The usual approach is that homecoming games aren't meant to be as close to a sure thing as possible. On Shanley's night it was third ranked (in the second-highest level) Fargo South taking the visitors side of the field. To put it simply, the Deacons demonstrated how much of a gap there is between the levels and got a big victory, but don't just click out now!
Shanley had the first possession and set the tone with an eight-minute drive, ended by Michael Rostberg diving past the pylon! They didn't have to wait long to get the ball back as Jordan Leininger jumped up to get the first interception, toting it to the 11. A sack by Tyler Christianson pushed them out of the red zone and the Bruin defense used the spark to force a turnover on downs.
Shanley matched the takedown on their next opportunity, just before the end of the quarter. Rostberg connected with Joseph Dukart & Sam Ovsak for all four completions of the drive, with the last one going for six in the hands of Dukart. Following another South punt Shanley was forced to take a field goal, which proved to be the final score of the half.
After the break it was special teams & defense that took over the story. Another short Bruin possession was salted as Kaden Christmann made a house call, the first of three punt return touchdowns in the second half. The defense followed that score by adding a touchdown on a sack/fumble and then picked off another pass. It was an avalanche the likes of which is rarely seen, even on the prep level! Before getting subbed-out the first-team offense had one more score in them as well, Rostberg to Ovsak to get the clock running.
Shanley can't sleep on their next game, a trip to Sheyenne, but the outcome makes October 7th against Davies all the more intriguing!
It was a total team win and this game's choice reflects that
Special Teams
Click the pic to see the game gallery
Comments