Wildcat football splits with rival Trojans
Marion Middle School Wildcat eighth grade team remained undefeated Thursday with a 14-0 shutout against the Hillsboro Trojans.
The Wildcats were led by running back Nick Klenda. In a game full of turnovers and missed opportunities, Klenda made the most of the situation every time he touched the ball, amassing 125 yards on 21 carries. Drew Maddox was second on the team in rushing with six carries for 53 yards.
Head coach Steve Janzen credited offensive linemen Colton Olson, Parker Ash, Brian Fruechting, Adam Maag, Sam Ehrlich, and Sheldon Boone for opening huge holes for his runners in the second straight game.
Tyler Neil anchored the defense for the second straight week, recording a team-leading 10 tackles. Klenda added nine tackles for the Wildcats, and Ash and Boone tallied seven each.
The seventh grade team lost for the second straight week, falling to the Trojans 28-0. Les Riggs paced the Wildcat ground attack with six carries for 49 yards.
Riggs and Andy Shipman topped the team in tackles, recording 11 each. Dillon Richmond was next with eight tackles, and Jordan Versch and Conner Thierolf chipped in with five each.
