The #15 Indianola football team had multiple chances against #2 Waukee Northwest on Friday evening in the first round of the class 5A postseason, but ultimately couldn’t keep up with the Wolves in a 28-7 defeat heard live on 94.3 KNIA.

The Indians started the game with a dominant nine-minute drive down the field deep inside Wolves territory, but saw the drive fizzle out and the field goal try was blocked. Waukee Northwest would punt after three plays, but an Indians interception set them up at the 11-yard line and punched it in for the first score to lead 7-0. Indianola would tie the score with an Asher Brueck to Lincoln Fox 31-yard score, but the Wolves scored again to lead 14-7 at the break. Waukee Northwest would score on the first drive of the third quarter to go ahead 21-7, and the ensuing Indianola drive brought them deep into Wolves territory, but a fumble gave the ball up at the 2-yard line and Waukee Northwest would score again to close out the game.

Indians head coach Eric Kluver said after the game his team fought hard, never gave up, and showed they can play with anyone in the state.

“That’s exactly what I told the team down there at the end. If you had any questions going into this game whether you belonged with Waukee Northwest, you answered that question. You belong, and you went toe to toe with one of the better teams in the state, and once again could not be more proud of those guys.”

The Indians season comes to a close with a 6-4 record, and they graduate a senior class of 21.