Alva Review-Courier -

Hampered by injuries, the Alva Goldbugs lost their Homecoming game Friday night to the Perry Maroons, 69-20. The two teams had identical 1-1 records in district 2A-1 going into the game. Overall Perry was 4-1 and Alva was 2-3.

Already on the Goldbugs injured list last week were Kory Faulkner and Nathan Hunt. Following the Oct. 4 game against Chisholm, Alva lost two major players in Gavin Perez, out with a knee injury, and Dalton Hess who suffered a concussion.

Friday night, Perry dominated for most of the game, leading 41-0 at the half. In the third quarter, the Maroons brought in their second string quarterback but still led 55-0 as the final quarter began. All of Alva's scoring was in the final quarter as Perry brought in younger players and the Goldbugs were able to make some plays.

Although it's never fun to lose, the Goldbugs stayed in the game to the end. A number of young Alva players received some valuable experience on the field.

First Half

The first half of the game was dominated by Perry both offensively and defensively. Alva didn't get a first down until late in the second quarter.

Senior quarterback Mason Drake led his team to score after score. The first touchdown came on a pass from Drake to Brodie Harbour, and the Jude Koehn kick was good for a 7-0 Perry lead.

Alva had the ball briefly and had to punt. Perry took over at mid-field and drove to the three yard line. After Drake ran the ball to the one, Cole Ritter rushed for the TD, and Koehn kicked the extra point for a 14-0 lead.

An illegal substitution penalty hurt Alva in the next series, and the Goldbugs had to punt the ball away. Unfortunately, Perry was in good position on the Alva 25. One pass put them at the ten. Then as Drake dealt with a high snap, Alva's Todd Ruwaldt sacked him for an eight-yard loss. Drake was about to run the ball across the goal line when Goldbug Alec Ferguson brought him down at the one. Drake handed off to Kohl Witter but he too was brought down for no gain. On the fourth down, Drake's pass to Harbour in the end zone was incomplete with Alva's Austin Reed providing good coverage on the receiver.

The Goldbugs took over on their one yard line but couldn't get past the Perry defense and had to punt. Perry was at the Alva 46, and Drake attempted a pass that was foiled by Alva's Zayin Tiger. Drake connected on his next pass to Ethan Calhoon who made it to the Alva ten before being tripped up by Reece Martin. From there, Drake ran the ball in for a touchdown. Koehn's kick failed, and Perry led 20-0.

Alva had time for three plays that gained only two yards before the quarter ran out. As play resumed, the Goldbugs punted.

Starting on the Perry 42, Drake found himself pressured and ran with the football. However, an illegal block was called on the Maroons, and the ball was set back to the 15. On the fourth down, Drake was hit, the ball popped out and Alva recovered.

The Goldbugs were at the Perry 42, but a holding penalty was called on the first play, setting the ball back to the 50. On the second play, Kaden Slater threw a pass on the run. The ball was tipped and intercepted by Dylan Hight.

Trey Lunn

Goldbug Kaden Slater completes his pass to Reece Martin in Friday's game versus Perry High School.

Perry earned flags for false start and holding on the first two plays of the series. At third and 26, Drake was tackled for a loss of six. They had to punt the ball away.

The Goldbugs took over near mid-field but on the second play, Slater threw a pass to Garrett Ritter who lost control of the ball. Caden Hall picked it up for the Maroons.

From the 39, Perry moved down the field until they were nine yards from the goal. Drake connected with Wyatt Boyd for a passing TD, and Koehn's kick was good. Perry now led 27-0.

Alva's Slater was sacked for a four yard loss on the first play of the series. After another loss of two and an incomplete pass, Samuel Houston punted the ball away.

It took Perry three plays to score on a pass from Drake to Carson Rames. Koehn's kick was good, and Perry led 34-0.