Iron Horses win third straight region title, playoffs next

The Philip Simmons High School football team celebrated a 42-33 victory over Battery Creek High School on Oct. 30. 

The Iron Horses also celebrated a 3-peat. 

Coach Eric Bendig’s squad was crowned Region 5-AA champions for the third straight season with the impressive road victory over the Dolphins to finish the regular season with seven consecutive victories and a 7-3 record. The team completed region play with a 5-0 record. It was the Iron Horses’ fourth region title overall in nine years as a varsity program. 

“Starting 0-3 never changed who we are or what our standard is,” Bendig said. “Winning three straight region championships didn’t happen by accident. 

“We stayed together, trusted the work, and finished out the season to the expectations we have on ourselves,” Bendig continued. “Now, we try to win one game a week and continue the season.” 

The Iron Horses used a proven formula to prevail. Quarterback Hayes Goddard had another impressive effort, completing 16 of 19 passes for 304 yards and three TDs. He also rushed 7 times for 55 yards and a score. 

Fab freshmen James Shultz and Tyrus Alton continued to shine. Shultz carried 25 times for 139 yards and two scores while Alton caught six passes for 110 yards and two scores. 

Diavante Irving led an impressive defensive effort against the Dolphins, who fell to 8-2, including 3-2 in league play. Irving logged 12 tackles, including three for a loss. Nathaniel Elsey was credited with 10 tackles while Alex Tchoryk logged three tackles for a loss. 

The Iron Horses begin postseason play this weekend with a first-round game against Academic Magnet at the Phil. The Iron Horses dominated the Raptors, 56-13, two weeks ago. Academic Magnet is 4-6 and has lost five consecutive games.