COLFAX – Stout run defense and a productive passing attack led Colfax-Mingo to its second district victory Friday night.
Colfax-Mingo quarterback Jared Myers threw a season-high four touchdown passes and the Tigerhawks held North Mahaska’s running backs to one of their least productive outings this season in a 27-13 win.
Leading 14-13 at halftime, Myers connected with senior receiver Jimmy Abell for two scores in the fourth quarter, including a 69-yarder that put the Tigerhawks up 20-13.
“That was a heck of a play call by coach (Matt) Barkalow, the offensive coordinator. Have to give him credit. He made a nice play call and then Jimmy made a nice play and Jared hit him wide open going down the sideline,” Colfax-Mingo head coach Jeff Lietz said of Abell’s 69-yard score. “It really gave us the momentum to finish the game.”
North Mahaska (1-4) entered the game averaging more than 242 yards rushing. Against Colfax-Mingo, North Mahaska totaled 162 yards on 51 carries, or only 3.2 yards per carry. The Warhawks averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in each of the first four weeks of the season.
Linebacker Jake Lietz led the Tigerhawks’ defense with another impressive performance, totaling 17 tackles, including 15 solo tackles and a sack. The junior has 79.5 tackles through five games, which is the third most among all players in the state.
“Their whole intent is to lineup and come at you,” Jeff Lietz said. “We didn’t do anything different on our defense, really. The week before, we tried to scheme some new defensive fronts against Belle Plaine and we just decided this week, we’re going to get back to what we do best and that was our base 3-5 defense.
“We had a very good defensive game.”
Myers finished the game 17-of-41 for 254 yards. Jake Lietz led the team with nine catches for 114 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown in the first half. Junior Gabe Simpson also caught a touchdown, his first of the season.
Abell’s second score of the game came after teammate Alan Wheeler blocked a North Mahasak punt.
Colfax-Mingo (4-1) travels to Montezuma (5-0) Friday night for a matchup of two of Class A District 7’s top teams.
“It’s a huge week,” Jeff Lietz said. “They’ve got a heck of a running attack and they’re big up front, so it’s going to be a challenge for us, but I know the guys are up to it.”