The Tigers were in full playoff mode as the first team needed less than two quarters of play to seal the win and give the second team some valuable playing time. While the offense seemed to have its way with an incredible line surge and positive yards at will, the defense was even more spectacular. Southern’s offense did not have to start in its own territory until their fifth series. First there was a high snap on the opening series punt by Northwest recovered at the Ranger 21 yard-line. Then Jared Hallick picked-off a Jeff Moss pass and ran it to the ten for a first-and-goal. Next sophomore, Tom Schetroma recovered a fumble at the eight yard-line after a failed pitch on an option play. In all, the Tiger defense held Northwest to three-and-out or less on every series of the first half. Meanwhile, the offense capitalized on every opportunity. Southern was only forced to punt once in the half after two incomplete passes, but even that resulted in a 28 yard gain when the ball hit a player’s leg on the receiving team and was recovered by SoCo. All totaled for the half, Northwest was held to 0 for 9 passing with one interception, and -19 yards on 12 attempts to run the ball. Jake Morton lead the Tiger offense with 96 yards on 13 carries and four touchdowns. Quarterback, Jake Townsend, did some running of his own, gaining 28 yards on 5 carries and a TD. He passed seven times with three receptions for 58 yards and a TD, including a 29 yard strike to Billy Shoop. Sophomore, Tyler Levan added the final touchdown of the half on a 30 yard break-away to make the score 48 – 0 Tigers.
The second half was an excellent opportunity to get playoff experience for the younger players. With the mercy rule in effect, the JV team managed the clock well, carrying the ball 28 times for 146 yards and two more TD’s from Levan. Jamie Slotterback had four touches for 33 yards, and backup QB, Brad Fegley scrambled for 29 yards on 4 carries. The second team defense continued to hold the Rangers without a first-down except for a 60 yard lob from Moss to Steve Merth for their only score of the game. The gain erased the negative totals by the Rangers to give Southern an edge of 403-49 yards on the night. Northwest ended their season with a record of 9-4 and the district 2, class A title. After an unbelievable season turn-around, six-time state champion Southern Columbia (9-4) will continue on their quest for more gold, taking on the winner of Saturday’s Tri-Valley(D-11) – St. Pius X(D-1) matchup.
9 Responses
A Southern/McCort showdown will be a great great game.
southern is close to a showdown with bishop mccort..from what i hear mccort runs that ball only and southern may be the best run stopping team in the area
My hats off to the Rangers. I’m a Southern fan and we have had blow-outs in the past, but Northwest never let their anger or frustration get out of check. Many teams have resorted to playing dirty football when in that type of situation.Coach Majer kept his kids in line and that deserves a pat on the back to the Rangers.They played in a tough game but didn’t give up, a sign of a good football team. Also I wish the Tiger the best as they too did not give up earlier in the season when things looked gloom for them.They always play with class and keep their heads in the game. BRING HOME # 7 TIGERS, you’re working for each game !!!!!
Coach Majer made a statement that this game was not won by Southern Friday night, but rather it was won back in January, February, March, in the weight room. He is exactly right. The surges by the Tiger’s O line were tremendous.
I do believe though, that the Rangers were a bit flat due to being in the state tournament for the first time and also having to play the “Beast of the East” in class A football. I think the “awe factor” had a negative affect on Northwest.
I agree with Tim. But I would also like to congratulate Northwest’s head coach Carl Majer on his success to date. After reading some of his quotes in the local paper, I believe he knows exactly what he is doing and will work to improve the Rangers schedule. As with Southern, it will take the Ranger’s coaching staff and A.D. some time to achieve their goals.
You’re right Joe Rogan, I was at the game also and they weren’t 53 points better they were any number of points they desired to put up better…I really believe the JV team could have beaten the Rangers…congrats to them on the D2 crown but they need to beef up the schedule to be able to compete outside of their district.
everyone should’ve at least got $4.50 back because the game was over after the first quarter.
There is absolutely no way.. Southern was 53 points better than northwest no way…but Northwest did not show up to play at all
I went to the game and on that punt the ball just rolled and the NW guy WAS LIKE “What the heck are all these guys standing around me for?” and then he realized but the ball tapped his foot and then it was BANZAI!!!!!!!!