TR PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER – GMG quarterback Ethan Kremesrud (2) slips past three Meskwaki defenders on his way to the goal during a District 4 eight-man football game Friday in Garwin. . The Wolverines defeated the winless Warriors 52-0 for their first win of the season.
GERWIN — Patience paid off Friday night at GMG Football.
Head coach Devon Diedericks said everything went well for the Wolverines’ Senior Night, as GMG earned its first win of the season against Meskwaki, 52-0, at GMG Soccer Field.
“First of all, I’m very happy for our seniors,” Diederichs said. “They’ve been through a lot of peaks and valleys with this program, but they’ve brought our team together. So it’s great to come out here and honor them and watch them play well. It’s really amazing.”
GMG’s defense held Meskwaki to 11 yards of total offense in the first half and forced five turnovers for Meskwaki (0-7), including a fumble recovery by Jacob Cornwell in the end zone for a touchdown just before halftime. I forced it.
“Our defensive coordinator has done a phenomenal job and our D-line coaches have prepared us very well for this week because we knew it was going to be tough,” Diederichs said. spoke. “Meskwaki played a really tough game, but our line did a really good job.”
TR PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER – GMG Connor Rahn, 12, was taken down by two Meskwaki defenders during a football game in Garwin on Friday.
The Wolverines (1-6) also gave their linemen direct credit in the first half with rushing touchdowns by Easton Sash and Connor Rahn, and a big-man TD on a direct snap to Joaquin Williams.
Coach Rahn was still ahead of the line’s ability in Friday’s rushing success.
“Our O-line was great,” Rahn said. “And we just played hard. Our guys stood up hard for the ball and showed that they want to win and just give 100 percent effort.”
Cornwell scored a touchdown on a pass from Ethan Kremesrud in the first half and added 14 yards receiving. As the clock continued to wind down in the second half, GMG added a touchdown catch by Kremesrud’s Jacoby Woodbury. Kremesrud scored his own touchdown in the second half with a 47-yard scamper.
“This definitely means a lot because we’ve been struggling this season,” Rahn said. “We all really wanted to come here and win, not only for us upperclassmen, but also for our juniors and underclassmen, and it means a lot to all of us.
“As the season progressed, we were able to talk more and hold each other accountable in a good way.”
Diedericks is proud of the Wolverines’ persistence despite losing their first six games to start the season, including a homecoming loss to Waterloo Christian on Sept. 20.
“When you face adversity, you either give up or you keep going,” Diederichs said. “They kept fighting, they kept responding. I couldn’t have done it without their guidance.”
At Friday’s event, Rahn, Williams, Cornwell and Brady Harmon were among the seniors recognized for several different activities.
Meskwaki’s final regular season game is next Friday at home against Clarksville.
Coach Diederichs implored the Wolverines to enjoy this game and then prepare for a big test next Friday at Gladbrook-Rhinebeck.
“I think it’s going to be a very positive practice week,” Rahn added. “We’re going to try harder, play more and try to beat some really good schools. I think this really continues next week and into next year.”
ALBURNET — Grundy Center football remained perfect all season with a 41-13 win over Alburnett on Friday.
