As Defensive Lineman Andy Pierskalla noted earlier this week in his player blog Inside the Huddle the team has taken on a project of growing “Rally Mustaches” and if the past two games are any indication my suggestion would be for the team to enter training camp 2009 in full blown Grizzly Adams mode. The Johnnies gave the fans in the stands at Manitou Field on the campus of St. Olaf College in Northfield an exciting finish and some “Johnnie Magic” in a 20-14 victory over the Oles in overtime.
The Johnnie defense played another outstanding game with big plays by Bobby Klint in the final seconds of regulation and then again on the first play of the overtime session.
With the score tied 14-14 and St. Olaf running out the clock in regulation the Oles trotted out their kicker, Josiah Powell, to attempt what would be the game winning field goal as time expired. The field goal attempt would be from 22-yards out. Klint was able to elevate enough to block the kick and turn the ball over to the Johnnie offense with 1 second remaining on the game clock.
After the coin toss for the overtime period, which the Johnnies won, they elected to go on defense first. In NCAA football the teams in overtime alternate possessions from the 25-yard line, unlike professional football where the first team to score wins. The Johnnies knew if they could stop the Oles or hold them to a field goal, then all the Johnnie offense needed to do was score a touchdown to win the game. The Oles came out throwing in the overtime session and the first play was a completion over the middle. Klint came flying in to cover the receiver and jarred the ball loose. The Johnnies recover the ball and more Johnnie Magic follows.
As the Johnnie offense comes to the field to take their chance to score they set up in a spread formation with QB Joe Boyle in the shotgun set. Boyle runs an inside move for a 21-yard gain to the St. Olaf 4 yard line. If any of you are familiar with John Gagliardi’s coaching philosophy he likes to keep running a play until the opposition proves they can stop it. As the Johnnies break the huddle they come out with a little different formation, yet they run the same QB keeper inside move that advances the ball to the Ole 1-yard line. I’m sure you know where this is going; the third time is a charm as Boyle keeps for a third consecutive play and is able to nudge the ball over the goal line to seal the victory for the Johnnies 20-14. There was no extra point attempted as the game ended with Boyle breaking the plane of the goal line for the touchdown. Johnnie Magic!
As in previous weeks the Johnnie defense did what they had to and gave the ball to the offense in a great position to win the game. Nick Kotsmith led the Johnnie defense with 11 tackles, Ryan Wimmer had 10 tackles, Ethan Eid had 9 tackles and an interception. Bobby Klint had 8 tackles, and an interception that set up the Johnnies second TD along with his blocked FG at the end of regulation time and the forced fumble in overtime. Jimmy Sharpe also added 8 tackles for the Johnnies.
Joe Boyle who was 12 of 23 passing for 115 yards including one touchdown led the Johnnie offense. Boyle was sacked 3 times during the game so his net rushing yardage was just 1-yard, but he came up big running the ball in the overtime session accounting for the winning touchdown. Boyle also threw two interceptions.
Ben Vanderheyden led the Johnnie receivers with 5 catches accounting for 71 yards and a touchdown reception. Brian Busack had 2 receptions for 34 yards.
Jakob Reding again led the way for the Johnnies ground game accumulating 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Kellen Blaser had 18 yards on the ground and Jeff Schnobrich added 16 rushing yards to go along with all the other things he does in the offensive blocking scheme.
With two games remaining in the regular season the Johnnies have to win them both and get a little help from other teams if the are going to get an invitation to the NCAA Play-off party. Stranger things have happened and you have to realize that no other team has Johnnie Magic on their side.
