Cardinals face number three rated Spirit Lake

It was a long night on the road for the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura football team, as they fell 42-6 to #3 rated 2A Spirit Lake on Friday, Sept. 14.

“We made too many mistakes to win against a team like them,” said Coach Scott VanDusseldorp.  “We fumbled the ball inside the 15-yard line that they returned for a TD and we threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.  We also need to do a better job of controlling the clock and finishing drives.”

The Cardinals were inside the Spirit Lake 15-yard line three times, but couldn’t get in the end zone.

G-H/V scored once in the second quarter when Spencer Shaw completed a 32-yard pass to Keith Schwickerath.  The extra point attempt failed.

Spirit Lake rushed for 167 yards compared to 141 yards for the Cardinals.  The Indians passed for 243 yards, while G-H/V passed for 54 yards.  Spirit Lake collected 410 yards of total offense compared to 195 yards for the Cards.

Quarterback Shaw was 3/11 passing for 54 yards.  Alex Van Gerpen had one catch for 12 yards, while Schwickerath had two catches for 42 yards.

Van Gerpen led the ground game with 50 yards on 24 carries.  Schwickerath had 10 yards on five carries, while Mark Willik had 41 yards on one carry.

Braden Meints led the defense with five solo and three assisted tackles.  Van Gerpen and Schwickerath each had four solo and three assisted tackles.  Shawn Murphy had three solo and four assisted tackles.

Tyler Buck and Shaw each had one interception.

“We have just played what I believe to be the best team in the district and can still have an amazing season,” said VanDusseldorp.  “We have to put this game behind us and come ready to play next week.”

It’s Homecoming this week for the Cardinals.  They will face East Sac County in a 7 p.m. game.