North Tama looked impressive in its fourth straight win, beating BCLUW and taking a commanding lead of the Class A District 4 standings. The Redhawks are now tied with Belle Plaine for the district’s top spot. At left, Damon Spencer makes a solid tackle. Below right, quarterback Jacob Wrage makes a throw on the run while eluding pressure. Below left, North Tama’s Trey Keahna and Mitchell Boerm (background) chase the BCLUW running back on the defensive side. North Tama returns to the gridiron this Friday against Gladbrook-Reinbeck on the road at 7 p.m.

Jacob Wrage and Brent Billerbeck combined for over 450 yards of total offense as the North Tama Redhawks beat BCLUW 36-8 last Friday night on the road.

The win puts the Redhawks in the driver’s seat in the Class A District 4 race, which they now lead, along with Belle Plaine, with a 3-0 district record. North Tama is 5-1 overall and has won their last four games.

Wrage, who threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the contest, also ran for two scores and had 77 yards rushing.

One of Wrage’s favorite targets through the air was Brent Billerbeck, who looked much more ready in his second game back after an ankle injury. Billerbeck caught eight passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 49 yards and a touchdown in the running game. Dalton Hulme also rushed ten times for 66 yards in the contest.

The ever-reliable Nolan Hefty once again led the Redhawks on defense, racking up ten total tackles. Mitchell Boerm had six tackles, including one for a loss, as did Brandon Kaufman.

Omar Martinez and Jacob Wrage both picked off passes on the defensive side as well. Trey Keahna had a fumble recovery. In the kicking game, Tanner Swanger converted his only field goal attempt of the night, a 22-yarder, in the first quarter.

The Redhawks go on the road this Friday for a contest against G-R that will have big implications in the district race. G-R is 3-2 (2-0) and coming off a bye week. Gametime is set for 7 p.m.