Warriors fall to unbeaten Red Hawks

HLV's Brandon Leonard (Mitch Traphagen file photo)

TRAER - One thing the HLV Warriors can take away from Friday night’s 0-28 loss to North Tama is that they gave the unbeaten, un-scored-upon Red Hawks their toughest win yet. Midland, Don Bosco and BGM all faired far worse against the No. 2 ranked class A team.

The Red Hawks remain one of only two Iowa teams that have yet to allow points this season, winning four games totaling 164-0.  They have shut out 19 of their past 30 opponents.

The Warriors racked up 131 yards against North Tama with 59 on the ground and 72 in the air.  HLV quarterback Bryce Kuesel went 5 for 14 in passing, suffering three interceptions.  Brandon Leonard tied with Kuesel for the rushing lead at at 22 yards each.  Preston Warnick and Jordan Smith rounded out the ground attack with 9 and 6 yards respectively.

Leonard also picked up 28 yards on three receptions, followed by Jeff Craig with 24 yards and Clint McClenathan with 20 yards - both on single catches.

On defense, the Warriors gave up 291 yards - 182 on the ground and 109 in the air.  The Warriors defense did manage to encroach on the North Tama offensive line with Alex Schnebbe picking up a tackle for a loss, Jordan Smith and Garrett Hinrichs each picking up three, Austin Tuttle picking up two, and Leonard and Kuesel each making one.

The Warriors also made headway in stopping North Tama drives, limiting the Red Hawks to a single score in each quarter.  Their final touchdown came off an interception in the final minutes of the game.

On Friday, the Warriors will host Montezuma in Victor. The 2-2 Braves have lost their last two games, first against North Mahaska on the road and then last week at home, falling 7-34 to BGM.