Friday, August 30. It was a tale of two halves. Lake Mills set the tone early with two unanswered touchdowns in the first quarter. The NGM defense stiffened and the offense found its footing with two scores of their own in the second quarter. Though the L-Cats led 19-14 at the half, there was a palpable sense of a momentum shift in the NGM locker room. But the home team had different plans for us the visitors as the second half unfolded, scoring 36 points in the third quarter and opening the flood gates of their eponymous lake as they raced to a 55-21 victory.

The damage was largely done by the leadership of the L-Cats talented junior quarterback, Adam Moen. With his accurate passing (143 yards), exceptionally deft running (56 yards), and directing a well-controlled offensive scheme, Moen confirmed that he is, again, one of the premier quarterbacks in the area. Yet the evening was not entirely all bad news for NGM. A tackle or two here and a big play or two less there and this game could have had a different complexion. Take nothing away from Lake Mills as they were clearly the better team in this contest. But with equal certainty and equal resolve, do not give up on this talented bunch from NGM. They may have been punched in the mouth but they are a proud, resilient squad with seven more games (minimum) on the docket to look forward to.

Connor Siegenthaler was again the workhorse of the evening, with 18 carries for 68 hard-fought yards and one touchdown. Nathan Streiff caught seven passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Streiff also led the team in tackles with six. The highlight of the NGM evening came in the second quarter when Coach Eichelkraut went for it on fourth and eight at midfield. A craftily conceived pass play put the ball in the hands of previously little-used senior wide receiver, Calvin Strok. Strok rambled for 17 yards to keep the drive alive.

This Friday it’s another road trip with another crossover game with another team from the Capitol North as NGM travels to Columbus. Columbus won last year’s matchup in New Glarus in overtime on a measurement. NGM would like very much to avenge this shortcoming. Game time is 7:00. See you at the game!