Springville’s McDowell runs over CVC

CEDAR RAPIDS - Springville running back Tyler McDowell ran over defenders all night and carried the Orioles to a 58-13 victory over Cedar Valley Christian in last night's regular-season finale.

McDowell ran for 178 yards and four touchdowns on just 10 carries in the first half alone.

'Our line played well tonight, and it's great to have Cody (Blake) back,” McDowell said.

Blake, a senior fullback, played in just two games this season because of an injury. He played in last week's win against West Central and was a key part of the blocking scheme last night.

'I wish we could've had Cody for more games this season,” said Springville Coach Joe Martin. 'His mentality would've been nice to have against Midland and Lansing Kee High, and some of those closer games. It's bittersweet knowing that we weren't that far away from a playoff spot.”

Springville's first score came on a 49-yard McDowell TD run that capped a 60-yard drive.

On the next possession, Blake muscled his way into the end zone from 35 yards out. Blake then threw a halfback pass for a TD from 7 yards out after a Cedar Valley Christian fumble, giving Springville a 20-0 lead.

McDowell then scored on the next two Springville possessions, one on a 25-yard run and the other on a 54-yard punt return.

Cedar Valley Christian got on the board when senior Kenan Ulmer found freshman Andrew Thompson for a 21-yard TD strike.

McDowell closed the first half by rusnning for two more touchdowns as Springville took a 50-6 lead into the break.

The second half was more of McDowell as the senior intercepted a pass and followed up his pick with a 17-yard TD run on offense.

Cedar Valley Christian added a score in the second half to round out the scoring.

'This year we didn't have Elias (Nielsen), and next year we won't have Tyler (McDowell), but I think the one thing that we're going to bring back next year is excitement and enthusiasm. We have returning players we are ready to prove that it's not just a one-person show.”