MOUNT AYR – North Mahaska had hopes of securing a solid second place in Class A District 6 play and spoiling Mt. Ayr’s homecoming Friday. The Raiders had other ideas and captured a physical contest 40-6.

Two turnovers led to two Raider scores and North Mahaska struggled with the Mt. Ayr running game. Injuries were inflicted by both teams, but North Mahaska lost Lucas Nunnikhoven, who serves as the team’s quarterback, punter and kicker. He will not be able to play next week.

Mt. Ayr accumulated 262 yards in offense to 128 for the Warhawks.

Jackson Ruggles hit a pass at the mid-point of the first quarter. On the next NM possession, Nunnikhoven and Asher DeBoef hooked up for a TD. The extra point failed, and the game was tied 6-6 after the first period.

The Raider defense kept North Mahaska on the Warhawk side of the 50-yard line. Two drives stalled on fourth-down-and-long. Mt. Ayr was able to score on both then added a score near the end of the second period to lead 26-6 at halftime. The Raiders controlled the second half of the game.

Each team fumbled to begin the second half. North Mahaska muffed the kickoff, but Caleb Hol  stripped  Ruggles and took the ball back on the Raiders’ first play of the half. NM was able to move past their 10-yard line and the Raiders led 34-6

NM coach trey Bennett said his team just did not perform well, especially after adversity set in.

“We just didn’t execute,” said Bennett. “Had a lot of open guys and didn’t catch the ball. Defensively, we didn’t tackle well. The turnovers and physicality were a big key. Had some injuries after half.”

 Gage Reis was the leading rusher for North Mahaska with 40 yards on 12 carries. Nunnikhoven had 17 on six carries. Dylan Meland and DeBoef had the pass receptions. DeBoef’s resulted in a touchdown. Meland had two catches for 31 yards.

Dyson Thompson led the Raiders on the ground with 87 yards on 13 attempts.

North Mahaska (3-2, 1-2) will hit the road again for another long road trip when they head to Wayne of Corydon.