Iowa makes quick work of LaGrange

Published 1:30 pm Friday, September 24, 2021

IOWA — Iowa wanted a fast start Thursday, and got just that with a 22-point first-quarter lead to beat winless La-Grange 50-19 to stay undefeated.

Iowa’s offense had its usual explosive plays with Curtis Deville scoring three touchdowns for a second consecutive week, and running back Ronald Young scored twice. Senior defensive back Crajaun Bennett added a pick-six as Iowa led 43-7 at halftime.

“I was proud of the way we came out,” Iowa head coach Tommy Johns said. “That was the topic of the week: try to get off to a fast start. We were able to do that, and I was happy with the way we performed in the first half.”

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Deville touched the ball three times. But he scored on a 12-yard run in the first quarter, then added a 38-yard reception, pulling the ball in while double-teamed in the end zone. He wrapped up the first half with an electric 86-yard touchdown run.

Deville and Young have combined for 17 touchdowns in four games. Young finished with 60 yards on seven carries, and McQuinton Montgomery added 70 on three touches.

“He never ceases to amaze me,” Johns said of Deville. “What is he going to do next? He is very talented, but once again he has a great supporting cast around him. They all play for each other, and that is what it is all about.

“I am very proud of those guys (the offensive line). They came off the ball, and they take pride in what they do. They eat it up.”

The Yellow Jackets’ (4-0) first play from scrimmage set the tone as Montgomery reeled in a deep pass from Koltin Lebleu for 51 yards, and Young scored on a 5-yard run with 9:38 left in the first quarter.

Bennett’s 61-yard interception return made it 15-0, and Caden Mask’s fumble recovery set up Deville’s first score for a 22-0 lead with 1:35 left in the first quarter.

Iowa’s defense forced two turnovers in the first half and allowed one score before the break.

“I thought those guys played really well in the first half with the exception of one drive there at the end,” Johns said.

LaGrange (0-4) sophomore running back Keyshawn Doucet had a career night with 217 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. His first score capped a 10-pay, 78-yard drive to cut Iowa’s lead to 29-7, but Young scored his second touchdown 4 minutes later to keep the momentum in Iowa’s favor.

LaGrange will host St. Louis Catholic (2-2) next week, while Iowa will host Pineville (1-2).