By Mike Petersen
Sports Editor & Staff Writer 

Playing with their hair on fire

Everyone contributes to 66-14 district win at MMCRU

 

September 23, 2021

MIKE PETERSEN/SENTINEL-NEWS

Nick Bronstad brings down Eban Hicks behind the line of scrimmage for a 5-yard loss in Friday's game with MMCRU.

Contributions in all three phases provided Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn with the winning formula in a 66-14 win over MMCRU.

In addition to eight offensive touchdowns, the Hawks scored on an interception return and used a long punt return to set up a score during Friday night's game at Marcus.

Hawk coach Jay Eilers pointed to preparation and mindset as keys to H-M-S remaining undefeated in Class A District 1.

"It was the week of practice. It was the process to get to the game," Eilers noted. "We talked and we're honest with our kids. I thought we were the superior team and it showed that we are. But the process doesn't change on your opponent."

The offense had six first-half possessions and reached the end zone on all but one. Kooper Ebel scored on runs of four and 75 yards, and Connor Dodd contributed a pair of 1-yard scoring carries. For the game, Ebel ran for 134 yards and Dodd added 126.

Ryan Borden's 21-yard scamper gave H-M-S its final touchdown of the half.

The defense complemented the effort with a 54-yard interception return by Elijah Groeneweg, an interception by James Gellerman and a fumble recovery by Ebel.

Seeing the entire team contribute to the 46-0 halftime advantage is something Eilers wants to see in the future.

"We're going to have to continue with that throughout the season. The opponents are going to be different, the skill levels are going to be different, but the process is the same and has all three facets in it: offense, defense and special teams," he said.

The Hawks and Royals traded touchdowns in the final half. Dodd and Ethan Diehm scored on runs of 73 and 65 yards, respectively. The Royals answered with scoring passes of 31 and 54 yards. Gellerman, who rushed for 45 yards, added a 12-yard scoring run.

Ethan Wiersma's interception allowed the Hawks to run out the clock.

The JV offense and defense played most of the second half. Being able to compete in a varsity game was exciting for players and coaches alike.

"I think it's the environment and the atmosphere that Friday nights bring," Eilers said. "It was awesome to see those kids execute."

The Hawks rushed for 413 yards and had a 31-yard pass completion to Mason Brinkman.

Tackle leaders were (total/solo): Ebel, 10/7; Travis Kamradt 6.5/5; Lance Berends, 6/4; Keevyn Jacobsma and Brinkman, 4/3; Groeneweg, 3.5/2; Evan Eilers, 2.5/2; Nick Bronstad and Dodd, 2/2; Brenton Thomas and Jordan Ortega, 2/1.

Eilers was especially glad to see the overall effort despite the margin on the scoreboard.

MIKE PETERSEN/SENTINEL-NEWS

James Gellerman pulls away from MMCRU defender Tayden Hicks to score the Hawks' final touchdown last Friday night.

"There is only one way to play the game of football. When you don't play it the right way, that's when you can get injured," he said. "And the right way is to go full bore and to play with your hair on fire. And our kids did that for us."

• Next up: vs. Alta-Aurelia

The competitive level will rise Friday night as H-M-S hosts Alta-Aurelia. The first meeting with the Warriors since 2011 will impact the top of the district standings.

The Hawk defense will face another productive passing attack.

"They're a spread offense. They're going to throw the ball around and be multiple formations," Eilers noted. "I really like their quarterback. He throws the deep ball very well and has a strong arm. He is very talented and has a nice group of receivers."

 
 

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