Broncos Topple Waldorf 43-10

(Forest City, IA) – The Hastings Broncos made easy work of the Waldorf Warriors on Saturday, winning 43-10 on a three-touchdown day from junior Jake Bargen. They led 20-3 at halftime and their dominance carried over into the second half.

Hastings got on the board on their second drive on a 1-yard touchdown run by sophomore Josh Ray, who had 57 rushing yards on the drive. The Broncos forced a punt on the ensuing Warriors possession and sophomore Colton Marsh returned the punt 73 yards for a touchdown to make it 13-0.

Junior Quade Myers forced a fumble on a punt return later in the first half, giving Hastings the ball at the Waldorf 20-yard line, but Waldorf turned the Broncos over on downs. The Broncos would stay aggressive as junior Jake Lambert intercepted a pass and set up Hastings' next touchdown from freshman Cassius Campbell to Bargen. Waldorf would get a field goal as the first half expired after Hastings got a redzone stop to hold a 20-3 halftime lead.

After a Waldorf three-and-out, sophomore quarterback Carson Kudlacek kept the ball and took off down the sideline all the way for a 55-yard touchdown run to go up 27-3. A miscue by Waldorf caused them to start their next possession at their own 1-yard line. On third down, the snap was fumbled and picked up by Waldorf, but was immediately tackled in the endzone by junior Gavin White for a safety.

Later in the third quarter on a 4th-and-2, Kudlacek connected with Bargen for a 45-yard touchdown, his second of the game as Hastings piled on their lead to 36-3. 

Marsh also added to his great day with an interception on the next Warrior drive and would lead to Hastings' final touchdown, a four-yard pass from Kudlacek to Bargen, his third receiving and final touchdown on the day. The Warriors scored their only touchdown later in the fourth quarter, as Hastings ran away with the 43-10 victory.

Kudlacek was 11 for 17 for 122 yards and two touchdowns, Ray had 25 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown, and Bargen had three catches for 64 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Caden Egr led the Broncos defensively with eight tackles.

Up next, Hastings will return home to host Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday, Oct. 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 1pm at Lloyd Wilson Field.