VICTOR – Adaptability.
Or as Hayden Fry, the late Iowa football coach, put it, “Scratch where it itches.”
The Montezuma Braves answered HLV’s physical style with a 30-point explosion in the second quarter on their way to a 56-20 varsity football win over the Warriors on Friday evening, Aug. 27.
The win was the second this season for Montezuma, against no defeats.
The Braves led 13-0 through one quarter, then outscored the Warriors 30-13 in the second quarter to take a 43-12 lead at halftime.
“It was a great win for our program against a very physical HLV team,” said Braves Coach John Beck. “The boys played well and continued to improve throughout the game.”
If you worried about Eddie Burgess throwing for fewer than 100 yards last week, you can come out from under the kitchen table now. His arm is fine.
Burgess threw for 305 yards and four touchdowns, on 14 connections in 25 tosses against the Warriors.
“HLV wanted to stop the run first,” Beck said. “We did a great job adjusting to that and got some big plays from our receivers.”
It was a first starring role for junior wide receiver Masin Shearer, who put his hands around five Burgess passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a 31-yard rushing touchdown and a pair of two-point conversions.
Shearer was one of seven Montezuma receivers. Burgess himself caught two balls for 74 yards, one for a touchdown on a 40-yard play. Owen Cook threw that one.
“Having multiple guys out there who run good routes and can make big plays really helps,” Beck said.
Burgess and Shearer connected for a 63-yard touchdown on Montezuma’s first play from scimmage.
“Masin had a big game for us,” Beck said. “That touchdown play gave us a huge spark and momentum early on.”
The momentum stayed on Montezuma’s side of the field. The Braves led 43-13 at halftime.
“Our offensive line did a great job adjusting as the game went on,” Beck said. “HLV likes to get after people up front. Our offensive linemen responded well to that.”
“Camden Michalek had a great game from the tight end spot,” Beck said. “He had some key catches in big spots.”
Michalek caught three passes for 65 yards, including a touchdown strike from 16 yards out.
“We did some really nice things in the passing game and used the run game when needed,” Beck said. “I am happy with the progress we made, but we look forward to fixing a few things and improving for next week.”
Then, there was the Braves’ defense. “Our guys played really well,” Beck said. “We pursued to the ball and forced them into some long second and third down situations.”
“Our pressure was huge for us,” Beck said. “We had some big negative yard plays from our defensive linemen and linebackers that helped put us in some really good positions.”
“It’s always nice to get a score out of our defense,” as well, Beck said. He was referring to a pick six by Cook, the return for the touchdown covering 16 yards.
Montezuma led 50-12 after three quarters.
“Zach Bennett, Tod Geiger and Keatyn Stokoe really moved HLV’s line and kept guys off of our linebackers,” Beck said. “Our linebackers did a great job reading their keys and flying to the ball.”
Beck said linebackers Burgess and Connor Van Zee, “really played well there. Our defensive backs did a great job helping in the run game. I really like how physical they are playing.”
“Owen Cook, Eli Bustamonte and Masin Shearer all did a great job in coverage and helping stop the run” said the coach.
“Owen had some big plays, highlighted by the pick six,” the coach said. “He had a very good summer in the weight room and it is showing on the field.”
Beck also praised Montezuma’s special teams play. “We have some young guys step in and really give us a nice look. Owen did a great job with his kickoffs, putting HLV back deep in their own territory.”
“We had a lot of young guys step up when guys needed breaks with this heat,” Beck said. “It is really great to see them go out and perform. They help during the week by prepping us for Friday. They are key to our success. I can’t wait to see what they can do on Monday at Southeast Warren (in a JV game),” Beck said.
Montezuma ran 57 plays and gained 492 total yards. HLV ran 40 for 261. Jack Cheney was 4-for-9 through the air for 56 yards and one touchdown. Ben Thys caught one pass for 42 yards and a score.
Beau York led HLV rushers with 13 carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Donovan Kruse led the Warrior defense with 6.5 tackles and an interception.
HLV fell to 1-1 with the defeat.
UP NEXT – Montezuma is at Grand View Christian to open district play on Friday, Sept. 3. GMG beat Grand View Christian 48-24 on Friday.
Braves Stats vs. HLV
Braves passing – Eddie Burgess was 14-for-25 for 305 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Owen Cook 2-for-2 for 74 yards and one touchdown; Garrett Watts, 1-for-2 for 1 yards.
Braves rushing – Burgess 13-50, one touchdown; Connor Van Zee 9-29, Masin Shearer 2-24, one touchdown; Watts 3-11, Cruz De Jong 1-2.
Receiving – Shearer 5-131, 3 touchdowns; Burgess 2-74, one touchdown; Cam Michalek 3-65, one touchdown; Cook 3-40, Eli Bustamonte 1-40, Van Zee 2-24, Carter Michalek 1-1.
Tackles – Burgess 9.0, Zach Bennett 5.5, Bustamonte 3.0, De Jong 2.5, Cook 2.0, Van Zee 2.0, Briar Simpson 2.0, Braxton Simpson 2.0, Peyton Minner 2.0, Nathan Borton 1.0, Carter Michalek 1.0, Shearer 1.0, Brett Plants 1.0, Jack Brenner 1.0, Keaton Stockoe 0.5, Kennen Roadcap 0.5, Watts 0.5.
Tackles for loss – Bennett 1.0, Cook 1.0, Burgess 1.0, Briar Simpson 1.0, Braxton Simpson 1.0, Peyton Minner 1.0.
Fumble recovery – Bennett 1-0.
Interception – Cook 1-16, one touchdown.
Punt returns – Carter Michalek 1-11.
Kicking – Cook 9 kickoffs for 6 touchbacks and 435 yards. PAT’s – 4-for-5.
Punts – Watts 1-25.
Two-point conversions – Shearer 2.