NGM Romps in the Rain
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Sue Moen
A little water on the field and rain during the game didn't stop the Knights from winning 35-6 over the Pirates from Waterloo.
Friday, October 5. Riding a wave of abundant water, a ship full of (Waterloo) Pirates sailed in to play the NGM Knights for game #8 of this rapidly fading season. Waterloo played hard but would leave with their "perfect" record in tact as NGM rolled to a 35-6 victory. The weather was better suited for waterfowl as NGM celebrated Senior Night before a crowd of brave partisans. The game was played on a rain-soaked field with standing water in a number of places, replete with on- and-off showers throughout, making for an interesting mudfest at times.
The first half was all Connor Siegenthaler and the NGM defense as Siegenthaler ran for two scores and passed to senior Trevor Gassman for a third. Sophomore Nathan Streiff got the team's first safety of the year, sending NGM to the locker room with a 23-0 lead.
Early in the third period sophomore quarterback Darris Schuett ran for a touchdown as he knifed his way through a number of defenders hopelessly trying to find their footing. In the fourth quarter junior Calvin Strok, ankle deep in water, made an acrobatic catch on a pass from Siegenthaler for his first varsity touchdown to close out the scoring. With treacherous footing to blame, senior kicker Trent Sigafus was 3 of 5 on extra point tries, but did collect two tackles to save long kick-off returns from going further. Every player that dressed saw playing time for the second week in a row.
Playing in their last conference home game were seniors Jeff Ace, Patrick Craker, Zach Feller, Cole Femrite, Trevor Gassman, Travis Krychowiak, Jarrett Long, Adam Marty, Eric Segura, Trent Sigafus, and senior cheerleader Tessa Sheridan. All will be missed when this season concludes. Thank you seniors!!!
Sue Moen
Above (L-R): Mason Martinson (19), Patrick Craker (40) and Connor Siegenthaler (10).
Quarterbacks Siegenthaler and Schuett combined for 9 of 18 passes and 113 yards. Schuett led all rushers with 60 yards, followed by Craker and Feller with 55 and 46 yards respectively. The defense dominated the game from the opening whistle. Looking at combined totals of team and solo tackles, sophomore Mason Martinson led the way with 12 followed by Connor Siegenthaler with 10 and Matt Zierl and Nathan Streiff with nine apiece. The ubiquitous Siegenthaler also had three deep punts on this the sloppiest of fields for a 43-yard average, each one pinning the Pirates back.
Next game is Friday at Cambridge as the Knights take on the undefeated (8-0) and Capitol Conference South leading Blue Jays. A victory would give NGM a share of the conference title and greatly enhance their seeding in the WIAA playoffs. Game time is 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you there in force.
