Spencer (OnFocus) – Exhausting. Filled with big plays on both sides. A pair of overtimes with clutch plays. In a CWC Large game that seemed to have want to go on forever, the Spencer/Columbus Rockets fought back from 14 points down in the fourth quarter to edge Manawa in double overtime, 51-49.
Gage Stratman tossed a 21 yard touchdown to Will Schlafke in the second overtime, followed by Eden Jacobson’s two yard conversion to put the Rockets up 51-43. When the Wolves scored from 21 yards on their chance in the second OT, it was time for the S/C defense to make a stand, and they did, stopping the Manawa runner at the goal line to seal the win.
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“We are extremely proud of these young men,” said Spencer/Columbus Head Coach Jason Gorst. “They showed a lot of heart in coming from behind and never giving up.”
Manawa had the Rockets’ number in the first half, with the Wolves claiming a 21-7 halftime lead. The lone score for S/C was from Dominic Post, who rambled for 58 yards in the second quarter. Post had 117 yards on the ground on 12 carries, with a pair of touchdowns.
After the intermission, Manawa didn’t let up, and their lead grew to 28-7 early on. Facing a deficit this large is not something the Rockets are used to under Gorst, and the Rockets showed their mettle by fighting back.
Eden Jacobson and Dominic Post scored on touchdown runs of 6 and 19 yards respectively, pulling Spencer to within a touchdown, 28-21.
Jacobson led all rushers with 128 yards on 29 carries, with Dominic Post adding 117 yards on 12 carries.
Manawa responded, however, with a fourth quarter touchdown to make it a two score game, 35-21. The Rockets were in rare territory, facing a 14 point deficit in the final quarter. With their backs to the wall, S/C fought back once again.
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The tandem duo of Jacobson and Stratman then willed the Rockets to forcing an overtime.
Jacobson scored on a three yard run with Stratman picking up the conversion to make it 35-29. After the Rockets took over near the end of regulation, and the game on the line, Stratman connected with Jacobson on a 20 yard strike to tie the game and force overtime.
Manawa came right out in the first overtime period and took a 43-35 lead. The Rockets turned to their workhorse, and he responded.
Jacobson’s 3 yard run and two point conversion forced a second overtime, setting up what would be the game winner from Stratman to Schlafke. Gorst praised the Rockets for their grit in coming back.
“Gage made some clutch throws, Eden ran hard again and Max McGiveron and Dominic Post had break out games,” Gorst shared. “Will Schlafke had a couple of very clutch plays.”
Stratman connected on 13 of 17 passes for 107 yards.
The Rockets piled up 485 yards of total offense, running 78 plays compared to 42 for Manawa.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT 1 | OT 2 | F | |
| Manawa | 7 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 49 |
| Spencer/Columbus | 0 | 7 | 14 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 51 |
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
