Marion shuts out Clear Creek Amana, 35-0

TIFFIN — Marion players clearly had their shoes strapped on tight as the damp conditions seemed to have virtually no effect on the speedy Indians.

Marion (5-2, 4-1) defeated Clear Creek Amana (2-5, 2-3), 35-0, in a soggy Class 3A, District 4 matchup played on the FieldTurf Friday night in Tiffin.

'The footing on turf is a lot better than it is on grass, especially when it's wet like it was tonight,' Marion quarterback Trevor Paulsen said. 'I had good grip on the ball the whole night, and our receivers did a nice job of getting open.'

The Indians struck first on a pretty play-action pass from Paulsen to tight end Grant Meth for an 18-yard score.

Paulsen then found speedy receiver Blair Brooks on a seam pattern. Brooks accelerated past Clipper defenders on his way to a 78-yard TD.

The junior quarterback continued his impressive first half as he then threaded the needle and found Brooks, this time for a 14-yard score.

Paulsen completed 11-of-18 pass attempts for 210 yards and four TDs, three of which went to Brooks.

'Trevor loves throwing to Blair,' Marion Coach Tim Lovell said. 'Blair's fast and goes up and gets the ball. Having that type of speed and ability to make plays gives your quarterback a lot of confidence in you.'

Alex Whalen booted a 25-yard field goal.

The next time Whalen touched the ball, he scored again. This time, the score came on a punt return. After fumbling the ball initially, Whalen recovered and steered clear of Clipper defenders on his way to a touchdown.

Whalen's TD gave Marion a 28-0 halftime lead.

The Marion defense did the dirty work all night as the Indians held Clear Creek Amana scoreless, and allowed just 155 yards of total offense.

'Our defensive line and linebackers deserve a lot of credit tonight,' Lovell said. 'They really owned what we wanted them to do this week.'