Post Messenger Recorder -

You know it's a big game when 93.7, "The Big FM" sends their best team of Jerry Mortimer and Doug Wagen to call the game. Of course, no one living anywhere near State Hwy 69 needed reminding that this is THE rivalry game in the area and has been since electricity and radio first graced the area's barns. But this game was played under a certain pall when, in the second quarter, a Belleville player (name withheld for privacy concerns) required MedFlight evacuation to UW Hospital for a serious injury - the game being stopped for 60-some minutes. (More on this as we continue).

Yes there was a game, so let's get to it.

NGM's Ethan Friedrich received the opening kickoff, a deep one from the toe of the Cat's talented kicker, senior Kaden DeSmet, returning it to the Belleville 32-yard line with some deft running. NGM junior quarterback Max Marty took the field and directed a beautifully orchestrated 15-play drive for a score as he bolted the final 3 yards himself. Freshman Ethan Seffrood's kick split the uprights and it was NGM up 7-0 at the 6:33 mark. An onside kick failed to go the required 10 yards, gifting the Cats the ball on the NGM 42-yard line.

The NGM defense stiffened, led by a spirited backfield tackle by junior linebacker Lawrence Vasquez, a young man who proved omnipresent throughout the game. After some back-and-forth by both teams and two more sacks by NGM, it was again Vasquez that forced a fumble recovered by sophomore Andrew Pulvermacher. NGM was off to a good start.

Ten seconds into the second quarter is when the injury to the Cat's player occurred. On replay in the booth, it seemed like a relatively routine football play, but such was clearly not the case! The New Glarus Area EMS ambulance, Green County EMS 800 (a rapid response and intercept vehicle staffed at the Paramedic level) and multiple EMS people were on the scene. Both teams cleared the field completely, heading to their respective locker rooms as the fans in attendance were left with that most disquieting, pit-in-the-stomach of emotions. After much discussion and on-the-field emergency care, UW's MedFlight helicopter arrived to transport the injured player to UW Hospital.

After an hour delay the teams returned, being led by their respective coaches and meeting in full unison at the 50-yard line in what can only be described as a display of THE MOST beautiful sportsmanship. The option to not finish the game was apparently on the table, but it was Belleville affirming their desire to finish the game. After some abbreviated warm ups the game resumed, everyone in attendance wondering how each team might respond.

The Cat's sophomore running back Logan Derke quickly removed any mystery as he filled in for the injured player with an obviously inspired run of 23 yards, and several plays later took it to the house on a pitch from his senior quarterback, Aidan Keyes. DeSmet's extra point was good and the score was knotted at 7-7 with 6:33 to play in this, the longest second quarter ever witnessed. Belleville would score again on a pass from Keyes to DeMarcus Conner with only 49 seconds left to play and take a 14-7 lead at halftime.

Quarter #3 would prove to be the death knell for NGM as the Cat's Keyes immediately found DeSmet on a 56-yard bomb for a score with only 43 seconds elapsed. DeSmet scored his own extra point and at 11:17 it was 21-7, Belleville. A tipped pass from NGM's Max Marty was intercepted and returned for another touchdown by DeMarcus Conner, his second of the night, and at the 7:15 mark it was all Belleville, 27-7.

NGM struggled to find an offensive rhythm, but their defense was superb. Multiple sacks by Vasquez and senior Ja'Kodey Strahm kept the Cats at bay until 5:02 in the fourth when Keyes hit wide receiver Andrew Ace on a cleverly designed inside slant pass for a score. Kaden DeSmet's extra point would seal the deal at 34-7 as the final series of the game unfolded uneventfully.

What followed was a most uncharacteristic, yet fully understandable muted celebration by the victors. That pall remained, very much in attendance.

In the post-game interview, Belleville Head Coach Mike Nolden was quite complimentary as to the sportsmanship shown by NGM, stating, "it was a game played by friends who just pretend to dislike each other for one night." Well put, coach! Of course he was proud of his team's inspired response to the injury incurred by their player, and especially the leadership shown by his senior quarterback. That sweet taste of victory over a (once bitter) rival was nowhere to be seen, even as this young coach has now gone 3-0 versus NGM. (NGM fans are left to take solace in their 15-5 record versus Belleville over the past 20 games, as was "remindingly" printed in the program). Here's hoping this special game continues on in perpetuity. WIAA - Are you listening??!!

Sue Moen

But now all thoughts and prayers are with the injured player and his family. As these words are being penned in the solitude of a quiet press box, some early words of encouragement are filtering back via Belleville staff as to this player's condition. Let us hope that by the time you are reading this report in final print there is more good news to report. Godspeed, young man.

Next week NGM travels to Beloit Turner and Belleville is off to Potosi. Best of luck to both teams as they continue their seasons, hopefully, prayerfully sans any further serious injuries.

*****Late Breaking News: Just as this is going to print, the PMR has learned that the injured Belleville player has returned home and is doing well.