Sun, Nov 22 2009
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Published October 25, 2009 04:47 pm - Oskaloosa's defense struggled for most of the season, but against Keokuk o Friday night, came up big in a 12-6 win. Blanchard, defense spur Osky to season-ending win over Keokuk By JIM GRIES Herald sports editor KEOKUK — Herald photo by Jim Gries
Keokuk quarterback Kevin Jennings feels the pain inflicted by Oskaloosa defender Austin Blanchard during action Friday night in Keokuk. Blanchard also put some hurt to the Chiefs’ defense by scoring both touchdowns for the Indians in their 12-6 win. The Oskaloosa defense has been much maligned this season — allowing nearly 40 points a game to its opponents. In their season finale against Keokuk, the Indians played like the "Steel Curtain" defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers in getting a 12-6 Class 3A, District 5 victory. The win ends Oskaloosa’s season at 2-7 overall and 2-5 in the district while the Chiefs close with 1-8 and 0-7 records. “We had a great defensive effort by our kids and we scored enough points to win, which is great enough for us,” Oskaloosa coach Darrell Schumacher said. “Our defense just played lights out. They came up with big plays on just about every fourth downs. “It’ll be a great bus trip home. It’ll be short.” Just how well did the Oskaloosa played on defense. Despite allowing 324 yards of offense to the Chiefs, the Indians forced seven turnovers either on interceptions, fumble or on downs. Both teams scored on their second possession of the game after the Indians stopped Keokuk on downs following a 14-play drive that went just 24 yards ended on a Kevin Jennings incomplete pass. Oskaloosa gained control of the ball at its 40 and took only nine plays to cover the 60 yards with Austin Blanchard going in from 9 yards out with 2:56 left in the first quarter. Tyler Hafner missed the PAT and the Indians led 6-0. Keokuk came right back with Elliott Vandenberg going 45 yards on the first play from scrimmage, putting the ball at the Oskaloosa 20. Four plays later, Vandenberg, who ran for 158 yards on 23 carries, went in from 5 yards out with 1:26 remaining in the quarter. The PAT kick also failed and the game was tied at 6. The Indians were unable to move the ball and punted the ball back to the Chiefs, who took over at their 36. Oskaloosa’s defense rose to the occasion as Jennings was picked off by the Indians’ Alex Knoot at the Oskaloosa 31. It was the first interception by an Oskaloosa defensive back this season. It wasn’t about to be the last. 
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