By Sam Parsons
The Oskaloosa Indians hosted the Ottumwa Bulldogs on Friday night for their season opener and fell 31-12.
The Indians were searching for their first win since 2024, but the team was sunk by a total of 7 turnovers (3 fumbles, 2 muffed punts, and 2 interceptions).
They started on the wrong foot when their first offensive drive ended with a fumble, and their defense then surrendered a Bulldog touchdown; a 16-yard pass from Spencer Dalbey to Corbin Wilson. The Bulldogs showcased a new-look offense in which they completed nearly as many passes on the night (15) as they did in the entirety of last season (16), and the new approach initially had the Indians’ defense on their heels. A missed extra point following the touchdown had the Bulldogs leading 6-0.
Oskaloosa was able to bounce back later in the quarter when senior Tyler Edgar found senior Ayden Plumb from 13 yards out for a touchdown. Edgar had to recover a wild snap and his throw to the end zone bounced off the hands of another Indian receiver before Plumb reeled it in off the tip. Oskaloosa could not convert the PAT, so the score was tied 6-6 following the touchdown.
The Indians’ defense quickly adapted to the Bulldogs’ attack being more balanced than in previous years as they forced a punt on the following drive. However, the Indians muffed the punt, which was recovered by the Bulldogs’ Charlie Morgan, who promptly raced into the end zone with it for a score to put Ottumwa up 12-6 with 1:19 remaining in the first quarter.
Both offenses stalled for the remainder of the first half. The Indians finished the first half losing the turnover battle 3-1.
The next score wouldn’t happen until the fourth quarter when Dalbey found wide receiver Nick Carlson for an 11-yard passing touchdown. The drive began in Indians’ territory thanks to the Indians’ second muffed punt of the game. Another missed PAT left the score at 18-6. Needing to answer the bell, the Indians’ offense marched down the field with the help of some impressive runs by Edgar, who finished the game with 101 rushing yards on 21 carries, many of which were scrambles. Edgar capped off the drive with a 2-yard QB keeper to cut the lead to 18-12 following another missed extra point. At that point, there was 7:47 remaining in the game.
But after looking impressive for much of the contest despite being put in several tough spots, the Indians’ defense ran out of gas late in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs would score two more touchdowns (rushing scores from Dalbey and CJ Vance) without the Indians being able to answer. The final score was 31-12.
Oskaloosa (0-1) will travel to Burlington on Friday night in search of their first win of the season.
