Glenwood falls on road in season finale
Glenwood battled back from down 14-0 early to take the lead in the fourth quarter but couldn’t hold on as District 6 champion Norwalk scored a late touchdown in a 29-26 victory in the regular season finale for both teams Friday in Norwalk.
The loss is the Rams’ third this season by a single score.
“I am proud of the way our guys continued to battle and compete on Friday against the district champion, Norwalk,” said Glenwood coach Cory Faust.
The Rams trailed 14-0 after a quarter but they were able to cut the lead to 14-12 by halftime. Following a Warrior touchdown drive that made the score 21-12, Glenwood quarterback Cole Staudt engineered back-to-back scoring drives to take the lead at 26-21 early in the fourth quarter.
Norwalk and running back Dominic Tigner answered on the next possession. The senior running back, who ran for 222 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries, raced in from 57 yards out to give them a slim 27-26 lead. A two-point conversion made the margin 29-26.
With six minutes remaining, the Rams had a chance but a second interception by defensive back Eli Robbins ended the threat and allowed the Warriors to run out the block.
“We did this despite being without nine of our 22 starting positions from the beginning of the season,” Faust said. “Despite having to deal with a lot of injuries and a very inexperienced team, our guys battled all year and continued to improve.”
Offensively, Norwalk tallied 316 yards with Tigner gaining the bulk of those on the ground.
“Our defense was able to keep the Norwalk Offense in check most of the game,” Faust said. “They have some very high-profile players, including at least two that have Division I football offers.”
Glenwood finished with 329 total yards. Staudt had a strong night, completing 16-of-30 passes for 186 yards and a TD and rushing for 51 yards and two more scores. Kaden Crouch hauled in seven passes for 102 yards a touchdown.
The Rams were hurt by four turnovers.
“We were able to move the ball with a nice balance of run and pass,” Faust said. “Jack Johnson and Kaden Crouch each had explosive scoring plays, and our offensive line made up of four sophomores held their own against a tough Norwalk group.”
Glenwood closes its season with a record of 3-6.
“While we are not happy that our season is done, I am very proud of our guys and the way they finished the year,” Faust said. “I’m especially grateful for our seniors who led our team and their continued improvement.”