It was like watching two different games today in River Falls, Wisconsin—the first half and the second half. Those of you who have been reading my game recaps over the years have heard me say how crucial halftime adjustments are such a key to SJU’s success. OK, I was just kidding about my game recap history, but if I had been writing, that’s what I would’ve been saying. It was, alas, true again today.
The first half started with the J’s squandering their 1st two opportunities with the ball, then it was all cheese. River Falls looked good as they stopped the bumbling Johnnie offense and then were able to move the ball pretty well. Johnnie defense was on the field a lot and, to their credit, held UWRF to 10 points. It seemed like it could’ve been worse. The SJU faithful in the stands were left with not much to entertain them, save for the spirited commentary of Bob Wicker.
Thank God for halftime. As if Wicker somehow channeled his enthusiasm into the locker room, the Johnnies came out looking like a different team. A touchdown on their 1st possession, followed by a 3-and-out Falcon drive seemingly turned the game around. Two more TD’s in the third quarter had the Johnnies up 21-10, which ended up as the final score. What was different in the 2nd half? The J’s were finally able to move the ball on the ground as they started using the option with Kofoed pitching out to Blackmore, until everybody in the stadium except the Falcon D expected to see that play. The O line definitely executed their assignments better on the back nine. And the SJU defense was able to contain the RF QB better. Still too much sloppy play, penalties and turnovers for the taste of a spoiled Johnnie fan. But, whew!, a nice early season win on the road.
A tip of the hat to a better-than-expected River Falls team. Good looking sophomore QB (Harmon), a very talented freshman WR (Zweifel), and a solid senior running back (Anderson). It will be interesting to follow their progress the rest of the season.
Random thoughts:
****Ramer Field is about to get a sorely needed renovation. Most local high schools are better than what they have now. $3 million needs to be raised for the project and AD Rick Bowen apparently wants to raise half of that from SJU fans in a single day. He raises the price of tickets a buck only for today. Parking is usually $1, locals told me, but today it was $3. (And who charges for parking anyway at this level?) And when he was contacted about where he might like us to set up for our fabled Stiftungsfestivities, he snapped back about not being able to sell food and compete with their operation. Thanks for the welcome mat, Rick!
***Nice trick play today when Charlie Welsh, a former St. Thomas Academy HS QB, subbed in and took a flip from Kofoed, dropped back and completed a pass to…Kofoed! One wiseacre in the stands was heard to say he thought Alex had more receiving yards than passing yards at that point in the game.
***Kicker Russell Gliadon, who was looking like SJU’s George Blanda, lost his bid for a perfect season with his first missed FG. Many of the long snaps were high and behind the holder, who was lucky to get a couple of them down at all.
