Teams are finding out that it’s not easy to score on the Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds.
The T-Birds improved to 2-0 on the season with a 14-0 nonconference win over Rosholt at Thunderbird Field. The game was called off at halftime Aug. 29 due to a thunderstorm and resumed the following day with the T-Birds holding a 7-0 lead over the Hornets.
Cam Gruenwald connected with Caleb Loken for a 37-yard touchdown pass in the first half and Kristian Welch added a 65-yard TD run in the third quarter.
Welch accounted for 143 of the T-Birds’ 192 rushing yards on 25 carries. Gruenwald completed six of 14 passes for 66 yards.
The T-Bird defense, which also held Oconto scoreless in the season opener, held the Hornets to 23 rushing yards and 92 yards through the air.
Coach Scott Erickson singled out the team’s players of the game:
Offensive Lineman of the Week: “Dylan Aanstad did an outstanding job run blocking with many big blocks.”
Defensive Lineman of the Week: “Nick Madson shut down the inside run game.”
Scout Team Player of the Week: Jon Bauer.
Offensive Player of the Week: “Caleb Loken made a big catch to give us our first TD and the lead.”
Defensive Players of the Week: “Kristian Welch had seven tackles and shut down the inside run game. Adam Cherek did an excellent job on run and pass defense.”
The T-Birds will open Central Wisconsin 8 Conference play at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Shiocton. The defending Division 6 state champions have also shut out their first two opponents.