Bears survive WACO’s 2nd half push

After previously dropping two district football games by a combined eight points, it was time for English Valleys to flip the script.

The Bears defeated WACO in another close game, 54-52, in Wayland to keep their hope of an automatic playoff berth alive in 8-player District 5.

English Valleys held firm control, leading 30-7 at half.

WACO exploded for 32 points in the third quarter and trailed only 46-39 heading into the fourth.

After a late score, the Bears recovered an onside kick to hold on for the victory, moving to 4-2 overall and 2-2 in district play.

English Valleys will travel to play Iowa Valley (6-0) Friday.

Montezuma 72, Melcher-Dallas 16

MONTEZUMA — Montezuma got back in the win column, putting away Friday’s game early with 39 points in the first quarter.

The Braves got touches for everyone on offense, with nine different players scoring touchdowns.

The team totaled 327 yards offensively, led by 72 rushing yards from Breyer Chidester.

On defense, the Braves forced five turnovers.

Montezuma (4-2) will host Twin Cedar (1-5) Friday.

BGM 41, Earlham 14

EARLHAM — In a key Class A District 6 game, BGM pulled away with a 21-point second quarter.

Tied at 7-7 early in the second, BGM faked a punt, which set up a Beau Burns TD run.

The trickery did not stop there. On the following offensive possession, receiver Landon Hassett threw a 49-yard TD pass to Caleb Rhoads.

Leading 28-7 at half, BGM added 13 more points in the fourth.

Burns ran for 189 yards and four scores. Nathan Findlay added 84 more on just eight carries.

The win put the Bears at 3-2 in district play with one game remaining.

Winfield-Mt. Union 50, HLV-TC 34

VICTOR — In a battle of 1-4 teams in 8-player District 5, Winfield-Mt. Union scored 34 points in the second half to pull away from the Warriors.

The score was 16-14 at half.

HLV-TC (1-5) will play at Belle Plaine (2-4) Friday.

Clarksville 76, Belle Plaine 14

CLARKSVILLE — It was all Clarksville in this non-district game Thursday.

The Indians ran for 310 yards with nine rushing TDs.

Belle Plaine (2-4) will be back at home against HLV-TC (1-5) Friday.