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| Corey Storck turns on the jets on key punt return. (B.W. photos) |
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| The MACA defense makes a stop in 27-20 win over ACGC. |
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| Noah Grove kicks a point-after for the winning Tigers. |
The game was considered an important test for our Tigers. It was a West Central Conference challenge and it had Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City as the opponent. The Falcons came here with a winning record. The Tigers were undefeated.
The Tigers are undefeated as I write this, having disposed of the Falcons 27-20 on this beautiful night. I imagine that today's (Saturday) issue of the Morris newspaper has no coverage of this game. I'm delighted to try to make a journalistic contribution here.
Click on the permalink below to read about the three straight wins MACA volleyball achieved in recent play, over Montevideo, LQPV and BOLD. This post is on my companion website, "Morris of Course." Thanks for reading. - B.W.
It's a delight for me to report that for the second straight week, Jordan Staples was attracted to the end zone as if it were a magnet. Staples scored two of the Tigers' touchdowns (on the ground). He was really part of a nicely balanced offensive showing by coach Jerry Witt's orange and black crew. Staples actually received just eight handoffs but he bulled forward for 55 yards and showed that flair for finding the end zone.
There was a feeling of drama as this game wound down. The Falcons, who entered the night 3-1 in both conference and overall, made a bid to come from behind when Dylan Hoerchler broke loose on a kickoff return. Hoerchler raced for 84 yards, not scoring but setting up a score when Maverick Whitcomb plunged in from the one. The time remaining now: three minutes and 45 seconds. Time was working against the Falcons. This became most clear when the Tigers achieved a first down at midfield. The remaining time evaporated and the MACA fans were able to celebrate jubilantly.
Now the Tigers are 5-0 in conference and overall.
The evening's scoring began when MACA struck in big play fashion using the pass. It was a 52-yard play that had the seasoned quarterback, Jacob Torgerson, throwing the football. On the receiving end was the reliable Logan Manska. The kicking game, which has been sort of experimental for MACA in the early stages, came through as Noah Grove, who is being steadily groomed, came through on the PAT. It's very encouraging to see every positive step with this phase of the game.
So the Tigers are up 7-0 and this is how the score stood at the end of the first quarter.
Each team scored a touchdown in the second quarter. ACGC got on the board with a one-yard run by Hoerchler. The PAT kick try was no good.
Staples scored from his fullback post on a run from the 12. Grove again kicked the ball through the uprights on the PAT, making the score 14-6 which is where it stood for halftime.
Each team scored a touchdown in the third quarter. ACGC struck with a 24-yard pass from Hoerchler to Taylor Larson. Hoerchler ran for two on the conversion play, so now the score is knotted up at 14-all. The Tigers were going to have to bear down to re-establish an edge.
Corey Storck did a lot toward this end, returning a punt 33 yards to the vocal acclamation of fans. This return set up the eventual scoring run which was a hefty 27-yarder by Tanner Picht. Again Grove succeeded on the PAT.
Staples took over again for the Tigers' fourth TD of the night, finding daylight on a 32-yard run. This time the PAT kick was a no-go.
ACGC's Whitcomb scored the final TD, after which the Tigers were able to run out the clock.
Looking at the night's numbers, the Tigers were actually outdone by ACGC in first downs, 12-8. Quarterback Torgerson manned a minimal but explosive (when needed) passing game. His three completions were good for 90 yards gained and he had no interceptions.
The always-reliable Tom Holland ran for 69 yards on 14 carries, and the often-explosive Tanner Picht ran for 45 yards on six carries. We've already acknowledged Staples whose determined approach resulted in eight carries for 55 yards.
The always-reliable Tom Holland ran for 69 yards on 14 carries, and the often-explosive Tanner Picht ran for 45 yards on six carries. We've already acknowledged Staples whose determined approach resulted in eight carries for 55 yards.
Picht hauled in two of the passes for 38 yards, and Manska got 52 yards on that one big catch. Picht handled punting duties. Nic Vipond had a fumble recovery.
Standouts on the tackle chart included Connor Metzger, Chandler Erickson, Staples and Jon Tiernan. Vipond came through with a quarterback sack.
Talented athlete Hoerchler completed nine passes for 111 yards and no interceptions for the visitor. Jordan Nelson rushed for 107 yards for the Falcons.
The Tigers will host Montevideo for Homecoming 2012. Viva the winning Tigers!
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com
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