Flags and TOs prove costly to Eagles in Alva loss

Hennessey won most statistical categories in its district clash at Alva on Thursday.

The three it lost turnovers, penalties and, most importantly, the final score - were crucial.

The Eagles dropped a 28-14 decision to the Goldbugs, bringing their season record to 2-3 and evening their district mark at 1-1.

The loss came despite Hennessey gaining nearly 100 more yards of total offense as it out-gained Alva both on the ground and through the air.

However, Hennessey had three costly turnovers - one of them a picksix to start the scoring in the first quarter - and also was penalized 10 times for 101 yards.

Alva didn’t commit a single turnover and had half the number of penalties.

The Goldbugs also put together three straight touchdowns in the second and third quarters to stake a 27-7 lead.

Gunnar Holder scored his second rushing touchdown of the night in the fourth, but the Eagles couldn’t close the gap any further.

Holder was picked off by Alva’s Tripp Cole, who returned it 21 yards for a score in the first quarter.

Hennessey tied the game at 7-7 before the end of the first quarter on Holder’s 38-yard scamper.

However, the Eagles’ offense couldn’t produce another score for twoplus quarters.

The Eagles picked up 220 rushing yards, 21 more than Alva.

Holder led that charge with 117 yards on 14 carries. Jessin Hardin added another 79 yards on 13 attempts.

Holder also threw for 149 yards on 15 of 23 passing. Alva was limited to 68 yards through the air.

Hunter Weber caught five passes for 51 yards while Hagen Copeland had three receptions for 34 yards.

Jakob Johns led the team with seven tackles. Braedyn Richardson and Esteban Blanco recorded six stops apiece.

The Eagles return home this Friday to host Meeker.