Special teams make the difference for Tigers

IOWA CITY - Dan Sabers might be spending extra time on special teams in practice next week.

No. 6 Cedar Falls couldn't do anything against Iowa City High's defense, but the Tigers scored touchdowns on a blocked punt and punt return in a 14-0 win over City High on Friday night in a high school football opener at Bates Field.

'We said early on the kicking game was going to play a role,” said first-year Cedar Falls Coach Brad Remmert, who won his first game after taking over from longtime coach Pat Mitchell, recently retired.

The Tigers (1-0) managed only 56 yards of offense and 5 first downs.

But Cedar Falls got all the scoring it needed from big special teams plays.

Cedar Falls junior Adrian Diaz blocked and returned a punt 25 yards for a score in the first quarter for a 7-0 lead.

Then, late in the third quarter, Durrell Jackson returned a City punt 74 yards for a score.

Remmert and Tigers set up a wall block that allowed Jackson to run toward the far sideline. Jackson took care of the rest - darting back toward midfield and breaking a couple of tackles on his way to the end zone.

City missed on two scoring chances in the final two minutes of the first half.

The Little Hawks tackled a Cedar Falls runner near the Tigers' goal line and the head official raised his arms to signal a safety. He changed the call after conferring with his crew.

After the Cedar Falls ensuing punt, City started at the Tigers' 20-yard line. The Little Hawks couldn't convert a 23-yard field goal try.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first half.

Cedar Falls couldn't move the ball.

The Tigers managed only 27 yards and two first downs, squandering great starting field position.

City couldn't hold onto the ball.

The Little Hawks lost three fumbles and gave up the blocked punt for a score.

'We just have to turn those into points,” Remmert said.