The Iowa City High Little Hawks have something in common with the Hawkeye football team.

Perfection.

The Little Hawks wreaked havoc upon the Waterloo West Wahawks, winning, 47-14, at Bates Field on Oct. 16.

City High rolled to victory thanks to a stout defensive secondary. The 2-6 Waterloo West team threw more interceptions than completions until late in the fourth quarter and gained only 71 offensive yards in the first half.

City High head coach Dan Sabers said he was pleased with the team’s performance, but the Little Hawks must stay focused and determined to keep getting better.

“Overall, we came out and took control of the game early like we wanted to,” Sabers said. “Defense was able to make some plays early.”

Led by senior quarterback A.J. Derby and halfback Ellis Jordan, City High’s rushing attack was wonderful. Jordan went over the century mark with one touchdown, and Derby had two trips to the end zone and piled up 71 yards.

Derby, a recent Iowa football oral commitment, said the game was a shining moment for the team on Senior Night. Every senior got a chance to play, and everyone played efficiently, he said.

“I thought we came out strong, and we got a good lead and got everyone in on Senior Night, so it was great for everybody,” Derby said.

The Little Hawks didn’t take long to make Waterloo West regret its trip to Bates Field. City High returned the opening kickoff all the way to the 2-yard line.

The senior quarterback for Waterloo West had an awful night, completing more passes to the opposing red uniforms than to his teammates. Connor McClain ended up going 1-for-7 for nine yards and two interceptions.

Sabers said the team didn’t make many defensive decisions aimed at strictly stopping the Wahawks passing attack. They just relied on fluid fundamentals throughout the game.

“We didn’t do a whole lot … we mixed the coverage on him a little bit,” Sabers said. “This was a good night for us to get good, solid fundamental defense.”

This was also another good night for Derby. Besides running over and around the Wahawks defense, he threw a 20-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter, increasing the team’s lead to 33-0.

While playing safety, Derby also added an interception to his stat line for good measure.

Sabers said with Derby at the helm on both sides of the ball, the team would be tough to beat, noting he loves the 6-4 standout’s attitude and athleticism.

“Andrew played it beautifully,” Sabers said. “He’s a very versatile player and a very good football player.”

To the credit of the Wahawks, they never gave up fighting, putting two touchdowns on the scoreboard in the fourth.

Wahawks head coach Lonnie Moore said he knew going into the game his football club was going to be in for a tough battle. Despite the outcome, he was pleased with the team’s fight deep into the game.

“Our seniors really needed to step it up with their leadership roles when things like this don’t go our way,” Moore said. “They just love the game of football. They are a good, close group and they just had to come up against a powerhouse today.”