The Clarke Indians traveled to Clarinda on Sept. 16 to face the Cardinals for their first district game of the season. Despite strong showings at their first three games, the Indians were not able to get a leg up on the Cardinals, losing their first contest of the season 28-7.
The lone Clarke touchdown was by Jesus Vega on reception from a pass by Jack Cooley; the touchdown came in the second quarter.
Cooley saw a 33.3% passing completion percentage at the game, with eight of 24 passing attempts finding their mark; he had 128 passing yards. Nate Saucedo racked up the most rushing attempts of 10, while Drake Moore had 54 rushing yards of a team total of 89.
There were 52 tackles made by the Indians, led by junior Cole Binning with 12, including nine solo tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. Saucedo saw 10 tackles with nine solo as well. 72 yards on kickoff returns were earned, with Shaw Mathews having 35 across two returns.
The Cardinals scored seven points in the first and second quarter, none in the third, and 12 in the fourth.
The 3-1 Indians travel to Shenandoah (2-2) on Sept. 23.