Less than one minute into the first quarter of a Class 2A first-round playoff matchup, senior quarterback Peyton Hart fumbled the ball away in Clarke territory — on their home field, the Trojans made the first mistake.

It mattered little — From then on the No. 3 Trojans put in a nearly flawless performance, running and throwing all over Clarke en route to a 63-13 victory. The win moves West Marshall to 9-0 on the season. Clarke’s year ends at 5-4.

Following Hart’s fumble, the Trojans forced a quick three-and-out then drove the ball quickly down the field. Senior running back Caden Vellinga scored on a counter play from four yards out to open the scoring. Later in the first quarter, sophomore Jace Eich broke free on a seam route and Hart found him for an 80-yard score. It was 14-0 after one and despite the early turnover, the Trojans were in control.

Head coach Cody Hackett was pleased with another fast start and how the Trojans responded to early nervousness.

“We want to start fast and we had done a good job of that the last two weeks,” Hackett said. “All the time you’re going to deal with some adversity, I’m just it started at the beginning of the game and not midway through. I thought our guys came out and responded defensively, got us the ball back. I’m proud of our guys that played hard all night, that’s the way you want to start the playoffs if you want to make a run.”

The second quarter proved to be a continuation of the opening period — with the first of six Ben Gonzalez touchdown runs pushing the lead to 21-0. Gonzalez ran in from 19 yards a few minutes later as the Trojans capitalized on an Eich interception. Leading 28-0, things kept going right for West Marshall on the next Clarke possession. After a special teams error meant Clarke began the drive at its own three, Vellinga recovered a fumble at the Clarke eight yard line. One play later, Hart tossed a TD pass to Preston Reece. West Marshall’s 35-0 lead didn’t last until halftime, as Clarke found a touchdown through wideout Brock Watson.

Three minutes into the third quarter, the Trojans put the running clock in play with a nine-yard touchdown from Gonzalez. Later in the third, Gonzalez tacked on his fourth score of the night to push the lead to 49-7.

Less than one minute into the final frame, Gonzalez added another score.

Hackett said Gonzalez is peaking at the right time.

“He’s really improved throughout the year,” Gonzalez said. “He’s doing a great job keeping his feet moving, but he’s the type of kid that will give his line a lot of credit. He’s a tough kid and a smart runner. I’m glad he’s a Trojan.”

Gonzalez added his sixth score with less than a minute remaining in the game to put a cap on a brilliant offensive display — one that Hart said gives the Trojans a big boost moving forward in the playoffs.

“It’s a big boost,” Hart said. “I think some of us were a little nervous coming out at the beginning, but this is a step in the right direction for us.

“Just gotta keep grinding.”

West Marshall’s second-round opponent is yet to be determined and will be revealed Saturday.

Iowa High School State Football Playoffs – First Round

Friday’s Scores

CLASS 2A

Centerville 50, Des Moines Christian 42

Central Lyon 57, Iowa Falls-Alden 0

Clarinda 56, Roland-Story 27

Clear Lake 28, PCM, Monroe 27

Crestwood 28, North Fayette Valley 20

Greene County 35, Union Community 13

Mid-Prairie 7, Northeast 6

Monticello 62, Central Lee 0

OA-BCIG 29, Unity Christian 23

Osage 49, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows 15

Spirit Lake 35, Sheldon 7

Wahlert, Dubuque 62, West Liberty 0

Waukon 24, New Hampton 22

West Lyon 37, Estherville-Lincoln Central 26

West Marshall 63, Clarke, Osceola 13

Williamsburg 42, Camanche 0

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