Huskies take down the KoMets

2020 has presented many obstacles and KM football is learning to face those obstacles head on.  Covid-19 has struck their football schedule yet again. This time, it was their scheduled opponent that needed to cancel the game. KM learned off this early on, giving them time to find a replacement game. Owatonna, Eastview, and Albany were just a few of their options.  

Albany, 165 miles from Kasson, just north of St. Cloud, was the game of choice. Albany is out of section 6AAA.  The two schools worked together to determine a neutral site. Hopkins High School, in Minnetonka, agreed to host. 

The Huskies came into the game 3-0, averaging 39 points per game, giving up only 12 points total in their previous three games. There were also +6 on turn overs prior to last Friday’s game.  Albany is known for their strong rushing presence, but also has arsenal in the air.  

Under the bright lights and a nearly full moon, Aaron Winkle started off the game as the KoMets kicked off. Logan Vaughan ran down the 56 yard return, denying a touchdown. The Huskies were quick to get on the board, scoring on their opening drive. Successful with the two point conversion, Albany would take an early lead, 8-0.

The KoMets were forced to punt on their first possession. Albany fumbled on their next drive, turning the ball back over to the KoMets on the 37 yard line. Rushing forward, the KoMets get on the board with 1:38 remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback, Matt Donovan, runs it in from 9 yards out.  Extra point is good. Albany still leading 8-7.  

The KoMets then forced the Huskies to punt from deep in the end on their next drive.  A short punt would give the KoMets excellent field position on the 31 yard line. With the momentum building for the KoMets to capitalize on great field position, KM fumbled the ball, resulting in a turn over just as the first quarter ran out.  

Albany would go to the air for their next touchdown. A pass completion for 82 yards followed by another two point conversion, would put the Huskies up 16-7.  

The KoMets would fumble for the second time of the night on their next drive, turning the ball over to Albany, resulting in yet another touchdown in the first half. This time, Albany’s two conversion was denied. 

KM tried one last time to get on the board in the first half, rushing the ball down field. With time running out, the KoMets would go for a field goal attempt, trying to put up three more points. Winkle’s kick was no good. Albany would keep their hefty lead, 22-7, heading into halftime. 

The KoMets would try to try reset after during the break. Albany continued to play good, clean football. The KoMets struggled to overcome their own deficits of penalties and and yet another fumble turnover. Four KM defensive penalties resulted in a first downs for the Huskies, as well as extra added yardage.  

Albany would go on to score three more times in the second half. The KoMets were unable to get on the board again. Final score, 42-7.

Anthony Moe-Tucker led the offense, rushing for 75 yards. Jackson Kennedy was the defensive leader with 15 solo tackles and 6 assists. 

KM will play one of their biggest rivals this Friday, Byron.  The KoMets will be playing a familiar foe on their hometown turf. With one week to get ready, the KoMets look to readjust and play fundamental football.

“(We) need to learn from the past and focus on what is ahead.  You hope that after a tough defeat, players are able to dig down deep and look forward to the challenge ahead.

On the field, we are currently minus 5 or 6 in the turnover margin. We need to turn that around. It is tough to consistently win high school games when you don't win the turnover margin.

Byron is having a great season and playing with confidence. We need to look within ourselves and really see, ‘what we are made of?’ I hope everyone is ready for the challenge. I know I am.” said Head Coach Joel Swanson.  

Offensive Stats:

Total offense:  182 yards

Passing:  5 yards

Donovan:  Completed passes: 1/2 Yds: 5 TD: 0 Int: 0

Rushing: 177 yards

5 Anthony Moe Tucker Carries: 15  Yds: 75  Avg: 5 TD: 0

42 Jackson Kennedy Carrieds: 10  Yds: 49  Avg: 4.9 TD: 0 

4 Matt Donovan: Carried: 11 Yds: 29  Avg: 2.6  TD: 1

Defensive Leaders:

Jackson Kennedy:  Solo tackles: 15 Assists: 6,

Logan Vaughan: Solo tackles: 6, Assists: 2

Brooks Buchanan: Solo tackles: 4, Assists: 2

Anthony Moe-Tucker:  Solo tackles: 4;  Assists: 2

Mitchell Nelson: Solo tackles: 3; Assists: 4