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Washington Evening Journal
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WACO rattles Sabers to open football season
Complete roster sees action in win over Twin Cedars
WAYLAND — Mighty Warriors rattle their sabers before completing conquests of opponents.
Friday night in an 8-man football game, the WACO Warriors rattled their guests, the Twin Cedars Sabers, for a 52-0 season-opening victory.
The Warriors got the job done early as they scored 26 points in the first quarter, 14 in the second quarter, and 12 in the third quarter. Seven players — Jonah Clark, Drew Diers, Simeon Reichenbach, Jon Rice, Isaac Oswald, Reece Oswald and Brian Neal — scored the eight Warriors touchdowns. Isaac Oswald scored twice.
“It is a great sign that seven people scored. It means that a lot of kids got to play and when they played, they played well. Our starters played about a quarter with our second and third team playing the second quarter,” WACO head football coach Chad Edeker said. “We played our JV almost the entire second half.”
WACO’s running backs combined for 311 yards rushing and six touchdowns “running the ball behind a strong showing from our O-line,” Edeker said. “We didn't attempt a pass after the first quarter, and Riechenbach and Diers had just three carries each because of the score. Reece Oswald did a nice job at quarterback then at halfback for the JV.”
Varsity quarterback Isaac Oswald was 2-for-3 passing, and those were all early, including a 22-yard strike to Clark to open the touchdown barrage. On defense, Oswald made a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter.
WACO’s defensive line and linebackers were too physical for Twin Cedars and its young offensive line. Defensive ends Tyler Sutton and Jonah Clark both did a great job at getting into the back field and causing disruption.
Jon Rice, Tim Willits and Bryce Ackerman all played defensive tackle and “were very solid,” Edeker said. Diers, Taylor Sutton and Riechenbach had tackles for losses after the defensive line forced ball carriers to bounce outside.
The score allowed Edeker to get everyone on the team, seniors through freshmen, some time under the lights in front of a good crowd.
“We will not have that opportunity as much once we get in district play,” Edeker said.
Clark was the only varsity starter to get banged up in the game. He aggravated a foot injury he suffered in fall camp, Edeker said.
The Warriors hit the road to Springville next Friday.
Duane Nollen of the Mediapolis News contributed to this article.
WACO's Clayton Miller drags down the Twin Cedars kickoff returner Friday in a Week 0 game at Wayland. WACO won the game 52-0. (Doug Brenneman/The Union)
A host of Warriors, WACO's defensive unit (in blue), take down a Twin Cedars ball carrier Friday in a Week 0 game at Wayland. WACO won the game 52-0. (Doug Brenneman/Union)
WACO's Jonah Egli eyes his opponent before tackling a Twin Cedars ball carrier Friday in a Week 0 game at Wayland. WACO won the game 52-0. (Doug Brenneman/Union)
