MELCHER-DALLAS – The Montezuma Braves took their record out to 5-0 overall with a 61-8 run past Melcher-Dallas on Friday evening, Sept. 17.
The Braves took care of business early against an out-manned Melcher-Dallas team. They led 26-0 after one quarter, 47-0 at halftime and 61-0 through three periods in taking their district record to 2-0.
The Braves’ stats on offense were perhaps modest, considering they put up 61 points. But, they were spread around the squad. “We played well and got a lot of guys in,” said Braves Coach John Beck. “We need to clean up a few things, but came out healthy and with a win.”
Eddie Burgess was 10-for-17 through the air for 161 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed 10 times for 123 yards and four more touchdowns. “Eddie moved the ball around to a variety of people,” Beck said. “Connor Van Zee ran and caught the ball well for us.”
Burgess also returned an intercepted pass 30 yards for a score, and led the team with six tackles. “Offensively we were set up with pretty good field position all night long, thanks to our defense,” Beck said. “We were able to take advantage of match-ups and did a lot of things well.”
Owen Cook had one rushing attempt, but it went for 42 yards and a score.
Cook also caught four passes for 45 yards and another touchdown and was seven-for-seven on extra point kicks. “Owen had a very nice game,” Beck said.
“We controlled the line of scrimmage and were able to take advantage of that.”
Marty Knox had 5.5 tackles, including 1.5 for lost yardage and made his Braves debut as a ball carrier with 28 yards on two carries. “Marty did a great job reading keys and getting to the point of attack,” Beck said.
A total of 15 Braves were credited with making at least one tackle during the game, which was played with a continuous clock the entire second half.
“We did a lot of things well and held them without scoring for about 47 minutes,” Beck said. “Our defensive line also controlled the line of scrimmage and allowed us to really get after them.”
“Tod Geiger, Zach Bennett and company all played very well for us,” Beck said. “Our secondary did a good job. They are really stepping up to the challenge when teams try to throw on us.”
Melcher-Dallas fell to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in district play.
COME BACK here later in the weekend for stats and more detail.
UP NEXT – It’s homecoming for Montezuma next Friday evening as the Braves host Southeast Warren at Badger-Gabriel Field.
Stats vs. Melcher-Dallas
Passing – Eddie Burgess 10-17 for 161 yards, two touchdowns; Garrett Watts 3-5 for 37 yards.
Rushing – Burgess 10-123, 4 touchdowns; Owen Cook 1-42, one touchdown; Marty Knox 2-28, Masin Shearer 1-6, Connor Van Zee 4-13, Brett Plants 2-5, Garrett Watts 1-(-12).
Receiving – Van Zee 4-61, Cam Michalek 1-44, Cook 4-45, one touchdown; Alex Black 2-28, Shearer 1-11, David Rose 1-9.
Tackles – Burgess 6.0, Knox 5.5, Zach Bennett 4.0, Plants 2.5, Landon Morrison 2.5, Tod Geiger 2.0, Watts 2.0, Van Zee 2.0, Peyton Minner, 1.5, Carter Michalek 1.5, Black 1.0, Briar Simpson 1.0, Braxton Simpson 1.0, Houston Van Roekel 1.0, Kennen Roadcap 0.5.
Tackles for loss – Knox 1.5, Morrison 1.0, Geiger 1.0, Bennett 0.5.
Fumble recoveries – Shearer 1, Burgess 1.
Interceptions – Burgess 1-30, one touchdown.
Kickoff returns – Cruz De Jong 1-8, Watts 1-7.
Punt returns – Shearer 1-3, Van Zee 1-0.
Kicking – Cook 10 kickoffs, 5 touchbacks, 405 yards. PAT’s 7-7.
Punts – Burgess 1-31.