A defensive strategy Iowa Valley employed against Montezuma in Friday’s playoff game wound up having an unintended result.
“Iowa Valley was really trying to limit the big play and contain us on the edges,” said Braves Coach John Beck. “Owen Cook and our offense were very patient in taking yards and moving the chains throughout the game.”
Tigers quarterback Evan Kearney proved in the first half what the Braves already knew: That he was dynamic and dangerous with the football in his hands. Kearney accounted for 202 yards of total offense in the first half alone.
But he was able to add just 99 more after intermission.
Quarterback Cook rushed the ball 29 times in this game, for 129 yards and four touchdowns in Montezuma’s 44-42 win. The Braves piled up 20 first downs.
“As a by-product, we were able to control the ball and keep their offense off the field,” Beck said.
But credit Kearney and the Tigers for scoring 16 points in three minutes of playing time to take a 42-41 lead with 1:06 left to play.
That was the set-up for Cook’s 46-yard game-winning field goal – his third field goal of this memorable game.
“I thought our offensive line played well and the guys on the outside did a good job blocking, too,” Beck said.
“Masin (Shearer) and Garrett (Watts) both played well and Cruz De Jong did a great job blocking on wide receiver screens,” said Montezuma’s coach. “Being a tight end is a tough job and most of the time you are blocking dudes that are bigger than you. He (De Jong) has grown all year long,” said Beck.
“Our ball carriers did a great job picking up some tough yards,” Beck said.
Montezuma snapped the ball 76 times and gained 414 yards. For Iowa Valley, it was 63 snaps and 414 yards.
“Defensively, we did a lof of things really well and were able to get a lot of stops,” Beck said.
“We gave up some yards and the big plays did hurt us a bit, but our guys stepped up in some big moments,” said the coach.
“We had a huge stop at about the three-yard line to prevent a score and get momentum back on our side,” Beck said.
“Our defensive line continues to grow and play well and really did their jobs well,” said Montezuma’s coach. “Our linebackers filled really well and improved on their tackling against a very elusive quarterback.”
“Our secondary guys did a better job in coverage and tackled well in space, too,” Beck said.
“The boys continue to be very gritty and determined,” Beck said. “Overall, a great team effort, again!”