Jordan’s Road Trip: Iroquois West vs Watseka Post Game Report
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In this Week 4 Matchup, we’re taking a look at Iroquois West (0-3) vs Watseka (3-0). Both of these teams have talented players on both sides of the ball. Iroquois West is coming off of a tough loss to Paxton-Buckley-Loda…
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Continue ReadingIn this Week 4 Matchup, we’re taking a look at Iroquois West (0-3) vs Watseka (3-0). Both of these teams have talented players on both sides of the ball. Iroquois West is coming off of a tough loss to Paxton-Buckley-Loda and Watseka is coming off of an overtime win against Seneca. Enough talk, let’s dive into the Post Game Report for this Week 4 Matchup that took place on Saturday, April 10th.
Quick Preview
Heading into this matchup I knew that Watseka was coming in undefeated with their tempo offense that can put up points in a heartbeat. Iroquois West on the other hand have been on the receiving end coming into this matchup 0-3 but don’t let their record confuse you. Iroquois West has talented players on this team and is physical upfront in their run game. That being said in the first half I suspect that this game is going to be closer than most people think. I have Watseka winning this game 35-17 with Watseka pulling away with the lead in the second half.
First Half
Starting off the game Iroquois West got the ball on their own 18-yard line where they weren’t able to get much going and ended up going for it on 4th down. They weren’t able to capitalize giving Watseka the ball on their own 47-yard line. Watseka got a big run by Conner Curry but the drive ended with Drew Wittenborn fumbling the ball resulting in a turnover. Iroquois west needed their next three drives in a punt, interception, and another punt. Watseka on the other hand came out swinging getting a 42-yard TD pass from Drew Wittenborn to Brayden Haines to get their first TD on the board and followed that drive up with a 3-yard TD pass again between this duo. Watseka also got another TD with Conner Curry taking it 1-yard after he fumbled the ball on the previous drive. The momentum was all in Watseka’s favor but Iroquois West had a different plan up their sleeves by getting a 1-yard TD run by Ty Pankey and a 6-yard TD run by Auston Miller to end the half being down 20-14 against Watseka.
Halftime Takeaways
Iroquois West had a slow start to the game on both sides of the ball but they were able to get things going as the game continued. On their last two drives, they were methodical in their running attack scoring two TDs before the half. On defense, they have played a good game so far slowing down this explosive Watseka offense.
Watseka has a dominant offense that can score in a heartbeat. The turnovers have been hurting them in the first half and Iroquois West has done a good job so far in limiting the explosiveness of this offense. On defense, they’re starting to get worn down by Iroquois West physicality in their run attack where they let up two touchdowns to close out the half.
What to look for in the Second Half
Iroquois West needs to continue to pound the rock on offense with Auston Miller. He’s been their premier back so far and has done a good job so far running behind Clayton Leonard Clayton Leonard 6'5" | 265 lbs | OL Iroquois West | 2022 State IL and Cannon Leonard (both dominant players on the line). While they continue the run game look for one to two play-action deep shots to get a quick one on Watseka. On defense, look for them to bring pressure as Drew Wittenborn has had too much time in the pocket in the first half. Look for Iroquois West to hone in on stopping Conner Curry by stacking the box and shooting the gaps.
Watseka needs to continue pounding the rock with Conner Curry and continue to work in Brayden Haines in the air attack. Look for Watseka to utilize more screens in the second half especially since when they have run a screen play it has worked for much success. On defense, they need to tighten up here and get their legs back. They let up to scores on Iroquois West’s final two drives to close out the half. To accomplish this they will need to shoot the gaps, stack the box, and send pressure consistently to get momentum back on their side.
Second Half
Coming out for the second half it looks like it’s going to continue to be a dog fight and close game throughout, but that was not the case. Iroquois West had four turnovers to start the second half with it being a fumble, turnover on downs, pick 6, and another pick 6 to follow. The two Pick 6’s and 65-yard TD run by Conner Curry put Watseka up 47 to 14. On Iroquois West’s next drive they were able to capitalize with a 5-yard TD run by Auston Miller for the score to be 47 to 20. That was the game after this point, Iroquois West continued to play hard until the game was over but it was to no avail as the deficit that was incurred was too big to overcome.
End of Game
Watseka 47 Iroquois West 20
Heading into this game I knew that Watseka could score in a heartbeat and I picked them to win this game. Don’t let that score fool you, Iroquois West was right there with Watseka until they shot themselves in the foot with the turnovers in the second half. Iroquois West is a good football team that can go toe to toe with their opponents, they just weren’t able to see this one to the end in victory.
Game Stats
Iroquois West
- Auston Miller: 26 carries for 116 yards, 2 TD, 1 reception for 35 yards
- Trystyn Schacht: 15 carries for 47 yards
- John Ahlden: 10 carries for 54 yards
Watseka
- Conner Curry: 17 carries for 194 yards, 2 TDs
- Brayden Haines: 5 receptions for 87 yards, 2 TDs
- Drew Wittenborn: 6/11 for 101 yards, 2 TDs
Key Takeaways
Iroquois West
- Clayton Leonard Clayton Leonard 6'5" | 265 lbs | OL Iroquois West | 2022 State IL & Cannon Leonard are dominant on the line
- Auston Miller is a good back, have young backs that will be names to know
- Physical football team, doesn’t let up all four quarters
- Have talented underclassmen
Watseka
- Offensive attack is dominant, can score in a heartbeat & have playmakers at all positions
- Defensive unit created turnovers helping them secure the win
- Talented team, going to cause problems the rest of the season & in the fall
Overall, this was a one-sided battle between Iroquois West and Watseka. Iroquois West’s turnovers hurt them in the second half and they couldn’t bounce back from the deficit. That being said, I wish the best to both of these teams for the remainder of the season. Iroquois West takes on Walther Christian Academy at home on Friday, April 16th at 6:00 pm and Watseka takes on Paxton-Buckley-Loda at home on Friday, April 23rd at 7:00 pm.
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