Wolverines come up short against West Monona in season finale
South O’Brien wrapped up its football season October 24 as two 0-8 teams took the field at Onawa. In the end it was West Monona which was able to get the victory, topping the Wolverines 24-12.
The Spartans scored on their first two drives to take a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Derek Paulsen then caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Kreber but the extra-point kick was missed and South O’Brien trailed 14-6.
The Wolverines were able to halt West Monona’s next drive but the Spartans kicked a 41-yard field goal to increase their lead to 17-6. The visitors responded on their next possession which ended with a Kreber-to-Paulsen hookup of 34 yards. South O’Brien went for two with Kreber running the ball but he was stopped short and the Wolverines trailed 17-12 at halftime.
The Spartans drove 70 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to up their lead to 24-17. South O’Brien’s five second-half possessions resulted in two lost fumbles, a punt, a turnover on downs and an interception with just over a minute left to play.
“Derek Paulsen had 103 yards receiving and finished the season with 1025 yards and 15 touchdowns,” noted Wolverine head coach Mark Fuhrman. “We turned the ball over and struggled stopping their run game.” West Monona rushed for 294 yards. The Spartans attempted just six passes, completing two for a total of 37 yards.
Kreber was 7-of-18 passing for 130 yards and the two touchdowns. Paulsen caught five passes. Brody Van Beek finished with two receptions for 27 yards. Caden Wittrock ran the ball 11 times for 58 yards. Jordan Jenness gained 41 yards on eight carries.
On defense, Jenness recorded 17 tackles, Wittrock 14 and Teagen Bahrenfuss 10. Jenness also forced a fumble which was recovered by Brett Evans.
Bahrenfuss, Evans, Jenness, Paulsen and Wittrock are among the seniors on the roster. The others are Carter Halverson, Ashton Hunt, Billy Lange, Reese Lundquist, Jayven Miller, Andrew Suarez, Brady Struve and Jaxon Weier. “I appreciate the work the seniors have done for four years,” said Fuhrman. “They have worked incredibly hard and I’m sure it is disappointing to end the season without a win.”
S. O’Brien
0 12 0 0 – 12
W. Monona
7 10 7 0 – 24