The Hornetshosted the Rangers of Winnett Grass Range in the second contest of the season. The afternoon was very pleasant, a perfect fall day for football.
The hometown squad won the toss and elected to receive. On the fourth play from scrimmage Jordan Barfuss completed a pass to Will Collins for the 40 yard score. The PAT on a kick failed. On the ensuing kick the Rangers Zane Stahl found a seam in the Hornet kick coverage and returned the ball 75 yards for the score. The Pat on a run failed. The Hornets answered on the next possession as Barfuss found Collins in the left flat on the bubble screen. Dawson Clayton, Bill Hanson and Tyler Hereim provided some key blocks as Will advanced the ball 29 yards for six points. The PAT on a pass failed. The Hornets forced a turnover on downs on the next Ranger possession. The Hornets scored on the final possession of the quarter on a well blocked lead play behind the blocking of Clayton and Tyler Prothero. Collins raced off the right side and up the sideline for the score. The PAT on a well executed play action pass was from Barfuss to Hereim was good. At the end of the first 10 minutes the Hornets led by a score of 19 to 6.
During the quarter break the team was reminded to clean up the play as there were several penalties in the first stanza. The team was also encouraged to keep their heads up and to shoulder tackle the opponent low.
In the second quarter the Rangers scored first on a 12 yard run by Dawson Delaney. The PAT on a pass by Stahl to Jordan Huff was good. The Hornets scored next on a solid drive capped by a 39 yard run by Collins. The PAT on a pass from Barfuss to Hereim was good. The Hornets again forced a punt by the Rangers and 2 plays later scored on a bubble pass to Collins in the right flat. The play was highlighted by some outstanding downfield blocking by Tyler Hereim and Tyler Prothero. The PAT on a pass failed. The Hornets kicked deep but short of the end zone and Stahl again burned the Hornets on a 70 yard return. The PAT on a pass failed. The Hornets set up a solid right return on the kick off and Collins advanced the ball 40 yards to the Ranger 30 yard line. Only 19 seconds remained on the clock and the Hornets used every bit of it for the score as they completed a 19 yard pass in the final seconds of the half when Barfuss found Prothero down the middle seam for six. The PAT on a pass failed. At the halftime intermission the Hornets led the contest 38 to 19.
During the intermission the Hornet coaching staff emphasized to the team the importance of maintaining lanes on the kickoff to prevent the long return by the Rangers. The team was encouraged to clean up the blocking as two scores were called back due to blocks in the back.
In the third quarter it was all WSS. The men in black scored on a solid drive finished with a 15 yard completion on an exciting play. The Rangers dropped 6 men in to coverage and Barfuss had what seemed like all day to look for receivers. Jordan connected with Prothero in the back of the Northwest endzone for the score. The PAT on a delay pass from Barfuss to Clayton was good. On the third play of the Rangers drive Isaac Collins intercepted a pass to give the Hornets a short field at the Ranger 24 yard line. Two plays later Clayton advance the ball 16 yards for the score. The PAT on a run failed. The Hornets gained a short field again when Barfuss picked off a pass by the Rangers during their next possession. Aaron Dupea scored from eight yards out behind the fine blocking of Jack Galt and Blake Ringer on the lead play to the left side. The PAT on a pass from Barfuss to Ringer was good. At the end of the third quarter the Hornets led 58 to 19.
In the fourth quarter with the clock running and the younger Hornet football players on the field the Rangers put up two scores. The first score came on a 5 yard run by Caleb Hess. The PAT on a run by Jordan Huff was good. The second score came on a 7 yard pass from Stahl to Huff. The PAT failed. The Rangers fought hard throughout the contest but in the end came up short as the scoreboard tally read Hornets 58 to Rangers 32.
The team had a very good day on offense.The Hornet passing game was a solid17 of 24 attempts for 265 yards. The squadput together a decent203yards on the ground on 29 rushing attempts.
The defensive unit put in a solid effort forcing 3 turnovers during the contest.Dawson Clayton led the team with 10 tackles and a pass deflection and a PAT block.Will Collins had 9 tackles and 2 deflections. Tyler Hereim recorded 7 tackles. Blake Ringer had 5 tackles.Jordan Barfuss had 7 tackles and an interception.Seth Wendt had 3 tackles.Keelan Clouse had 3 tackles and a big fumble recovery. Bill Hanson had 6 tackles. Tyler Prothero had 7 tackles as the “moose was loose” at the right defensive end. Aaron Dupea had 4 tackles. Shane Ogle had a tackle. Austin Collins had 2 tackles. Isaac Collins had 2 tackles and an interception. Jack Galt had 3 tackles. Lorenz Esche had 2 tackles. Seth Wendt had 3 tackles.
The Hornets played a solid game against a good opponent.The team will have to shine up the offense and eliminate penalties in the coming weeks. Obviously we need to improve kick coverage as well.
The Hornets appreciated the tremendous fan support and hope to see them again this Friday in St Regis when your hometown squad takes on the Tigers. The varsity contest begins at 7PM. Do not forget to bring all your fall,cool weather football gear and come support the the hard working, young Hornet football team!