Sports editor
They may not be the 1999 Minnesota Vikings, but the Marion High School Warriors continue to win their way.
MHS (3-1) pounded out a tough, 14-0 victory Friday on the road at Sterling.
Marion has only allowed 48 points on the season.
Sheldon Boone bested his 145-yard performance the week before, gaining 166 yards on 29 carriers.
The Vikings had gunslinger Randall Cunningham behind center, throwing to talented and flashy wide receivers Randy Moss and Chris Carter, en route to setting a then-NFL record for most points scored in a season.
Marion uses a more conventional grind-it-out style with Boone, and complimentary backs Drew Maddox, Marc Washington, and quarterback Mitchell Leppke.
The trio had 25 carries for 48 yards and a score while spelling Boone.
Already leading 14-0 halfway through the third quarter, each got at least one carry during a 13-minute drive which ended with only six minutes left on the clock.
“I’ve always been big on field possession, and pounding on people and wearing them out,” Thierolf said. “For an old running coach, that was a thing of beauty.”
For the game Marion amassed 256 yards on the ground, including a two-yard touchdown by Boone, and a nine-yard score from Leppke in the second quarter.
The scores were all the stingy Warrior defense needed.
Junior Mitch Cady led the way for Marion with eight total tackles, one for a loss, and two pass breaks.
Boone recorded his first interception of the season in the fourth quarter, while Mark Kukuk, Nick Klenda, and Eric Vogel each registered a sack.
Cady, playing his first full varsity game, enjoyed the shutout.
“Making those tackles, and making those plays is rewarding to know I helped contribute to the team,” he said. “It felt good.”
Boone, who also had four total tackles, was glad to contribute on the offensive side of the ball.
“Every play, I wish it could go to me, but you have to share with the team,” he said with a smile.
Thierolf said the only thing the team needed to work on during the game, was the perimeter running game.
“We’ve got to see the blocks better,” he said of the slot backs. “I know they can. Sometimes when you turn your shoulders up, you’ve got to get an extra yard or two.
“We’re getting better at it. They are working their tail-ends off.”
Hard work is something the Warrior coaching staff prides itself on, and it usually pays off.
“We’re just kind of growing as a team,” Thierolf said. “It’s fun to watch.”
Hoisington
The Warriors travel Friday to play 3-1 Hoisington in another MCAA match-up. The Warriors are looking for their seventh victory in their past eight road games.
Their only loss the past two years away from home was at Remington.
“For some reason playing on the road doesn’t bother us,” Thierolf said.