Reivers Pull Away Late: Iowa Western 35, Garden City 21

Council Bluffs, IA — The No. 8-ranked Garden City Broncbusters came out swinging, but Iowa Western's second-half surge proved too much to overcome in a 35–21 road loss Saturday afternoon at Titan Stadium.

Fast Start for the Broncbusters

Garden City struck first midway through the opening quarter when quarterback Tanner Helton led an 11-play, 51-yard drive capped by his own 8-yard touchdown run, giving the Busters a 7–0 lead.

After Iowa Western answered to tie the game, Garden City wasted no time regaining momentum. Jer'Quise "JJ" Clayton intercepted a Reiver pass early in the second quarter and returned it deep into Iowa Western territory. Two plays later, Helton connected with Tochi Okoro from 14 yards out, putting GCCC back on top 14–7.

Momentum Shifts Before the Half

The Reivers responded with back-to-back touchdown drives to close the half, grabbing a 21–14 lead heading into the locker room. Despite surrendering the advantage, Garden City stayed within striking distance thanks to strong first-half play from the defensive front—highlighted by tackles from Greg Johnson and Marvin Hall—and efficient drives from Helton and John Randle Jr., who rushed for 77 yards on 12 carries.

Second-Half Battle

Garden City tied the game at 21–21 early in the third quarter when Helton found Cenard Bennett for a 29-yard touchdown down the sideline. But Iowa Western answered immediately, stringing together a 10-play touchdown drive and then returning an interception for another score just minutes later. The Broncbusters trailed 35–21 and couldn't claw back despite a pair of long runs from Randle Jr. and DaeOnte' Mitchell in the fourth quarter.

Clayton added another highlight defensively, forcing and recovering a fumble in the third quarter. Johnson led all tacklers with 13 (10 solo), while Lucca Alcaraz Valens stayed good on the day, going 3-for-3 on PATs.

Final Stats

• Total Offense: Garden City 251 yards (122 rush, 129 pass)

• Randle Jr.: 12 carries, 77 yards

• Bennett: 6 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD

• Helton: 3 total touchdowns (2 pass, 1 rush)

Next Up

The Broncbusters (5–3 overall, 2–2 conference) travel to Highland Community College on Saturday, November 8. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. CDT.