Iowa City High blistered crosstown rival Iowa City West last night with the ferocity of a boot between the eyes.

The Little Hawks, ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, scored on their first seven drives and retained possession of the schools’ traveling trophy with a 49-10 win in the annual “Battle for the Boot” at Bates Field.

Iowa City High (4-0) rushed for 226 yards and passed for 198 more while overpowering the Trojans (1-3) on both sides of the ball. It was a complete victory for the Little Hawks, one Coach Dan Sabers hopes spurs the team to remain motivated the rest of the season.

“We told them we need to take a business approach and play the game of football with a great respect that it deserves,” he said. “I think we did that tonight.”

Iowa City High didn’t let up in any phase of the game and used every weapon in its offensive arsenal. The Little Hawks grounded out four drives consisting of at least seven plays. Twice, Iowa City High scored on quick-strike, one-play possessions. Sabers said the team was committed to sustaining drives and overpowering the Trojans on every play.

“I hope it appeared that way because that certainly was our goal,” he said.

Iowa City High quarterback A.J. Derby completed his first seven passes and finished 8 of 10 for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He hit wide receiver John Chelf on touchdown passes of 61 and 48 yards, respectively, and also rushed for 22 yards on four carries.

Video from Brian Ray

Video from John Sears, KCRG-TV9

Photos by Brian Ray

Last week the Little Hawks staggered against Cedar Rapids Xavier, and only a late kickoff return gave the Little Hawks a 24-17 victory. Derby said the Little Hawks practiced more seriously this week.

“We felt like last week was way too close and we wanted to make a statement, and we did,” Derby said. “It’s a big game, big rivalry, and it’s five years in a row that we’ve won it. We’re just trying to keep it on this side of town.”

Iowa City High running back Ellis Jordan ran for 112 yards on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns. Teammate Tucker Tholen caught four passes for 64 yards.

West managed just 78 total yards and failed to slow down the Little Hawks’ attack. The Trojans scored the game’s final touchdown with 5 minutes, 24 seconds left on Charles Rogers’ 11-yard run.

Sabers hopes the team maintains its focus the rest of the way.

“That’s been our issue, something we’re working on and getting better at,” he said. “We made progress (last night).”