SARGENT — Having faced a daunting schedule during the season, it was only fitting that their final opponent be a foe heading to the state playoffs.
Twin Loup improved their record to 8-1 Friday night, shutting out Elgin Public-Pope John 49 to 0.
The Wolves dominated the game with their running attack. On defense, Twin Loup limited EPPJ to just seven first downs in the game.
Wolfpack Co-Coach Nick Heithoff said the Wolves got off to a strong start and EPPJ just couldn’t match their point production.
“They (Twin Loup) came out and hit the holes hard,” he said immediately after the game. “They’re a really good team. They’re definitely one of the top four (D3) teams in the state.”
Oran Grint got the Wolves on the scoreboard on their first play from scrimmage. He went 65 yards along the west sideline for the first touchdown of game with just 11 seconds off the clock.
Then, after forcing the Wolfpack to a three-and-out, Blake Bottorf capped a four-play 30-yard drive with an 11-yard run to make the score 14 to 0 at the 9:06 mark of the opening quarter.
Turnovers plagued the Wolfpack on their next two possessions. First, Carter Hall picked off a Michael Selting pass intended for Evin Pelster to end one Wolfpack possession.
EPPJ got a stop against the Wolves, forcing a turnover on downs.
Then, EPPJ was forced to punt. Jayvin Erickson’s punt was blocked by Jackson Hall, giving the Wolves great field position on EPPJ’s 11-yard line. Once again, EPPJ’s defense got a stop as senior Justice Blecher had a tackle for a loss. The Wolves then attempted a field goal on fourth down and it was no good.
The Wolfpack started the second quarter with a bad snap on fourth down, giving the Wolves the ball deep in Wolfpack territory. The Wolves scored four plays later, the first of three touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 35 to 0 lead.
The Wolfpack’s first half was marred by two interceptions, a blocked punt and a bad snap on fourth down, giving the Wolves all the momentum they would need on this night.
With a running clock in the second half, the Wolves added two more scores, one in each quarter to seal the game.
For EPPJ, they started the second half strong, gaining a first down on their opening possession. However, the drive ended two plays later when Brennan Beran intercepted a Michael Selting pass. The Wolves capitalized on the interception with a touchdown.
Reserves played much of the rest of the game and showed promise for next year. Backup quarterback Carter Selting engineered a drive which picked up two first downs. The drive ended near midfield, where the Wolves scored their final touchdown two plays later.
One thing that has been consistent for EPPJ from the first game to the last game of the season has been effort.
“We tried to play everyone tough,” Coach Heithoff said. “I truly feel like our team never quit. We always came out with great effort and determination.
….see more at this week’s Elgin Review.
