And The Kick Is Good!

“Let’s go boys, let’s go!  We don’t know how many times we get to play this year!”  Senior captain, Jakob Aarsvold, could be heard on the sidelines, firing up his team. 

The game started and finished with intensity and energy.  New Prague’s sound system played the bass and guitar of Enter Sandman by Metallica.  The tone was set. 

The first quarter was a defensive showdown, as both teams were forced to punt.  Scoreless after one, New Prague would get on the board early in the second quarter, running in the first touchdown of the game.  They missed their extra point attempt.  

The KoMets put their first points up with 8:50 remaining in the half when quarterback, Matt Donovan, rushed for 13 yards.  Aaron Winkle’s extra point attempt was blocked. 

While the KM defense would continue to hold the Trojan’s on downs, the offense struggled with two fumbles, both resulting in turnovers during the remainder of the first half.  The score would hold at 6-6 to close out the half.

“We had to withstand a little bit of a storm and get our bearings,” said assistant Coach, Terry Donovan. 

The KoMets received to open up the third quarter.  KM put together a seven minute drive downfield, resulting in a quarterback sneak into the endzone by Donovan.  This time, Winkle’s kick was good.  The KoMets took the lead, 13-6. 

New Prague was quick to answer back and scored off a 40 yard pass.  With the extra point good, the score was again tied at 13-13. 

With just one quarter left to play, the KoMets continued to push forward with their rushing game.  The offensive line went to work, creating holes for fullbacks, Anthony Moe-Tucker and Jackson Kennedy.  QB Donovan continued to mix it up, running for yards and finding the endzone once again.  Winkle hits another extra point.  KM takes the lead 20-13.

“Our offensive line was absolutely amazing today.  It’s a group that plays with tremendous effort and fights through every play”, said Terry Donovan. 

With five minutes remaining in the game, New Prague inched forward into the red zone.  The KoMet defense came up with a big stop, holding the Trojan’s at 4th and goal on the one yard line. 

The KoMets were unable to score on their next possession.  New Prague was not done yet.  The Trojan’s hit another long pass, resulting in a 76 yard TD.  The score again tied 20-20.

With 2:04 remaining, the KoMets keep the ball on the ground, all while managing the clock.  KM had one timeout left.  The goal, or course, was to score.  If not in the endzone, through the uprights.  With :03 remaining on the clock, KM brought out the field goal team.  Kicker, Aaron Winkle, long snapper, Keyan Smith, and holder, Kyler Kujath.  Winkle drilled home a 23 yard field goal.  The kick was good!  Final score 23-20. 

“I was so scared going out for that kick”.  Winkle said with a big smile on his face.  To add to his already great game, Winkle also had a game changing solo tackle in the game that saved a touchdown on an earlier punt return.  “That was the most athletic tackle of my life.  I even kept my head up”.  “It was an emotional roaster coaster. It was exciting and intense. Fun to compete and what high school sports are all about.” said Head Coach, Joel Swanson. 

“Our backs, Moe-Tucker and Kennedy, were beasts both running the ball and blocking for us. I was proud of Matt Donovan for keeping a cool head and making some big plays to keep drives alive.  Offensively, our unsung hero really was Jacob Aarsvold.  (He) really led the way in our blocking scheme.” said Terry Donovan.The KoMets put up a total of 368 yards in their win, rushing for 333 yards, led by Moe-Tucker with 129 yards.  Donovan had 114 yards, scoring all 3 touchdowns.  Kennedy added an additional 91 yards to the KoMet running game. Donovan went 3/11 on passing yards for 35 yards.  Donovan’s three receivers were Bigelow, Aarsvold, and Moe-Tucker. 

To close out the night, Kenny Chesney’s song, The Boys of Fall, played over New Prague’s sound system. 

Friday night’s football game will be against Albany at a neutral site, Hopkins High School. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Offensive Stats:

Total offense:  368 yards

Passing:

Donovan:  Completed passes: 3/11  Yds: 35  TD: 0 Int: 0

Receiving:

25 Jakob Aarsvold: Rec: 1 Yds: 14 Avg: 14.0 TD: 0

5 Anthony Moe Tucker: Rec: 1 Yds: 13 Avg: 13.0 TD: 0

1 Jace Bigelow: Rec: 1 Yds: 8 Avg: 8.0 TD: 0

Rushing:

5 Anthony Moe Tucker Carries: 11  Yds: 129  Avg: 11  TD: 7 0

4 Matt Donovan Carried: 21 Yds: 114  Avg: 5.4  TD: 3

42 Jackson Kennedy Carrieds: 12  Yds: 91 Avg: 7.6 TD: 0

25 Jakob Aarsvold Carrieds: 3  Yds: 15   Avg: 5.0  TD: 0

Defensive Leaders:

Jackson Kennedy:  Solo tackles: 2, Assists: 5, Defended Passes: 1

Logan Laures:  Solo tackles:  2, Assists: 3

Jace Bigelow:  Solo tackles:  3, Defended Passes: 3

Anthony Moe-Tucker:  Solo tackles:  1, Assists: 2, Sacks: 1

Jakob Aarsvold:  Solo tackles: 2, Blocked pass: 2