Cadet football team trounces New Hampton, 26-7; tickets for FC game available on Bound website

 CRESCO - An extremely balanced offensive attack combined with a strong defense and special teams spelled success for the Crestwood varsity football team on Friday, Sept. 19, as the Cadets routed the New Hampton Chickasaws during the homecoming game, 26-7.

The win improved Crestwood’s overall record to 2-2 and 1-0 in Class 2A District 3. The Cadets will battle Forest City at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in Forest City.

Facing the Chickasaws, the Cadets had equal success through the air and on the ground. Crestwood tallied 180 yards passing and 181 yards rushing. New Hampton was held to a paltry 17 yards passing and only 55 yards rushing.

Crestwood Head Coach Justin Denner noted that starting the game fast was a big key to victory. On its first possession of the game, the Cadets marched 60 yards in nine plays and capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Alex Loden to Luke Drtina with 6:24 left in the first. Mitchell Williams nailed the extra point kick.

“We’ve been harping on it all week in practice - the importance of starting the game as fast as we could,” Denner said. “We executed on offense really well during our first drive. We took what New Hampton was giving us and scoring right away helped us.

“Our defense played outstanding the whole night. (Assistant) Coach Kolby LeFebvre did a great job of getting our guys ready to go and understanding New Hampton’s  tendencies. One broken play was the only thing that allowed New Hampton to score (in the fourth quarter). 

“Ultimately, our goal was to go 1-0 this week to be in the top half of the district ad we did that. Now our goal is to do the same next week,” Denner said.

Controlling the line of scrimmage was a big factor that helped the Cadets.