MOUNT VERNON — Sparty’s Boys had a big night Friday, Sept. 15 as they racked up a 37-20 non-district win over archrival Mount Vernon in the final game at the venerable “1st St. Field: home to the Mustangs since the 1940s. The win improved Solon’s record to 3-1 ahead of district competition, which starts this week, while giving Mount Vernon their first loss of the season.
The Mustangs struck first, scoring on their second drive for a 7-0 lead with 4:07 left in the first quarter.
The second quarter proved pivotal for the Spartans as Tyler Bell connected with Nash Kotar for a touchdown, Conlan Poynton scored on a 58-yard run, and Eddie Johnson picked up a Mustang fumble and high-tailed it 75-yards to the endzone. Grant Knipper drilled all three PAT attempts as Solon took a 21-7 lead with 4:50 left in the half. Mount Vernon scored with 3:56 left in the half cutting the gap to 21-14. With 2:19 left in the half, Poynton sprinted 62 yards for his second score of the game and a 28-14 halftime advantage.
Poynton got his third touchdown on a 66-yard run in the third quarter to put Solon up 34-14 after a fumbled point after kick. The Mustangs scored with 6:34 left in the game on a one-yard run. The point after kick veered to the left however making it 34-20. With 1:44 remaining Knipper drilled a field goal making it 37-20.
Bell completed nine of a dozen passes for 141 yards while Poynton made one of one for 12 yards. Poynton made 19 carries for 218 yards, Johnson had nine for 36, Barret Schade, Milo Ashbacker, and Brayden Moore made three carries each for two, four, and one yard respectively. Kotar made four receptions for 47 yards and had three kick returns for 26. Knipper made three receptions for 62 yards, Johnson had two for 32 yards, and Keenan Kruse made one for a dozen.
Brett White led the Spartan defense with nine tackles (six solo), Kotar made 6-1/2 (six solo), Johnson had 5-1/2 (five solo), Moore had 4-1/2 (three solo), and Ben Kampman made four (three solo). Austin Knight, Cole Carney, and Oliver Owens were credited with three tackles each, Cole Farnsworth made 2-1/2, Jack McCarty and Mason Scott had two apiece with 1-1/2 by Kruse and Ryan Walsh. Ashbacker, Eli Kampman, Trevor Myers, Davin Walker, and Conner Scott had one tackle apiece with ½ tackle credited to Schade, Knipper, and Kaleb Behrends.
For Coach Stanton, it was personal
Coach Lucas Stanton is a Mount Vernon graduate and expressed his thoughts.
“It was special for sure and after the game I was overwhelmed with emotions and memories…but I am just happy for our program. Our players and assistant coaches deserve the recognition for winning that game on that field. Our players played their tails off and that’s what I am most proud of.”
As for his Spartans knocking off the No.3-ranked team in 3A, Stanton said he was very happy and proud of all of the players and assistant coaches.
“Proud of how Conlan just came in and gave our team a really positive boost. (I) definitely want to point out just how dominant up front we were. I couldn’t be happier for our players and assistant coaches for getting that final victory on that field. Our team has etched their name in history within one of the best rivalries in the state. Regardless of that circumstance I love how our kids battled and displayed a lot of resiliency all night.”
Upcoming games
The Spartans open district pay Friday, Sept. 22 at Grinnell with frosh/soph at 5:00 p.m. and varsity at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers are also 3-1 with wins over Washington (Iowa) (35-18), Oskaloosa (46-6), and Center Point-Urbana (14-3).
“District play gets started with another quality opponent in Grinnell,” said Stanton. “Our district is probably the toughest in the state and we are embracing that challenge. We will see how much we have grown this week and how we handle coming off an emotional win.”
Solon’s Homecoming Game will be Friday, Sept. 29 as Benton Community visits. The Bobcats ruined Clear Creek Amana’s homecoming, sinking the Clippers 42-27 and host Fairfield (2-2) Sept. 22.
Class 3A-5 Scores & Standings, Week Four
Williamsburg W 48-14 vs. Fort Madison
4-0 0-0
Solon W 37-20 vs. Mount Vernon
3-1 0-0
Grinnell W 35-18 vs. Washington (Iowa)
3-1 0-0
Benton Community W 42-27 vs. Clear Creek Amana
2-1 0-0
Fairfield L 13-30 vs. Keokuk
2-2 0-0
South Tama L 0-58 vs. Center Point-Urbana 0-4 0-0
Mason Scott (59) launches to remove a pesky Mount Vernon Mustang as Tyler (Ty) Bell (8) takes a snap Friday, Sept. 15 at Mount Vernon’s historic 1st St. Field in the annual rivalry battle on the gridiron.