~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal
The Greene County Rams football team came out on the right side of a defensive battle that kept their playoff hopes alive.
The Rams took on the Southeast Valley Jaguars Oct. 11 and won a game that saw just 17 combined points scored. The Rams were able to come away with a 10-7 victory and kicker Teagan Chisholm was clutch with his leg providing the field goal that separated the two teams in score.
Senior quarterback Crew Conner powered the offense with the lone touchdown and he had 59 yards passing and 54 yards rushing, both team highs. Conner had 41 of his 54 yards come from one run which helped change the tide of the game.
“Crew has done a solid job of stepping up to lead the offense this year. His big run made a huge impact on the game,” head coach Caden Duncan said. “We knew it would be low scoring with both teams wanting to run the ball. Our defense did a good job of containing their run game and we came up with some plays when we needed them.”
The Rams now sit at 3-4 on the year in Class 2A and their losses have prepared them for a game like this with their playoff hopes on the line.
“We’ve played a challenging schedule so far. Our losses have been to two top 10 ranked 2A schools and two 3A schools that will likely make the playoffs. Those games helped prepare us for a tight game like this and it was great to get a win, especially when it likely pushes us into the playoffs,” Duncan added.
In 2A postseason football, those who qualify for the playoffs are the district champion, district runner-up, district third place team and the district fourth place team. In Class 2A District 8 the first, second and third place teams will likely be Des Moines Christian, Roland-Story and Kuemper Catholic in no particular order.
The last three teams in the district are the Rams, Saydel and Southeast Valley and with wins over both of those teams, the Rams will likely make it in as the fourth team in the district and the seniors on the team have played a pivotal role in that.
“I’m proud of their effort and commitment that they’ve shown over the course of their careers. They’ve played a major role in getting us back to the playoffs and I hope they get to end their senior seasons with their heads held high,” Duncan concluded.
The Rams will close out their regular season this Friday with a date against the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 2A number 10 ranked Des Moines Christian Lions for Senior Night at Linduska Field with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
In games played since 2019, Greene County holds the historical advantage with a record of 3-1.
Greene County 10 SE Valley 7
Passing: Crew Conner 9/16 59 yds.
Rushing: Crew Conner 54 yds. 1 TD, Nick Stream 53 yds., Christopher Daugherty 16 yds., Trevon Keely 14 yds.
Receiving: Nick Stream 22 yds., Broc Stream 18 yds., Camden Strennen 13 yds., Patrick Graham 6 yds.
Interceptions: Trevon Keely 2
Kick Returns: Trevon Keely 1 for 20 yds., Camden Strennen 1 for 18 yds.
Punt Returns: Trevon Keely 1 for 12 yds.
Kicking: Teagan Chisholm 3 kickoffs for 100 yds., 1/1 FG, 1/1 PAT
Punting: Teagan Chisholm 6 for 177 yds.
Tackles: Aden Bardole 9 total 7 solo, Kamden Kinne 7.5 total 3 solo, Christopher Daugherty 7 total 4 solo, Camden Strennen 4.5 total 4 solo, Bryce Habben 4.5 total 2 solo, Trevon Keely 4 total 4 solo, Camden Jacobs 3.5 total 3 solo, Degan Miller 3 total 1 solo, Keegan Lawrence 2.5 total 1 solo, Nick Stream 2 total 1 solo, Jaron Jacobs 1.5 total 1 solo, Patrick Graham 1 total, Phoenix Hartman 1 total.
