Post Messenger Recorder -

On display this evening was a battle between two regional teams representing two Chambers of Commerce - River Valley (Spring Green) and NGM (New Glarus). Historically engaged in a protracted fight for tourist dollars, their "truculence" would now spill over onto the gridiron. Parenthetically speaking, it pleases me to report that New Glarus has once again emerged the victor in attracting tourist dollars...but it was the Blackhawks of River Valley the triumphant one at game's end, 41-6. True to the old axiom, "sometimes you just can't have it both ways".

As games go it's starting to feel a bit like Groundhog Day, the movie, where every game is a repeat of the previous one. NGM comes out strong to start, puts up a good fight, falls behind at the half and never seems to recover. Such was the case tonight....again.

NGM started on defense. The first play of the game saw senior Dain Walter stuff the River Valley running back for a loss. On the very next play it was junior A.C. Strok sacking their quarterback to produce a third and 20, and ultimately a punt. Now on offense, NGM looked good, moving the ball almost at will. On a third and 7, sophomore quarterback Max Marty hit senior slot receiver Jackson Parman with a crisp pass over the middle for a 21-yard gain. A sustained drive would get the ball to the 30 of the Blackhawks but no further, despite four full downs of trying.

River Valley answered with a sustained drive of their own, going the distance when quarterback Ethan Wickman finished it with a run from 3 yards out to open the second quarter. Less than four minutes later they would score again, this time on a 42-yard run by tailback Landon Clary, making it 14-0 at the 10:11 mark.

NGM came right back on a nice drive finding a rhythm supported mostly by short passes. Once at the 13-yard line, it was junior running back Emery Johnson fighting for every inch and a score. The kick missed the mark and it was 14-6 at 6:23 to play in the half...a very manageable score/position. (In the press box there existed a very palpable sense that NGM could move the ball and play with this opponent. And then it happened.)

NGM would get the ball again in the half when, on a fourth and 11, Max Marty's pass was intercepted by RV's Kammeran Smith - who promptly fumbled - only to be picked up by his teammate Landon Clary - who took it the remaining 50 yards for a touchdown. With only 0:52 to play in the half it was 21-6 Blackhawks. Now all momentum was with the Blackhawks as this would prove to be the all-to-familiar turning point in the game.

It was Senior Night for the home team with one of the nicest halftime shows ever put on by a high school. The River Valley marching band was absolutely superb with their musical renditions from "Grease" and interesting formations, all while in motion. And when they played their fight song (borrowed from Ohio State) they played it with all the vigor of a Buckeye in Columbus! Supported by 22 cheerleaders with their collective energy it was a most entertaining show of good old fashioned school spirit. Well done River Valley....VERY well done!

NGM got the ball to start the second half whereupon Marty immediately hit A.C. Strok on a 23-yard strike to get the ball in River Valley territory. Unfortunately an interception would follow and the Blackhawks would find themselves on the NGM 23. Several plays later it would again be Clary running it in from 7 yards out for his third touchdown of the evening. Score 28-6 River Valley at the 9:06 mark. Two (very quick) minutes later they would score again and at the 7:08 mark in the third quarter with a score of 34-6, NGM's back was broken. At 5:22 in the fourth RV would add another score. Game over. 41-6 River Valley.

Max Marty would add 194 passing yards to the 1,117 he entered the game with. The offense would total 273 yards on the evening. Dain Walter accounted for 5 solo tackles, 6 assists and 2 TFL's (tackles for a loss). There were certainly flashes of energy in this game...they just could not be sustained. The habit of giving up quick scores in rapid succession continues to be a killer.

Friday is the final game of the season as the Dodgeville Dodgers visit New Glarus. No matter the outcome, I believe we can all take solace in that it will be our last game in the dreaded Southwest Conference (SWC), to wit I say good bye and good riddance!

Game time is 7:00 p.m. It is Senior Night. See you at the game!