SB-Luton downs Glenwood 27-13 in top 10 matchup

Sergeant Bluff-Luton scored the game’s first 14 points and held off Glenwood 27-13 in a non-district battle of top 10 ranked football teams in Sergeant Bluff Friday.

The Class 4A, No. 2 ranked Warriors (4-0) score two first quarter touchdowns and the No. 8 Rams (3-1) could never quite dig out.

Despite the loss, Glenwood coach Cory Faust saw a lot he liked in the game.

“Our players showed they can compete with anyone in the state, but we still have room to improve our consistency of execution and elimination of missed assignments and unforced errors,” he said. 

The quick, physical Warrior defense made nothing easy for Glenwood on the night. After entering averaging better than 344 yards a game on the ground, the Rams were limited to 56 yards on 37 carries (1.5 per carry) in the loss.

Quarterback Ben Carlo was harassed into 10-o-23 passing for 140 yards and interception while carrying the ball 13 times for for minus-net 23 carries.

The Rams’ scores came on a touchdown scamper by running back Joe Leick a pair of field goals by Jace Tallmon.

Glenwood had three takeaways in the game but finished even in turnovers with three of their own. They also had two trips inside the Warrior 10-yard line net a total of three points.

“One of those times we had it on the1- yard line and went backwards with an unforced error (penalty),” Faust said. “Another operational error on punt gave SBL a short field that led to a score.  These are things we can fix if we are willing to humble ourselves and continue to do that work to get better.” 

Sergeant Bluff-Luton tallied 298 total yards, 222 of it coming on the ground. Carson Jager led all rushers with 113 yards and a touchdown.

“Sergeant Bluff's offense really puts pressure on the defense with its unique style and very good players,” Faust said. “We put a lot of pressure on our DBs (defensive backs) and they did a nice job making SBL earn things.  We held up well against the run much of the game.  SBL got 91 yards on two touchdown runs.  One of the TD runs came right after we had held them on third down, but were called for a facemask that did not really affect the outcome of the play.”

Take those two TD plays away and the Rams held them to 3.85 yards per carry and 4.5 yards per play.  

“Those are really good numbers,” Faust added. “One of the best things about sports is that we get a chance to build our resilience and toughness after disappointment and adversity.  I believe this team will do that and I'm excited to see what we can do in the weeks to come.”  

The road doesn’t get any easier for Glenwood this week. The Rams come back home to open District play against No. 10 ranked Council Bluffs Lewis Central (2-2) at the Glenwood Activities Complex.

“Lewis Central once again has a really talented team,” Faust said. “They are possibly the biggest team in 4A in terms of the size of athletes on the offense.  Like us, they try to play a physical style in all three phases.” 

Friday’s game will kickoff at 7 p.m.