs. <strong>Chariton: 63-12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hampton-Dumont-CAL</strong> vs. Oelwein: <strong>63-19</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Osage</strong> vs. New Hampton: <strong>61-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Liberty vs. <strong>Mid-Prairie: 56-35</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis County vs. <strong>Albia: 50-8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Waukon</strong> vs. North Fayette Valley: <strong>50-31</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bellevue</strong> vs. Monticello: <strong>48-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kuemper Catholic</strong> vs. Southeast Valley: <strong>42-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crestwood </strong>vs. Forest City: <strong>42-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wilton </strong>vs. Mediapolis: <strong>42-14</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PCM </strong>vs. South Tama Valley: <strong>41-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pella Christian vs. <strong>Centerville: 39-24</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley</strong> vs. Sheldon: <strong>35-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estherville Lincoln Central vs. <strong>Okoboji: 35-0</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unity Christian vs. <strong>Western Christian: 28-21</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>West Burlington Notre Dame </strong>vs. Central Lee: <strong>27-15</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tipton vs. <strong>Anamosa: 24-7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spirit Lake vs. <strong>OABCIG: 24-17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dike-New Hartford</strong> vs. Denver: <strong>21-6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Top 10 Standouts from Week 5:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1241488' first='Quinn' last='Street'] (SR) - Osage: 14/18, 286 yards, 5 TDs, 36 rushing yards on 4 carries, 2 rushing TDs, 1.5 tackles, 51 total return yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1896856' first='Brooks' last='Weber'] (JR) - Mid-Prairie: 18/22, 306 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT, 17 rushing yards on 3 carries</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1614201' first='Cal' last='Bonifas'] (SR) - Bellevue: 18/26, 309 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 16 rushing yards on 2 carries</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1221948' first='Jaxon' last='Paulsrud'] (SR) - Cherokee Washington: 11/16, 115 yards, 2 TDs, 167 rushing yards on 14 carries (11.9 YPC), 2 rushing TDs, 12 tackles (9 solo), 3.5 TFLs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH Kyzer Arnold (SR) - Chariton: 239 rushing yards on 19 carries (12.6 YPC), 3 rushing TDs, 1 reception, 17 yards, 1 receiving TD, 3.5 tackles (3 solo)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1650430' first='Makoa' last='Kaleponi'] (JR) - Centerville: 238 rushing yards on 30 carries (7.9 YPC), 3 rushing TDs, 1 2PT conversion, 2 receptions, 10 yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1370608' first='Hudson' last='Scranton'] (SR) - Anamosa: 162 rushing yards on 40 carries (4.1 YPC), 2 rushing TDs, 1.5 tackles, 2 INTs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='850243' first='Brayton' last='Alford'] (SR) - Kuemper Catholic: 7 receptions, 63 yards, 11.5 tackles (10 solo), 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DL/RB Kael Cook (SR) - West Burlington Notre Dame: 10 tackles (8 solo), 7 TFLs, 63 rushing yards on 10 carries, 1 reception, 21 yards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Maguire Hoyt (SR) - Kuemper Catholic: 8.5 tackles (6 solo), 4 TFLs, 3 sacks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->