Football: DeWitt off to 2-0 start
DeWITT, Iowa — Yes, the DeWitt football team piled up 453 yards of offense Friday night.
Yes, the Sabers put the ball in the hands of 12 players who combined for 332 rushing yards to complement the 6-of-7 passing performance of quarterback Tyler Smith.
And yes, Iowa’s seventh-ranked Class 3A team finds itself sitting at 2-0 after going 0-2 in nondistrict play a year ago.
But, after Friday’s 35-14 victory over Western Dubuque, coach Kurt Kreiter wasn’t satisfied.
“I don’t want our guys having a false sense of security. We’ve got to become a better football team,’’ Kreiter said. “As good as it is to win, I don’t think we had a great performance.’’
DeWitt put together first-half scoring drives of 91, 67 and 76 yards, scored touchdowns on each of its first five possessions and didn’t punt the ball once.
Senior Greg Oldsen understood what his coach was talking about.
“We’re getting better, but we aren’t as good of a football team as we can be, not even close,’’ Oldsen said. “Our line is coming along, we’re moving the ball, but we have to improve. We can’t be satisfied with where we’re at.’’
Kreiter counted stronger line play, fewer penalties and better defensive execution, particularly in third-down situations, among areas where the Sabers must improve.
“We let them escape way too many times,’’ Kreiter said.
Western Dubuque managed 278 yards, including 164 during a first half that ended with backup quarterback Cory Schmitt hitting Joe Knight with a 19-yard touchdown pass as time expired after starter Landon Klostermann left the game with an ankle injury.
The five-play, 74-yard drive in the half’s final minute came after Ross Curtis scored the second of his three touchdowns for DeWitt, catching a 27-yard pass from Smith to give the Sabers a 21-0 advantage.
Curtis, who led the Sabers with 90 yards rushing, scored on a 15-yard run to provide the only points either team managed in the first quarter and was on the receiving end of a 28-yard touchdown pass from Smith as DeWitt extended its lead in the third quarter.
Ben Comer recorded the Sabers’ other two touchdowns on runs of 1 and 8 yards as part of an 86-yard effort for the junior.
“These first two games, they’ve helped us get it together as a team,’’ Comer said. “This was a good step to help us get ready for district games.’’
Smith complemented DeWitt’s typically potent ground game. The 6-foot-3 junior threw for 121 yards and connected on his final six pass attempts.
“It was good to see him step up and throw the ball well. Establishing the run helped that, but it was good to see,’’ Kreiter said.
Brian Kass led the Bobcats (1-1). The senior gained 136 yards on 20 carries, including a 70-yard rush late in the fourth quarter.
Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.