KM football celebrates Senior Night

This year, we celebrate every game.  Every chance the players get to step on the field is a special moment. On Nov. 11, we celebrated our seniors.  The Class of 2021 is made up of 12 players and two cheerleaders. 

“A great group of players that we have been fortunate to work with over the years,” said Head Coach Joel Swanson.

“The seniors have been great throughout their careers. When I think back to their freshman season, a lot of them have been willing to learn new positions. Even this season with the COVID-19 issues and the lack of numbers in different positions, players have stepped up and learned about other positions. There have also been players who have stepped up at practice as they await their opportunity for extended playing time,” he said. 

The KoMets took the field for their last regular season game this past Wednesday against Winona. To date, the KoMets had never beaten the Winona Winhawks in football. Winona has become their nemesis the past few years in the section championship game.

Motivated to capture their first win against Winona, the KoMets put together a balanced game of both offense and defense to come away with the win, 47-6. 

KM’s defense stepped up to the challenge on Winona’s opening drive, forcing them to punt. 

Matt Donovan and Anthony Moe-Tucker hit the ground running on offense. Donovan connected with Jace Bigelow for an additional 13 yards before Moe-Tucker ran in KM’s first touchdown to get on the board.  Aaron Winkle’s extra point is good!  KM takes the lead and never looks back. 

The KoMets defense continued to frustrate the Winhawks in the second quarter. Logan Vaughan and Jackson Kennedy both grabbed interceptions from Winona’s quarterback.

Vaughan ran his interception back to Winona’s 11 yard line. Donovan would find Bigelow open in the endzone. Touchdown! Winkle’s kick is good. 

Kenned’s interception on Winona’s next possession would put KM on Winona’s 30 yard line. Jakob Aarsvold put his speed in motion where he broke to the outside to run for a 16 yard gain. Brooks Buchanan found the endzone with a 15 yard carry. Winkle kicks another one straight through the uprights. KM is now leading 21-0 with 6:50 remaining in the second quarter.

The Winhawks put together a long drive downfield, scoring their first touchdown just before the half.  KM would hold on to a solid lead, 21-6 heading into halftime.

KM’s defense would continue to put constant pressure on Winona during the second half of the game.  Aarsvold, Logan Laures, Kellen Wilke and Gavin Giesler all pushed through Winona’s offensive line for solo sacks on Winona’s quarterback. 

The KoMets stayed with their running game, pounding yards on the ground. KM added two more touchdowns to the board in the third quarter. Donovan keeps and runs one in from five yards out.  Kennedy breaks through for a 23 yard touchdown. Winkle is on point for two more successful PATs. 

With one quarter to go, KM leads 35-6.

Winona, still unable to get any momentum going on offense, is forced to punt yet again. With 8:48 remaining in the game, Donovan would hold on to the ball and run free for a 51 yard touchdown.  Junior Brendan Bohndas, comes in to kick for the extra point. Extra point is no good and the score is now 41-6. 

Senior Kyler Kujath, takes over as quarterback to finish out the game. Kujath hands off to sophomore Broc Barwald for the final touchdown of the game. Barwald runs it in from 11 yards out. Bohndas tries again for another extra point. Just missed. Final score 47-6. 

Back in September, when the MSHLS overturned their original decision, putting football back on the fall schedule, the plan at that time was for two play-off games. One thing the KoMets have learned is that their schedule is ever changing. 

The KoMets locked in the #1 seed in the section. They were to go head-to-head against the #2 seed, Byron, on Tuesday, Nov. 17 for the Section 1AAAA title. That was the final game of the year for the KoMetsa s there is no advancement and no state tournament. 

“Fortunately, we still have the privilege of playing one last game,” Swanson said.

“Byron is a very good team that has made a lot of big plays throughout the season. Their players and coaches do a great job. On offense, they are as explosive of a team that we will have faced all season and they can score at any time. On defense, they pursue very well to the football and have only allowed 20 points in one game this season.

“We need to be patient on offense.  We will certainly need to be ready from the start in order to be successful. Should be a great game.”  said Swanson. 

Offensive Stats:

Total offense:  386 yards

Passing:

Donovan:  Completed passes: 2/7  Yds: 24  TD: 1  Int: 0

Receiving:

1 Jace Bigelow: Rec:  Yds: 24  Avg:  12  TD: 1

Rushing:

4 Matt Donovan:  Carries: 16  Yds: 128  Avg: 8.0  TD: 2

5 Anthony Moe Tucker:  Carries: 11  Yds: 88  Avg: 8.0  TD: 1

42 Jackson Kennedy:   Carries: 4  Yds: 47  Avg: 11.8   TD: 1

27 Brooks Buchanan:  Carries:  3  Yds:  29  Avg:  9.7  TD: 1

39 Broc Barwald:  Carries: 3  Yds:  2  Avg:  7.3  TD:  1

Defensive Leaders:

Jackson Kennedy:  Solo tackles:  4, Assists: 6, INT: 1

Logan Vaughan:  Solo tackles:  3, Assists:  2, INT: 1

Kellen Wilke:  Solo tackles: 2, Assists: 3, Sacks: 1

Gavin Giesler:  Solo tackles: 2, Assists: 3, Sacks: 1

Jakob Aarsvold:  Solo tackles: 2, Assist: 2, Sacks: 1