Through the first four games of the season, Marengo’s defense hadn’t allowed more than 14 points in a contest. That changed dramatically Friday night, when the Indians played host to Byron in their Big Northern Red opener.
Byron (4-1, 1-0) pulled away from a 13-13 tie by scoring three touchdowns in the second quarter en route to a 48-13 victory. Byron took the lead for good in the second period when senior Brett Runyard broke loose for a 79-yard touchdown run.
Runyard led all rushers with 153 yards, including a 37-yard TD run in the third.
The Tigers also had success via the air. Senior Shane Koning was 9 of 13 for 195 yards with two TD passes (43 and 32 yards). He also scored on a 1-yard run.
“My success passing was due to my line,” Koning said. “They gave me time to do my job.”
Danny Miller led Marengo (4-1, 0-1) with 113 yards rushing. He scored on a 43-yard TD run in the first quarter.
Since losing its opener, Byron has outscored opponents 150-27. “We just keep getting better and setting our goals higher,” Koning said. “We don’t want to taste another loss.”
