NEW SHARON – North Mahaska found several ways to score Friday as they rolled past Martensdale-St. Mary’s 56-17. The Warhawks ran, passed and scored on a muffed field goal enroute to the victory. North Mahaska is now tied for second in Class A District 6.
North Mahaska rolled up 443 yards in offense including 291 on the ground. MSM was held to 223 total yards.
North Mahaska got on the board on their first possession after holding the Blue Devils on their first possession. On their first play Lucas Nunnikhoven linked up with Asher DeBoef for a 43-yard aerial for a 7-0 lead two and a half minutes into the game. Penalties and turnovers slowed the Warhawks from scoring in the remainder of the first quarter. The woes continued until late in the first half when NM scored two quick times.
“We came out slow and sluggish in that first half,” said NM coach Trey Bennett. “We scored quick, but we had too many mistakes in the half.”
Hunter Wernli took the second half kickoff and rambled 80 yards downfield only to have the ball come back to the NM 26 on block in the back call. The Warhawks could not move the ball and MSM took over and a pass from Trey Wight to Cale Morrow resulted in a Blue Devil score. NM got back on track when Gage Reis romped in from 17 yards out then Nunnikhoven scampered 44 yards for another score and the Warhawks led 42-8.
Martensdale-St. Mary’s would add a TD and field goal to close the game to 49-17. Nunnikhoven has a strong leg and the Warhawks were hoping to break the school record of 34 yards late in the game.
“We weren’t trying to run up the score, but thought we would try to get him the school record,” said Bennett. “He deserves it.”
However, the play went awry. When holder Joel DeJong spun the ball around for the kick it got away and went to the ground nullifying the attempt. Nunnikhoven seeing the ball on the ground and the middle of the line open he picked it up and darted into the end zone from 26 yards for the final tally.
“It was a strange night,” said Bennett. “We have to clean some things up and play better. Our defense played tough tonight with a couple interceptions and fumble recoveries.
Nunnikhoven was the leading rusher with 102 yards on 11 carries. Charlie Goemaat rushed six times for 73 and Reis had 58 yards on six carries. DeBoef added 40 yards on two totes.
Nunnikhoven hit two receivers with DeBoef snagging three for 126 yards and a score and Ryan Groom with two for 26 yards.
Defensively, senior Trenton Hol had seven tackles and junior Alex Meland recorded six tackles and a quarterback sack. Senior Dawson DeBoef also had a sack.
North Mahaska is now 3-1 on the season and 2-1 in district play. They play at Mount Ayr Friday.
