No. 1 ranked Exira-EHK throttles CAM 65-0, will face Coon Rapids-Bayard Monday
By Drew Herron - NT Sports Editor / Oct. 30, 2013
EXIRA – This year’s Exira-EHK team has made a habit of rising to the occasion in big games. So, why would anyone expect Wednesday night’s playoff opener be any different?
The No. 1-ranked Spartans put on a clinic against Cumberland-Anita-Massena, needing just seven offensive plays to jump out to a three-touchdown lead, then keeping the collective foot on the accelerator en route to a 65-0 victory over the Cougars.
As a steady mist fell continuously on the field at The Top of the Hill, there was never any doubt about who the better team was Wednesday.
“This is the best team I’ve seen since I’ve been in the 8-Man game,” CAM head coach Joe Wollum said afterwards of Exira-EHK. “They are a lot better than any other team we’ve seen this year. We’ve seen some good teams, and this is the best I’ve seen.”
Spartans’ junior quarterback Drew Peppers accounted for six touchdowns (five on the ground and one through the air) to help lead Exira-EHK onward through the lopsided victory.
The running clock kicked in less than two minutes into the second quarter, but the Spartans still put up 65 points, the third highest total they’ve scored this season and three points shy of their most productive output of 2013.
At the line of scrimmage, Exira-EHK’s offensive line bullied CAM, and opened running lanes wide enough to drive a truck through.
Afterwards, Exira-EHK head coach Tom Petersen heaped praise on the O-line’s performance.
“The offensive line rose to the occasion once again,” he said. “They continue to get better week-to-week. The communication was good, and this is the best we’ve played all year. It all starts with the guys up front.”
In the first half, when all the starters were still in the game on both sides, the Spartans out-produced CAM 411 yards of total offense to the Cougars’ 83. Drew Peppers had five carries for 169 yards and four rushing TDs in the opening half, and Trey Sander touched the ball half a dozen times for 113 yards and one touchdown.
Peppers was able to make the most of open gaps to spring it up field, while Sander again seemed more content knocking down would-be tacklers as he carried the ball for large gains.
On this night, Exira-EHK was clearly the more physical team, and nobody played more physical than Sander.
“Trey, I don’t know how he does it,” coach Petersen says. “He’s got four or five (tacklers) on him, and he just keeps going. But I don’t have to tackle him, so I’m OK with that.”
Exira-EHK led 27-0 after one quarter and 51-0 at the half. For good measure, the Spartans needed just two plays in the second half to score again, this time on a 30-yard run from Drew Peppers, and the rout was long since on.
“That’s a very good team, there is a reason they are ranked No. 1 in the state,” coach Wollum says. “Give them all the credit in the world, they did a great job.”
Exira-EHK took the first step towards returning to the UNI-Dome after reaching the state semifinals a year ago. Up next for the Spartans is a rematch with Coon Rapids-Bayard, whom fell hard to Exira-EHK 49-12 during their district meeting in Week 6.
The Crusaders got past Fremont-Mills in overtime Wednesday night in Tabor 32-24.
Coach Petersen says the team will celebrate this one for a night, then it’s back to work.
“All the way through, I was very pleased with the way the kids played,” coach Petersen says. “The kids are jelling, and this is what I expect from our guys…it’s time to move forward. Tomorrow, it’s time to get ready for (CRB).”
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