Waukon football team erupts late in second quarter to make for a happy Homecoming with 48-21 win over North Fayette Valley
Hauling in six points ... Waukon football senior Vicente Quiroz hauls in this pass from junior Noah Hatlan for a 25-yard touchdown reception in the Indians’ 48-21 Homecoming victory over North Fayette Valley Friday, September 17. In addition to this touchdown catch, Quiroz also recorded three solo tackles in his total of four defensive stops in the game. View and find out how to purchase this photo and many more by clicking on the Photo Galleries link on this webpage.
by Perry Hesse
A battle of ranked Class 2A teams turned into a lopsided Homecoming win for the Waukon Indians Friday, September 17 as the hosts manhandled North Fayette Valley (NFV) to the tune of 48-21. The victory improved seventh-ranked Waukon’s record to 3-1 on the season and was the first defeat for the ninth-rated Tigerhawks.
“We had a size advantage, although our offensive line wasn’t that much bigger than their defensive line,” said Waukon football coach Chad Beermann. “Our offensive line continues to improve, especially run blocking. Our pass blocking still has a ways to go.”
That run blocking almost allowed senior running back Patrick Hennessy to score on the first play from scrimmage with a 35-yard gain up the middle before being tripped up by the NFV safety. It proved to be a touchdown-saving play as Waukon’s drive ended with a mishandled snap from center landing in the hands of Tigerhawk lineman Braxton Kuker. Senior Lincoln Snitker also prevented a touchdown on that play with a quick tackle. NFV’s ensuing drive would end when they were stopped on a fourth-and-one play, with linebacker Hennessy meeting the fullback in the hole for a loss on the play.
The Indians responded with their first scoring drive of the night, key plays including a 16-yard screen to Hennessy and a 31-yard pass over the middle to junior Nash Pearson from junior quarterback Noah Hatlan. Hennessy followed up a gain of seven yards with an eight-yard run up the middle for a touchdown with 2:26 left in the first quarter. The two-point conversion pass was incomplete, leaving the grid Tribe with a 6-0 headstart.
Next on the schedule will be a Class 2A District 4 road game at Oelwein Friday, September 24. The Huskies are coming off a 42-20 victory over Jesup and currently sport a 1-3 record.
“Oelwein runs a very similar offense as NFV, as their current coach, Bob Lape, came from NFV and installed his system,” said Beermann. “They have a bunch of big kids on both sides of the line.”
Kick-off at Oelwein will be at 7:30 p.m. with the freshman game beginning at 5 p.m. The grid Tribe will then return home to host Class 2A newcomer Dubuque Wahlert, with the Golden Eagles holding a 1-3 season record after a District 4 opening win over Union.
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