North Vs Freeport Homecoming 9/23/11
Story by Paul T. Zeien, Jr.
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Thunder takes on Pretzels for homecoming sophomores just fall short of a win. I saw a different team on the field Friday night against the Freeport Pretzels. There was a tremendous amount of intensity that has been missed over the last few weeks with this Thunder sophomore team. There are two players that continue to shine even in the dark of defeat. #22, Kyle Hartfiel and #24, Ben Nordman. Nordman played an excellent game taking some major hits and making some major plays. Hartfiel continues to be a leader on the field and does what he can to motivate his team.
Nordman started the game out in a fantastic fashion with an 87 yard touchdown run on the opening kick-off. The PAT was no good but the Thunder for I believe one of the first times puts points on the board first. The lead did not last long as the Pretzels scored from 37 yards out and made the PAT. The score was Thunder 6, Pretzels 7.
A little over 4 minutes had ticked off of the clock in the 2nd quarter when #47, Roldan Avila recovered a Pretzel fumble and gave the Thunder mid field position on the Freeport 49 yard line. A good drive by the Thunder offense setup a 3 yard TD run for Nordman. 2-point conversion was no good but the Thunder went back out in front 12-7. The Pretzels were not ready for half time and with :43.9 seconds left scored a 3 yard TD following a commanding drive. The PAT was good and now the score was 12-14 Pretzels. However, the Thunder was not ready for half time either. With :16.9 seconds left in the half #11, Jerald Barrett, connected with Hartfiel with a 20+ yard touchdown pass. Missed on the PAT but going to break the Thunder were ahead by 4 points, 18-14.
Early in the 3rd quarter the Pretzels ran 46 yards up the right side of the Thunder defense for a touchdown. They were good on the PAT and they moved ahead again of the Thunder 21-18. So 2 drives later Nordman hits the end zone for a 5 yard TD. The PAT was blocked but the Thunder eased back ahead by 3, 24-21.
Midway into the 4th quarter the Pretzels would score their last touchdown from 11 yards out. They would also convert the PAT and the score would be 28-24 Pretzels. The Thunder made a heck of a run after that and just fell short. I think this was one of the best games that I have seen this sophomore team play this year. Keep the momentum going guys.
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A very disappointing homecoming game at the varsity level against the Freeport Pretzels. Other than the consistent team leaders the team seemed to be down a bit or maybe just not pumped enough for the homecoming game. The Pretzels came out and seemed to control the ball at the start better than the Thunder. The Pretzels scored first after a drive that took up most of the 1st quarter clock. The Thunder would block the PAT attempt and the Pretzels would be out 6-0. The Thunder did not show much for offense in the 1sst quarter and would continue to struggle through the 2nd quarter.
Early in the 2nd quarter #22, Ryker Rodakowski would intercept a Pretzel pass and put the ball 1st and 10 on the Pretzel 48 yard line. The Thunder would suffer from some penalty issues and would not be able to advance the ball. They would fumble the ball after a few plays and the Pretzels would take over on their own 47 yard line. Freeport would attempt to drive the ball and then late in the 2nd quarter would go on a passing series. It would fail for them and at 4:01 the Thunder would take over on downs midfield. The 1st half of regulation would end with the Pretzels in the lead 6-0.
The second half would begin and the Thunder is back to receive. And on the second play of the 3rd quarter the ball is fumbled and the Pretzels recover on their own 46 yard line. They would hammer at the Thunder for a couple of minutes but at 7:10 #55, Dustin Dussault would reach up from his linebacker position and pick off a Pretzel pass. It was a beautiful grab, he reached up pulled it in and brought the Thunder to the 50 yard line. The offense would not be able to capitalize on the turnover.
The Pretzels would score again with 9:06 remaining in the game. A 10 yard pass play over the middle. They attempt a 2-point conversion and fail. 0-12 Freeport. The Thunder gets the ball and the offense starts to move.
#21, Austin Smaha who had a rough go of it on Friday not because of his effort but because of costly mistakes brought back to TD runs on penalties. A 62 and a 64 yard carry for Smaha reversed. The offense could not move the ball after that and the Pretzels would capitalize on the situation. With 2:40 left in the game Freeport scored but could not convert the 2-point. The Pretzels would win the game 18-0.
Some hard luck for the homecoming game but enjoy the rest of the weekend and be safe.
Good Luck next week Thunder.
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Provided By Coach Ryan Zarembski
