The Lynnville-Sully football team delivered a commanding performance on October 6, 2023, defeating the Martensdale-St. Marys Blue Devils with a decisive score of 62-6 in their Class A District 6 opener. The Hawks showcased a powerful offense and an impenetrable defense, rushing for 230 yards and averaging an impressive 10 yards per carry.
Lynnville-Sully’s defense was particularly formidable, registering 10 tackles for loss and intercepting four passes, three of which were returned for touchdowns. This victory marked the Hawks’ third consecutive win over the Blue Devils and improved their record against Martensdale-St. Marys to 5-1 since 2008.
The Hawks established their dominance early, leading 16-0 by the end of the first quarter. They went on to score 56 unanswered points before the Blue Devils managed to avoid a shutout with five minutes remaining in the game.
Dawson James and Gavin Fisk were standout players for Lynnville-Sully, each contributing two rushing touchdowns and returning an interception for a score. James opened the scoring with a 44-yard touchdown run and successfully converted a two-point attempt. Jack Bowlin extended the lead with a 44-yard touchdown catch from Connor Deal, pushing the score to 16-0 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, James added a 2-yard touchdown run and returned an interception 69 yards for another touchdown. Fisk then contributed a 17-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes left in the half, while Deal recorded a 31-yard pick six, leading to a dominant 26-0 second quarter for the Hawks.
Fisk continued to shine in the third quarter, returning another interception 55 yards for a touchdown and adding a 34-yard touchdown run. Henry Sharp capped off the impressive win with a 6-yard touchdown run in the final minute of the game.
Despite the scoreline, the statistical battle was somewhat closer, with Lynnville-Sully holding a slight 9-8 advantage in first downs. The Hawks have now outscored their last two opponents by a remarkable 112-6 margin and limited the Blue Devils to just 20 rushing yards on 22 carries.
Fisk led the Hawks’ offensive effort with 87 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. James contributed 57 yards and two touchdowns on three carries, while Deal completed four passes for 71 yards and one touchdown. Bowlin emerged as the top receiver with 58 yards and a touchdown on two receptions.
Defensively, Dawson James stood out with eight tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, and his first career pick six. Fisk added to the defensive prowess with 6.5 tackles and another interception return for a touchdown. Other notable defensive contributions came from Jaxson Merten with six tackles, Cameyon James with three tackles, and Ashton Rozendaal, who recorded an interception.
For Martensdale-St. Marys, Trenton Jellison was a bright spot, leading the team with three receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown. The Blue Devils now hold a record of 1-2 overall and 0-2 in the district.
The Lynnville-Sully Hawks will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, demonstrating both offensive explosiveness and defensive strength in their quest for success.
