'Darkside' Dominates Season Opener As Reivers Run Over Conqs

Council Bluffs, IA

An outstanding defensive performance and a running game by committee led the NJCAA's second-ranked squad to a win in their 2022 season opener on Saturday at Titan Stadium in the Bluffs.

Four Reiver running backs found the endzone for scores, including a pair from freshman Bryant Williams, as IWCC routed visiting Dodge City, 46-0.

Newcomer Andre Goodman earned his first start behind center and led a Reivers' offense that piled up not only 207 rushing yards but also 249 through the air, 94 on a pass in the 4th quarter from backup Aiden Niedens to LJ Fitzpatrick.  The score was the 4th longest in terms of yardage in program history and the longest reception in 14 seasons, surpassing a 90-yard strike to receiver Deon Long from quarterback Jake Waters during the 2012 National Title season.

A suffocating defensive front collected five sacks and 11 tackles for loss, including a safety, in the dominating performance.  Over half of the Conquistadors, 135 yards of total offense came on a pair of plays from the visitors.

Rashion Hodge led the team in tackles from his linebacker spot, but the defensive line posted a third of the team tackles, while collecting all five quarterback sacks.

Next up, is a tough test against Garden City.  The Broncbusters entered the 2022 season ranked inside the Top 10 and are one of the few teams that IWCC does not possess a winning record against.  The Reivers and Broncbusters have split six all-time games between the programs, with both teams holding a winning record on the opposition's home field.  It will be the first meeting between the teams since Garden City upended Iowa Western 28-14 on September 21st, 2019.

The night before the contest with Garden City, IWCC will induct the 2012 National Championship team into the Reivers' Hall of Fame with a banquet and ceremony inside the Reiver Room on campus.  Those interested in attending the ceremony can reserve their ticket by contacting Jill Feigenbutz at 712-325-3418 or emailing jfeigenbutz@iwcc.edu.

The game versus Garden City will be broadcast on the Reiver Sports Network free of charge or on the station's radio station, 89.7 The River (listen live here).  Jake Ryan, Russ Nelsen, and Josh Odson will have the play-by-play on both viewing/listening options.