Bettendorf holds back City High

IOWA CITY - Every time it looked like Iowa City High might get back into the game, Bettendorf answered with big play after big play.

The fourth-ranked Bulldogs forced four turnovers - including Jack Wells' 99-yard interception return for a touchdown - in a 44-7 win over the Little Hawks Friday night at Bates Field.

City trailed only 17-7 midway though the third quarter and marched down to the 2-yard line with a chance to cut into the lead.

But Wells jumped a slant route at the 1 and outran everybody to the end zone.

The Bulldogs (2-0) rolled after that 14-point swing, scoring three more unanswered touchdowns after forcing a fumble and blocking a punt.

Earlier in the game, City had another opportunity to bring the score to a one-possession game with a defensive stop right after the Little Hawks got on the scoreboard themselves.

But Bettendorf quarterback Owen Ridenour had other plans, slipping through defenders on a 3rd-and-23 en route to a 71-yard touchdown.

Ridenour also had a 10-yard TD run in the first quarter.

Senior Matt Wolfe had two interceptions for the Bulldogs, who won their 12th-straight regular season game.

City (0-2) played without starting quarterback Nate Wieland, who injured his shoulder last week against Cedar Falls.

Junior Jared Taylor struggled to find consistency in his first start. Taylor completed only 12 of 32 passes for 175 yards and threw three interceptions.

City's Jason Jones caught seven passes for 118 yards - 114 in the first half. Taylor made a perfect throw on a 10-yard fade pass to the corner of the end zone to Jones for the Little Hawks' only score.

Nearly the entire first quarter was played in City territory and featured two interesting special teams plays.

The Little Hawks failed to convert on 4th-and-10 from their own 19 on the opening series. Later, they executed a 51-yard punt fake on third down to cross the 50 for the first time.

City plays at Ames Friday.