Cards make a final statement

GHV’s Conner Shaw (18) fights for extra yards before he’s brought down in Friday night’s game. -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

A team known for its powerful running game put on a strong final performance, as the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Cardinals (6-3, 4-3) defeated the Osage Green Devils (2-7, 1-6), 42-13.

The game was the season finale for both teams and featured the strengths of both squads.

The Cardinals wasted no time, picking off a pass three plays in. Despite rushing nearly 50-yards one chunk at a time, the Cardinals’ inaugural drive ultimately stalled out in the red zone.

Several drives later the Cardinals took their chance at the scoreboard again. Connor Burke’s 39-yard field goal attempt missed the mark, ending the first quarter with a couple of goose eggs.

Midway through the second quarter the Cardinals’ fight for field position paid dividends, as Burke scored on a 13-yard run. Burke’s PAT was good for a 7-0 score.

GHV was quick to put down the Green Devils’ offense, and nearly as quick to put up points again. The pass game, led by Ryan Meyers, helped move the chains and got the Cards another touchdown and PAT kick, 14-0.

Meyers’ kickoff caught the Green Devils by surprise when it bounced over the mandatory 10-yards and was met swiftly by a charging Cardinal team. Meyers recovered his own ball, retrieving possession for the Cardinals with just under two minutes in the half.

The Cardinals made a statement when Meyers threw a 47-yard dagger to Chase Theobald. Burke’s PAT kick was good, 21-0.

The Green Devils responded by running the two-minute drill in a minute and one-half. Quarterback Drew Olson made six completions in nine attempts and 66-yards to score as the half expired, 21-7.

Burke broke through early in the third, scoring on a 44-yard rush. The two point-PAT attempt failed, 27-7.

A Green Devils fumble recovered by the Cards put them back within range, but several penalties ultimately forced them to try a 31-yard field goal, which failed.

The Green Devils again found the end zone early in the fourth, but missed on the PAT, 27-13

  A 55-yard kickoff return by Jace Pringnitz set the stage for a nine-yard Nick Joynt touchdown. The Meyers to Joynt two-point conversion succeeded, 35-13, Cardinals.

Another short kickoff was this time recovered by the Green Devils, giving them the ball at midfield. But the Green Devils couldn’t convert on the short field.

Joynt was able to convert. He did the honors by scoring on a 27-yard carry. Burke’s PAT kick was good to produce the game’s final points, 42-13.

“We played a very good game. It was nice to have a game where I feel everyone was healthy and could play up to our team’s potential,” said GHV Head Coach Scott VanDusseldorp. “It was a great way to end the season.”

The Cardinals dominated the ground all night, racking up 310 rushing yards while holding the Green Devils to -21. The air was more neutral, lending 155-yards to GHV and 265 to Osage for a grand total of 465-yards of offense for the Cards and 244 for the Green Devils.

Turnovers and sacks also played a huge role in this game, as the Green Devils committed four turnovers and gave up seven sacks.

Leading the Cardinal offense was Shaw with 223-yards on 42 carries and two touchdowns. Joynt added 65-yards and two touchdowns on eight carries and Burke had 19-yards and a touchdown on three carries.

Meyers went seven for eight passing for 155-yards and a touchdown. His primary receivers were Theobald, with three receptions for 79-yards and a touchdown, and Joynt with two catches for 50-yards.

Olson lead the Green Devils offense, going 21 for 41 with 265-yards and a touchdown. His primary target Lucas Schwamman had eight catches for 94-yards and two touchdowns.

“I’m happy the seniors were able to end their high school careers with a win. They leave some very big shoes to fill. Heading into the off-season it is important the junior class steps up immediately and takes on a leadership role so we can have a successful 2017 season,” said VanDusseldorp.  “To the seniors, thank you for all you have done for this program. Good luck with the rest of high school and the GHV Cardinal football team will miss you.”