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

MONTEZUMA – Redhawk football closed out the 2026-27 season Friday, Oct. 23, falling to the Montezuma Braves, 26-20, in an 8-Man first-round playoff game.

Playing on their home field, the Braves notched a touchdown and a PAT while holding North Tama scoreless throughout the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Redhawks scored one touchdown to Montezuma’s 13 points. Both teams scored once in the third quarter. In the final quarter, North Tama managed another eight points.

Senior quarterback Kayvin Morris led the Redhawks against the Braves, going 24-of-36 passing for 217 yards and a touchdown to junior Maddox Rausch. Rausch managed a dozen receptions for 101 yards. Senior Braydon Stickles had six receptions for 60 yards, junior Griffin Hall five for 33 yards, and senior Brayton Cibula three for 17 yards. Hall also took on QB duties, going 4-of-7 passing for 40 yards and one interception.

North Tama rushed for 175 yards. Morris led the Redhawks’ ground game, carrying 20 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Hall had six carries for 30 yards. Rausch took the handoff four times for a total loss of three yards.

The Redhawk defense amassed 55 total tackles, led by junior Berkley Dvorak with 13.5. Rausch had 9.5, Cibula 9, senior Anthony Dudys 6.5, and Hall 5. Rausch intercepted Montezuma’s quarterback, Gavin Wilcox, twice.

Most of Montezuma’s yardage was on the ground, where they totaled 287 rushing yards across 50 carries for four touchdowns. The Braves defense totaled 60 tackles and one sack, while recovering two North Tama fumbles.

North Tama (5-4, 4-2 ) ends the season in third place in the district behind district champs Gladbrook-Reinbeck and runner-up Clarksville. With the win, Montezuma (8-1, 6-0) moves on to face No. 6 Gladbrook-Reinbeck tonight, Friday, Oct. 30, in Gladbrook in the Round of 16 as part of Pod D, which also includes Coon Rapids-Bayard at No. 4 Bedford.