The WACO Warriors controlled their 2023 football home opener from start to finish in defeating Iowa Valley 46-22. Even as the Warriors worked to get into an offensive rhythm in the first half, WACO’s defense dominated to power the home team to a 20-0 lead at halftime and never looked back.

The Warriors limited Iowa Valley to only 215 total yards. Junior linebacker Louden Huisenga led WACO with eight-and-a-half total tackles and two tackles for loss, while all-state senior Colton Leichty picked up his first sack of the season.

On offense, Huisenga also had a big night, running the ball 18 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns while also catching three passes for 61 yards and another two TDs. Junior quarterback Clayton Miller led WACO with 125 yards rushing on 13 carries.

The Warriors, ranked fourth in the state in 8-man football, win their fourth straight meeting with Iowa Valley. WACO will face one of their toughest tests of the young season if they look to get to 3-0 next week, as the Warriors travel to face sixth-ranked Winfield-Mount Union Friday night.