CORYDON – North Mahaska faced its fourth opponent of the season on their homecoming night. The Warhawks travelled to Corydon to take on the Wayne Falcons using a make-shift lineup due to injuries. Wayne scored twice in the first half and held off a Warhawk rally to win 14-9.
North Mahaska senior quarterback Lucas Nunnikhoven injured his throwing arm and was not able to quarterback so senior Asher DeBoef and junior Ryan Groom took turns behind center. Both teams were plagued with penalties, which changed field position.
The big play of the night for North Mahaska came from Nunnikhoven when he kicked a 42-yard field goal in the third quarter. The feat broke the previous record of 34 yards.
Wayne’s junior quarterback Karter Murphy was the story in the first half. He rushed for 119 yards in the first half and scored two touchdowns. North Mahaska’s defense held him to a negative 14 yards in the second half. Both of his TDs were runs of 44 yards and 61.
North Mahaska’s scoring drive came when the defense got their hand on the punt as it came off the foot and the Warhawks recovered at the Wayne 32. A Ryan Groom aerial to DeBoef for 27 yards set NM up at the Wayne 11-yard line. Penalties moved the Warhawks back to the 25 where the field goal was snapped. With five minutes to play in the game, Groom steered the Warhawks down the field then scampered around the left side for a 5-yard score.
North Mahaska was limited to 106 yards in total offense. Gage Reis led the rushing attack with eight varies for 39 yards. DeBoef and Groom combined for nine completions on 18 attempts for 80 yards. DeBoef led the receiving with two catches for 31 yards and Nunnikhoven had two for 23.
Murphy rushed for a net 105 yard and passed for 56 yards on four tosses.
North Mahaska, 3-2 overall and 2-3 in district play hosts Madrid for homecoming. They will close the season with a game at home against North Tama.