Past season image of a Redhawks helmet resting on the field. TAMA-GRUNDY FILE PHOTO

The lights on Dennis Field in Traer glowed for one last Friday Night Lights performance on October 21, as the Redhawks took on Starmont, beating the Stars 27-18 and adding a second win to what has been a tough regular season.

This final game was added to the schedule once it was assured the Redhawks would not be making a Class A playoffs appearance this year.

Redhawks starting quarterback Kolt Knaack was back at the helm against Starmont following an injury to his shoulder during a home game with BCLUW on Sept. 30 and then a subsequent reinjury the following week against Wapsie Valley.

At the half, North Tama led the Stars 13-12 – after falling behind to Starmont 6-0 to start the second quarter – and would do so the remainder of the game, adding 8 points in the third and another touchdown in the fourth.

Knaack threw for 13 of 25 against the Stars for 145 yards, while senior Logan Siemens threw once to Knaack who ran it in for a 24-yard touchdown.

While Knaack kept the ball 13 times for 28 yards and two touchdowns, senior Michael Schrier – who stepped in for Knaack at quarterback the last couple of games – owned the Redhawks rushing game, carrying the ball 21 times for 149 yards and one touchdown.

Knaack connected with three receivers – Siemens five times, and Josh Dostal and Siemens four times apiece.

The North Tama defense notched 51 tackles total led by Schrier with 9.5 (5 solo). Both Dostal and Schrier managed an interception with Dostal taking his 23 yards.

Senior Ayden Staker was good for one 2-point conversion.

North Tama ends their 2022-2023 season 2-7 with the first win, 34-6, coming in their season-opener at home against Belle Plaine on August 26.