Alva Review-Courier -

The Alva Goldbugs had a few rough spots but played well in their first game of the season, winning 42-28 over the Thomas Terriers. During the first half, the teams seemed evenly matched, going into the break with a one-point margin for Thomas at 21-20. New head football coach Mike Shklar made some adjustments to the defense, and the Goldbugs were able to hold the Terriers to just one TD in the second half.

Alva senior quarterback Mitchell Meyer frequently handed off to junior Dalton Hess who powered the ball down the field. Hess ran in three of the Goldbug touchdowns. Meyer accounted for one. Kaden Hensley, a senior who played for Mooreland last year, ran another into the end zone. Meyer connected with junior Reece Martin for a 34-yard touchdown.

Cameron Gordon kicked the ball through the uprights on two out of three extra point tries. Meyer made good on two of three conversion attempts.

The heat was a factor with several stops for players downed by cramping. Both teams had some penalties as might be expected in the first contest of the season.

First Quarter

Thomas took possession of the ball to begin the game. Quarterback Marshall Gose, a senior, took his team from the 20-yard line to the goal in 12 plays despite a sack for a loss by Goldbug Gavin Perez around the three yard line. The Goldbugs drew an offside flag that moved the ball to two, and Gose ran it in. The kick was good, and Thomas led 7-0.

Alva answered with nine plays and 57 yards. Gordon ran back the kickoff to the 43 yard line. Meyer handed off to Hess who kept running until he reached the Thomas 35. Perez made a two-yard run for a first down. Then Meyer gave the ball to big Stephen Willyard who carried it three times up to the one yard line. Meyer ran for the TD, and Gordon's extra point kick was good to tie the game 7-7.

Alva shut down the Terriers' next drive. With only two yards gained, they had to punt.

The energized Goldbugs needed only three plays to score from the Thomas 43. Hensley had a nice 12 yard run. Meyer connected with Martin for 21 yards, and Hess ran in for the TD from the 11 yard line. Gordon kicked the extra point, and Alva led 14-7 at the end of the quarter.

Second Quarter

Thomas started with a second down and three yards to go. A big 32 yard run by Ethan Hamberlin took them across the goal line, and Ryden Luper's kick was good to knot the score at 14.

On the next series, Meyer connected with Dalton Rose on a pass and Hess gained 16 yards in two runs. Then flag on Alva set the ball back five yards. Meyer had no gain on a keeper, but threw to Perez to reach the 21 yard line. It was the Terriers' turn to draw a flag for a five yard penalty. Meyer handed the ball to Hensley who ran it 16 yards across the goal line. Gordon's kick hit the upright, and Alva led 20-14.

Thomas made one first down but was still short of mid-field when Gordon leapt up to pick off a Gose pass. He ran it back to the Thomas 32, and the Goldbugs set their sights on goal.

Alva was within six yards of pay-dirt when Meyer fumbled. Zach Selzer recovered for Thomas and scampered to the Goldbug 34.

The Terriers scored in three plays capped off by a 22 yard touchdown pass from Gose to Brandon Eckert. The extra point kick was good, and Thomas led 21-20 going into halftime.

Third Quarter

Thomas took the kickoff for the second half, and Eckert ran it back to the 37. That's where they stayed for three plays and had to punt the ball away.

Alva took over on their 30 yard line. Meyer tried a pass that went over the head of Martin. He tried again, but the ball was in and out of Martin's hands. Meyer handed off twice to Hess who ran it for consecutive first downs. Another pass intended for Martin was incomplete. Meyer tried a couple of runs and a hand off to Hess. A pass interference flag on Thomas set the ball at the 17 yard line.

Meyer connected with Perez to advance the ball to the four yard line. Hess took the football across, and Meyer ran the two point conversion for a 28-21 Alva lead.

Thomas scored their final TD of the game on a 16 play drive. Gose threw to 13 yard pass to Jaxen Mannering in the end zone followed by a Luper kick to tie the score at 28.

Alva had time for one play before the end of the quarter. Meyer handed to Hensley who carried it 13 yards to the 48 and a first down.

Fourth Quarter

It took Alva just three more plays to score. Hensley ran the ball to the 34. Meyer tried a pass but it was tipped by a Thomas player. Then he connected with Martin who took it to the end zone for a 34 yard TD. Alva's conversion attempt failed, but Alva led 34-28.

Thomas was held for no gain in three plays and had to punt.

Trey Lunn

Senior defensive back Cameron Gordon flashes into the throwing lane for the interception.

The teams had offsetting penalties in the next series. Meyer counted on Hess, Willyard and Hensley to run the ball. Hensley had a nice 23 yard run to within one yard of the goal. Hess ran the ball in for the TD, and Meyer ran in the conversion to put Alva up 42-28.

That's where the score stayed for the final five minutes of the game. The Terriers were in Alva territory when Gose lost the football. Thomas recovered with a big loss and had to punt.

Alva took over with 2:28 left in the contest. Hess ran for two first downs. Then Willyard advanced the ball for seven yards. Meyer carried for six and let the clock run out.

Up Next

Alva travels to Watonga next Friday for a 7 p.m. game. The Eagles are 1-0 on the season after a win Friday against Okeene 34-6.