Fast Read: Remsen St. Mary’s Explodes, Scores 108 In Win
Wait, what did you say? Yes, the first semifinal game of the state football playoffs was one to never forget. Behind an incredible second half, Remsen St. Mary’s remained unbeaten with a 108-94 victory over Montezuma. Following a punt, turnover…
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Continue ReadingWait, what did you say? Yes, the first semifinal game of the state football playoffs was one to never forget.
Behind an incredible second half, Remsen St. Mary’s remained unbeaten with a 108-94 victory over Montezuma.
Following a punt, turnover on downs and in interception to begin the second half, there was no stopping Remsen St. Mary’s, as they scored touchdowns on five consecutive drives to conclude the third quarter.
That carried right over into the fourth, as they found the end zone on five straight drives including a pick-six. Only one of those scoring drives took over five plays.
Montezuma led by 10 at the half and held a seemingly convincing lead before Remsen St. Mary’s became unstoppable.
The fast of the turf mixed with perfect conditions led to the high-scoring eight-player semifinal in state history. And also moved Remsen St. Mary’s one step closer to a state championship.
Eddie Burgess, who came into the game leading the state in touchdowns, added 13 more to his final season total. Burgess showed incredible poise and confidence, standing in the pocket play after play as the RSM defense did everything they could to get him.
Burgess was 34 of 60 passing for 689 yards with nine touchdowns, adding four more scores on the ground.
The Remsen St. Mary’s defense knocked Burgess out for one play on a hard hit early in the game, but the talented multi-sport athlete returned. He put his big-time arm and touch on display throw after throw to Trey Shearer, Cole Watts and others.
Shearer finished with 20 receptions for 389 yards, finding the end zone seven times. Watts had eight receptions for 204 yards and two TDs.
But it was the play of Blaine Harpenau and Brenden Fisch that led the comeback.
Harpenau, who had spent much of the season standing in the pocket and making plays, did it with his feet. He carried the ball 40 times for 354 yards and four scores, adding 134 yards and four more TDs in the air. Fisch had 123 yards and five touchdowns with Jeremy Koenck – the leader of the offense coming in – running for 78 yards.
Koenck did catch a team-high five passes, displaying his dual-threat abilities out of the backfield. Levi Waldschmitt had two TDs.