KOMETS are in the Gridiron Championship Game

Dogged tenacity proves that a perfect record is not a pass that allows a person or a team to claim victory when facing a lesser opponent with a blemished record.

Kasson-Mantorville’s KOMETS proved that last Thursday night at US Bank Stadium when they took on the undefeated Becker Bulldogs in Minnesota State High School League semifinal action.

John Hazuka, a rabid fan and great photographer, joined me in the trip to US BANK. He worked the sidelines, fans in the stands and provided a window into the game action for those not able to attend this tremendous showing by kids who play the game for the love of the sport, their school, each other and the communities they represent. A scoreless first quarter had every fan that jammed into the first deck of the stadium on pins and needles.

As action moved into the second quarter, the Dogs looked like they were going to send the KOMETS packing. However, the dogged determination of each player on offense, defense and on the bench had a different idea of what the outcome would look like when the final seconds of the clock ticked off.

An interception by Gavin Giesler seemed to reset action on the field.

From that point in the semifinal action, the tables began to turn from the rowdy Becker fans over to a recharged KOMETS’ fan based that had turned out to watch one of the best games in KOMETS football history.

A field goal, followed by a touchdown, another touchdown and the tenacity of the underdog paid off.

As per his profile, KOMETS’ QB Matt Donovan ran the ball into the end zone to tie the game.

One could almost hear the air being sucked out of the Bank. Becker fans were in shock. KOMETS’ fans were shouting, jumping and hollering in absolute fanaticism for their team was not on a level playing field with the top ranked team in Minnesota’s 4AAAA football.

With the clock ticking down, and the KM fans standing in great expectation, Brooks Buchanan caught a Matt Donovan pass in the end zone for a touchdown. It was the final nail in the coffin of the once undefeated Becker Bulldogs.

Yes, both teams’ players did the gentlemanly thing and shook hands at midfield, but there were faces of disbelief and half-heartedness from each Bulldog player as they exchanged the gesture.

On Friday, Nov. 26, the KOMETS will face off against Hutchinson winner at 4 p.m. at US Bank Stadium in the AAAA championship game.

FOOTBALL

“Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.”

Vince Lombardi