Heading into homecoming, it’s all about momentum. Iowa Valley, whilst sitting atop the Class A District 4 heap, lost their momentum with a defeat at the hands of Gladbrook-Reinbeck last week. North Tama, meanwhile, may have gained the upper hand, laying a 36-7 beatdown on GMG Friday night.

The Redhawks were coming off a nail-biter against Lone Tree in which they scored 20 first-half points before an injury to backup quarterback Brent Billerbeck effectively shut down the offense. The boys hung on for a 20-19 win, but their thrashing of GMG was more indicative of the type of team the Redhawks have this year.

By halftime, the Redhawks led 22-0, putting the game away by the end of third quarter. They led 36-0 and gave up only one touchdown in garbage time.

Quarterback Jacob Wrage returned after a one-game absence, and showed the type of offensive balance the team had come to rely on in the early part of the season. Wrage threw for 222 yards on 11-of-14 passing, including three touchdowns to three different receivers. He also ran for 68 yards and a touchdown.

With Billerbeck still out due to an ankle injury, the team relied more heavily on the passing game. Only Brandon Kaufman and Omar Martinez rushed for over 20 yards out of the backfield.

Mitchell Boerm once again led the Redhawks in receiving, catching seven passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. Damon Spencer had a 22-yard touchdown reception, and Jacob Watson had three catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive end, linebacker Nolan Hefty once again led the team in tackles with 16. Spencer, Kaufman, Boerm and Dalton Hulme all had tackles for loss in the contest. Spencer also recorded an interception.

The Redhawk defense also forced two fumbles in the game, with Skyler Kvidera and Chris Droullard recovering one apiece.

This week, the boys take on Iowa Valley in a tough homecoming contest. IV reeled off three straight wins to start the season before falling to G-R 22-47 last week. The game will be an important one as the Redhawks jockey for position atop the District 4 standings. Gametime is set for 7 p.m.