Verrado Runs Over Ironwood at Home in 49-13 Victory

Verrado overwhelmed Ironwood early Friday night, scoring 35 points in the opening quarter before finishing off a 49-13 victory at Verrado High School.

The Vipers wasted little time establishing control. Junior running back Trey Oliver, No. 3, opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown, and Verrado recovered the ensuing kickoff to quickly regain possession.

Senior running back Jesse Abundes, No. 5, helped keep the momentum rolling with a short reception that turned into a 40-yard gain and moved Verrado into a first-and-goal situation. Abundes later finished the drive with a rushing touchdown, pushing the Vipers ahead 14-0.

Ironwood answered behind junior Elijha Jones, No. 9, who broke loose for a 60-yard run. Sophomore running back Rostin Manzo, No. 24, followed with a rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7.

Verrado responded with three more touchdowns before the end of the first quarter.

Senior wide receiver Ryker Kehler, No. 2, caught a touchdown pass to extend the lead. Oliver then added his second rushing touchdown of the quarter before sophomore wide receiver Linkin Waldeck, No. 9, hauled in another touchdown reception.

Senior defensive back Jordan Peters, No. 0, also recorded an interception during Verrado's dominant opening quarter.

By the end of the first, the Vipers had built a commanding 35-7 advantage.

Neither team scored during the second quarter, sending Verrado into halftime with the same 28-point lead.

The Vipers added to their advantage after halftime.

Senior wide receiver Eli Mock, No. 7, caught a touchdown pass early in the third quarter, and the successful point after increased Verrado's lead to 42-7.

Sophomore running back Eduardo Pereda, No. 24, followed with a rushing touchdown. Another successful extra point pushed the score to 49-7 before the end of the third quarter.

Ironwood added its final points during the fourth quarter when sophomore Hudson Johannsen, No. 25, scored the Eagles' second touchdown of the night. The ensuing point-after attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 49-13.

Verrado finished the night with seven touchdowns and earned its first victory of the season, improving to 1-2. Ironwood moved to 2-1 following the loss.