Rams Take Advantage of ADM Mistakes, Capture Win on Senior Night

Nick Stavas's picture

  Glenwood seniors Eli Bales and Ryan Leath lined up at the 50 yard line and got a running start into a slide through the mud at Ram Memorial Field Friday night following the Rams’ 14-6 victory over district foe ADM (4-3, 0-3). That image is a microcosm of the entire game, as wet and cold conditions proved to be a challenge for both teams throughout the evening.

  After suffering two losses in a row to Winterset and Harlan, respectively, Glenwood (4-3, 1-2) used a stout defensive effort and a few timely ADM mistakes to tally a win on senior night.

  Head Coach Cory Faust touched on what it meant to come away with a victory in the last home game of the year.

  “I’m really happy for these seniors, proud of them,” Faust said. “I appreciate all the work they put into this program. Obviously, I don’t want to get too sentimental because we still have two more games, but I’m thankful for those guys.”

  The first half consisted of mainly punting and fumbling, as a soggy field plagued both offenses from the start. With two minutes remaining in the second quarter, Glenwood quarterback Zach Carr hit tailback Dominic Robertson on a 23-yard strike down the middle, which set up the Rams with a first and goal. Colton Schutte took it in for six on the next play.

  Glenwood looked better on offense than they had in the last month, sustaining drives and running the ball with ease in the second half.

  “We were moving [the ball] really good in chunks,” Faust said. “Obviously you don’t want to have the penalties and turnovers, but some of that just comes with the conditions I think. But yeah, we’re improving on offense and if we can stay healthy we should keep improving.”

  Perhaps the biggest turning point of the game came on a fourth and seven inside ADM’s five yard line late in the third quarter. The Tigers lined up for a punt, which was blocked by defensive end Parker Sell. The ball fell right into the hands of Zander Carda, who walked into the endzone to put the Rams up 14-0.

  Carda came up big not only on the punt block, but he also tallied three solo tackles and two tackles for loss on the defensive line.

  “We’ve just been practicing all week on fighting pressure on the inside, getting to the heels, tackling ball carriers, going after the ball, all that stuff,” Carda said.

  Carda credited his teammates for his big night in the trenches.

  “This win means a lot to us,” he said. “During the week we have our scout teams, they help us get better every day so we can come out our best on Friday nights.”

  Faust was elated about Carda’s performance, being that he was a player that not many saw as a difference maker before the season began.

  “Zander’s a really hard worker. He’s really dedicated to football, he cares a lot about this team, and he’s just a good kid, so I’m happy he’s making plays,” said Faust.

  Offensively, Glenwood was led by Schutte, who quietly ran for 100 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, making him Glenwood’s first 100-yard rusher in three weeks. Robertson added 66 yards on 14 carries.

  Next up for Glenwood is Class 3A juggernaut Lewis Central (7-0, 3-0). The Titans clobbered Harlan 49-14 Friday, and will look to keep their undefeated hope alive as they host the Rams in a week eight matchup.

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