Sutton Koller on Iowa City Liberty’s 49-20 win over Iowa City High
Iowa City Liberty defeated Iowa City High, 49-20, in Week 2 against Iowa City High. Sutton Koller shared his thoughts after a five-touchdown game.
Marc Ray
Friday night called for clear skies, but Iowa City Liberty (2-0) created their own Lightning strikes in a 49-20 win over Iowa City High (0-2) on Friday.
Coming off the heels of their double-digit win over Iowa City West in Week 1, the Lightning entered Week 2 with another rivalry matchup. They played spoiler to the Little Hawks’ home opener to win the Battle of Zeus Trophy.
“I feel like everything we’ve worked for is paying off,” said Liberty senior Sutton Koller. “There’s no better feeling to know that we can definitely make the playoffs (and) we’re definitely in the talks for the playoffs; you can’t get a better start.”
Here are two reasons on how Iowa City Liberty is a force to be reckoned with, and one reason why City High is still a team to watch.
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Screen plays gave Iowa City Liberty an edge
Quick. Strong. Fast-paced.
Liberty possesses a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it type of offense. Count the number of weapons they have and that’s a no brainer. Add screen passes to the mix and it creates a deadly combination.
“I think when you have a good running game and a good passing game that the screens come with that,” said Liberty coach Scott Chandler. “We work really hard on them; our offensive line has done a great job at getting out and getting on guys.”
A majority of Liberty’s success came down to their ability to capitalize off screens, a move that proved to be City High’s kryptonite. The Lightning struck on all four of their first-half possessions, with three touchdowns resulting in long screen passes that went to the house. The headliners in those scores: Owen Drapeaux and Koller.
But let’s not forget to give credit to Liberty’s offensive front.
“Shoutout to the o-line. Last week we had like (365) rushing yards…We did the same thing we did last week,” Drapeaux said. “We all slipped through the ball (to score). Sutton had an insane amount of touchdowns and did well.”
Beyond Drapeaux and Koller, quarterback Reece Rettig got the ball exactly where it needed to be in his second start. For the well-oiled machine that was Liberty’s offense, Rettig’s accuracy and mobility helped the Lightning stretch the field.
“He’s a guy who we can rely on and that’s what we need,” Koller said. “Someone who can scramble and throw the ball and do everything.”
Sutton Koller doing Sutton Koller things
Koller drew the attention of City High’s defense, and deservedly so. The 5-foot-11 senior had a five-touchdown performance on Friday. His speed and agility were big factors in the Lightning’s offensive success against the Little Hawks.
“Honestly, guys around me are just incredible and the play calling is incredible,” Koller. “I had two walk-in touchdowns: that’s my coach knowing the game so well. I like to credit myself, but I also like to credit the people around me.”
Koller pushed on the gas pedal in the last 24 minutes of play. Following a three-touchdown first-half, Koller tacked on two more, including a 34-yard touchdown off a screen. He then ran back an interception to seal the game for the Lightning in the final three minutes.
A great two-way player, Koller has proven to be an MVP caliber player in Class 5A. Yes, it’s just Week 2, but there’s a lot to be excited about for the Liberty faithful. Koller–if he hasn’t already– could cement himself as one of the most versatile players in the state down the stretch.
The Bobby Bacon-Parker Sutherland connection is strong for City High
It’s no secret that City High’ offense had its problems. Miscommunication and penalties weren’t what the Little Hawks were hoping to show in their home opener. The bright spot: the chemistry between quarterback Bobby Bacon and tight end Parker Sutherland.
Every connection between Bacon and Sutherland seemed to create a little bit of spark for City High. The duo connected on the Little Hawks’ first two touchdowns in the opening 24 minutes.
Iowa City High’s offense has the weapons to be dangerous. The Little Hawks are no strangers to early-season adversity. Last season, they went 0-2 and later clinched a spot in the Class 5A playoffs. It wouldn’t be a shocker if the Little Hawks found their mojo from here on out.
Marc Ray is the high school sports reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached at MARay@gannett.com , and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn.
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Publish date : 2024-09-06 16:39:00
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