Nokomis defeats Hampden 26-18 with clutch fourth-quarter efficiency
Nokomis weathered the rain and a assured Hampden Academy soccer workforce Saturday afternoon, profitable 26-18 in Newport on the Warriors’ Senior Day.
A clutch fourth-quarter interception from junior Dom Kennedy, adopted by a six-yard landing catch by sophomore Seth Bowden on fourth down, helped the Warriors lock down the win with 27.4 seconds remaining within the sport.
“It was a senior sport — we needed to win for these guys,” Kennedy stated. “[That interception] allow them to get in place for that subsequent landing, which made us win.”
Nokomis reached deep into their playbook within the fourth quarter, twice changing on fourth down, drawing Hampden offsides two separate occasions, and finishing its solely two completions all sport.
Headed into the lean, Nokomis was on a two-game dropping streak, whereas Hampden had gained two in a row.
Trying to flip issues round, Nokomis head coach Jake Rogers switched to a wing-T formation from a one-back offense previous to Saturday’s sport, which paid dividends for the Warriors.
“We felt a change was in want,” Rogers stated. “You gotta coach to your children. We don’t stand pat fairly often — it’s a continuing evolution.”
With the additional energy – and potential for misdirection – coming from the backfield, hefty ball carriers Bowden and senior Ryan Robichaud mixed for 159 yards speeding on 30 makes an attempt.
Bowden had two speeding touchdowns within the first half, plus Nokomis’ lone profitable two-point conversion within the third quarter. Bowden avenged a 3rd quarter fumble together with his landing catch on Nokomis’ ultimate play from scrimmage.
“It felt nice,” Bowden stated. “Acquired us out of that droop.”
The rain from tropical storm Philippe was undoubtedly an element on Saturday, as Nokomis fumbled the ball thrice, solely recovering the ball as soon as. However the Warriors additionally recovered two Hampden fumbles, with sophomore Roger Leonforte returning one for a landing from midfield.
The Warriors additionally managed to choose off Hampden third-stringer Gavin Monyok twice, who was on observe for his third consecutive quarterback win.
The sophomore Monyok handed for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 7-for-21 passing. Senior Brycen Scales accounted for a primary quarter 28-yard receiving landing, in addition to a 75-yard kickoff return for a landing within the third quarter to chop Nokomis’ result in 20-18.
Nokomis and Hampden now each stand at 3-3, tied for third within the Class C North standings behind 6-0 Oceanside and 5-1 Medomak Valley. The Hermon Hawks are additionally at 3-3, who the Broncos will play subsequent Friday night time at residence. Nokomis will play a struggling Brewer workforce away.
