Southeast Polk shuts out Bobcats, 52-0
PLEASANT HILL — Shane Starcevich threw for 207 yards and four touchdowns as Southeast Polk blanked Marshalltown 52-0 in Friday’s Class 4A District 4 contest.
The host Rams (5-3, 3-1) had their way offensively, scoring 28 first-quarter points and cruising to the shutout win. They handed Marshalltown (1-7, 0-4) its first scoreless loss since last year’s Week 9 game against Valley.
Marshalltown totaled just 144 yards offensively in its sixth-straight loss. The Bobcats were limited to 24 yards rushing, while Sam Irwin finished 12-for-27 passing for 120 yards. Josh Melde was his top target, pulling down five passes for 72 yards. Dylan Eygabroad added three catches for 42 yards.
Southeast Polk sophomore running back Gavin Williams scored his team’s first two touchdowns, taking a screen pass 26 yards for the first points of the game. He added a 60-yard touchdown run on the Rams’ next play from scrimmage following a three-and-out from the Bobcat offense.
After the first of two Irwin interceptions, Southeast Polk again scored on its first touch. Starcevich hit Nathaniel Flynn for a 49-yard touchdown pass, and the Rams led 22-0 at the midpoint of the opening period.
Starcevich finished 8-for-9 passing for 207 yards, with Flynn hauling in three catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Lukas Kacer added a 32-yard touchdown reception to bring the Rams to their 28-0 first-quarter advantage.
Southeast Polk compiled 487 yards of total offense in balanced fashion — 266 on the ground and 221 through the air.
“Give credit to Southeast Polk, they’re a great football team and we knew that coming in,” said Marshalltown head coach Adam Goodvin. “They’re big and fast, and we didn’t execute well enough. We have to become more consistent, and the only way to do that is on the practice field.”
Marshalltown closes its season at home next Friday night, hosting third-ranked West Des Moines Valley (7-1, 4-0).
Southeast Polk 52, Marshalltown 0
At Pleasant Hill
MHS 0 0 0 0 — 0
SE Polk 28 17 0 7 — 52
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
SEP — Gavin Williams 26 pass from Shane Starcevich (Scott Bell pass from Starcevich), 9:39.
SEP — G.Williams 60 run (Luke Williams kick), 8:09.
SEP — Nathaniel Flynn 49 pass from Starcevich (L.Williams kick), 6:21.
SEP — Lukas Kacer 32 pass from Starcevich (kick failed), 1:14.
Second Quarter
SEP — Flynn 51 pass from Starcevich (L.Williams kick), 9:40.
SEP — FG L.Williams 26, 3:55.
SEP — Nathan Marchand 17 run (L.Williams kick), 1:48.
Third Quarter
No scoring.
Fourth Quarter
SEP — Josiah Cole 7 run (L.Williams kick), 4:49.