Spencer, Ia (Northwest Iowa Now) – The Spencer Tigers played host to Class 3A #3 Carroll at Dale Norton Field Friday evening as each Tiger team looked to improve to 2-0 on the season after dominant efforts in Week 1.
Much of the first half, Carroll’s offense looked like they could do all they wanted to in the Run game. Returning 1500 yard rusher from 2025 Adam Malik carried the ball 9 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone.
Each team was able to score in the 1st quarter, but Carroll’s PAT was blocked, so Spencer led 7-6 going in to the 2nd.
The two teams matched each other in the 2nd as well with Carroll’s Malik getting his 2nd Touchdown run and Spencer’s Larson Vulk conecting with Shelton Bendlin. After the first 24 minutes of play, Carroll led Spencer 14-13 going in to the half.
It was a big 3rd quarter for Carroll. Camden King found Chase Schable on a 10 yard Touchdown pass to make it 20-13. Spencer had missed a PAT on their last Touchdown back in the 2nd, so Carroll had the opportunity to make it a 2-possesion game with a 2-point conversion. The Try was succesful, and Carroll led 22-13.
Spencer would bounce back with a Touchdown and succesful PAT of their own toward the end of the quarter, with Larson Vulk picking up his 2nd Touchdown run of the season.
Carroll put together a long drive, but early in the 4th quarter, a snap went over the head of King on 3rd down, setting up a 4th and long behind the sticks, which Caroll wouldn’t convert, and Spencer took over trailing by 2.
After a hard fought drive, Spencer had a 3rd and short from the 36 yard-line of Carroll, and drew up some trickery.
On the next Carroll Drive, Camden King would be picked off, giving Spencer the opportunity to go up 2 possesions.
The interception was followed by a series of Spencer penalties, setting up a 3rd and very long from just ahead of mid-field.
The Touchdown, and succesful PAT, made the score 33-22.
Despite a Touchdown drive from Carroll and succesful 2-point conversion to make it a 3-point game, Spencer was able to recover the kick, and pick up the first down to run out the clock, upsetting Carroll 33-30 and improving to 2-0 on the season.
In the win, Larson Vulk had a big night for Spencer, throwing 2 Touchdowns and rushing for 1 with 260 yards individually of Total Offense. Not to be overshadowed, Shelton Bendlin not only caught 5 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns but threw a 36-yard Touchdown pass as well.
Up next for Spencer is a road trip to Hull where they will play Western Christian. Carroll has another big test when they host Lewis Central of Council Bluffs.
