|
|
A swarming Versailles defense takes down junior quarterback Jared
Huelscamp of Minster during action Friday
at Versailles. Despite a
great defensive effort by the TigersVersaillll to the Wildcats, 15-12,
ening virtually any
chance of making the post season tournament. CNO
Photo by Chuck Runner, tigerballonline@netzero.net
|
|
Versailles
falls to Minster in devastating home loss
Tigers eliminated from tournament appearance
By George Starks
VERSAILLES- “I’m really at a loss for words. The kids played very hard
and we just came up short.”
Those were the words of Versailles Tigers coach Adam Miller Friday
after the Tigers fell from the playoff picture.
In a game the Tigers could have won, it was Minster that pulled out a
15-12 victory over Versailles on senior night.
Holding a 12-7 lead with 11:22 left in the game, Versailles kicked off
to the Wildcats, forcing the visitors to start at their own 32.
Fourteen plays later, the Tigers defense was unable to weather the
storm as junior quarterback Jerod Huelscamp pranced in from 15 yards
out with 5:22 left in the game and a 15-12 lead after the two point
conversion.
Despite of a great defensive effort the whole night and a game free of
penalties, it was one lone penalty that changed the complexion of the
drive.
Looking at a 2nd and 10 from his 43, Huelscamp took the snap and looked
to the sideline.
The Minster signal caller went out of bounds as Versailles junior AJ
Ahrens had built up a full head of steam.
Ahrens hit Huelcamp as he was out of bounds.
Then, the unthinkable happened.
In what could be called a miscarriage of justice, Ahrens was hit with a
15 yard penalty for a late hit.
Instead of a 3rd and 10 at the 43, the Cats had new life at the
Versailles 43.
A play that loomed large in the end.
“We were struggling to stop them and a play here and a play there hurt
us,” said Miller. “That’s been the story of our season this year. We
put ourselves in a bad situation and they capitalized on a good
opportunity.”
On the ensuing kickoff, Versailles started at its own 35 with 5:19 left
in the game.
Five plays later, the drive stalled and the Tigers were forced to punt.
With 2:46 still showing, the Versailles defense dug in and it looked
like the Wildcats were going to punt the ball back.
Staring at a 3rd and five at his own 30, it was Huelscamp that drove
the dagger into the hearts of Tiger fans.
Huelscamp took the ball downfield for a 59 yard burst, killing all
chances of a Versailles win and ending all playoff hopes for the Tigers.
Now 4-5 on the season, the Tigers will look to finish the season at
.500 next week on the road at New Bremen.
"Hopefully we can go there and our seniors can get a win in the final
game of their high school careers.
|
|
|
|
