Coe scores season-high 63 points and forces 5 turnovers in win against Luther

CEDAR RAPIDS — Coe scored early and often Saturday.

The Kohawks built a big enough lead that most starters earned a well-deserved rest and reserves received the chance to produce.

Coe scored a season-high in points and posted its largest margin of victory in a 63-7 drubbing of Luther in American Rivers Conference action Saturday afternoon at Clark Field. The Kohawks almost amassed 500 yards of offense, while holding the Norse to 211.

“We came out and dominated the game,” Coe Coach Tyler Staker said. “We were hoping to do that, but it is one thing to look on paper and say we should be able to dominate and be able to win this game. It’s another thing to be able to go out and do it.

“I was happy with how our guys played on both sides of the ball.”

Coe (5-2, 3-2) scored three times in the opening quarter for a 16-0 lead that grew to 30-0 at halftime.

The Kohawks’ first drive resulted in a 29-yard field goal from Evan Ellis. The next two possessions set the tone. Coe took advantage of great field position, starting on the Norse’s side. In four plays, Nick Casey hit Dominic Shepardson on a 35-yard TD pass.

Shepardson said they worked on that play all week and, when the strong-side linebacker blitzed, it played out perfectly.

“We ran it right behind him and I took it to the house,” Shepardson said. “I was talking to (Coe assistant) coach (Marvin) McNutt about it and to keep sprinting and digging after that catch and it would be a touchdown.”

The TD reception made it a two-score game with 3:58 remaining in the first, setting the tone and pulling away so Luther couldn’t build confidence.

“We knew our defense was going to continue to be playmakers and stop them for a good four quarters,” Shepardson said. “We just needed to click and put a dagger in quick. Just continue to roll and roll and roll. The first punch was a good tempo starter.”

The defense came through on the Norse’s ensuing drive. Trey Holub snatched a tipped pass in the air and returned it 63 yards for a score. It was Holub’s second interception with the first coming last week.

“It was an awesome feeling,” Holub said. “It tipped up twice in the air and I was lucky for it to fall into my hands.

“I was ready to help fill in on the tackle and saw the ball shot up in the air. I figured I’d take my shot.”

Holub nabbed one of four Coe interceptions. The Kohawks also recovered a fumble. Luther (0-8, 0-6) was limited offensively, producing a 1-yard QB sneak TD by Alex Griffeth with 2:56 left.

“We really wanted to focus on doing our jobs this week,” Holub said. “We wanted to be assignment sound and really just going out and being dominant.”

Coe added touchdown runs from Alphonso Soko and Ray Seidel in the second quarter. Soko had 88 rushing yards and two touchdowns, scoring from 1 yard out in the third.

Five running backs scored. Chance Newton scored on a 57-yard run and Lance Vaughn scored on a 48-yard catch and run. Part of the second half was entrusted to reserves.

“It was great. We got a lot of guys in on both sides of the ball,” Staker said. “Many are upperclassmen who are in our two-deep but don’t get as many varsity reps as they’d want or (junior varsity) guys who haven’t had their opportunity yet.

“I was fun to get them on the field to provide opportunities to play.”

Mohammed Akahrir plunged in for a 1-yard TD early in the fourth. Akahrir’s work ethic in practice yielded him scout team player of the week honors and an opportunity to get on the field.

“I told him to get ready, because you’re going to be rewarded,” Staker said. “You get out there. You’ve earned it.

“He’s able to get out there and score a touchdown. It was fun to see that stuff happen.”

Coe plays Dubuque next week.