Cardinals too much in 49-0 shutout
Staff writer
Marion High School’s football team knew it would have a daunting task Friday night in a contest against its unbeaten rival, the hosting Sedgwick Cardinals.
The last thing the Warriors needed was shoot out with the high-powered Cardinal offense which often bolts out of the starting gate in the first quarter.
A 29-point first quarter explosion from Sedgwick a year ago led to a 51-6 home loss for the Warriors. Sedgwick’s hot streak in the first quarter continued this year with a fast 21-0 lead handing Marion a second consecutive loss in a five-day span, 49-0.
Outside of a 43-yard completion from quarterback Will Alleven to Ian Ingels, and the Warrior defense holding Sedgwick’s ground attack to 95 yards, little went Marion’s way.
Running the ball isn’t Sedgwick’s strength, though.
The Cardinals take to the air to quickly get up and down the field, and quarterback Lance Hoffsommer did just that, completing 17-of-24 passes for a trio of touchdowns and 262 yards.
The Warriors also gave up five turnovers, four coming on fumbles. The team managed six first downs and 139 total yards.
Marion entered Friday’s contest averaging a respectable 234 yards a game with 191 yards rushing through the last two games, but points have been hard to come by with the Warriors averaging a six a game.
Sedgwick shut down Marion’s ground game, holding the Warriors to 86 yards and leading rusher Braeden Mercer to 58 on 16 carries.
The Warriors only gave up one score the second quarter, but the Cardinals’ 28-0 lead was commanding enough to have the game sealed up by the break.
The loss dropped Marion to 1-4 on the year while Sedgwick remains perfect at 5-0.
Marion faces Hillsboro at 7 p.m. Friday in Hillsboro.