November 09, 2025

Wapsie Valley’s late TD ends Hawks’ season in quarterfinals

Lynnville-Sully’s early rally ends with narrow loss to Warriors

By Troy Hyde
Gavin Fisk

Lynnville-Sully junior Gavin Fisk, left, looks for running room around a block from senior Michael Spooner during the Hawks' quarterfinal matchup with Wapsie Valley. (Photo by Randy Taylor)

FAIRBANK — The Lynnville-Sully football team overcame a slow start, but Class 1A No. 4 Wapsie Valley scored the game-winning touchdown with 25 seconds to play during a 22-16 home win over the Hawks in quarterfinal action on Friday night.

The Warriors stayed unbeaten and clinched their first state semifinal appearance since 2013. They led 9-0 after the first quarter before L-S began its comeback.

Jack Bowlin

Lynnville-Sully senior Jack Bowlin had 11 catches in his final prep football game on Friday night. (Photo by Randy Taylor)

A 13-yard touchdown catch by JD Richards from Connor Deal put the Hawks on the board with 1:15 to play in the first half, and a 2-point conversion run by Dawson James pulled the visitors within 9-8 at halftime.

Wapsie Valley extended its lead with a touchdown in the third, but James’ 1-yard TD run and a 2-point conversion pass from Deal to Jack Bowlin tied the game at 16-all with 5:16 to play in the game.

Carter Kaufman got open behind the Hawk defense late in the game and his 22-yard TD catch from Caleb Hogan proved to be the game winner.

Lynnville-Sully (9-2) had a 13-9 advantage in first downs, but Wapsie Valley snagged three interceptions in the win.

Deal finished 19-of-37 through the air for 175 yards, one TD and three picks in the loss. Gavin Fisk gained 38 yards on 12 carries and James totaled 13 rushing yards, 12 receiving yards and one TD.

Bowlin hauled in 11 passes for 123 yards, Richards caught three passes for 21 yards and one TD, Landyn Fisk’s only catch went for 12 yards and Jace Johnson grabbed one pass for 7 yards.

Bowlin’s 56 catches and 845 receiving yards currently lead Class A and Deal’s 20 touchdown passes are tied for third.

JD Richards

Lynnville-Sully senior JD Richards, left, celebrates a touchdown with senior Michael Spooner during the Hawks' quarterfinal matchup with Wapsie Valley on Friday. (Photo by Randy Taylor)

James led the defense with a career-best and school-record 20.5 tackles. Henry Sharp totaled 8.5 tackles and two forced fumbles, Gavin Fisk tallied 7.5 tackles, Richards contributed five tackles and one forced fumble, Michael Spooner finished with five tackles and Cameyon James posted three tackles.

Dawson James leads Class A with 95 tackles and his 22.5 tackles for loss rank second.

Hunter Cooley, which ranks third in Class A with 1,952 rushing yards, was limited to 90 yards on 23 carries.

Hogan threw for 88 yards and two scores, Landen Moulds caught three passes for 45 yards and one TD and the Warriors (11-0) were plagued by 10 penalties for 76 yards.

Cadyn Dana totaled 10 tackles and had 46 rushing yards and one TD, Moulds tallied five tackles and one interception and Blake Hesse snagged two picks. Braden Bantz posted 6.5 tackles.