Rebels upend top-ranked Tigers, reach eight-man championship

CEDAR FALLS - “Out Work ‘Em.”

Do the hard things others don’t want to do. Wake up early in the morning four times a week for strength and conditioning. You might not be the fastest or strongest guy out on the field, but you can be the hardest worker.

That’s been the motto for Gladbrook-Reinbeck football from an uncertain preseason to Wednesday's 43-27 upset win over number one Lenox in the eight-player semifinals, advancing the Rebels to the state championship on Thursday. 

“We’re going to out work people because someone could be better than us,” G-R coach John Olson said. “Given the right moment on the field, we’re going to make plays because we work harder than them. We felt confident coming in because we know who we are and how we could be better for this game.”

The Rebels were on the board first with a four yard touchdown run from senior Drew Eilers. But the Tigers had the immediate response, rushing for 50 yards into the end zone on the subsequent drive. Lenox gained momentum with a three and out on defense, their offense only needing four plays to score a second time to take a 14-7 lead only halfway through the first quarter. 

“We knew they were going to be a fast team,” Eilers said. “The quarterback won the 110 highs and three of their guys were on the shuttle hurdle team that won State last season in track. We had to do a better job of containing, shutting down the holes.”

But G-R had some speed of their own on the field. Sophomore Treyvon Herron caught a pass from Eilers and dashed to the house for 32 yards to tie the score. The Rebel defense stood their ground to force a turnover on downs and set up the offense with the first quarter winding down. Eilers may not have the speed Lenox possessed, but again, “out work em.” The senior opened the second quarter with another four yard rush to give the Rebels the led back, 20-14. 

“I split reps at quarterback with Issac Clark my freshman year and he won the job the next two years,” Eilers said. “I knew what I was doing coming into this season at quarterback. Kurt Luhring was a huge mentor to me. A lot of credit goes to him throwing balls with me.”

Sophomore Brayden Utter nailed a 21 yard field goal and Eilers slipped out left for his third touchdown run of the day, giving the Rebels a 29-14 lead at halftime. 

“I think this year we are more reliant on each other,” junior Hudson Clark said. “We don’t have just one guy who does everything. Everyone does their job and football is fun with these guys.”

Lenox was far from done. The Tigers ate up nearly six minutes on the opening drive of the second half. Their two-point conversion attempt failed. Eilers was sacked and a costly penalty killed off G-R’s next drive. Lenox put together a 59 yard, six play drive to creep within two of G-R, 29-27. 

Once again, Herron was the spark the Rebels needed with a 36 yard reception and then a five yard rush for a touchdown. Junior Trevor Mathern delivered a dagger interception on the following Lenox drive. Eilers capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown run with five minutes left in the game. 

“Trevor does this all the time, but he’s sneaky about it,” Clark said with a laugh. “He does everything right. I’m his biggest fan and I tell him that every day. Huge play.”

Eilers rushed for 146 yards on 31 carries and scored four touchdowns, also throwing for 99 yards on eight of 12 completion. Herron caught four of those passes for 54 yards, rushing for 75 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. 

“Offensively, it’s been getting the ball in our players hands and trusting in our line to give us those blocks,” Herron said. “Our success it's just how much trust we have in each other and how much we trust our coaches to give us the right plays and deliver.” 

In addition to his critical interception, Mathern led the defense with eight tackles. Senior Michael Boyd followed with 7.5 tackles, including one for a loss. Clark, Eilers and Herron each record 6.5 tackles. 

The Rebels (11-1) not only have their best record since moving to eight-player in 2018, but G-R advanced in their first championship since 2016. They’ll face St. Mary’s (Remsen) on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. back in the UNI Dome. 

“This opportunity is awesome for our kids,” Olson said. “Our staff does a great job in the offseason. Not everything is given to you. Our kids work really hard to get to the Dome. There’s I believe 67 teams in eight-man football and there’s 65 teams out there who don’t get to do what we get to this week. We’re going to continue to work hard to bring a win home.”