Sports : 296 yards; 23 tackles for Tranel in VS-CPU game

Chris Merchant (11) blocks as Daniel Ervin (32) takes a handoff from Lincoln Riffey (12).

Gunner Tranel ran for 296 yards and two TDs vs CPU.

Matt Walston makes a tackle for the Viking defense.

Christ Merchant is surrounded by CPU defenders trying to stop him.

The 23 tackles and 296 yards rushing by Gunner are not the highest numbers put up by any Iowa high school class 3A football players this year, but both numbers are second highest individual game totals this year among schools of similar size.

Tranel accounted for 296 of the Vikings total 380 yards rushing Friday vs. Center Point-Urbana. He also recorded 15 solo tackles and eight assists

Tranel continues to lead Class 3A defenders in tackes with 119; the state leader in all classes has 123 tackles after seven games.

Juniors Daniel Ervin and Chris Merchant recorded their first varsity touchdowns. Erving carried the ball eight times for 32 yards; Merchant had 12 carries for 45 yards.

The Vikings (3-4 and 1-4 in District 5 play) travel to DeWitt Central (3-4 adn 3-2) Friday before hosting Union next week in the season finale.

Tranel's mom, Kathy, said that despite leaving the CPU game late with a knee injury, Gunner plans to play this week, although he will have limited contact during practice.

Photos courtesy of Ryan Clemens Photography