In a game that was true to the style of both teams — heavy on rushing and defense, low on turnovers and passing — Winner outgained West Central 227-189 for the game and held the Trojans in check.
After a punt return from West Central's Devon Garry was returned to the Winner 20-yard line, Winner held its ground and got off the field with no points allowed, which Aaker told the Mitchell Daily Republic was a huge motivational factor for his kids early in the game.
"For us, to stop them there gave us a spark and gave us confidence which we needed," Winner coach Dan Aaker said.
There were other stops along the way!!
The play of the game came with 7 minutes remaining in the third quarter, as West Central drove to the Winner 36 and had a 3rd-and-2 there. Winner denied the Trojans of the first down on back-to-back plays.
And Winner made the Trojans pay...
Sophomore RB, Philip Jorgense carried five straight times to the West Central two and Carter Brickman scored to make it 14-0 which stood as the final.
Did ya see the tackle totals? I always kind of smile inside when I see coach Aaker's tackle totals cuz you really hafta be involved to be credited with a tackle....BUT, take a look at some of the young fellas stepping up.
* Shea Connot - 15 tackles
* Matt Smither - 15 tackles
* Levi McClanahan - 12 tackles.
McClanahan was the leading tackler in the first two games so it is nice to see him getting some help...Big game for Shea Connot...Liking the physicality of this Winner defense.
Winner offense - 44 carries, 201 yards rushing....
Listen man, you go to West Central and you beat the Trojans and you have yourself a ball club. Aaker has two weeks to get this team better and that means that offense is going to run smoother, the defense is going to get better....All, while the rest of the 11B field is still sleeping on the Warriors because all they saw was that 24-6 loss to Sioux Falls Christian.
Boom, Panic Button has the Warriors third in the B poll this week, despite what the media is going to say....Scoring summary
Second quarter
W: Riley Calhoon 30 pass from Carter Brickman (Phillip Jorgensen run)
Third quarter
W: Brinkman 2 run. (run failed)