Disciplined Defense earns Marshall a hard-fought victory over Waseca
*Cover Photo Konnor Aufenthie- Jake Przytarski- Marshall Independent
Marshall Tigers
“This has been a great rivalry for both of us over the past few years.” Tiger Head Coach Terry Bahlmann remarked after a 27-8 victory over Waseca Friday night. “They ran the ball really well and exploited our weaknesses that we now know we need to work on for the playoffs. We need to clean up our penalties and turnovers, but it was a great win for us.”
In the opening drive the Tigers struck first blood with Gabe Raini taking a handoff and pounding his way in for a one yard score. After the Blue Jays jumped offside on the PAT, the Tigers went to for two, where Konnor Aufenthie would find Trey Steinbach in the back of the end zone. Raini would again fight his was into the end zone from two yards out for his second score. Aufenthie would sneak one in himself from one yard out for another score. Raini would cap the night with his third score from a yard out again.
Players Highlighted from Marshall
Gabe Raini- Jake Przytarski, Marshall Independent2020: (Non-Commits)
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back- Dean Pochardt emerged as a secret weapon for the offense busting out a lot of big runs.
Quarterback- Konnor Aufenthie commanded the offense really well and made good decisions throwing the ball.
Running Back- Gabe Raini was the main offensive weapon in short yardage, but can also bust some long runs.
Fullback/Linebacker- Brayden Hilgemann was a great lead blocker and made a lot of tackles.
Linebacker- Tannyr Curry made plenty of impressive key tackles.
2021
Linebacker- Grant Louwagie forced two key turnovers in the game to gain momentum
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back- Bryce Lance was a great target on offense and made a lot of stops in the secondary, including a big pick in the end zone to stop a Blue Jay score.
Defensive Back- Jack Bly made great plays on defense including a big interception in the red zone.
Marshall has won 26 straight games on their home field.
Waseca
“We played really well against a physical and well-disciplined team.” Waseca Head Coach Brad Wendland said after the game. “Any time you have 5 turnovers it’s hard to win, against Marshall its nearly impossible, props to them.”
Ryan Dufault had the only score for the Blue Jays with a QB sneak late in the second quarter. Dufault would hit Blake Wendland for a 2-point conversion, tying the game at the time.
Players Highlighted from Waseca
2020
Linebacker- Tylor Nordquist was all over the field making many tackles.
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back- Blake Wendland was a good target and made a lot of defensive plays as well.
Offensive/Defensive Lineman- Justin Azure opened a lot of seams for his backs and defensively got into the offensive backfield many times.
2021
Dravyn Spies- Waseca County NewsLinebacker- Riley Forshee was wreaking havoc, flying all over the field on defense.
Quarterback/Defensive Back- Ryan Dufault made a lot of plays with his feet and arm. Defensively held down the secondary making some big plays.
Defensive Back- Dravyn Spies had some great tight coverage on their top receiver, keeping them in check.
Wide Receiver- Tave Ball was a great runner, broke contain on a lot of plays and pick up some big gains.
Wide Receiver/Derfensive End- Andrew Morgan was a great target, also came in and made plays on defense as well.
Waseca was Marshall’s last loss in Marshall in the Section Semifinals in 2014.