Gehlen Catholic scored the final 22 points en route to a 28-7 Week 3 win over Alta Aurelia in LeMars.
An early interception by DJ Rodriguez set up the Warriors at the Gehlen 26 yard line. Three plays later on 4th and 2, Gehlen got on the board first thanks to an 84 yard interception return for a touchdown by Cole McCarty. The point after attempt was blocked.
Alta Aurelia put together a scoring drive in the 2nd quarter which covered ten plays and 82 yards in 4:11. On 4th and goal from the one, a quarterback keeper by Camden Reinert and Joe White’s PAT put the Warriors on top 7-6 with 3:51. The Jays answered on the following possession with a four play, 52 yard scoring drive in 59 seconds. McCarty’s 11 yard touchdown run, and subsequent two point pass gave Gehlen a 14-7 lead that held at halftime.
Both teams punted to start the 2nd half. Gehlen got a 1st down on a 4th and 3 fake punt, and ended up putting together a 14 play, 83 yard touchdown drive which covered 7:52. Kale Pearson’s touchdown run on 4th and goal from the six, followed by a two point conversion made the score 22-7 with 11:11 remaining. Gehlen possessed the ball for over ten minutes during the 3rd quarter. Alta Aurelia followed with a solid 13 play drive that chewed over five minutes off the clock, but they turned the ball over on downs inside the ten. Gehlen marched 94 yards in nine plays, as Pearson scored on a 48 yard run.
Pearson rushed for 218 yards on 28 carries. Rodriguez rushed 11 times for 53 yards. Reinert completed ten of 18 passes for 108 yards. Gavin Sleezer had six receptions for 49 yards. Gehlen outgained Alta Aurelia 335 yards to 213.
Both teams are now 1-2, and 1-1 in Class A District 1. Alta Aurelia hosts Sibley Ocheyedan next Friday.