WOODWARD, IA — An explosive first quarter propelled Woodward-Granger to a 51-0 Class 1A District 2 win over visiting Belmond-Klemme Friday.
W-G (3-3, 2-1) added an eight-point touchdown in the third quarter to enter the half holding a 38-0 margin, then scored six third-quarter and seven fourth-quarter points to complete the shutout.
School history was established on the first W-G possession. Knowing what was on the line, Collin Nardini was brought in at quarterback for the first snap, and he promptly hit brother Brody for an eight-yard gain.
The significance?
The reception broke the career catches record that had been held by current Hawk head coach Cory Crnkovich. The coach had a stellar prep career of his own, pulling in 75 passes for 1,018 yards and five touchdowns.
By the time the game ended, Nardini stood at 79 snags for 926 yards and six career TDs. He has 316 yards and three TDs of 32 catches this season.
The TD-reception and career yardage leader for the Hawks is Bryce Achenbach, who compiled 1,313 yards and 12 scores on 63 catches.
As impressive as the Hawk attack was, the W-G defense also played a critical role in the margin of victory. The hosts yielded 10 completed passes on 19 attempts by the Broncos and intercepted one pass while allowing 72 aerial yards.
The W-G run defense was stifling, limiting Belmond-Klemme to only eight total yards on 18 rushes.
In addition to Collin Nardini, Bryan Jesse completed his one pass attempt, good for six yards. Carter Moran finished 8-of12 for 115 yards and three TDs.
Brody Nardini (4-40, 2 TDs), Dane Polich (2-33, 1 TD), Max Dalton (1-37), Dylan McCaulley (1-8), Chandler Drake (1-6) and Ethan Moats (1-5) all caught passes for the hosts.
W-G ran for 257 yards on 29 hauls and four scores. McCaulley (8-87, 1 TD) and Brayden Simons (3-66) led the way, with Oliver Potter (3-47, 1 TD) and C.J. Peterson (4-27, 1 TD) helping as well. Lineman Kolby Fogarty carried once for a 10-yard TD, with Jesse (1-4), Oscar Potter (3-9) and Holden Heard (6-7) also involved.
Abraham Bell connected on 1-of-2 PAT kicks, with Moran adding two two-point conversions and Brody Nardini and Oliver Potter one apiece.
W-G is at South Central Calhoun Friday. The Titans (3-3, 2-1) were 41-7 winners in Woodward last season. They hold a 190-189 scoring edge this season, and in D2 play have defeated NW Webster (51-13) and Eagle Grove (49-14) while suffering a 62-8 loss to host South Hamilton Friday.
South Hamilton defeated visiting W-G, 38-14, two weeks ago, a loss surrounded by Friday’s lopsided win over B-K and a 50-6 win over visiting Eagle Grove Sept. 16. W-G has outscored their opponents 179-110 this season.
