Hearts Pound Tornadoes at Taylorville, Now 7-0

The Effingham Hearts delivered a convincing victory at Taylorville Friday night, smashing the Tornadoes 48-6 to go to 7-0 on the season. The contest was heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. 

As usual, the Hearts pounced early, scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter to grab a 21-0. The scores came on a 19-yard run by quarterback Nathan Shackelford, a 31-yard pass reception from Shackelford to Cameron Kalber, and an 11-yard scamper by Shackelford.

Taylorville intercepted a pass, setting up their lone score of the game with 1:40 remaining before halftime. Three plays later, a 13-yard pass play made it 21-6 just before halftime after the Tornadoes missed the extra point try.

It was all Effingham in the second half, as the Hearts scored four more times. The touchdowns came on a 15-yard run by Chase Woomer, a one-yard run by Woomer, a 15-yard run by Keegan Baker and a seven-yard run by Baker.

The Hearts ran 56 plays to 54 for Taylorville, but the Hearts picked up 23 first downs to 12 for Taylorville. Effingham generarted 300 yards in rushing to 91 yards by Taylorville. The Hearts picked up 135 passing yards to 105 for Taylorville. 

Woomer had his third straight rushing game of more than 100 yards, carrying 25 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Shackelford had seven rushes for 76 yards including two touchdowns. Tristin Duncan had a 12-yard run on a back end of a 25-yard play that began with Shackelford. Keegan Baker had eight carries for 48 yards and two scores, Trevor Donsbach rushed three times for 34 yards.

Shackelford had another high-precision night at quarterback for the Hearts, hitting on nine of 13 attempts for 135 yards. That includes the 31-yard pass to Kalber. 

Tristin Duncan caught four passes for 70 yards, Jett Gillum had two catches for 32 yards, and Holden Lewis had two catches for 12 yards.

Here's the tackle sheet: 

Austin Herboth--11 tackles; Hayvin Prather--six stops, one for a -1 yard loss; Jacob Stoneburner--eight tackles for three lost yards; Logan Brown--four tackles..Mason Hasty--four tackles; Jakob Logan--four tackles; Alex Baughman--five tackles, one sack, one forced fumble; Dawson Whitten--two tackles; Parker Wolfe--two tackles; Gunnar Franklin--two tackles; and one tackle apiece for Gabe Kihne, Logan Arend and Derek Lemna

Other stats: Dawson Whitten, a 34-yard punt; Ivan Angel, eight kickoffs for 373 yards; Logan Arend, a kickoff return; Interceptions--Logan Brown, 24 yards, Jakob Logan, 26 yards.

Austin Herkert led Taylorville with 43 yards rushing on 13 carries. Ethan Mileham caught three passes for 54 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Caden Mileham was eight for 20 passing for 105 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

The Hearts head to Mt. Zion next Friday night. Both teams are 7-0.