The South O’Brien Wolverines traveled to Akron Westfield Friday for a Class A District 1 matchup. The Wolverines came away with a 13-12 win on the road and put themselves into the 2022 playoffs.
The first series for both teams proved to be a defensive battle but the Wolverines put together a 3 play drive after a Westerner fumble. Justice Frerk threw a 12 yard touchdown pass to Sawyer Honkomp with 4:39 to go in the first quarter. David Bottjen kicked the extra point and the Wolverines led 7-0.
Most of the rest of the half was a defensive battle as neither team established much offense but the Westerners pulled a couple trick plays out of their hat and set up a score with 9 seconds to go in the half. The Westerners converted three 4th downs on the drive including the one they scored on with 9 seconds to go in the half. Boston Riedemann blocked the extra point kick attempt and left the score 7-6 at halftime.
The Wolverines got off to a great start in the second half. We put together a 14 play drive that resulted in a touchdown. Justin Paulsen got the carry for 5 yards with 8:00 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. The two point conversion run failed and the Wolverines led 13-6.
The Westerners weren’t going away easily and a long pass with a great catch set up the Westerners final score of the game. We had great coverage and even hit the ball in the air but the Westerners player was able to grab it on his way to the ground. This set up a score with 5:00 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. The extra point kick sailed wide right and the Wolverines still led 13-12.
The rest of the game was a back and forth affair for both teams as neither offense could really establish anything. The Wolverines were finally able to run the clock out and get the victory on the road.
Justice Frerk was 4-8 for 44 yards. Justin Paulsen rushed 31 times for 128 yards. Eddie Millan had 9 rushes for 38 yards. Defensively, Keaton Sampson had 12 tackles and Hudson Oolmann had 6 tackles.
The Wolverines finish the regular season Friday with Hinton coming to town for senior night. This game will decide 3rd or 4th place in the district. It is very important to both teams as it will determine where we go in the first round of the playoffs.