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The scoreboard could have easily read, “Luis Rodriguez 20, Jefferson County North 12.” The speedy junior runningback scored three touchdowns and a two-point conversion to help Oskaloosa defeat Jefferson County North.
On the first drive of the game, Oskaloosa drove 53 yards on seven plays, capped off by a 29-yard rushing score by Rodriguez to lead 8-0 with 9:10 to play in the first quarter. Jefferson County North took more time on its first possession, but the Chargers found the endzone. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Noll threw an eight-yard TD strike to senior wideout Aaron Meckfessel to only trail 8-6 with 4:05 left in the first.
Oskaloosa added to the lead with another touchdown by Rodriguez, this time from four yards out to give the Bears a 14-6 advantage after one quarter of play. The second quarter saw no points, but a total of five turnovers for both teams. Oskaloosa coughed up the football twice while JCN threw three interceptions.
The next score didn’t come until 1:59 left in the third quarter when Rodriguez rushed 32 yards for his third score on the night to give the Bears a 20-6 lead. On Oskaloosa’s kickoff, the Bears attempted an onside kick, but sophomore halfback Kyle Noll recovered it and returned it 44 yards to the endzone. The Chargers only trailed 20-12 with 1:52 left in the third.
With the momentum from the Noll score, JCN attempted its own onside kick and grabbed the football on the Oskaloosa 36-yard line. The Chargers gained much needed yards on the next play, but the play was brought back after a block in the back penalty. Aaron Meckfessel pinned the Bears deep on their own four-yard line after a beautiful punt.
Three plays later, the Bears punted the football in their own endzone, but the kick ricocheted off an Oskaloosa lineman and went out of bounds at the Bears 24. In prime position to score, JCN went for it on fourth and five and came up a yard short and Oskaloosa ran out the clock on 14 plays to win 20-12.
Luis Rodriguez led the Bears attack carrying the ball 16 times for 152 yards and three touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Senior tailback Bryce Stottlemire rushed 18 times for 86 yards while junior halfback Justin Sharp recorded 55 yards on eight carries.
For the Chargers, junior halfback Casey Willyard had a big day, rushing for 91 yards on 16 carries and recording four receptions for 49 yards. Quarterback Bryce Noll went six for 17, throwing for 63 yards and a touchdown.
After a 2-7 2012 campaign, Oskaloosa is now 4-4. The Bears went 3-1 in district play and will move on to the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Oskaloosa goes on the road to Valley Heights this Thursday. Jefferson County North falls to 1-7 and hosts Valley Falls for its final game of the season.
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