MMS football teams split with Sterling
The eighth grade Marion Middle School team started off the season with a bang Thursday defeating Sterling 34-16.
After a sluggish first half that saw MMS ahead 14-8, the Wildcats busted out for 30 points in the second half to claim victory.
Head coach Steve Janzen was impressed with the blocking from offensive linemen Colton Olsen, Eric Vogel, and Parker Ash. They and the rest of the line opened up holes for running back Drew Maddox.
Maddox carried the ball just eight times but recorded 195 yards and three scores.
Nick Klenda rushed seven times for 40 yards and a touchdown, and Dillon Wildin added a 28-yard score as well.
Klenda and Tyler Neil hounded the Sterling offense with 13 tackles each. Isaac Hett added seven and Vogel recorded six.
The seventh grade team did not fare as well, falling to the Black Bears, 38-0.
Matt Sprowls led Marion's ground attack with eight carries for 59 yards. Andy Shipman was right behind with eight carries for 52 yards. Corey Seacat, five carries for 31 yards, and Conner Thierolf, four carries for 14 yards, rounded out the running game.
Thierolf led all Wildcats with five tackles, and Shipman added four.
MMS plays host Thursday to rival Hillsboro.
