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Head coach Devon Diederichs said everything fell into place on the Wolverines’ Senior Night and GMG celebrated its first win of the season, 52-0 over Meskwaki at the GMG football field.

“I’m so happy for our seniors,” Diederichs said. “They have been through a lot of ups and downs with this program and they have held our team together. So it’s really cool to come here and honor them and play well.”

GMG’s defense held Meskwaki to 11 total yards of offense in the first half and forced five turnovers from Meskwaki (0-7), including a fumble recovery by Jacob Cornwell in the end zone for a touchdown just before halftime.

“Our defensive coordinator did a phenomenal job and our D-line coach prepared really well for this week because we knew they were going to be tough,” Diederichs said. “Meskwaki played a really tough game, but our team did a really good job.”

TR PHOTO BY JAKE RYDER – GMG Connor Rahn (12) is brought down by two Meskwaki defenders during Friday’s football game in Garwin.

The Wolverines (1-6) also scored rushing touchdowns in the first half from Easton Sash, Connor Rahn and a big man TD on a direct snap to Joaquin Williams that gave a lineman direct glory.

Rahn still had confidence in the performance of the line during their overwhelming success on Friday.

“Our O-line did great,” Rahn said. “And we just played hard. The boys played the ball hard, showed that they wanted to win and simply gave 100 percent.”

Cornwell added a 14-yard reception for a touchdown on a pass from Ethan Klemesrud in the first half. With the clock ticking steadily in the second half, GMG added a touchdown catch by Klemesrud’s Jacoby Woodbury; Klemesrud ran a touchdown of his own with a 47-yard dash in the second half.

“We struggled this season, so that definitely meant a lot,” Rahn said. “We all really wanted to come here and win one, not just for us seniors but for the juniors and underclassmen as well, it means a lot to all of us.”

“As the season went on, we were able to come together a lot more, talk and hold each other positively accountable.”

After six losses to start the season, including a difficult home loss to Waterloo Christian on Sept. 20, Diederichs is proud that the Wolverines have persevered.

“When faced with adversity, you can either throw in the towel or move on,” Diederichs said. “They kept fighting, they kept responding, and I couldn’t have done it without the leadership of those seniors.”

Rahn, Williams, Cornwell and Brady Harmon were among the seniors honored for various activities at Friday’s event.

Meskwaki’s regular-season finale is next Friday at home against Clarksville.

Diederichs implored the Wolverines to enjoy this game and then prepare for a big test next Friday in Gladbrook-Reinbeck.

“I think it will be a very positive week of training,” Rahn added. “We want to work harder, play harder and try to win against a very good school. I think that will really continue into next week and even into next year.”