North Tama starting quarterback Kayvin Morris (4) passes the ball early against the visiting Tripoli Panthers on Friday, Sept. 4, at Dennis Field in Traer. The Redhawks defeated the Panthers, 52-20, for the Week 2, non-district victory. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – The mobility of Kayvin Morris was on full display here last Friday night as the Redhawk signal-caller’s scrambling and improvisation under pressure against the visiting Tripoli helped North Tama score 30 unanswered points in the second quarter, leading to a 52-20 non-district, 8-Man victory notched amid a heat advisory.

Morris laid some commanding groundwork early in the first quarter, intercepting the Panthers’ first possession on fourth down. Both teams subsequently turned the ball over on downs as they played an obviously slower version of typical 8-player football due to the oppressive heat.

With just under three minutes to go in the first quarter, the Redhawks again turned it over on downs; Morris’ punt was deflected by Tripoli, setting the Panthers up at North Tama’s 34-yard line. About a minute later, Tripoli managed a 23-yard passing touchdown and a 2-point conversion. The quarter ended with North Tama within striking distance of the Tripoli end zone.

An offside call on the Panthers opened the second quarter, moving North Tama to the Tripoli 2-yard line. After much scrambling, Morris tossed the ball to tight end Brayton Cibula for the touchdown; the extra points were good and the game was tied, 8-8.

Tripoli again turned it over on downs. Several plays showcasing more scrambling from Morris eventually led to a third-down touchdown pass to running back Maddox Rausch, who managed to shake off multiple Panthers defenders before streaking into the end zone — visibly heat-exhausted following the run. The 2-point conversion was good, North Tama took control, 16-8, and never looked back.

Redhawk junior running back Maddox Rausch (2) works to gain ground on the Panther defense last Friday, Sept. 4, in Traer. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Later in the quarter, with less than six minutes remaining, Morris rolled to either side more than once, slipping, before finding a passing lane to wide receiver Berkley Dvorak, who ran in a 26-yard touchdown right down the center. With the extra points-attempt no good, the Redhawks moved to 22-8.

Following another Panthers turnover, North Tama ended another run with a scramble by Morris and passing TD. The 2-point conversion was caught by Cibula. North Tama held the 30-8 lead into the break.

In the second half, North Tama scored twice more, while Tripoli managed one touchdown (and no extra points). The Redhawks were still ahead, 44-14, as the game entered the final quarter. In the fourth, North Tama crossed into the end zone once more along with a 2-point conversion; Tripoli had one final touchdown. The Redhawks successfully tripped up the winless Panthers, 52-20, for their first win of the 2025 season.

Morris led the North Tama offense, going 16-for-23 passing for 250 yards and four touchdowns, including a 57-yard passing TD to Rausch. Berkley Dvorak had two touchdown receptions and Braydon Stickles had one.

Rausch led North Tama’s rushing game of 176 yards, carrying the ball five times for 51 yards. Griffin Hall had nine carries for 46 yards and a 15-yard touchdown. Scott Lycett Jr. added one carry for 31 yards. Morris kept the ball seven times for 22 yards and a touchdown, while his backup, freshman Emmett Knaack, had four carries for 18 yards in the fourth quarter.

North Tama starting quarterback Kayvin Morris (4) executes a successful touchdown pass from outside the pocket early in the second quarter against the visiting Tripoli Panthers on Friday, Sept. 4, at Dennis Field in Traer. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Rausch also logged a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown.

On defense, North Tama had 40 total tackles, led by Rausch with 7 1/2 (seven solo). Berkley Dvorak had 4 1/2 (four solo). Cibula, Paul Dvorak and Aidyn Brown all added 3 1/2 tackles apiece. The Panthers had 54 total tackles and one sack.

A pair of 2-point conversions were recorded by Rausch; Morris, Cibula and Hall also recorded one apiece.

Tripoli quarterback Drew Urbanek passed for 89 yards and one touchdown. The Panthers had 104 rushing yards, resulting in two touchdowns.

Tonight, Friday, Sept. 11 (Patriot Day), North Tama (1-1) will play the program’s first District 6 clash, taking on the visiting Clarksville Indians (1-1). Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Dennis Field in Traer.

North Tama running back Maddox Rausch (2) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against Tripoli. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

PHOTOS BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER