Iowa Western pulls away from Conqs

Dodge City, Kan.–(westernkansasnews.com)–Playing their third top 10 opponent of the season, Dodge City played host to No. 2 Iowa Western in their home opener at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Both teams suffered hearbreaking losses last week, as the Conqs fell late at Garden 24-17, while the Reivers lost in the final minute at No. 1 Hutchinson 30-27.

Dodge City would give Iowa Western all they could handle for nearly three quarters, but the Reivers would be too much, as they pulled away for a 31-7 win.

Iowa Western would score first, as they took advantage of a fumble, and settled for a 32-yard field goal with 8:51 left in the first quarter to lead 3-0.

The Conquistadors had a solid 81-yard drive to take the lead in the second quarter. With 12:13 left before the half, Braxton Clark connected with Santana Fleming on a 17-yard pass to put them up 7-3 with the Adam Pinero PAT. Late in the first half, the Reivers took the lead back and it would be for good. After they converted a fourth down, Malachi Marshall hit Cyrus Courtney on a 21-yard pass to put Iowa Western up 10-7 with 1:21 left before the half.

In the third frame, the Reivers took advantage of a second DC3 turnover. Three plays later, Jaivyn Moore hauled in a 41-yard pass from Marshall with 6:55 left in the third stanza to push the lead to 17-7 with the Gus Bashore PAT.

Iowa Western would salt the game away in the fourth with two more touchdown passes by Marhsall. His first came with 13:36 left on a 26-yard strike to Lamar Seymore, and the final score of the afternoon came on a 15-yard pass to Tony Busch to make the final 31-7.

Malachi Marshall was 27-37 passing for 333 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Jaivyn Moore hauled in six receptions for 154 yards and a score. Ten different Reivers hauled in passes from Marhsall, as Iowa Western rolled up 431 yards of offense.

Derick Shanks, Jr. had 120 yards on 23 carries for Dodge City. Braxton Clark had 48 yards passing on 3-6 with a touchdown and an interception. All of his completions were to Santana Fleming. The Conquistadors had 169 yards rushing and 225 yards of offense.

At 0-3 on the year, Dodge City will see their first non-ranked oppenent of the year at home next Saturday as they host Highland. Iowa Western will host Iowa Central.