Warriors roll past Independent to claim CVL championship
n Marion defeats Panthers in 35-0 victory, and compile 357 yards on offense
Eric Clark
News Editor
Since the inception of the Cottonwood Valley League back in 1927, Marion has stood head-and-shoulders above the rest when it comes to football league championships.
The Warriors, who won the first league championship back in 1928, and many more along the way, closed out the final game of the CVL fittingly, with a victory over Wichita Independent and a CVL championship.
The CVL which will be axed after this season, has seen it's share of champions, but MHS head coach Grant Thierolf said it was important for his team to secure the final CVL title.
If Marion had any trouble during their match-up Friday night vs. the Panthers it was cleverly disguised.
The Warrior defense held Independent to just 22 total yards on offense, while pitching their second-straight shutout.
The Marion offense racked up 357 yards of total offense, despite turning the ball over three times.
Clayton Chamberland got the Warriors on the board in the first quarter, after a slow start for both teams. Chamberlands one-yard touchdown gave Marion a 6-0 advantage after the conclusion of the first.
But in the second quarter, after forcing a fumble on defense, Chamberland recovered the football and scored again to give Marion a 14-point lead after the quarterback found Calvin Riggs in the endzone on the PAT.
Tyler Smith fell on another fumble in the second quarter to give the Warriors a 21-0 lead after the Boone's extra-point split the uprights.
Boone added a 2-yard touchdown blast late in the half to give Marion a 27-0 lead heading into intermission.
After a sloppy and scoreless third quarter, the Warriors tacked on another touchdown as Boone scored from 7-yards out to give Marion a 33-0 lead.
The Warrior defense scored a safety after pinning the Panthers inside their endzone for the eventual 35-0 lead.
Chamberland led the way offensively rushing for 121 yards on 18 carries, while throwing for 59 yards.
Boone, who needed just 78 yards to break 1000 yards for the season, finished with 97 yards on 24 carries. Casey Nelson had 71 yards on eight carries.
Boone spearheaded the defense with five solo tackles, three assists, and one forced fumble. Tyler Stubenhofer added another interception to his growing list while compiling five solo tackles, one fumble recovery, four pass break-ups, and one assist.
Tyler Smith had three solo tackles, two assists, one tackle for a loss, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
With the victory against the Panthers, the Warriors are 6-1 overall, and finish 5-0 in the CVL. More importantly, however, the Warriors are 1-0 in district play and will travel to Bluestem this Friday.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
