Friday, September 21. Homecoming weekend. The largest crowd of the season came to watch NGM take on the visiting Cardinals from Marshall. It was standing room only on the NGM side as everyone except Miss Victory got the memo and Marshall left town with an 18 - 13 win, thus spoiling the expectations of a post-game homecoming celebration.

The game was played on a rain-soaked and muddy field. Kudos to Larry McGowan and Dana Darrow for their yeoman's effort in getting the field as game ready as they did. The first quarter was a 0 - 0 tie as both teams tried to find their feet and adapt to the conditions. Marshall adjusted more quickly, putting up 12 points in the second. NGM responded with a score just before half on some very deft running by sophomore quarterback Darris Schuett. Senior kicker Trent Sigafus made the extra point, giving the NGM boys a huge burst of energy going into the locker room down only 5 points at 12 - 7. The third quarter was again a slugfest in the mud with neither team scoring and the outcome very much in question, thanks largely to the effort of the NGM defense.

The game was both won and lost in the latter part of the fourth quarter. Marshall scored with less than three minutes to play and then failed on their third consecutive extra point attempt, bringing the score to an imposing 18-7. NGM rallied quickly and scored when senior Patrick Craker crossed the goal line on a power run with just over a minute to play. The math dictated a two-point try, which came up short with an overthrown pass in the end zone. With the score now 18 - 13 and living on the hopes and memory of last week's successful onside kick, NGM's Trent Sigafus sent a bullet into the front line of Marshall, striking Zach Igl squarely in the numbers and allowing him to make a very difficult catch. Marshall then proceeded to run out the clock. Final score, 18 -13, Marshall.

Junior defensive back Tradyen Foster made his second interception in as many games for NGM. Nathan Streiff and Matthew Zierl led the team with eight and six solo tackles, respectively, in a solid defensive showing. The defense racked up a respectful 77 team tackles.

Sue Moen

Trevor Gassman #15 led the Knights with 52 yards receiving.

Connor Siegenthaler racked up 105 yards on seven completions at QB. Darris Schuett had 15 passing yards on one completion.

Schuett led the team in rushing yards, with 31 on four attempts and one touchdown. Patrick Craker had 17 yards and one touchdown.

Trevor Gassman led the team with 52 receiving yards, Schuett had 37 receiving yards and Craker had 15 yards receiving.

Next game is away this Friday, at Iowa-Grant. Game time is 7:00 p.m.