WACO tops WMU in district clash

WAYLAND — A frenetic pace early slowed down throughout a fierce Class 8-Player rivalry battle, and it was WACO that pulled through, turning a 20-18 halftime lead into a 16-point victory, 40-24.

The Wolves got things going though in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North battle as Jake Edwards hit Nicholas Sparrow on a cross field throw for a 65 yard touchdown.

It was a back and forth affair as both teams scored at will in the early stages of the matchup.

WACO answered right back as Louden Huisenga darted through the Wolves’ defense for a 38 yard touchdown run.

That was just the start of a big night for the back. Huisenga dashed for 149 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Warriors’ charge.

  Buy Photo

WMU didn’t look like they were going to slow down. On the first play of their next possession, Jake Edwards kept it himself for a 65 yard touchdown run to put the Wolves back on top 12-7.

Despite the loss, Edwards had a fantastic game under center.

Edwards threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 106 yards and a score.

Huisenga capped off another Warrior drive with six on the next possession to put them back on top 14-12.

Both teams scored once more in the second quarter, but the Warriors went on to edge the Wolves 20-6 in the second half, zero in the fourth quarter.

Clayton Miller threw for 120 yards and rushed for 79 yards for WACO. Hayden Shelman was electric in the kick return game, racking up 185 return yards, including a 74-yard touchdown return.

Lane Genkinger ran for 89 yards and a touchdown for WMU, and also caught seven passes for 128 yards and a score, while Sparrow caught three passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.