Amherst (OnFocus) – Spencer/Columbus and Amherst have had some classic playoff games in recent memory, and with S/C’s move to the CWC Large, fans would have understandably been excited to see this matchup every year in conference play.
The Rockets and Falcons made sure fans got their money’s worth, with a back and forth affair that saw S/C nip Amherst, 30-29.
“Tonight was a great win for the program. We are proud of the effort and determination,” shared S/C Head Coach Jason Gorst.
The Rockets’ Gage Stratman and Eden Jacobson teamed up to propel S/C to the win, but it wasn’t easy.
The game was tied at 14 at the half, and with each team possessing a wealth of firepower, it was the passing game that stood out in the first half.
Stratman connected with Jacobson on a 48 yard touchdown four minutes into the second quarter.
Not to be outdone, Amherst’s Tristan Shelvan loaded up a 57 yard strike to Carmelo Aleman just 51 seconds later, knotting the game at 14.
The Falcons took a 21-14 lead early in the third quarter when Jake Hoffman ran it in from a yard out, before the fourth quarter got real interesting. A minute into the final period, Jacobs’s one yard run pulled S/C to within a point, and the Rockets took the lead when Stratman connected with Chase Higgins for the two point conversion.
Amherst came right back to take a 29-22 lead with Landan Moe’s 4 yard run five minutes later, and coupled with Shelvan’s two point run, Amherst held a 29-22 lead.
Jacobson then showed why he is regarded as one of the best running backs in the state. The rugged workhorse ripped off a 70 yard gallop just 18 seconds later to again pull S/C within one at 29-28. Gorst then went for the lead again, and it was Jacobson who got the call, running in the two point conversion for a 30-29 lead, and the Rockets held on for the win.
Jacobson led all rushers with 152 yards on 25 carries, and had 5 catches for 87 yards.
Stratman was an efficient 10 of 12 through the air, good for 136 yards two touchdown tosses.
“Eden had another great night. Gage had a big game passing the ball and Chase Higgins made some clutch catches!” Gorst added.
S/C outgained Amherst, 356 to 252. The Rockets had a huge advantage in time of possession, 28 minutes to just over 19 minutes for Amherst.
Shelvan passed for 127 yards and led the Falcons with 76 yards on 10 carries.
Xane Adler had 6 tackles to led Spencer/Columbus, with Noah Ostrowski and Eugene Gregorich each picking up 6 tackles for Amherst.
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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]
