BGM gets road playoff win over Riverside

The story of BGM’s first season back in 11-player football just continues to get better.

The Bears went on the road in the first-round of the Class A playoffs and defeated Riverside 35-30 Friday in Oakland, almost a three-hour haul for BGM.

BGM scored on its opening drive, but the Bulldogs responded with a long rushing touchdown.

A key defensive stop for BGM came in the second, when they held Riverside to just a field goal.

“Deep in our own territory we were able to hold them to just a field goal, which ended up being the difference in the game,” BGM coach Jerod Burns said. “We were then able to score as time expired in the first half.”

BGM led 21-17 at the half.

The second half became classic playoff football, and BGM was able to control the line of scrimmage more effectively and played ball control to hold on for the win.

“For us to control the game from start to finish against a really good team was super impressive,” Burns said.

The Bears rushed for an impressive 369 yards on the ground on 46 carries.

Now BGM finds themselves in the round of 16 in the Class A playoffs.

BGM’s improvement this season, while adjusting to the 11-player game, can be credited to multiple areas, but it starts up front.

“Our defense has been big recently for us,” Burns said. “We’ve found our fit and the defensive line has been huge in that.”

The offensive line has also been able to create big gaps for the run game.

“Having those extra lineman compared to 8-player helps create more space and gaps for us,” Burns said. “We’ve been able to create more two on ones in our play design.”

The receiving room also made some key plays in the win Friday and has showed growth since the start of the season, Burns said.

“This season has been fun. The community has really rallied to support us.”

BGM (7-2) gets a district rematch against Lynnville-Sully (8-1) in the round of 16.

Iowa Valley 64, Moravia 0

MARENGO— Eight-player No.4 ranked Iowa Valley put this first-round playoff game out of reach after a quarter, leading 35-0.

The Tigers rushed for 338 yards on the ground with eight rushing touchdowns.

Nolan Kriegel had 145 yards, and Dane Smith had 105 on the ground. Layne Peska had a 47-yard receiving TD.

The Tigers’ defense had nine tackles for loss in the shutout to go along with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Easton Valley 80, Belle Plaine 52

PRESTON— Easton Valley’s strength is its offense, and that was on display in this 8-player first-round playoff matchup.

The Plainsmen were able to put up some points too, making this one a high-scoring affair. Belle Plaine finished its season 4-5.

Williamsburg 62, Saydel 7

WILLIAMSBURG— Williamsburg ended its season on a good note -- with a convincing win at home over Saydel.

The Raiders had three different players throw passing TDs. Dallin Sullivan and Grady Wetjen each had two scores on the ground.

Finishing 4-1 in district play created a three-way tie at the top of 3A District 5. The Raiders finished third in the tiebreaker, missing out on a guaranteed playoff berth.

The Raiders also just missed out on getting a wild card selection, which are based off the state’s RPI system for the last four selections in 3A. They were the first team out.

Williamsburg finished its season 5-4.