Sibley-Ocheyedan shuts out Pioneers in season debut

Turnovers and special team miscues played a huge role in a defensive-minded season opener that hinged largely on field position as Okoboji lost the turnover battle and committed two costly mistakes on a pair of botched punts that allowed Sibley-Ocheyedan to pull away for an 18-0 victory in non-district football play in Milford.

The Generals started with the ball in Pioneer territory six times out of 11 possessions, while scoring six points off a fumble and six points off a blocked punt. Sibley-Ocheyedan averaged a starting field position at Okoboji's 48-yard line and the Pioneers were never able to start with the ball in S-O territory while getting backed up inside their own 30-yard line on nine different drives.

"We played good enough defense to win the game, but it was the other two phases of the game that we didn't play well in," said Okoboji coach Travis Schipper. "We lost the field position battle and asked a lot of our defense tonight."

The Generals broke open a scoreless contest late in the first quarter when a blocked punt was picked up inside the five-yard line and returned for a touchdown with two minutes, 12 seconds on the game clock. Place kicker Brett Doeden missed the extra point kick wide right to keep the score at 6-0.

It took Okoboji six offensive drives to pick up a first down. Starting quarterback Zach Jones fired a 33-yard pass to receiver Tanner Taylor on third-and-9 to get the Pioneers into S-O territory for the first time. Okoboji drove all the way down to the Generals' 32-yard line, but a penalty and incomplete pass stalled the drive.

Sibley-Ocheyedan put together an eight-play, 68-yard scoring drive on the ensuing possession. Doeden caught two passes for 57 yards to set up a 5-yard touchdown scamper by Ryan Soat with 20 seconds remaining in the first half. The Generals took a 12-0 advantage into the locker room when Doeden misfired on his second extra point attempt.

Okoboji was held to 39 yards of total offense in the second half as they seemed to wear down after seeing a number of starters play both ways the majority of the game.

The Generals' lone touchdown came off a fumble that gave them prime field position at the Pioneers' 24-yard line. Quarterback Troy Schmidt broke a handful of tackles on a 15-yard run on a fourth-and-10 play that set up a 1-yard scoring run up the middle on a keeper.

"We knew it was going to come with having so many kids play both ways," said Schipper. "They did wear down, but we only gave up one touchdown in the second half. We just need to execute better on offense, that was a big issue tonight, and not turn the ball over."

Sibley-Ocheyedan outgained Okoboji 250-121 and won the turnover battle 4-1. The Generals had 100 more passing yards and nearly 30 more yards on the ground than the Pioneers.

Jones and Taylor, who split signal calling duties, had trouble generating any offensive drives for the Pioneers. Jones was 3-for-12 for 46 yards with one interception and Taylor was 0-for-2 passing in three series and also had a 33-yard reception.

"I have to do a better job of getting our quarterbacks in rhythm. I think that was part of it tonight," Schipper said. "They both are great kids and have great command when they're out there. I have to find a better way to help them feel more comfortable and get them in a better rhythm."

Running back Tate Hanson led the way with 14 carries for 62 yards, while Clay Williams rushed four times for 23 yards.

Williams recovered a fumble to highlight the Pioneer defense. Hanson topped all players with 12 tackles (9 solos), followed by Austin MiIllard and Taylor with 11 apiece, Michael Peterson with nine and Kelly Kaufman with seven.

The secondary also turned in a solid contest, despite being forced to switch Peterson to safety and bring in James Halbur off the bench to play cornerback after Bryson McCabe dislocated two fingers in the early stages of the matchup.

"Even though he's only a sophomore, Bryson does a lot of good things for us. But the coaching staff always preaches to the kids that it's got to be the next man in and they did a good job of filling in for him. Bryson's a good kid, but I thought our kids bounced back well from it," said Schipper. "James did such a great job after having to come in. We came in with the plan of saving him for offense, but he stepped in and did a great job tonight."

Okoboji (0-1 overall) travels to Albert City to take on Sioux Central next Friday evening in non-district play. The Rebels enter the contest led by a high flying offense that features quarterback Brad Ripke, pass catcher Nick Wittmack and fullback Ethan Lindquist.

"We definitely face another challenge next week," Schipper said. "They have two receivers and a nice young quarterback, who's a junior. He had quite a few yards last year and they also have a nice-sized fullback, so we have a have a lot of areas to defend. They'll put our secondary to the test, but I thought that was one of our strengths tonight, our secondary played outstanding football."