Mount Vernon’s freshman/ sophomore football team was able to pull out the win 20-7  against the Maquoketa junior varsity team on Sept. 26.

At the end of the first quarter, the score was 7-7, reflecting a good fight, but going into second quarter, the Mustangs had amazing defense, and their offense was rolling. ¨I try to stay calm and relaxed before the game so I don’t have stress throughout the game,” freshman quarterback Graham Yanda said. “I also try to communicate with my wide receivers and running backs to get on the same page.¨

Mount Vernon’s defense did not let Maquoketa score once after the first quarter, while the offense kept scoring throughout the second half. The last score of the game was a 2-yard rushing touchdown on the right side. ¨I was glad to have a good offensive line to be able to block for me while I ran and scored,¨ said Yanda, ¨I enjoy being able to hide behind this line because they make me feel safe and protected.¨

Yanda had two passing touchdowns, both to his wide receiver Eli Casey.  ¨I love being able to play with Graham and being able to catch passes from him,” Casey said, “and luckily I was able to catch two from him today.  I really enjoy playing with this team.¨

¨I’m happy that our defense held them to only seven points and had good pass protection and blitz defense,¨ outside linebacker Kolter Flockhart said. “We won the game, we had good effort, which helped us throughout the game. It was a tough game, and they had some big guys, but we played through them and won the game.¨

After the game, Yanda transitioned from being on the freshman team to suit up for varsity. “I get in line to shake hands and say good game to other team just to show respect to them and then after the game I celebrate with my teammates and coaches, but I can’t wait for too long because I have get back to the locker room and get ready for the varsity game.¨ 

The freshman/ sophomore team plays again at 5 p.m. Friday against Center Point-Urbana.