South Winn notches big win over North Fayette

Things went from good to better for South Winneshiek after its latest prep football victory.

The Warriors claimed a key Class 2A District 4 win, beating perennial power and eighth-ranked North Fayette, 20-17, Friday night at West Union, grasping sole possession of first place. It was just the second loss in the last 53 district games for the Hawks (4-2, 3-1), who have won or shared the last seven district titles.

South Winneshiek went from one win from a state title to just one win the two previous seasons. The Warriors reached the 2009 Class 1A state finals, but went 1-8 in a move to 2A in 2010. They have resurrected the program again with 19 returning starters, owning a 6-0 overall record and 4-0 in district play.

The Warriors trailed in the second quarter, but stormed back with a flurry before halftime. North Fayette led 14-6 behind two Jake Greco touchdown runs, but the Warriors answered with two scores in the final three minutes of the first half.

Colton Hageman his second touchdown of the game with 2:41 remaining in the second with Jared Holien connecting with Derek Buchheit for a two-point conversion to tie it at 14. Holien put South Winn up for good exactly two minutes later, hitting Tanner Phillips for a two-yard touchdown and a 20-14 halftime lead.

The Warriors defense held strong late in the game, allowing only a third-quarter field goal after the break.

Hageman finished with 76 rushing yards. He ranks among the top rushers in 2A with 1,096 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. Greco has a 2A best 1,249 rushing yards with 13 scores.