BIG REDS WIN
Defense forces 4 TO’s, MV records first win since 2023
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
The lightening struck, and the rain fell over the Big Reds Stadium complex, the players, coaches and fans stood and smiled ear to ear soaking in what they had just accomplished. After years of heartbreak, the hard work finally paid off under the Friday Night Lights.
Missouri Valley opened the Class 1A, District 8 portion the schedule with a dominating 37-0 win over Red Oak on Homecoming on Sept. 18 in Missouri Valley.
“I couldn’t be happier for this group of guys, the team, fans and community,” stated first year Head Coach Jake Driver. “We didn’t get the start we wanted, and we spread the ball around to get some inside runs. The further we went into the game, the more confidence we played with.”
Defense was key for the Big Reds, which forced four turnovers. Owen Becerra and Jack Handlos both returned interceptions for touchdowns, and Markus Tyson added a fumble recovery. James Wendt (8.5 tackles), Handlos (5.0 tackles) and Noah Cox (4.5 tackles) led the strong defensive effort.
“We played well in all three phases, Driver concluded. “We weren’t happy with the way our non-district schedule played out, but our kids are resilient. I hope they enjoyed the moment, but we need to keep growing and improving each day. If we keep doing the little things, attention to detail, everything will add up in the end.”
Up Next (Sept. 25 / Oct. 2): Missouri Valley (1-0, 1-4) will travel to Shenandoah on Sept. 25, and Underwood on Oct. 2 is District 8 play continues.
FB: 9-18-2026 @ Missouri Valley
Team 1 2 . 3 4 T
Red Oak 0 0 0 0 0
Mo. Valley 3 14 20 0 37
Missouri Valley (1-0), 1-4; Red Oak (0-1), 0-5
Team Stats MV RO
Passing Yds 9-87 24-86
Rushing Yds 22-181 23-32
Total Yds 31-268 47-118
MV Individual Stats
Passing: Jack Handlos 5-9, 87-yds, 1 TD, 1 Int.
Rushing: Luke Schroeder 12-120 (1 TD); Jack Handlos 8-51 (1 TD).
Receiving: Owen Becerra 4-77 (1 TD); Keenan Foland 1-10.
Tackles: James Wendt 8.5; Jack Handlos 5.0; Noah Cox 4.5; Draeson Allen 3.5; Hunter Cox 3.0; Lukas Cleaver 3.0; Owen Becerra 2.0; Carter Tiffey 2.0; Isaiah Zappia 1.5; Carson Hopkins 1.5; Markus Tyson 1.5; Maddox Wheeldon 1.0; Keenan Foland 1.0; Isaiah McNally 1.0; Colt Stolz 1.0; Luke Schroeder 0.5; Braxton Mickey 0.5;
Interception: Owen Becerra 2 (1, 73-yd return for TD); Jack Handlos 1 (1, 42-yd return for TD).
Fumble Recovery: Markus Tyson 1.
Field Goal: JP Satorie 1-2 (32-yd FG) / PAT’s, 4-5.
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2026 Missouri Valley
Big Reds Football Fact Sheet
Sept. 18, 2026 (@ Missouri Valley)
Missouri Valley 37. Red Oak 0.
Snaps 28 game losing skid
LAST WIN: Sept. 1, 2023. ( MV 26 MVAOCOU 24 )
LAST HOME WIN: Oct. 21, 2021 ( MV 14 MVAOCOU 6 )
LAST HOMECOMING WIN:
Sept. 18, 2020 ( MV 36 MVAOCOU 8 )
LAST SHUTOUT WIN: Oct. 16, 2017 ( MV 21 Lo-Ma 0 )
