Ventura demolishes Clarksville, 71-0

Henely sets new school record

It was a night for big numbers and broken records when the Ventura Vikings hosted Clarksville on Friday, Oct. 19. Collecting almost 600 offensive yards, the Vikings demolished the Indians, 71-0.
A highlight of the night was Josh Henely setting a new Ventura career rushing record. For the night, Henely had 16 carries for 227 yards, which gave him 3,348 total yards and the new record. The previous record was 3,310, held by Jared Ringus.
Other big numbers included Cody Kadolph, who completed 11/12 passes for 152 yards.
“I think we played with as much intensity and focus against Clarksville that I have seen this team play in two years,” said Coach Mike Horstman. “You could tell that our players wanted to prove something to our fans - that they can compete with teams like NEH and other undefeated eight-man teams in the state. These guys are eager to play on Thursday against the best to prove that they belong in the play-offs.”
Ventura will meet number one ranked NEH on Thursday, Oct. 25, in Blairsburg in the regular season finale. The game will decide the district title; both teams will advance to State playoffs starting Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Ventura opened the first half against Clarksville by scoring 29 points in both the first and second quarters for a 58-0 halftime score. The Vikings picked up a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters for the final 71-0.
Tyler Betz scored the first touchdown on a one yard pass from Kadolph. Tyler Peterson’s PAT was good. Henely found the endzone on a 39-yard run for the second TD. Peterson ran the ball in for the two point conversion. Betz again struck pay dirt with a 17 yard pass from Kadolph. Aaron Christians picked up two on the conversion play. Kadolph had the fifth touchdown on a 10 yard run. Henely ran the
two point conversion. Christians again found the endzone, this time on a four yard pass from Kadolph. Peterson ran the two point conversion. The seventh TD was another pass play, this time Kadolph found Betz on a 17 yard pass. Peterson kicked the PAT. The final touchdown of the first half was a 10 yard run by Henely. The two point conversion failed.
Peterson scored first in the second half on a 23 yard run. He also collected the PAT. Senior Phil Cox had the final touchdown of the game on a 15 yard pass from Cole Hanley. The two point conversion attempt failed.
Rushing leaders included Peterson,, who had 70 yards on six carries. Kadolph picked up 42 yards on four carries. Shane Hanley had 40 yards on six carries and Trevor Jackson had 20 yards on four attempts.
Betz led the team in receiving with 87 yards on six receptions. Christians had 24 yards on two completions. Peterson had 25 yards on three receptions.
Leading the defense was the quarterback sack team of Scott Watson and Betz. Watson got to the QB four times, while Betz laid him out three times. Watson had four solo tackles and 10 assisted tackles. Betz had three solos and 15 assisted tackles.
“I’m looking for Betz and Watson as defensive ends, to be a big difference in the NEH game,” said Horstman. “These two have harassed QB’s every game and have been the game changer in many instances.”
The Viking defense limited Clarksville to 106 offensive yards.
Other leaders in tackle stats included: Henely with a team high of 18, Jeremiah Hagen and Christians with had 15 apiece, Peterson 14, and Mostrom 13. Kadolph collected 12 and Brandon Harthan had 10. Dustin Dyre had eight total tackles and one sack, while Alex Avery had four tackles and Jacob Amundson three. Collecting two tackles apiece were Mark Schaller, Shane Hanley, Zach Tannahill, Cox and Drew Henely, who also had a sack. Cody Christy and Jackson each had one tackle.
The team is now looking to NEH.
“They have worked extremely hard to get where they’re at and I don’t believe a single one of them wants their season to end. They’ve seen some rough years going winless a few times and watching other teams reach the championship game,” said Horstman. “I believe they are extremely motivated and are out to prove something this week against NEH.”
Horstman said the game will be a battle with great defenses vs. great running games, along with having two of the best receivers battling it out. Horstman feels that the difference maker in the game will be at quarterback, with Kadolph being a serious threat at running the ball along with a very accurate throwing arm.”