GALVA – Galva built a 10-point lead entering the fourth quarter Friday night, but Ridgewood rallied late to defeat the Wildcats 28-26.
“We had all the momentum in the world,” Galva coach Zach Anderson said. “I would say our ability to run the ball in the first half really set the tone.”
Senior M.J. Louck led Galva’s ground game with 122 yards on eight carries and two touchdowns.
Louck scored on a 1-yard run with 37.5 seconds remaining in the first quarter before breaking free for an 84-yard touchdown with 9:43 left in the second quarter.
Senior Reid Harris also found the end zone in the first quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run with 6:58 remaining.
Louck added a 2-yard touchdown pass to Sophomore Drayce Powe with 17.9 seconds left in the first half, giving the Wildcats a 26-16 advantage heading into the second half.
Sophomore Harlem Young contributed 90 rushing yards on 22 carries.
“My offensive line has been great,” Young said. “They’ve been doing a great job opening up those holes for me.”
Galva’s defense also produced several key plays throughout the game. Junior Gage Simoneaux intercepted a pass with 4:33 remaining in the third quarter, then forced and recovered a fumble with 5:04 left in the fourth.
But the Wildcats were unable to turn the late defensive stop into points. Galva fumbled one play after Simoneaux’s recovery, and Ridgewood regained possession.
Ridgewood’s comeback was led by junior Hayden McCleary-Larson and senior Byron Catour.
McCleary-Larson rushed for 100 yards and scored on runs of 19 and 38 yards. His first touchdown came with 2:50 remaining in the first quarter, while his second came with 7:27 left in the second.
Catour gave Ridgewood its late push, returning an interception 55 yards for a touchdown with 8:23 remaining in the fourth quarter before scoring on a 15-yard rushing touchdown with 3:20 left.
Anderson said Galva’s defense adjusted well during the third quarter as the Wildcats tried to hold onto their lead.
“We tightened up,” Anderson said. “We knew they were going to run that trap and counter against us over and over, and we had a good game plan against it.”
Galva’s inability to capitalize on its opportunities ultimately proved costly.
“We had opportunities, and we just couldn’t punch some in,” Anderson said. “I think when we threw that interception, that hurt us, and the momentum flipped. We just have to do a better job of handling adversity and moving on.”
Despite the loss, Anderson said the Wildcats will focus on correcting their mistakes and preparing for their next game.
“We just move on,” Anderson said. “We will watch film tomorrow, figure out what we have to fix and what we didn’t do right. We just take it one game at a time.”
Galva (1-3) will host Bushnell-Prairie City (3-1) on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
Ridgewood (3-1) will host Peoria Heights (0-4) on Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
