Maquoketa Valley runs past North-Linn

TROY MILLS - Alec McDowell can appreciate the work his offensive linemen do for him.

He was one of them, after all.

McDowell spearheaded a potent running attack, churning out 227 yards on 30 bruising carries as Maquoketa Valley manhandled North-Linn, 58-18, in a Class A District 5 football game Friday night at North-Linn High School.

A junior, McDowell has taken the same route that Ryan Parmely took before him - former lineman, then featured running back.

He played center for much of the season last year before moving to tight end midway through. Now he's running through the holes instead of creating them.

'It was different at first, but I'm getting used to it,” he said. 'The biggest thing is holding onto the ball. Those guys up front give me huge holes to run through.”

Maquoketa Valley (4-2 overall, 4-0 district) took sole possession of the A-5 lead and won its 21st straight district game, dating back to 2012.

'We've been playing really well,” said Wildcats Coach Wes Wilson. 'We've been able to run the ball, and when you control the line of scrimmage, it makes things a lot easier.

'We pride ourselves as having a big, physical, tough line.”

McDowell ran for three touchdowns. Quarterback Jeremy Fischer added 159 yards on 20 carries, running for four touchdowns and passing for another.

All told, the Wildcats netted 453 yards, 396 on the ground.

Maquoketa Valley had a comfortable 35-12 lead by halftime, then invoked the continuous clock in the third quarter.

While the Wildcats were running at will, North-Linn (3-3, 3-1) was pass-happy. Logan Novak completed 15 of 18 passes for 204 yards, throwing for two touchdowns (to Brandon Stepanek and Ben Wolff) and running for another. But the Lynx fumbled it away three times.

Wolff caught six passes for 158 yards.

Maquoketa Valley hosts Starmont next week. North-Linn entertains Easton Valley.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com