SPRING HILL – The Mount Ida Lions roared into the win column with an impressive 60-6 victory over a beleaguered Spring Hill Bears team that has struggled to find their way this season.
The two teams entered Friday’s game winless, but Lions’ coach Zack Wuichet hoped a change at quarterback would provide the spark Mount Ida needed to claim their first win of the season.
Seth Breashears stepped under center for Mount Ida Friday for the first time as a starting quarterback since his seventh grade season. Despite his lack of experience at the position Breashears did well under center, going two for four in the air for 57 yards and a touchdown pass to John Hoeksema. He also had three carries for 19 yards
Hunter Davis was once again the workhorse for the Lions’ offense, carrying the ball 13 times for 162 yards and three TDs.
John Hoeksema was a little more diverse with his scoring efforts, rushing three times for 43 yards and a touchdown and catching two passes for 52 yards and two TDs. He also converted on two 2-point conversions.
Sophomore AJ Perez had six carries for 83 yards, a touchdown pass to Hoeksema for 27 yards and a spectacular 32 yard reception.
Gavin Summitt had two carries for 15 yards and a score and Ian Mcdowell had a 55 yard touchdown carry, and Baylor Bates had eight carries for 61 yards and a touchdown.
The Lions had 36 carries for 438 yards and three receptions for 84 yards.
Defensively the Lions held Spring Hill to 81 yards and six points.
Hunter Davis led the team with nine tackles, followed by Blake Collum with eight tackles, six for a loss. Mason Ballard had five tackles, two for a loss, and Nate Sommerkorn recorded a sack.
Mount Ida special teams recovered two onside kicks with Connor Sigman and AJ Perez each recording a recovery.
Mount Ida set the tone early with the Lions taking their opening drive 65 yards in seven plays to score on a 37 yard run by Hunter Davis. The 2-point conversion failed and the Lions held a 6-0 lead with 8:47 to go in the game.
Nate Sommerkorn ended Spring Hills’ first series with a sack on the Lions’ 48 yard line to turn the ball over on downs.
AJ Perez carried the ball to the Bear 37 on the first play from scrimmage and five plays later Davis ran in from seven yards out to score. John Hoeksema scored on the 2-point conversion to boost the Lion lead to 14 with 4:13 left in the first quarter.
After forcing a punt, the Lions carried the ball into the second quarter with Hoeksema scoring on the first play of the quarter from 35 yards out. The 2-point conversion was short and Mount Ida held a 20-0 lead with 11:53 to go in the half.
Connor Sigman recovered the ensuing kick on the Bears 36 yard line to set up a 32 yard reception on the four yard line. Baylor Bates finished the series off with a one yard run for a score. Mount Ida held a 26-0 lead with 10:53 left in the first half.
The brunt of Spring Hills’ offensive output came in a 16 play drive that ended in a one yard run by Trenton Tipton.
Mount Ida responded with a quick 68 yard drive that ended with a 25 yard touchdown reception from Seth Breashears to Hoeksema. They paired for a follow up reception on the 2-point conversion to give the Lions a 34-6 lead with 28 seconds left in the half.
AJ Perez raced in the midst of a crowd of Bears to fall on the ensuing kick off. Perez took control of the game, rushing to the 28 yard line and then two plays later threw a halfback pass to Hoeksema for a 28 yard TD reception to give the Lions a 40-6 lead at the half.
Mount Ida forced a punt in the opening drive of the second half and marched the ball downfield to score on a four yard run by Davis. He carried the 2-point conversion in to give the Lions a 48-6 lead.
With the sportsmanship rule in effect Coach Wuichet turned to his bench.
Gavin Summitt scored on a five yard run with 10:38 left in the fourth and Ian Mcdowell scored on a 45 yard run to cap the scoring effort.
Mount Ida returns home this Friday to face the Foreman Gators. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.
