Plainsmen, Raiders pick up key district wins

Few teams, if any, had a tougher schedule in Class 3A in their non-district football games than Williamsburg.

The Raiders faced top-three teams in 2A, 3A and 4A in consecutive weeks and were 1-3 heading into their District 5 opener against undefeated Des Moines Christian Friday in Urbandale.

In a tight, low-scoring game, the Raiders edged the Lions 17-14.

“I thought our guys finally started playing together more then they have all year,” head coach Austin Blythe said. “We fought through adversity when we needed to and made play when it counted.”

A key play in the game came shortly after a turnover when Cash Brown intercepted a pass and prevented a scoring drive for the Lions.

JR Buck had the play of the game offensively for the Raiders with a 66-yard touchdown catch.

Dyaln Weisskopf had four tackles for loss.

With Nevada (4-1) coming to Williamsburg Friday, the Raiders can go from a 1-3 start to controlling the driver’s seat for a district title and playoff berth with a win.

Nevada, just like Des Moines Christian, was ranked in the top 10 in the most recent Cedar Rapids Gazette football poll.

BELLE PLAINE 34, WACO 24

BELLE PLAINE — After an 0-3 start, Belle Plaine has completely flipped its season, with an upset win over WACO Friday night.

It started last week with a 56-50 win over English Valleys for their first win of the season.

Coming in at 3-1, WACO appeared to be the second-best team in 8-player District 5.

The Plainsmen’s win puts them at 2-1 in district play. They’re now in control of their own destiny, heading toward an automatic playoff berth with a top-three district finish.

“We are finally hitting our stride,” coach Scott Nilles said. “I’m feeling more confident in my play calling, and so is our defensive coordinator.

“The guys are playing really hard. The win (Friday) was a gritty win, and our guys are believing and trusting in their abilities.”

Belle Plaine (2-3) will be at Clarksville (4-1) Thursday in a non-district game.

Iowa Valley 69, Winfield-Mt. Union 22

WINFIELD — Played a day earlier than usual, on Thursday, Iowa Valley rolled to another win in an 8-player District 5 game.

The Tigers led 46-8 at halftime.

Dane Smith led the Tigers’ offensive attack, rushing for 112 yards and two TDs, adding three receiving touchdowns for 56 yards.

The play of the game came on defense. Chance Hoyt forced a fumble which was scooped up for a 55-yard TD, by his brother Mason Hoyt.

Iowa Valley (6-0) will be idle this week and has two more district games remaining in the season.

English Valleys 60, Sidney 8

LAMONI — English Valleys and Sidney High School are just over four hours apart, so the two teams met somewhat in the middle, playing at Graceland University.

Sidney was one of few teams that was initially idle this week but was willing to play English Valleys, who was seeking an extra game to make up for Lone Tree canceling its season.

The Bears won this one to move to 3-2 on the season.

Braydon Anderson rushed for 176 yards and four TDs to lead the Bears.

English Valleys will be at WACO (3-2) Friday.

Easton Valley 54, HLV-TC 8

VICTOR — Ranked in the top 10 in 8-player football, Easton Valley continued its undefeated season, handling the Warriors Friday in a non-district game.

The River Hawks were led by the effort of Keagan Lee, who threw for five touchdowns.

The Warriors scored a TD in the third and added a safety in the fourth quarter.

HLV-TC (1-4) will host Winfield-Mt. Union (1-4) Friday.

Southeast Warren 46, Montezuma 28

LACONA — The Warhawks used a strong second half to pull away from Montezuma and take the driver’s seat in 8-player District 7 football.

Trailing 22-16 at half, Southeast Warren outscored the Braves 30-6 in the second half.

Broox Stockman rushed for 77 yards and added 124 receiving yards to lead Montezuma offensively in the loss.

Jamison Ewing had a big night on the ground for the Warhawks, rushing for 305 yards.

Montezuma (3-2) sits in second place in the district and will host Melcher-Dallas (1-4) Friday.