What we learned from Ballard's 41-6 victory over Boone: Bombers end two-game losing skid
The Ballard football team rebounded from back-to-back losses with a convincing 41-6 victory over Boone Friday at Goeppinger Field in Boone.
The Bombers officially went to 1-2 on the season with the dominant victory over the Toreadors, who fell to 0-3. They led 34-0 at the half and coasted to victory behind a strong rushing attack and active defense that kept Boone to just one touchdown.
"Our kids played really well," Ballard co-head coach Kyle Howard said. "We execute in all three phases of the game."
Ballard will travel to Atlantic (1-2) this Friday for its final tune-up before Class 3A District 2 competition begins Sept. 23 against No. 2 (Class 3A) Humboldt.
Here is what we learned from Ballard's lopsided victory over Boone:
Defense is dominant
Several different players stepped up to help Ballard keep the Boone offense in check.
Brody Sampson made seven tackles and Jayden Swain, Gabe Christensen and Jack Nelson each finished with 5.5 stops. Sampson also had two tackles for loss and Christensen made one stop behind the line and recovered a fumble.
Henry Christensen, Trevor Kalsem and Jackson Wacha each recorded a sack for Ballard. Tucker Vitzthum added an interception.
Eli Rouse runs wild on offense
Eli Rouse had a huge game at running back to spark the Ballard offense.
Rouse picked up 190 yards and an impressive five touchdowns on just 12 carries. His longest touchdown run was 71 yards.
Miles Mudd turned in a steady game at quarterback by completing 10 of 14 passes for 63 yards and one touchdown with an interception. Rhett Hedrick ran for 40 yards, Mason Gatchel had four catches for 30 yards and Chance Lande made three grabs for 24 yards and one touchdown.
Going for back-to-back road wins
Ballard will attempt to earn another road victory this Friday at Atlantic.
"We need to continue to improve each week," Howard said. "We will need to play well this week against a very physical Atlantic team."
Atlantic is coming off a 26-0 victory at Shenandoah. The Trojans are led by running back Isaac Henson, who ran for 178 yards and one touchdown against Shenandoah.
The Bombers and Trojans will kick off at 7 p.m. this Friday.
Ballard 41, Boone 6
Ballard 21 13 7 0 — 41
Boone 0 0 6 0 — 6
Individual statistical leaders — Ballard
Rushing: Eli Rouse 12-190.
Passing: Miles Mudd 10-14-1-63.
Receiving: Mason Gatchel 4-30.
Tackles: Brody Sampson 7.
Sacks: Henry Christensen 1, Trevor Kalsem 1, Jackson Wacha 1.
Fumble recoveries: Gabe Christensen 1.
Interceptions: Tucker Vitzthum 1.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: What we learned from Ballard's 41-6 victory over Boone
