Wieland’s big night not enough for City High

BETTENDORF, Iowa -- Nate Wieland threw it all over the field Friday night, but it wouldn't be nearly enough as Iowa City High fell to Class 4A No. 3 Bettendorf 48-17 at TouVelle Stadium.

Wieland threw the ball 53 times, connecting on 30 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target was Juma Burnett, who had 10 catches for 160 yards and both touchdowns, but the City Hawks defense that shut down Cedar Falls the week prior couldn't duplicate the effort against the Bulldogs.

Bettendorf (2-0) scored on their first three possessions to jump out to a quick 20-0 lead after the first quarter. Running back Justice O'Conner took his second carry 33 yards for a score and added a 46-yard touchdown reception from Cyle Cox on the Bulldogs second possession.

Cox later found Suni Lane from seven yards out and the Bulldogs looked well on their way to a rout.

The Little Hawks (0-2) put up a fight in the second quarter on both sides of the ball. With the Bulldogs on the City High 13-yard line, Aaron Kimber intercepted Cox and returned the ball to the Bulldog 40-yard line, setting up a 24-yard pass from Wieland to Burnett to give the Little Hawks their first points of the season.

The City Hawks later recovered a Dax Emerson fumble on their own 15-yard line and Ryan Brennan added a 39-yard field goal as time expired at the end of the half as the Bulldogs led 20-10.

Cox rushed for two scores and Owen Ridenour picked off Wieland, returning it 32 yards for a touchdown as the Bulldogs pulled away in the third quarter.