The Conner coaches had the benefit of being able to scout SK in both Pioneer games to start the season. I talked to the Conner coaches a couple of weeks ago who informed me that they felt that they were a much improved team over the last two years. The scouting paid off as the coaches could often be heard directing their defense to where they thought the SK offensive play was going.
Both teams came out and didn’t have much success moving the ball. Conner then went to an air attack and started moving the ball on the Pioneers. While they did have little trouble moving the ball on SK, they did have trouble scoring. Conner would draw the first lights on the scoreboard as they went up 7-0. SK wasted little time coming back and knotting the score after Miles Simpson ran the kick-off back to tie the score. A personal foul moved the ball back 15 yards on the extra point but Repka was able to convert. Again, Conner moved the ball via a passing attack but had trouble scoring. Miles Simpson was able to get some big gainers for SK on the ground throughout the first half as the Conner defenders had trouble bringing him down. SK got another TD from TJ Dewalt. The extra point was not converted and SK went up 13-6. After trading possessions, the Pioneers punted to Conner. A muffed punt put the Pioneers deep into Conner territory. This time, Miles Simpson took the ball once SK got it down close to the goal line and barreled his way into the end zone. Again, the point after attempt was blocked, Coach Marksberry went nuts after the failed point after, almost barking the prediction that the special teams miscues were going to cost the Pioneers. SK goes into the intermission and the Conner presentation of homecoming candidates by a score of 19-7.
The second half was operated by both teams with drives and punts. SK did come up with a couple of turnovers, with Conner driving deep into SK territory thus by dodging some huge bullets.
A key play of the game occurred with SK stopped Conner on 4th and goal. A SK player was then ejected after an altercation that happened after a play.
This is when things get crazy. Miles Simpson picked off a Conner pass and ran the ball back to about the Conner 35 yard line. There was only about 3 minutes left. SK goes to try and run the ball but fumbled on the very first offensive play. Conner goes down and scores a touchdown with just under two minutes to go. Score is now 19-14. Conner has only one chance- the onside kick. They pull it off. Conner now runs a couple of plays and converts a long pass play down into the SK redzone. The QB keeper and they are now up 20-19. They ran the extra point trying to kill some seconds off of the clock. They give SK about 18 seconds. SK converts one pass but the time runs out and the Eers go home feeling the agony of defeat.
The Conner coach's assessment was right. Their team is much improved and they gave the 100's of spectators who left early a lesson in never giving up. I was one who packed my camera confident that SK had the game in the bag with just over two minutes to go.
SK goes into their own Homecoming festivities next week with a 1-2 record.
For all pictures of tonight's game, go to www.figsphotos.com and click on the SK Logo or if you want to go straight to the Conner Gallery, go to: http://mfiggins.exposuremanager.com/scripts/expman.pl?rm=check_error_file&job_id=537555
Coach Herbst sorting out some early defense.
Bustle looks for the play from the sideline.
Miles with a big gainer...
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