(Glenwood) Atlantic extends their record to 3-1 and 2-0 in district play with a 7-0 win over Clarinda on Friday night at Glenwood.
Both teams had their chances to score, but penalties and turnovers hampered drives for both squads. The Trojans had 266 total yards of offense, 167 yards passing and 99 yards rushing. Clarinda totaled 198 yards of offense, 134 yards passing, and 64 yards rushing.
Clarinda went deep into Trojan territory on a couple of occasions but was turned away by a fumble and a Trojan goal-line stand.
The Trojans picked off six Cardinal passes, recovered a fumble, and blocked a punt in a battle of the defenses.
“This was a battle between two teams going at it,” said Atlantic Head Coach Mike McDermott. “We told our kids the most physical team would win the ballgame, and “holy cow” our defense played lights out.”
Grant Sturm, snagged four interceptions and a punt return called back by a penalty.
“They tried to pick on a little guy like him, but his ball skills are great,” said McDermott. “What a great night for him, and he had a punt return called back because of a penalty, that kid can play.”
Bodie Johnson and Joe Weaver snagged the other two picks for the Trojans. Michael Shull had two interceptions, and Cole Ridnour picked off another errant pass for Clarinda.
Atlantic Sophomore quarterback Caden Andersen tossed a swing pass to senior running back Korey Parrot with 7:36 left to play in the contest for the only score in the game. Lane Nelson’s extra point put the Trojans up 7-0, which proved to be enough for the win.
Clarinda had two big pass plays. Sophomore quarterback Wyatt Schmitt connected with Michael Shull on an 84-yarder that ended on the Trojan seven-yard line. But, the Trojans recovered a Cardinal fumble, thus ruining Clarinda’s chance to score. Schmitt hit Isaac Jones on a 40-yard pass play but couldn’t finish the drive.
“We needed a game like this where things are tight and we have to play an entire game,” said McDermott. “I thought we played four quarters of football tonight. We weren’t spectacular on offense, but our defense never gave up.”
Atlantic travels to Des Moines, Christian next week. Clarinda hosts Shenandoah.
