Cards dominate in Homecoming win

It was a Homecoming to remember for the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura football team, as they dominated East Sac County, 41-6.

“We responded well this week after our loss to Spirit Lake.  We started out well and Alex VanGerpen had another nice night for us,” said Coach Scott Van Dusseldorp.  “The offensive line has really improved over the weeks and I am proud of how they have worked.”

VanGerpen scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, one on a 46-yard rush and another on a 50-yard run.  The first quarter score was 14-0.  

Keith Schwickerath scored in the second quarter on a 40-yard rush.  Branden Meints connected on the PAT for a 21-0 half time lead.

East Sac County scored one TD in the third quarter, but it was no match for the Cardinal’s scoring frenzy.  VanGerpen rushed 71 yards for one TD, while Meints grabbed an interception and ran 39-yards for another G-H/V touchdown.  Meints connected on both PAT attempts to put the Cards up, 35-6.  

Schwickerath picked up the last Cardinal touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 47-yard run.  The PAT failed for the final 41-6 victory.

VanGerpen ran the ball 22 times for 242-yards and three touchdowns to lead the Cardinals. Schwickerath added 116-yards on 11 carries and recorded two more scores for the Cards.  Mark Wellik carried the ball four times for 26 yards, while Seth Williams had one carry for seven yards.

Wellik led the defense with five solo tackles.  Schwickerath had three solo tackles and four assists.  Meints had three solo tackles and Josh Engslter had two solo and two assisted tackles.  Colton Knutson had two solo and one assisted tackle.

“Defensively we played a very good game, especially against the run.  When you hold a team to 19-yards rushing you have done a nice job,” said Van Dusseldorp.

The Cardinals travel to Clarion on Friday night, Sept. 28.