ACGC Advances to Quarterfinals with 21-7 Win Over Mount Ayr

In a decisive playoff match, the ACGC Chargers secured a spot in the Class A quarterfinals by defeating the Mount Ayr Raiders 21-7 on March 15, 2024. ACGC’s defense effectively contained Mount Ayr’s high-powered offense for most of the game, leading to the Raiders’ elimination with a final record of 6-4.

Defensive Masterclass by ACGC

Throughout the first three quarters, Mount Ayr struggled to gain momentum against ACGC’s robust defense, which has now propelled them to a perfect season record of 10-0. The Chargers previously handed the Raiders their last defeat earlier in the season, making this matchup particularly significant. Despite the Raiders’ impressive performance last week, where they rallied from a 20-point deficit to beat St. Albert 55-47, they found themselves outmatched this time around.

Junior running back Dyson Thompson managed to break through ACGC’s defenses with an 83-yard touchdown run in the final quarter, but it was not enough to turn the tide. As ACGC maintained a strong grip on the game, the Raiders were forced to punt four times compared to the Chargers’ two, illustrating their struggle to capitalize on opportunities.

Game Highlights and Statistics

ACGC’s offense was anchored by their option rushing attack, which generated 298 yards on the ground out of a total of 314 offensive yards. Quarterback Thomas Skram contributed minimally in the passing game, recording only one completion for 16 yards to running back Brexton Schneider. The Chargers scored their first touchdown on a 48-yard run by Ryder Cline, followed by a short touchdown run to lead 14-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Joe Crawford extended ACGC’s lead with a 12-yard touchdown run. Mount Ayr’s struggle to convert drives into points was evident, particularly with the total of five turnovers, including three lost fumbles by ACGC. Coach Ryan Victor acknowledged the performance of ACGC’s defense, stating, “They did a good job of keeping us behind the chains. Third downs were tough, longer distances than we’re used to.”

The Raiders displayed a commendable rushing effort, with Thompson finishing the game with 131 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Jackson Ruggles, who also ran for 73 yards, completed only one pass out of five attempts. The team’s inability to maintain consistent offensive drives ultimately hindered their chances of a comeback.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, ACGC will now face West Sioux in the quarterfinals. The Chargers will aim to continue their undefeated season, while Mount Ayr reflects on a season that started with a challenging 1-3 record. Victor expressed pride in his team’s resilience: “Our kids could have checked it in, but they responded and won five in a row.”

The Raiders will lose eight seniors to graduation, including Ruggles, but will retain key players like Thompson and wingback Adler Reed, offering hope for a competitive future.

As the postseason unfolds, ACGC’s performance solidifies their position as a formidable contender in Class A football, while Mount Ayr prepares to regroup for the next season.