First report on the game

In retrospect, New London-Spicer’s 36-16 drubbing of No. 1-ranked Rochester Lourdes on Saturday at the Metrodome should have seemed obvious.

The Wildcats come out of the Wright County Conference, a virtual training ground for state champions. They run out of multiple sets and successfully so. The roster is bursting with terrific athletes, such as running back Adam Essler, receivers Shane Zylstra and Jarrett Hatlestad and fullback/linebacker Ben Bruening.

The matchup appeared even through much of the first quarter. Rochester Lourdes (10-2) scored on its first possession and threatened to add to its lead soon after. But New London-Spicer hung tough with an impressive goal-line stand.

Taking over at its own 2-yard line early in the second quarter, the Wildcats unleashed their stars.

Essler ran 92 yards for a touchdown. Zylstra caught a 10-yard pass for another score. Hatlestad took an end around and did just that, running around the Eagles for a 27-yard touchdown. In a span of 10 minutes in the second quarter, New London-Spicer turned a potential two-touchdown deficit into a 20-7 lead.

Rochester Lourdes cut the lead to 20-13 just before halftime, but New London-Spicer (10-2), playing with confidence, came out in the second half and picked up where it left off, scoring on its first two possessions.

Essler finished with 18 carries for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Hatlestad added 110 yards on eight carries. Zylstra caught 6 passes for 92 and a touchdown. Beuning had four tackles and scored a touchdown.

Recap: New London-Spicer shook off some early-game jitters, made a defensive statement and rolled over No. 1-ranked Rochester Lourdes. With a roster bursting with terrific athletes, such as running back Adam Essler, receivers Shane Zylstra and Jarrett Hatlestad and fullback/linebacker Ben Bruening, it seemed a matter of when, not if, the Wildcats got rolling. It happened early in the second quarter. Trailing 7-0 and gaining momentum following a goal-line stand, the Wildcats unleashed their stars. Essler ran 92 yards for a touchdown. Zylstra caught a 10-yard pass for another score. Hatlestad took an end around 27 yards for a third touchdown. In a span of 10 minutes in the second quarter, New London-Spicer turned a potential two-touchdown deficit into a 20-7 lead.

Key to the game: New London-Spicer’s goal-line stand in the first quarter. The Wildcats kept Lourdes from taking a two-touchdown lead and used that momentum for their offensive onslaught.

Quote: “Playing our first time in the Metrodome, we were a little nervous. That goal-line stand really helped our confidence , just knowing we could stop them” – Ben Breuning

One thing to know: Not counting a run-out-the-clock possession with 39 seconds left in the first half, New London-Spicer scored on five consecutive possessions spanning the second and third quarters.

JIM PAULSEN