The #8 (4A) Norwalk football team was clicking on all cylinders Friday, and handed Indianola its first loss of the season 45-30, as aired on 94.3 KNIA. After an Indians field goal, the teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter, but three more Warrior scores in the second put Norwalk on top 28-10 at the break, which included a Landon Hochstein 1-yard touchdown plunge as time expired in the first half.

Indianola responded with 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, with both touchdowns through the air to Drew Kingery. The score got as close as 28-24 and 35-30 before Norwalk sealed it with another Hochstein touchdown and field goal to close out the fourth quarter. Norwalk Head Coach Paul Patterson says his playmakers made big plays time after time, and it paid off.

Norwalk had four takeaways in the game, all of which were interceptions. Indianola Head Coach Eric Kluver says missed opportunities was the theme of the night for his team.

Hochstein accounted for all six Norwalk touchdowns, with three passing and three rushing. He was 24/20 for 301 yards through the air and ran for 85 yards. Braedon Carlson had 10 catches for 100 yards while Dillon Ranck had seven grabs for 144 yards. Ky Pearson had two of the four interceptions, with Caden Johnson and Justus Williams collecting the others.

For Indianola, quarterback Brady Blake was 12/23 for 181 yards. Drew Kingery had 156 yards through the air.

Norwalk moves to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in Class 4A District 5. They return to action next week at Perry. Indianola is now 5-1 and 1-1 in district play. They’re at Carlisle next week.