Steers stampede over Iowa Park, win 31-17

After getting held to two touchdowns in back-to-back losses to Springtown and Glen Rose, the Steers were looking to bounce back during last week’s rivalry game against former district foe Iowa Park. Scoring 17 points to open the game and taking advantage of five turnovers, the Steers evened their season record at 2-2 with a 31-17 home win Friday night over the Hawks.

Sophomore running back Rylan Monsey returned to the starting running back position following a one-game absence due to an injury and made his presence felt early and often. Fellow sophomore and two-way player Peyton Kinman had a game he’s likely to never forget with a touchdown and two takeaways in the first half.

The Hawks, who were also looking to bounce back following a loss at Burkburnett the week before, turned the ball over early and often. Their first play of the game foreshadowed the issues ahead of them. Facing first-and-15 following a false start penalty, sophomore linebacker Hayden Horn tipped Kolten Sadberry’s pass at the line of scrimmage and the pass was intercepted by junior defensive lineman Bowen Boenisch and returned to the Hawks’ 10-yard line.

The Steers’ first offensive possession mirrored the struggles that have been seen over the previous weeks. Unable to move the ball, the Steers settled for a 25-yard field goal by Jesus Lucio.

A three-and-out continued the offensive problems for the Hawks, who were unable to cross their 35-yard line for a first down. Two plays later, the Steers were on the scoreboard again.

Kinman returned the Hawks’ punt to the Hawks’ 49-yard line. On the following play, Monsey bounced outside and to the right on an inside handoff and broke free for a 49-yard touchdown run. Lucio’s extra-point kick gave the Steers a 10-0 lead.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 21 edition of The Graham Leader.